Brooke Shields is running for president of the Actors’ Equity Association after Kate Shindle announced she would step down after a nine-year tenure.
“I felt it was my responsibility to step up, I want to lead with strength. I want to lead with intelligence, with compassion, with passion. And, of course, a little bit of humor, always,” Shields said in her video announcement as to why she’s seeking the role.
She continued, “I have been in the trenches with you and you have always had my back. And I’m here to tell you that I have your back.”
Shields explained that when she went into her first show on Broadway she realized she had a bigger purpose in the company and wanted to take on the responsibility “to be the voice of and represent my fellow colleagues and cast members and the crew, and that I was in...
“I felt it was my responsibility to step up, I want to lead with strength. I want to lead with intelligence, with compassion, with passion. And, of course, a little bit of humor, always,” Shields said in her video announcement as to why she’s seeking the role.
She continued, “I have been in the trenches with you and you have always had my back. And I’m here to tell you that I have your back.”
Shields explained that when she went into her first show on Broadway she realized she had a bigger purpose in the company and wanted to take on the responsibility “to be the voice of and represent my fellow colleagues and cast members and the crew, and that I was in...
- 4/24/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Brooke Shields is running for president of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union that represents about 51,000 actors and stage managers on Broadway and nationwide.
In a video announcement, Shields said she felt compelled to run after learning that Kate Shindle, the current president who has served in the position since 2015 was not going to seek re-election after her term ends May 23. A spokesperson for Actors’ Equity confirmed her candidacy.
“I felt it was my responsibility to step up. I want to lead with strength. I want to lead with intelligence, with compassion, with passion, and of course a little bit of humor, always. I have been in the trenches with you, and you have always had my back, and I’m here to tell you that I have your back,” Shields said in the video.
In addition to her work onscreen and as a model, Shields has five Broadway credits as a replacement star,...
In a video announcement, Shields said she felt compelled to run after learning that Kate Shindle, the current president who has served in the position since 2015 was not going to seek re-election after her term ends May 23. A spokesperson for Actors’ Equity confirmed her candidacy.
“I felt it was my responsibility to step up. I want to lead with strength. I want to lead with intelligence, with compassion, with passion, and of course a little bit of humor, always. I have been in the trenches with you, and you have always had my back, and I’m here to tell you that I have your back,” Shields said in the video.
In addition to her work onscreen and as a model, Shields has five Broadway credits as a replacement star,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Earlier this year, we reported that the Actors’ Equity Association was gathering signatures from around 1,700 Cast Members. Now, with enough cards in hand, the Aea is ready to move forward.
According to ABC 7, although the labor union did not get every Disneyland employee to sign, most of them did. This allowed the Actors’ Equity Association to file to unionize through the National Labor Relations Board.
The Nlrb will still need to review the signatures and vote. If successful, the Aea will fight for better pay, benefits, and working conditions for the costumed Cast Members.
In a press release, the Actors’ Equity Association president, Kate Shindle, had the following to say:
“These performers, and the Hosts, Leads and Trainers who create magic alongside them, know that their lives – as well as the Guest experience at Disneyland – can be improved through collective bargaining. They deserve a voice in their workplace, and meaningful negotiations over wages,...
According to ABC 7, although the labor union did not get every Disneyland employee to sign, most of them did. This allowed the Actors’ Equity Association to file to unionize through the National Labor Relations Board.
The Nlrb will still need to review the signatures and vote. If successful, the Aea will fight for better pay, benefits, and working conditions for the costumed Cast Members.
In a press release, the Actors’ Equity Association president, Kate Shindle, had the following to say:
“These performers, and the Hosts, Leads and Trainers who create magic alongside them, know that their lives – as well as the Guest experience at Disneyland – can be improved through collective bargaining. They deserve a voice in their workplace, and meaningful negotiations over wages,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Mike Phalin
- Pirates & Princesses
Disneyland workers have been trying to unionize since February 2024 and have collected enough signatures to push for the next step toward a union. The 1,700 workers from the parades and characters segment have now filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board to try to form one. According to reports, that vote would likely come next month or the month after.
The new union would be called “Magic United,” and the cast members want Disney to recognize the union and its efforts.
Workers who help bring Disneyland’s beloved characters to life say they’ve collected enough signatures to support their push to join the Actors’ Equity Union. Actors’ Equity would serve as the group’s bargaining representative and already represents similar cast members in Walt Disney World.
Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle said, “The Cast Members who bring the Characters and Parades to life have been non-union since...
The new union would be called “Magic United,” and the cast members want Disney to recognize the union and its efforts.
Workers who help bring Disneyland’s beloved characters to life say they’ve collected enough signatures to support their push to join the Actors’ Equity Union. Actors’ Equity would serve as the group’s bargaining representative and already represents similar cast members in Walt Disney World.
Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle said, “The Cast Members who bring the Characters and Parades to life have been non-union since...
- 4/17/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Disneyland cast members who work in the amusement park’s shows, parades and visitor meet-and-greets are a step closer to unionizing: Actors’ Equity Association has filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board for union recognition.
Equity will serve as the bargaining representative for Disneyland’s Parades and Characters departments. The employees and the union announced the Nlrb filing today.
In a statement, Equity President Kate Shindle said, “The Cast Members who bring the Characters and Parades to life have been non-union since Disneyland Resort opened in the 1950s and have watched other workers in the park unionize all around them. Just eight weeks after Equity launched a campaign seeking union authorization cards, we have signatures from a supermajority of those eligible.”
Related: Bob Iger Reveals First Look At ‘Avatar’ Area At Disneyland, Says The Idea That Disney Is Letting NBCU’s Epic Universe Invade Its Orlando Turf...
Equity will serve as the bargaining representative for Disneyland’s Parades and Characters departments. The employees and the union announced the Nlrb filing today.
In a statement, Equity President Kate Shindle said, “The Cast Members who bring the Characters and Parades to life have been non-union since Disneyland Resort opened in the 1950s and have watched other workers in the park unionize all around them. Just eight weeks after Equity launched a campaign seeking union authorization cards, we have signatures from a supermajority of those eligible.”
