I don't know when to tell (or NOT to tell?)

[rosalinda]

Hi everyone, I'm not even sure who checks this board anymore. I know it's been awhile since I've been here, myself.

I have a contract for chorus work for the upcoming season with my local opera company. I'm excited about it, as it's a good fit for my busy life right now (read: motherhood).

I also just found out I'm pregnant with our third. When the first opera begins rehearsal, I will be about 5 months along, where I can still kind of hide it. For the second opera, I will be 8 months and there will be no hiding my very-pregnant self. For the third production, I should be about 6 weeks post-partum.

My question is, when should I tell the company that I'm expecting? Or should I tell them at all? The law where I live does not require me to tell my employer, but I'm a bit worried that, if I don't start an open dialogue soon (at about 14 weeks or so, once the risk of miscarriage is drastically lower), they may use the phrasing in my contract ("In addition to those conditions stated elsewhere in this agreement,
this agreement may be terminated by either party if: Chorister is certified by Company to be incapable of carrying out the duties of the position as stated in Paragraphs 1 & 2, due to illness, physical disability or incapacitation caused by the use of alcohol or other mood-altering drugs") to fire me. I've been in many a production while pregnant, and I know my capability. I would still be an asset to the chorus, even while pregnant.

I've already had my costume measurements taken, so I know that's going to change for sure. But would my pregnancy cause any other extra work?

Any advice, mamas?

Thanks,

Rosalinda

[MammaMezzo]

So, I am not sure if you are still looking for an answer to this since opera season has started back up and the 'powers that be' probably already know that you are pregnant. But, FWIW, I tell the director, chorusmaster, and/or costumer when i am pregnant as soon as I know. For some people, I am sure that is too soon, but my reasoning is two-fold: I often have costumes that are designed and built for me, and WITH their co-operation, can get costumes designed that will help hide the pregnancy. They can also build in extra seam allowance so that the costume can grow along with me. . .

The second reason is that I have a very good working relationship with the opera companies with whom I have worked. Pregnancy has never been a grounds for dismissal, in spite of the fact that I have twice had to back out of shows because of complications.

Also, because everyone carries differently (I can hide my pregnancies easier than others) I try to bring a photo of me from previous pregnancies to give them an estimate of what to expect. Bring one of you at 5 months and 8 months if you have it. That way, they will be able to make an informed decision on whether to try to hide it or to just embrace it. . .

Good luck!

[rogerf12]

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