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"10 out of 12" is an industry standard, & an industry lie. For designers, crew members, & SMs, it is usually 12-16 hours. In my own career, I have worked an average of 60-70 hours, & as much as 90 hours, in tech weeks using the so-called "10 out of 12" limited days. https://twitter.com/NOMORE10OutOf12/status/1353852490593128449
"10 out of 12" refers to limit given by Actors Equity contracts so members only work 10 hours in a 12 hour timeframe at the theatre. Contracts also limit the number of "10 out of 12" days that can be used during the tech process, so it is already known to be an issue.
"10 out of 12" has its origins in commercial theatre, & was then adopted by non-profit & other professional theatres. However, most non-profits producing under Equity contracts own their venues, & can schedule as many or as few tech days as they wish without venue rental cost.
Furthermore, Equity members themselves should be pushing for this change, as it is their contract that determines the normal limits to the rehearsal day.
Realistically, ending "10 out of 12" tech days will require adding one or more tech days to a theatre's typical tech schedule. But if done correctly, & with thought as to how much overtime is normally spent on "10 out of 12's," the cost should be close to the same.
Frankly, I've always found it odd that, regardless of what a contract may allow (even with serious financial disincentives to 10-16 hour days), some producers get annoyed when the production team aren't *bright-eyed & bushy-tailed* after doing multiple 16 hour days in a row.
There will never be a better time for theatres to eliminate "10 out of 12's." No seasons or schedules have been set. There are no calendars to rearrange. Look at your previous tech weeks for all types of shows & the hours required, & plan using shorter days. Figure it out.