Related: Bob Iger Reveals First Look At ‘Avatar’ Area At Disneyland, Says The Idea That Disney Is Letting NBCU’s Epic Universe Invade Its Orlando Turf...
- 4/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The workers who play characters like Goofy and Mickey Mouse and cheer and dance at parades at Disneyland have taken a step forward in their push to unionize with Actors’ Equity.
The group of organizers, which is seeking to represent 1,700 employees, filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, Actors’ Equity president Kate Shindle announced at a press conference in Anaheim on Wednesday. According to Shindle, a “supermajority” of eligible employees have signed union authorization cards, supporting the move to be represented by Actors’ Equity in collective bargaining. Beyond performers, the group — which calls itself “Magic United” — also includes workers who help facilitate character performers’ interactions with park patrons and trainers who work with them.
“These performers, and the Hosts, Leads and Trainers who create magic alongside them, know that their lives — as well as the Guest experience at Disneyland — can be improved through collective bargaining,...
The group of organizers, which is seeking to represent 1,700 employees, filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, Actors’ Equity president Kate Shindle announced at a press conference in Anaheim on Wednesday. According to Shindle, a “supermajority” of eligible employees have signed union authorization cards, supporting the move to be represented by Actors’ Equity in collective bargaining. Beyond performers, the group — which calls itself “Magic United” — also includes workers who help facilitate character performers’ interactions with park patrons and trainers who work with them.
“These performers, and the Hosts, Leads and Trainers who create magic alongside them, know that their lives — as well as the Guest experience at Disneyland — can be improved through collective bargaining,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle has announced that she will not seek re-election when her nine-year tenure ends May 23.
Shindle, who revealed the news in an interview with The New York Times, said she will remain active in the labor movement but intends to focus on resuming her acting career. She told The Times that her position as Equity president – an unpaid volunteer position – left her with so little time for her acting career that she hasn’t been able to clock enough professional hours to quality for Equity health insurance.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Shindle said, “It’s been one of my greatest honors to serve as the top officer of our union since 2015, and it sure has been a hell of a ride. Since March 2020, the vast majority of my creative energy has gone into solving our collective problems – sometimes successfully, sometimes making frustratingly incremental gains.
Shindle, who revealed the news in an interview with The New York Times, said she will remain active in the labor movement but intends to focus on resuming her acting career. She told The Times that her position as Equity president – an unpaid volunteer position – left her with so little time for her acting career that she hasn’t been able to clock enough professional hours to quality for Equity health insurance.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Shindle said, “It’s been one of my greatest honors to serve as the top officer of our union since 2015, and it sure has been a hell of a ride. Since March 2020, the vast majority of my creative energy has gone into solving our collective problems – sometimes successfully, sometimes making frustratingly incremental gains.
- 4/5/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity will hand out leaflets outside a workshop of the Broadway-bound Smash musical this week, “warning of the possibility of a strike” in light of ongoing negotiations with the Broadway League regarding compensation for work on shows in development.
Equity President Kate Shindle is expected to be in attendance when the union leaflets the Smash developmental workshop Thursday morning and Friday afternoon outside the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The union’s Development Agreement with Broadway League producers covers the development of new works, usually prior to an intended Broadway engagement. Equity and the Broadway League have been in negotiations since January 22, 2024. The current agreement expired on Sunday, February 11.
Last week, the union, which represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theater, voted to authorize a strike against The Broadway League if ongoing negotiations fail. Equity is currently in the...
Equity President Kate Shindle is expected to be in attendance when the union leaflets the Smash developmental workshop Thursday morning and Friday afternoon outside the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The union’s Development Agreement with Broadway League producers covers the development of new works, usually prior to an intended Broadway engagement. Equity and the Broadway League have been in negotiations since January 22, 2024. The current agreement expired on Sunday, February 11.
Last week, the union, which represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theater, voted to authorize a strike against The Broadway League if ongoing negotiations fail. Equity is currently in the...
- 2/14/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Some of the only Disneyland Resort workers who are not unionized announced today that they are organizing with Actors’ Equity Association. Ironically, they are among the most public-facing of the resort’s employees.
Calling themselves “Magic United,” Cast Members who work in the Disneyland resort’s Characters and Parades departments began circulating union authorization cards to 1,700 Cast Members and will seek voluntary recognition from Disney Resort Entertainment when a majority of the workers have signed.
Characters and Parades employees are those who roam the park dressed as Mickey Mouse or Elsa from Frozen. They bring characters to life in shows, parades, meet and greets and character dining experiences. Hosts, Trainers, Leads and other roles that support performers are also included in the effort. It’s worth noting that cast members who do the same work at Walt Disney World have been unionized for decades.
Among the concerns noted in a...
Calling themselves “Magic United,” Cast Members who work in the Disneyland resort’s Characters and Parades departments began circulating union authorization cards to 1,700 Cast Members and will seek voluntary recognition from Disney Resort Entertainment when a majority of the workers have signed.
Characters and Parades employees are those who roam the park dressed as Mickey Mouse or Elsa from Frozen. They bring characters to life in shows, parades, meet and greets and character dining experiences. Hosts, Trainers, Leads and other roles that support performers are also included in the effort. It’s worth noting that cast members who do the same work at Walt Disney World have been unionized for decades.
Among the concerns noted in a...
- 2/13/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
A group of 1,700 performers who play characters and cheer and dance in parades at Disneyland in California announced their intent Tuesday to unionize with Actors’ Equity.
The group, which includes performers who conduct meet and greets in the park and appear in character dining experiences, as well as the hosts and trainers that support them, are asking for increased wages, greater transparency on scheduling and rehiring decisions and addressing concerns about safe and sanitary workplace conditions.
Calling themselves “Magic United,” the group has already begun circulating union authorization cards and will aim for voluntary recognition from Disney Resort Entertainment. If that recognition is not granted, Equity will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board with the goal of being granted an election.
Both Disneyland and Disney World in Florida already have a high amount of unionization among their workers, with Equity representing the performers in the shows at...
