Stage Directors and Choreographers Society forms partnership with American Guild of Musical Artists
The American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO (AGMA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) have entered into a new reciprocal agreement, the two...
Non-union actors on ‘Waitress’ tour seek union representation
Actors' Equity will seek to represent the actors and stage managers working on a non-union tour of "Waitress."
This is the first time the union...
Actors’ Equity begins return to in-person auditions
Actors' Equity announced protocols for a return to in-person auditions starting this week.
Employers must hold the auditions themselves — Equity audition centers cannot be...
Associate directors and choreographers to see union representation with SDC
Associate directors and choreographers on Broadway and on tour are nearing an agreement for employer-backed healthcare and other protections for the first time.
The development...
Actors’ Equity appoints new team of COVID-19 safety consultants
Actors' Equity has hired a new team of public health consultants to advise the union on COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Dr. Mark Cunningham-Hill, a...
Tino Gagliardi returns as president of musicians’ union Local 802
Tino Gagliardi has been elected president and executive director of musicians' union Local 802.
Gagliardi previously served in those roles from 2010 to 2018 and...
Alvin Vincent, Jr. named new executive director of Actors’ Equity
Actors' Equity has named Alvin Vincent, Jr., an executive within the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, as its new executive director.
Vincent takes...
Stefanie Frey joins Actors’ Equity as mobilization director
Stefanie Frey will rejoin the staff of Actors' Equity in the role of mobilization director.
Frey previously worked as a national organizer at Equity, working...
Actors’ Equity hires attorney to investigate ‘Jagged Little Pill’ claims
Actors' Equity has hired labor attorney Micah Wissinger to conduct a review of the workplace of "Jagged Little Pill."
The union hired Wissinger to conduct...
How the potential IATSE strike could impact Broadway productions
If IATSE members vote to strike later this week, Broadway productions will be largely unaffected.
The union, whose members include stagehands, artisans and technicians on...
Broadway sets terms for prorated pay for actors, stage managers
Actors' Equity and the Broadway League have negotiated additional terms for the industry's reopening, including an allowance for prorated weekly pay.
If a Broadway production...
Actors’ Equity calls for resignation of Gov. Cuomo
Actors' Equity has joined several other unions in calling for the resignation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The calls come after the release of...
Broadway League, Actors’ Equity set vaccine mandate, safety protocols for Broadway casts
The Broadway League and Actors’ Equity announced safety protocols for Broadway productions Thursday that require cast and crew members to be fully vaccinated against...
Actors’ Equity forecasts change with opened membership program
Several hundred potential members expressed an interest in joining Actors' Equity Wednesday, hours after the union opened up eligibility to all professional actors and...
Actors’ Equity opens union membership to all professional actors, stage managers
Actors' Equity announced sweeping changes to its membership program that will allow any professional actor or stage manager to join the union.
The change, announced...
As reopening nears, Off-Broadway, Actors’ Equity negotiate the terms
As Off-Broadway theaters plan their post-pandemic returns, an expiring Actors’ Equity contract presents one major uncertainty.
The contract between Actors’ Equity and the Off-Broadway League...
Actors’ Equity Executive Director Mary McColl to step down from role in 2022
Mary McColl, executive director of Actors’ Equity, will step down from her position after the expiration of her contract in January 2022, the union...
Actors plan march on Broadway to protest Rudin, industry inequality
A group of theater activists are planning a march Thursday to protest producer Scott Rudin's membership in the Broadway League and to call for...
Actors’ Equity calls for Rudin’s staff to be released from any NDAs
Actors’ Equity called on producer Scott Rudin to release his employees from any nondisclosure agreements they may have signed.
Equity made the statement Saturday, in...
Broadway unions make statement on workplace harassment after Rudin allegations
Two Broadway union leaders, alongside the president of SAG-AFTRA, issued a statement on workplace harassment and bullying Monday, in the wake of allegations made...
Amanda Green elected president of the Dramatists Guild
Lyricist and writer Amanda Green was elected council president of the Dramatists Guild of America, becoming the first woman to lead the trade association...
Actors’ Equity releases new safety protocols for vaccinated productions
Actors' Equity released new guidelines Friday for productions that have fully vaccinated workforces.