The group, which includes performers who conduct meet and greets in the park and appear in character dining experiences, as well as the hosts and trainers that support them, are asking for increased wages, greater transparency on scheduling and rehiring decisions and addressing concerns about safe and sanitary workplace conditions.
Calling themselves “Magic United,” the group has already begun circulating union authorization cards and will aim for voluntary recognition from Disney Resort Entertainment. If that recognition is not granted, Equity will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board with the goal of being granted an election.
Both Disneyland and Disney World in Florida already have a high amount of unionization among their workers, with Equity representing the performers in the shows at...
- 2/13/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alan Eisenberg, the longest-serving executive director of Actors’ Equity Association, died October 7 in Rhinebeck, New York. He was 88.
His death was announced by Equity. A cause was not disclosed.
Eisenberg led Equity from 1981 to 2006, a time of significant growth in membership, workweeks and member earnings, according to Equity.
Among the notable events that Eisenberg confronted during his tenure were the 1990 Miss Saigon controversy over the casting of white actors in Asian roles, the uncertain times facing the theater industry following September 11, 2001, and the challenges of increased non-union touring.
Eisenberg was raised in a secular Jewish household in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, later attending the University of Michigan and graduating from New York University Law School. While practicing law in New York, he embraced the bohemian Greenwich Village art scene of the 1960s, and took a second job as a night espresso operator at the famed Café Figaro.
He next worked in labor law,...
His death was announced by Equity. A cause was not disclosed.
Eisenberg led Equity from 1981 to 2006, a time of significant growth in membership, workweeks and member earnings, according to Equity.
Among the notable events that Eisenberg confronted during his tenure were the 1990 Miss Saigon controversy over the casting of white actors in Asian roles, the uncertain times facing the theater industry following September 11, 2001, and the challenges of increased non-union touring.
Eisenberg was raised in a secular Jewish household in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, later attending the University of Michigan and graduating from New York University Law School. While practicing law in New York, he embraced the bohemian Greenwich Village art scene of the 1960s, and took a second job as a night espresso operator at the famed Café Figaro.
He next worked in labor law,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 5:20 Pm: Actors’ Equity Association has filed with the National Labor Relations Board for recognition as the bargaining representative of the production assistants on Broadway and sit-down productions produced by members of The Broadway League.
The union and staffers were hoping that the League would recognize the workers voluntarily, but that hasn’t happened in the week since the initiative was announced.
“We had high hopes for a swift and collaborative process with The Broadway League and are disappointed to hear they’ve chosen the more contentious path,” said Actors’ Equity Association 3rd Vice President Erin Maureen Koster, who represents stage managers. “That said, these workers are giving a master class in solidarity and it’s honestly our honor to witness that and to continue to support them through every step of the organizing process. One way or another, at the end of this process is the fair contract PAs have long deserved.
The union and staffers were hoping that the League would recognize the workers voluntarily, but that hasn’t happened in the week since the initiative was announced.
“We had high hopes for a swift and collaborative process with The Broadway League and are disappointed to hear they’ve chosen the more contentious path,” said Actors’ Equity Association 3rd Vice President Erin Maureen Koster, who represents stage managers. “That said, these workers are giving a master class in solidarity and it’s honestly our honor to witness that and to continue to support them through every step of the organizing process. One way or another, at the end of this process is the fair contract PAs have long deserved.
- 9/30/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity has filed with the National Labor Relations Board for recognition of the union as a bargaining representative for production assistants on Broadway and sit-down productions.
The filing comes after Actors’ Equity says the production assistants did not gain voluntary recognition from the Broadway League. There are about 100 production assistants who either currently work as part of stage management teams on about 10 productions on Broadway, or have within the past two years that make up the bargaining unit.
“The Broadway League and our members value the work of the Production Assistants that Actors’ Equity Association is seeking to represent. We believe that the National Labor Relations Board is the proper forum for determining whether an election is appropriate and we have encouraged the Union to seek a determination from the Board,” the League said in a statement.
“We had high hopes for a swift and collaborative process with The Broadway League,...
The filing comes after Actors’ Equity says the production assistants did not gain voluntary recognition from the Broadway League. There are about 100 production assistants who either currently work as part of stage management teams on about 10 productions on Broadway, or have within the past two years that make up the bargaining unit.
“The Broadway League and our members value the work of the Production Assistants that Actors’ Equity Association is seeking to represent. We believe that the National Labor Relations Board is the proper forum for determining whether an election is appropriate and we have encouraged the Union to seek a determination from the Board,” the League said in a statement.
“We had high hopes for a swift and collaborative process with The Broadway League,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A bill that would make striking workers in California eligible to receive up to $450 a week in unemployment insurance benefits passed in the state Senate on Thursday by a vote of 27-12. Senate Bill 799, which passed in the state Assembly last month, now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can either sign it into law or veto it.
His signature, however, is by no means certain. Last year, he vetoed 169 bills while signing nearly 1,000. In 2019, a similar bill failed in the Senate by just two votes.
Striking workers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but those in California currently aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that. It has received support from numerous unions and labor organizations across the state, including the Writers Guild,...
His signature, however, is by no means certain. Last year, he vetoed 169 bills while signing nearly 1,000. In 2019, a similar bill failed in the Senate by just two votes.
Striking workers in New York and New Jersey are entitled to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks on the picket line, but those in California currently aren’t eligible because they’re considered to have left their jobs “voluntarily.”
Senate Bill 799 would change that. It has received support from numerous unions and labor organizations across the state, including the Writers Guild,...
- 9/14/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors have now taken to the streets, walking shoulder to shoulder on picket lines with members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) after failing to secure an equitable contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). We are one week into the SAG-AFTRA strike, and, as actors and writers fight for their future, a union representing Broadway crew members reached a tentative agreement Thursday with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions, averting their own potential strike. As entertainment unions press pause on upcoming films and...
- 7/22/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
Actors’ Equity president Kate Shindle is urging stage actors to “proactively and aggressively avoid breaking” the SAG-AFTRA strike by inadvertently accepting struck work.
In a message to members of Equity, which reps stage actors and stage managers, Shindle writes, “Know this: the other side will try to pit us against each other to keep churning out content. Don’t fall for it.”
“I cannot overstate how critical it is for members (and future members!) of to proactively and aggressively avoid breaking the @sagaftra strike,” Shindle writes, adding, “If you are offered work of any kind for an #AMPTP employer, don’t take any third party’s word for it that ‘it’s okay’ or ‘it’s not covered by the strike’…Call @sagaftra and ask whether performing the work in question will undermine the strike.”
Read Shindle’s entire message below.
“If you don’t know whether you’re...
In a message to members of Equity, which reps stage actors and stage managers, Shindle writes, “Know this: the other side will try to pit us against each other to keep churning out content. Don’t fall for it.”
“I cannot overstate how critical it is for members (and future members!) of to proactively and aggressively avoid breaking the @sagaftra strike,” Shindle writes, adding, “If you are offered work of any kind for an #AMPTP employer, don’t take any third party’s word for it that ‘it’s okay’ or ‘it’s not covered by the strike’…Call @sagaftra and ask whether performing the work in question will undermine the strike.”
Read Shindle’s entire message below.
“If you don’t know whether you’re...
- 7/14/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Moments after SAG-AFTRA leaders declared that the union was going on strike, fellow entertainment unions began issuing statements of solidarity.
The Writers Guild of America, whose members have been on strike since May 2, pledged support to the actors, while noting that members of both unions have already been supporting each other on the picket lines.
Additionally, the WGA highlighted the benefit of the two unions working together. During the last “double strike” in 1960, the guild noted that both parties won gains in residuals, pension and health funds.
This time, both unions have shared interests at the negotiating table involving residuals, the use of artificial intelligence and more.
“The AMPTP has proven unwilling to meet the justifiable demands of actors and writers at the bargaining table in 2023. We stand solidly behind our union siblings in SAG-AFTRA as they begin their work stoppage. The last time both of our unions struck at the same time,...
The Writers Guild of America, whose members have been on strike since May 2, pledged support to the actors, while noting that members of both unions have already been supporting each other on the picket lines.
Additionally, the WGA highlighted the benefit of the two unions working together. During the last “double strike” in 1960, the guild noted that both parties won gains in residuals, pension and health funds.
This time, both unions have shared interests at the negotiating table involving residuals, the use of artificial intelligence and more.
“The AMPTP has proven unwilling to meet the justifiable demands of actors and writers at the bargaining table in 2023. We stand solidly behind our union siblings in SAG-AFTRA as they begin their work stoppage. The last time both of our unions struck at the same time,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actors’ Equity Association, the union representing stage theater actors and stage managers, expressed solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA actors strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, saying “Nobody should step in front of a camera fearing that today’s work will be mined, manipulated or repurposed in the future without consent or compensation.”
The Broadway union had pointed language for the movie and TV producers who prioritize shareholders over workers: “Shame on them.”
The SAG-AFTRA strike will not impact Broadway productions. SAG-AFTRA members who appear on Broadway operate under Equity contracts, with actors typically having dual memberships in the unions.
Equity’s statement of support was made today by Equity President Kate Shindle immediately after SAG-AFTRA called for the strike.
The entire Equity statement is as follows:
Actors’ Equity Association stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA as they strike in pursuit of a fair TV/ Theatrical/Streaming contract from...
The Broadway union had pointed language for the movie and TV producers who prioritize shareholders over workers: “Shame on them.”
The SAG-AFTRA strike will not impact Broadway productions. SAG-AFTRA members who appear on Broadway operate under Equity contracts, with actors typically having dual memberships in the unions.
Equity’s statement of support was made today by Equity President Kate Shindle immediately after SAG-AFTRA called for the strike.
The entire Equity statement is as follows:
Actors’ Equity Association stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA as they strike in pursuit of a fair TV/ Theatrical/Streaming contract from...
- 7/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity Association has joined with other unions of the AFL-CIO in endorsing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris listened to Equity when our industry was in crisis, on issues like Covid relief and federal arts funding,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, said in announcing the union’s support for a second Biden-Harris term. “But four years of a pro-worker administration is simply not enough to put labor laws back on the side of workers, safeguard our democracy and our climate, address systemic racism, protect gender identity and bodily autonomy and so much more.”
Shindle continued, “For those of us who aren’t members of the billionaire class, everything is on the line. We need to flip to a pro-worker House, increase our pro-worker margin in the Senate and return Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris listened to Equity when our industry was in crisis, on issues like Covid relief and federal arts funding,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, said in announcing the union’s support for a second Biden-Harris term. “But four years of a pro-worker administration is simply not enough to put labor laws back on the side of workers, safeguard our democracy and our climate, address systemic racism, protect gender identity and bodily autonomy and so much more.”
Shindle continued, “For those of us who aren’t members of the billionaire class, everything is on the line. We need to flip to a pro-worker House, increase our pro-worker margin in the Senate and return Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House.
- 6/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The show went on at Broadway’s Shucked on Wednesday night, though New York City’s bad air quality did have an impact on the staging: Book writer Robert Horn and composer Brandy Clark stepped in to play the main female character Maizy, with Horn reading the dialogue and Clark singing the songs.
The night’s concert-style staging was necessitated by the absence of Maizy actress Caroline Innerbichler, who was out for the night due to reasons unrelated to the orange haze covering the city. Innerbichler has two understudies, one of whom was out due to what a spokesperson for the show said was a sinus infection unrelated to the air quality and another understudy out due specifically to the air quality.
Related: Broadway’s Tony-Nominated ‘Shucked’ Sets 2024 London Run In A Cameron Mackintosh Venue
The historically bad air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires hit New York City hard yesterday...
The night’s concert-style staging was necessitated by the absence of Maizy actress Caroline Innerbichler, who was out for the night due to reasons unrelated to the orange haze covering the city. Innerbichler has two understudies, one of whom was out due to what a spokesperson for the show said was a sinus infection unrelated to the air quality and another understudy out due specifically to the air quality.