Among the new guidelines is the requirement for a COVID-19 safety officer,...
Actors’ Equity responds to petition on theater reopenings
Actors’ Equity has pledged to host a town hall in response to union members calling for clarity on reopening protocols.
In a Medium post published...
Broadway unions lobby New York state for COBRA subsidy renewal
The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds is lobbying New York state to include healthcare provisions, including COBRA subsidies, in the upcoming budget.
With most...
Theatrical unions unveil diversity, equity and inclusion agenda
Theatrical union leaders put forward a legislative agenda Thursday aimed at increasing diversity, equity and inclusion within the arts industry.
In a joint press conference...
Actors’ Equity condemns insurrection at US Capitol
Actors' Equity spoke out against the mob of Trump supporters who broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.
“What happened yesterday in Washington, D.C. was shocking...
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation receives anonymous $200k for emergency relief
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation recently received an anonymous donation of $200,000 to its emergency assistance fund.
The fund was established in April 2020...
Actors’ Equity extends flexible dues policy
Actors’ Equity is extending its policy of flexible dues paying periods.
Following a policy set last spring, the union will continue to extend the deadline...
Musicians’ union launches campaign for relief
Local 802 is sounding the alarm for relief for musicians in New York City.
Launched Tuesday under the banner #SaveNYCMusicians, the campaign asks for donations...
Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA reach agreement over streaming theater
Actors' Equity and SAG-AFTRA have reached an agreement over coverage of streamed and recorded theater.
The new agreement, announced late Thursday, states that during the...
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society applauds Biden victory
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society celebrated the victory of President-elect Joe Biden Saturday.
The union had endorsed Biden for president — the first presidential...
Actors’ Equity calls Biden the ‘most consequential president for the arts industry in a...
Actors' Equity applauded the victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Saturday, as Biden was named the winner of the 2020 presidential race.
Equity had...
Edward Pierce elected as president of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829
Broadway designer Edward Pierce has been elected president of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829.
Pierce takes over the role from Beverly Miller, who has...
Equity-League Health Fund addresses areas of concern about new health plan
The Equity-League Health Fund has addressed some of the concerns expressed by Actors' Equity about changes to health coverage.
The health fund, which is a...
New health plan for Equity members will require more work weeks for coverage
Actors' Equity members will need to work more weeks to qualify for health insurance coverage in 2021.
In a new plan unveiled Thursday by the...
Actors’ Equity backs new Senate COBRA subsidy bill
Actors' Equity praised the introduction of a new bill that would offer 100% COBRA health insurance subsidies to workers who have lost coverage during...
Actors’ Equity endorses Joe Biden for president
In a rare endorsement, Actors' Equity said it is backing Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
This is the second endorsement Actors' Equity has...
Emmanuel Wilson appointed as managing director of Dramatists Guild
Emmanuel Wilson, former director of membership at the Dramatists Guild, has been appointed to the new position of managing director for the guild.
In the...
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society backs Biden in first presidential endorsement
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society said Tuesday that its is endorsing Joe Biden for president.
This is the first time the union has backed...
Actors’ Equity releases coronavirus testing guidelines for theaters
Actors' Equity has released guidelines for COVID-19 testing as theaters plan reopening strategies.
Under the guidelines, actors, stage managers and any other staff members who...
ATPAM elects new leadership
The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers has elected Penny Daulton as president of the union for theatrical press agents, company managers and...
SDC to release hiring data in effort to combat racism
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has announced new measures it will take to combat racism within the industry.
Among the initial steps, the union...
SDC and AGMA hire medical professionals to create reopening guidelines
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has partnered with the American Guild of Musical Artists to hire a team of medical professionals to create...
Actors’ Equity outlines safety plans for the reopening of theaters
Actors' Equity has unveiled four overarching principles needed to safely reopen theaters across the country.
The preliminary principles, designed by epidemiologist Dr. David Michaels, rely...
Equity-League health insurance premiums rise during shutdown
Health insurance premiums will increase for members of Actors' Equity as fund trustees grapple with maintaining insurance coverage while theaters are closed.
The quarterly premium...