Related: Broadway’s Tony-Nominated ‘Shucked’ Sets 2024 London Run In A Cameron Mackintosh Venue
The historically bad air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires hit New York City hard yesterday...
- 6/8/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway’s Hamilton and Camelot are the latest New York City productions canceling performances tonight due to issues caused by the region’s historically bad air quality.
“The hazardous air quality in New York City has made it impossible for a number of our artists to perform this evening,” said a spokesman for Hamilton. “Shows will resume as scheduled tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to visit your point of purchase for refund or exchange.”
Camelot, at Lincoln Center, also canceled tonight’s performance. The Public Theater has canceled tonight’s dress rehearsal of its Shakespeare in the Park outdoor production of Hamlet as well as the Thursday and Friday night preview performances.
Related: Tribeca Festival Monitoring Situation As Mayor Eric Adams Tells New Yorkers To Limit Outdoor Activity Due To Air Quality
The stage productions are just the latest casualties of today’s air quality issues caused by wildfires in Canada.
“The hazardous air quality in New York City has made it impossible for a number of our artists to perform this evening,” said a spokesman for Hamilton. “Shows will resume as scheduled tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to visit your point of purchase for refund or exchange.”
Camelot, at Lincoln Center, also canceled tonight’s performance. The Public Theater has canceled tonight’s dress rehearsal of its Shakespeare in the Park outdoor production of Hamlet as well as the Thursday and Friday night preview performances.
Related: Tribeca Festival Monitoring Situation As Mayor Eric Adams Tells New Yorkers To Limit Outdoor Activity Due To Air Quality
The stage productions are just the latest casualties of today’s air quality issues caused by wildfires in Canada.
- 6/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
John Leguizamo, Busy Philipps, Tony Kushner, Neil Gaiman, Al Franken and Wanda Sykes were among those who took to the stage during WGA East’s Rally at 30 Rockefeller Center on Tuesday, appearing alongside union leaders from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, Actor’s Equity and more pledging that “all of labor stands behind the writers.”
Cynthia Nixon, Ilana Glazer, Warren Leight and labor leaders Rebecca Damon from SAG-AFTRA, Kate Shindle of Actors Equity and Matt Loeb of IATSE were also among those who spoke, with Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon making crowd appearances.
Both of those actors’ messages of solidarity were more prominently shared on social media as Ruffalo encouraged SAG members to vote yes on the strike authorization and stand in solidarity with the WGA if they are concerned about “AI protections, and the future of television and entertainment.” Sarandon, meanwhile, tweeted, “NYC is a Union town. Stronger Together!!!” alongside of video of the rally.
Cynthia Nixon, Ilana Glazer, Warren Leight and labor leaders Rebecca Damon from SAG-AFTRA, Kate Shindle of Actors Equity and Matt Loeb of IATSE were also among those who spoke, with Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon making crowd appearances.
Both of those actors’ messages of solidarity were more prominently shared on social media as Ruffalo encouraged SAG members to vote yes on the strike authorization and stand in solidarity with the WGA if they are concerned about “AI protections, and the future of television and entertainment.” Sarandon, meanwhile, tweeted, “NYC is a Union town. Stronger Together!!!” alongside of video of the rally.
- 5/23/2023
- by Abbey White and Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been a 15-month-long battle for the strippers of North Hollywood’s Star Garden Topless Dive Bar. But on Tuesday, the dancers became the only unionized strippers in the nation, with what Actors’ Equity is calling a “complete victory.” On Thursday, the votes were counted and the union was confirmed by the National Labor Relations Board.
The strippers first went on strike on March 18, 2022, following repeated (and ignored) demands for a safer and cleaner workspace. They blocked the sidewalk, dancing and performing to prevent people from entering the bar,...
The strippers first went on strike on March 18, 2022, following repeated (and ignored) demands for a safer and cleaner workspace. They blocked the sidewalk, dancing and performing to prevent people from entering the bar,...
- 5/17/2023
- by CT Jones
- Rollingstone.com
Dancers at North Hollywood’s Star Garden Topless Dive Bar are one step closer to becoming the only unionized strippers in the United States.
Attorneys for Star Garden recently withdrew their challenges to a union election for the workers in a settlement hearing, union Actors’ Equity announced on Tuesday. That clears the way for a National Labor Relations Board vote count that will take place on Thursday; if the majority of the strippers vote to join the union, then their union will be certified. As part of the agreement, dancers who have been dismissed will be restored to their positions at the club, and the club will reopen pending the dismissal of an ongoing bankruptcy case. The union says it is so confident in the outcome of the vote that “dancers working with lawyers and union representatives will now prepare to bargain a contract.”
In a comment provided by attorneys,...
Attorneys for Star Garden recently withdrew their challenges to a union election for the workers in a settlement hearing, union Actors’ Equity announced on Tuesday. That clears the way for a National Labor Relations Board vote count that will take place on Thursday; if the majority of the strippers vote to join the union, then their union will be certified. As part of the agreement, dancers who have been dismissed will be restored to their positions at the club, and the club will reopen pending the dismissal of an ongoing bankruptcy case. The union says it is so confident in the outcome of the vote that “dancers working with lawyers and union representatives will now prepare to bargain a contract.”
In a comment provided by attorneys,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dancers at North Hollywood’s Star Garden Topless Dive Bar have become the nation’s only unionized strippers, officially joining Actors’ Equity after a 15-month battle with the venue’s owners.
Equity called the union recognition a “complete victory” for the dancers.
In a statement released by Equity, one of the Star Garden dancers who goes by the single name Reagan said, “If you have been following our journey, then you know this has been a long, exhausting fight, which is why this victory is so sweet. We put everything we have into this campaign, and we were fortunate to have the support and solidarity from the club’s patrons, our allies and friends, the labor movement and our union, Actors’ Equity Association.”
Lawyers representing the owners of the Star Garden withdrew election challenges in a settlement hearing with union attorneys, agreeing to recognize the union. Both sides will meet...
Equity called the union recognition a “complete victory” for the dancers.
In a statement released by Equity, one of the Star Garden dancers who goes by the single name Reagan said, “If you have been following our journey, then you know this has been a long, exhausting fight, which is why this victory is so sweet. We put everything we have into this campaign, and we were fortunate to have the support and solidarity from the club’s patrons, our allies and friends, the labor movement and our union, Actors’ Equity Association.”
Lawyers representing the owners of the Star Garden withdrew election challenges in a settlement hearing with union attorneys, agreeing to recognize the union. Both sides will meet...
- 5/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America will not picket the 2023 Tony Awards, the union announced Monday.
In a statement, the union said that it will not negotiate an interim agreement or a waiver for the Tony Awards, as previously reported, but that it will not picket this year’s show in whatever form it does move forward.
“Tony Awards Productions (a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing) has communicated with us that they are altering this year’s show to conform with specific requests from the WGA, and therefore the WGA will not be picketing the show,” the guild said. “As they have stood by us, we stand with our fellow workers on Broadway who are impacted by our strike.”
Along with a message of solidarity for the Broadway community, the statement placed responsibility for the waiver denial on CBS and Paramount.
“Responsibility for having to...
In a statement, the union said that it will not negotiate an interim agreement or a waiver for the Tony Awards, as previously reported, but that it will not picket this year’s show in whatever form it does move forward.
“Tony Awards Productions (a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing) has communicated with us that they are altering this year’s show to conform with specific requests from the WGA, and therefore the WGA will not be picketing the show,” the guild said. “As they have stood by us, we stand with our fellow workers on Broadway who are impacted by our strike.”
Along with a message of solidarity for the Broadway community, the statement placed responsibility for the waiver denial on CBS and Paramount.
“Responsibility for having to...
- 5/16/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Writers Guild of America has denied producers of the Tony Awards a requested strike waiver that would have allowed the broadcast to go on as scheduled June 11, Deadline has confirmed with sources close to the Tonys.
The waiver denial could prove disastrous for the Broadway productions counting on the annual CBS broadcast for the national exposure crucial to ticket sales.
Earlier today, as Deadline reported, the Tony Awards Management Committee scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to plot its course and contingency plans. It’s unclear if the committee was already aware that the request for a waiver had been denied.
Tony contingency plans could include a scaled-back non-televised ceremony, a simple announcement of winners or a postponement of the awards until after the strike ends.
Details about Monday’s meeting are scant and the organizations behind the Tonys – The American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League and exec producers...
The waiver denial could prove disastrous for the Broadway productions counting on the annual CBS broadcast for the national exposure crucial to ticket sales.
Earlier today, as Deadline reported, the Tony Awards Management Committee scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to plot its course and contingency plans. It’s unclear if the committee was already aware that the request for a waiver had been denied.
Tony contingency plans could include a scaled-back non-televised ceremony, a simple announcement of winners or a postponement of the awards until after the strike ends.
Details about Monday’s meeting are scant and the organizations behind the Tonys – The American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League and exec producers...
- 5/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Just hours after members of Actors’ Equity Association joined the striking WGA picket lines outside of HBO and Amazon’s New York City offices today, Kate Shindle, Equity president, suggested in a statement to Deadline that the strike’s impact on the upcoming Tony Awards is yet to be determined.
“Equity stands unequivocally with the Writers Guild of America in their pursuit of a fair contract,” said Shindle. “The AMPTP needs to get back to the table with a serious offer that reflects the essential contributions of writers, showrunners and others to this multibillion-dollar industry.
She continued, “It’s too soon to predict whether this will impact the Tony Awards, which are extremely important to our community as we continue to rebuild. I hope that anyone and everyone who is concerned about Broadway’s biggest night of the year will pledge support for the WGA and join us in demanding...
“Equity stands unequivocally with the Writers Guild of America in their pursuit of a fair contract,” said Shindle. “The AMPTP needs to get back to the table with a serious offer that reflects the essential contributions of writers, showrunners and others to this multibillion-dollar industry.
She continued, “It’s too soon to predict whether this will impact the Tony Awards, which are extremely important to our community as we continue to rebuild. I hope that anyone and everyone who is concerned about Broadway’s biggest night of the year will pledge support for the WGA and join us in demanding...
- 5/10/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Members of Actors’ Equity have voted to approve the new touring agreement with the Broadway League.
The union, which represents more than 51,000 stage managers and actors, had been negotiating with the League over the new touring contract since mid-January. On April 3, Actors’ Equity announced a strike threat against the Broadway League, which represents industry producers, presenters and general managers. The union announced that it had reached a tentative agreement on April 13.
The new contract will be in effect through Sept. 7, 2026.
This agreement replaces the previous touring production contracts, which cover bigger-budget shows, as well as short-engagement touring agreements, which cover shows with lower weekly sales guarantees.
In the touring negotiations, actors and stage managers were concerned about increasing per diem rates to cover the rising cost of food and housing on the road, increasing wages and getting greater coverage for actors and stage managers on tour, whenever a member is sick,...
The union, which represents more than 51,000 stage managers and actors, had been negotiating with the League over the new touring contract since mid-January. On April 3, Actors’ Equity announced a strike threat against the Broadway League, which represents industry producers, presenters and general managers. The union announced that it had reached a tentative agreement on April 13.
The new contract will be in effect through Sept. 7, 2026.
This agreement replaces the previous touring production contracts, which cover bigger-budget shows, as well as short-engagement touring agreements, which cover shows with lower weekly sales guarantees.
In the touring negotiations, actors and stage managers were concerned about increasing per diem rates to cover the rising cost of food and housing on the road, increasing wages and getting greater coverage for actors and stage managers on tour, whenever a member is sick,...
- 4/29/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ujpdated, 6:23 Pm: The 51,000-plus members of Actors’ Equity Association today ratified the touring agreement that was reached with The Broadway League two weeks ago. The new deal runs through September 7, 2026.
Actors’ Equity said the pact contains advances in equity, diversity and inclusion; paid sick leave; and safeguards for those who need reproductive and gender-affirming care.