Broadway unions raise concerns on health insurance, the return of theater
A coalition of entertainment unions held a call with members of the press Wednesday to highlight the similar issues plaguing their members while theater...
Actors’ Equity hires former OSHA member to establish COVID-19 safety standards
Members of Actors' Equity will not return to work in the theater until the union deems it safe to do so, Equity announced Friday.
In...
Broadway unions were not told new closing date ahead of announcement
Theatrical unions were not informed of Broadway's extended closing date ahead of its public announcement, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Rather, union leaders...
Musicians’ union waives payment requirement for Broadway Cares event
The Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids fundraiser will go forward after the American Federation of Musicians agreed Monday to waive its requirement that its members...
Musicians pen open letter asking for Broadway Cares fundraiser to go on
The musicians involved in a dispute between their union and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS are asking the union to stand down.
Broadway Cares had planned...
Disney on Broadway fundraiser canceled after union dispute
The streaming "Disney on Broadway" fundraiser, scheduled to take place Monday, has been canceled after Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS failed to reach an agreement...
Actors’ Equity calls on federal government for health insurance subsidies
Actors' Equity is calling on the federal government to provide health insurance subsidies to members of the entertainment community who have lost coverage due...
Actors’ Equity extends deadline for dues payment
Actors' Equity has extended its dues deadline to July 31, 2020 in light of the economic hardships facing its members.
The dues, which amount to...
All Broadway unions reach payment deal with Broadway League
The Broadway League has reached a deal to pay and provide health insurance to all Broadway employees during the currently scheduled suspension of Broadway...
Actors’ Equity, Broadway League reach deal over payment during shutdown
Members of Actors' Equity, which includes actors and stage managers, has reached a deal with the Broadway League over salary payment during the shutdown.
The...
Broadway unions band together to ask for city and state relief
The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds, which encompasses 13 theatrical unions, has joined the call for government relief for workers across all facets...
Actors’ Equity creates new contracts for live streaming
Actors' Equity has created new contracts that allow select producers to record and then release performances online to ticket buyers.
These temporary agreements are available...
Dramatists Guild issues statement after playwrights asked to return advances
The Dramatists Guild spoke out Wednesday against theaters that have reportedly been asking playwrights to return advances now that their productions have been cancelled.
The...
Actors’ Equity advises on unemployment benefits as actors await salary news
Actors' Equity is sending its members guidance on applying for unemployment benefits as actors await word on any salary they may receive during the...
Actors’ Equity urges producers to postpone auditions
Actors' Equity has asked producers to "temporarily postpone" auditions due to updated guidance from the Center for Disease Control on coronavirus.
The union cites the...
IATSE joins other Broadway unions in calling for government relief
IATSE, which represents stagehands and other technicians and artisans on Broadway, has joined other Broadway unions in calling for government relief for its workers.
The...
Musicians’ union, Actors’ Equity call for government relief after Broadway shutdown
After the shutdown of Broadway theaters and bans on large groups due to COVID-19, the musicians' union and Actors' Equity have called for government...
IATSE and the Broadway League reach tentative contract agreement
IATSE, the union that represents stagehands and hair, makeup and wardrobe technicians, has reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical,...
Evan Yionoulis elected executive board president of SDC
Evan Yionoulis has been elected executive board president of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Yionoulis is an Obie Award-winning director, who was recently appointed...
Actors’ Equity votes to approve new Broadway contract
Actors’ Equity members have voted to approve a new production contract with the Broadway League, the actors’ union said Wednesday.
The two groups had reached...
Broadway League, Actors’ Equity reach tentative contract agreement
The Broadway League and Actors’ Equity Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, the two groups announced Monday.
Negotiated during the first...
Musicians’ union strikes new deal with the Broadway League
Local 802, the union representing musicians playing on Broadway and elsewhere, announced a new collective bargaining agreement Wednesday that entitles Broadway musicians to wage...
Actors’ Equity votes to create national convention
Members of Actors' Equity have voted to create a national convention, among other changes to Equity's constitution.
The first convention will be held in 2021...
Musicians’ union initiates grievance process against ‘Be More Chill’ over orchestrator
Local 802 is initiating a grievance process against “Be More Chill,” after it says the show violated the union contract by reversing its decision...