“Creating a new, unified touring agreement has been a long-term goal, and it was a massive undertaking,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “The new contract contains advances in equity, diversity and inclusion, paid sick leave for everyone in the Equity company and safeguards for those who need reproductive and gender-affirming care. Touring is hard, and living on the road full time presents unique challenges. We will continue to focus on improving quality of life for the actors and stage managers who commit to bringing world-class theatre to communities across the country.
Actors’ Equity said the pact contains advances in equity, diversity and inclusion; paid sick leave; and safeguards for those who need reproductive and gender-affirming care.
“Creating a new, unified touring agreement has been a long-term goal, and it was a massive undertaking,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “The new contract contains advances in equity, diversity and inclusion, paid sick leave for everyone in the Equity company and safeguards for those who need reproductive and gender-affirming care. Touring is hard, and living on the road full time presents unique challenges. We will continue to focus on improving quality of life for the actors and stage managers who commit to bringing world-class theatre to communities across the country.
- 4/29/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity Association has filed an amicus brief in Tennessee opposing that state’s new law – the first in the nation – intended to limit or ban some drag shows.
In a brief filed this week, Equity argues that the Tennessee law is unconstitutionally overbroad and vague, covers a wide range of live theatrical performances in which Equity members perform and will deter the expression of protected speech in Tennessee.
Equity’s amicus brief supports the legal efforts of the Memphis-based theater company Friends of George’s. The theater company has produced original, drag-centric performances, comedy sketches, and plays since 2011, and has filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District calling the legislation a “bigoted antidrag law.”
The law, which bans “adult cabaret entertainment” on public property or in locations where it could be viewed by a minor, was approved by the state’s Republican governor,...
In a brief filed this week, Equity argues that the Tennessee law is unconstitutionally overbroad and vague, covers a wide range of live theatrical performances in which Equity members perform and will deter the expression of protected speech in Tennessee.
Equity’s amicus brief supports the legal efforts of the Memphis-based theater company Friends of George’s. The theater company has produced original, drag-centric performances, comedy sketches, and plays since 2011, and has filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District calling the legislation a “bigoted antidrag law.”
The law, which bans “adult cabaret entertainment” on public property or in locations where it could be viewed by a minor, was approved by the state’s Republican governor,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity has issued a strike threat against The Broadway League.
The union, which represents more than 51,000 stage managers and actors, has been bargaining with The Broadway League, which represents industry producers, presenters and general managers, since mid-January to create a new touring contract. Now, Actors’ Equity has authorized executive director Al Vincent Jr., its lead negotiator, to call a strike on all Broadway national tours, if he deems it necessary, after the union says it ran into roadblocks around a number of key issues.
“We thought we were making progress. Actually, we believed that perhaps we would reach a deal last week, but ultimately, we just were nowhere close in terms of what we know our members need and what the Broadway League was willing to offer,” Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday.
Equity’s priorities for the touring contract include increasing members’ per...
The union, which represents more than 51,000 stage managers and actors, has been bargaining with The Broadway League, which represents industry producers, presenters and general managers, since mid-January to create a new touring contract. Now, Actors’ Equity has authorized executive director Al Vincent Jr., its lead negotiator, to call a strike on all Broadway national tours, if he deems it necessary, after the union says it ran into roadblocks around a number of key issues.
“We thought we were making progress. Actually, we believed that perhaps we would reach a deal last week, but ultimately, we just were nowhere close in terms of what we know our members need and what the Broadway League was willing to offer,” Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday.
Equity’s priorities for the touring contract include increasing members’ per...
- 4/3/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actors’ Equity Association is forming its own political action committee.
The union for more than 51,000 stage managers and actors will be launching the Pac in the first week of April, with the goal of contributing money to federal candidates who support Actors’ Equity priorities. These include more arts funding, expanded health care coverage, protecting the right to organize, and specific entertainment legislation, such as the Performing Artists Tax Parity Act.
The Pac will be a separate organization from the union. Union members can choose whether or not to contribute money to the Pac (and contributions will not be taken out of dues paid to the union). Actors’ Equity would not share exact fundraising numbers, but said a “significant” number of current and former union leaders have already pledged to contribute to the Pac.
It joins a few other entertainment unions with PACs, including The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees,...
The union for more than 51,000 stage managers and actors will be launching the Pac in the first week of April, with the goal of contributing money to federal candidates who support Actors’ Equity priorities. These include more arts funding, expanded health care coverage, protecting the right to organize, and specific entertainment legislation, such as the Performing Artists Tax Parity Act.
The Pac will be a separate organization from the union. Union members can choose whether or not to contribute money to the Pac (and contributions will not be taken out of dues paid to the union). Actors’ Equity would not share exact fundraising numbers, but said a “significant” number of current and former union leaders have already pledged to contribute to the Pac.
It joins a few other entertainment unions with PACs, including The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actors’ Equity Association has condemned Tennessee’s new legislation restricting drag performance, urging theaters in the state to “join us in rejecting it entirely and lobbying for its elimination.”
The union, which represents actors and stage managers in live theater, also said it is “monitoring the progress of similarly dystopian laws in other states.”
Tennessee recently became the first state to enact a law explicitly targeting drag shows, criminalizing performances that take place in public or where they could be seen by children.
The joint statement condemning the law was made by Equity President Kate Shindle and Executive Director Al Vincent, Jr. Equity had released a statement on January 27 condemning the growing number of attacks on transgender people “often framed as attacks on drag performance.”
According to today’s statement, the union is currently engaged in outreach efforts to Equity theater across Tennessee to ensure the safety of national theatrical...
The union, which represents actors and stage managers in live theater, also said it is “monitoring the progress of similarly dystopian laws in other states.”
Tennessee recently became the first state to enact a law explicitly targeting drag shows, criminalizing performances that take place in public or where they could be seen by children.
The joint statement condemning the law was made by Equity President Kate Shindle and Executive Director Al Vincent, Jr. Equity had released a statement on January 27 condemning the growing number of attacks on transgender people “often framed as attacks on drag performance.”