Musicians’ union, Broadway shows work through debate over orchestrators
A one-sentence clause in a union contract has been causing headaches for the Broadway industry.
Due to a clause in the collective bargaining agreement...
Actors’ Equity starts fund for actors, stage managers as strike continues
Actors’ Equity has approved a fund for members who may lose out on work during the strike against developmental work, according to a letter...
Equity strike expands to include non-Equity actors
Actors' Equity has expanded its strike against developmental work to include actors working to gain membership in Equity.
The strike, which began Monday, originally barred...
Australian arts and entertainment union issues support for Equity
The Australian Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the union that represents actors, journalists, dancers, orchestral performers and more, says it "stands in solidarity" with...
Theatrical unions show support for Equity strike
A day after Actors’ Equity announced a strike against developmental work produced by the Broadway League, theatrical unions have voiced support for their efforts.
On...
Actors’ Equity bars members from participating in new developmental work
Actors’ Equity has barred its members from participating in any developmental work on new shows with the Broadway League.
The strike comes as Equity has...
SDC renews executive director Laura Penn’s contract through 2024
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has voted to renew the contract of executive director Laura Penn through 2024.
Penn joined the union in...
Actors’ Equity negotiates for profit-sharing in developmental lab agreement
Actors’ Equity has launched a social media campaign and petition calling for changes to the developmental lab agreement as the union begins negotiations with...
Actors’ Equity names Joe Barnes national director of organizing
Joe Barnes has been named the national director of organizing for Actors’ Equity.
Barnes previously worked for three years as the national representative for SAG-AFTRA...
Broadway unions speak out against Supreme Court ruling
Actors’ Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society are speaking out against the Supreme Court ruling on public unions, as organized labor...
Broadway casting directors and League work toward settlement
Broadway casting directors and the Broadway League have made "significant progress" toward a settlement in the lawsuit concerning the unionization of the casting directors.
In...
Actors’ Equity Association votes in 55 council seats in national council election
Actors' Equity Association announced the results of their 2018 National Council election Thursday, voting in 55 council seats across three regions.
Kate Shindle, who ran...
Actors’ Equity votes to change the name of the Gypsy Robe
The Gypsy Robe is changing its name.
After hearing concerns about the insensitivity of the name, the Actors’ Equity Association has voted to rename...
Actors’ Equity pushes for creation of Tony Award categories honoring ensembles
The Actors’ Equity Association is pushing to create two new Tony Award categories that honor equity choruses and ensembles in musicals or plays.
Actors’...
Actors’ Equity announces formation of sexual harassment prevention committee
Actors’ Equity Association announced the formation of a committee Friday to prevent sexual harassment in theater.
The committee is meant to come up with...
Actors’ Equity and ‘Rocktopia’ reach tentative contract agreement
"Rocktopia" has reached a tentative agreement with the Actors' Equity Association, the union said Tuesday.
The concert, which began previews at the Broadway Theatre Tuesday,...
Actors’ Equity speaks out against ‘Rocktopia’ over pay for chorus members
The Actors’ Equity Association is taking aim at “Rocktopia” after it has not provided an Equity contract for its chorus members.
“Rocktopia,” a concert...
Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds elects new co-chairs
The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds has new leadership.
Laura Penn, head of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and D. Joseph Hartnett of...
Actors’ Equity updates showcase code, takes out ticket cap
The Actors’ Equity Association updated its showcase code for the first time since 2009, formally eliminating price caps on tickets, among other changes.
The...
New York unions pledge to stand behind casting directors
A coalition representing 39 unions in New York City is speaking up for casting directors and urging the Broadway League to allow them to...
BroadwayCon reaches contract agreement with Actors’ Equity
BroadwayCon has reached a three-year agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association that sets standard contracts for Equity members, while adding provisions for shorter appearances.
The...
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society elects new board leadership
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has elected a new vice president and a new secretary.
The union, which has an active membership of...
Actors’ Equity sends email to 1,500 employers on sexual harassment policies
The Actors’ Equity Association has conducted a national outreach on sexual harassment, as Broadway contends with allegations in the community.
The union sent an...