According to today’s statement, the union is currently engaged in outreach efforts to Equity theater across Tennessee to ensure the safety of national theatrical...
- 3/8/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Any professional actor or stage manager is eligible to join the Actors’ Equity Association for the foreseeable future.
The union announced Wednesday that it is making permanent its Open Access policy, which was first introduced in July 2021. The policy opens up membership in the union to any actor or stage manager who can demonstrate proof of work and payment through methods such as a Playbill and a paystub, or a website link and a tax document. The policy had been set to expire in May 2023.
Before the policy was introduced, members either had to be hired for an Equity production, thereby gaining union membership, be a member of a sibling union or take part in the Equity Membership Candidate Program, in which actors and stage managers could gain points toward full membership by working on eligible productions.
The union has positioned this as part of a diversity and inclusion effort,...
The union announced Wednesday that it is making permanent its Open Access policy, which was first introduced in July 2021. The policy opens up membership in the union to any actor or stage manager who can demonstrate proof of work and payment through methods such as a Playbill and a paystub, or a website link and a tax document. The policy had been set to expire in May 2023.
Before the policy was introduced, members either had to be hired for an Equity production, thereby gaining union membership, be a member of a sibling union or take part in the Equity Membership Candidate Program, in which actors and stage managers could gain points toward full membership by working on eligible productions.
The union has positioned this as part of a diversity and inclusion effort,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actors’ Equity said today that it’s making its Open Access membership policy permanent, allowing any non-union theater worker to join who can demonstrate that they have worked professionally as an actor or stage manager within Equity’s geographical jurisdiction. The 51,000-member union had launched the Open Access policy in July of 2021, but it had a sunset date of May 1, 2023.
The union will now begin a three-year phase-out of its Equity Membership Candidate (Emc) Program, under which eligibility for union membership had been limited to those working for an Equity employer or to members of a sibling union such as SAG-AFTRA, the American Guild of Musical Artists (Agma) or the American Guild of Variety Artists (Agva).
“Open Access is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do,” said Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle. “Of course, strength in numbers is a cornerstone principle for any union. But this was never a simple numbers game.
The union will now begin a three-year phase-out of its Equity Membership Candidate (Emc) Program, under which eligibility for union membership had been limited to those working for an Equity employer or to members of a sibling union such as SAG-AFTRA, the American Guild of Musical Artists (Agma) or the American Guild of Variety Artists (Agva).
“Open Access is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do,” said Actors’ Equity President Kate Shindle. “Of course, strength in numbers is a cornerstone principle for any union. But this was never a simple numbers game.
- 2/8/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: Actors’ Equity Association members have ratified a new three-year agreement with The Broadway League, the union announced today.
The Production Contract: Broadway and Sit-Downs governs employment in shows on Broadway, as well as in sit-down shows produced by members of the Broadway League elsewhere in the United States. The new agreement will be in effect through September 28, 2025.*
Elements of the contract, the union says, are minimum salary increases at 5, 4, 4 in each year of the three-year agreement; better paid sick time benefits for everyone; two fewer 10/12s; decrease of weekly rehearsal hours allowed after opening; and an additional personal day off for everyone.
“We went into this negotiation with an ambitious package reflecting the priorities of actors and stage managers working this contract,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “While we certainly didn’t achieve all of them, we did make progress: fewer 10/12s, fewer rehearsal hours after opening,...
The Production Contract: Broadway and Sit-Downs governs employment in shows on Broadway, as well as in sit-down shows produced by members of the Broadway League elsewhere in the United States. The new agreement will be in effect through September 28, 2025.*
Elements of the contract, the union says, are minimum salary increases at 5, 4, 4 in each year of the three-year agreement; better paid sick time benefits for everyone; two fewer 10/12s; decrease of weekly rehearsal hours allowed after opening; and an additional personal day off for everyone.
“We went into this negotiation with an ambitious package reflecting the priorities of actors and stage managers working this contract,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “While we certainly didn’t achieve all of them, we did make progress: fewer 10/12s, fewer rehearsal hours after opening,...
- 12/19/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Members of Actors’ Equity voted to approve the new three-year collective bargaining agreement for Broadway shows and sit-down productions.
The union listed achievements in the contract including minimum salary increases in each year of the three-year agreement, better paid sick leave benefits, a decrease in weekly rehearsal hours after a show opens and one additional personal day off for everyone, as well as two fewer 10 out of 12 rehearsals (a practice that occurs the week before opening in which actors and stage managers are scheduled for 10 hours of work and two hours of break time in a day).
However, leadership acknowledged that the contract wasn’t exactly where union members had wanted it to be. In an email sent to members, Actors’ Equity said 57 percent of members voted to ratify the deal. The election saw 42 percent participation among eligible voting members (actors and stage...
Members of Actors’ Equity voted to approve the new three-year collective bargaining agreement for Broadway shows and sit-down productions.
The union listed achievements in the contract including minimum salary increases in each year of the three-year agreement, better paid sick leave benefits, a decrease in weekly rehearsal hours after a show opens and one additional personal day off for everyone, as well as two fewer 10 out of 12 rehearsals (a practice that occurs the week before opening in which actors and stage managers are scheduled for 10 hours of work and two hours of break time in a day).
However, leadership acknowledged that the contract wasn’t exactly where union members had wanted it to be. In an email sent to members, Actors’ Equity said 57 percent of members voted to ratify the deal. The election saw 42 percent participation among eligible voting members (actors and stage...
- 12/19/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leaders of Hollywood’s unions and guilds are calling on Congress to pass the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (Patpa) before Republicans take control of the House of Representatives in January. The legislation would restore tax breaks for work-related expenses by updating the Qualified Performing Artist (Qpa) deduction and modernizing a provision that has been on the books since it was signed into law in the 1980s by President Ronald Reagan. The provision would allow middle-class entertainment workers to again deduct common business expenses.
Currently, the adjusted gross income threshold for the Qpa deduction is 16,000, which has been unchanged since Qpa’s inception in 1986. Patpa would raise the threshold of the Qpa deduction to 100,000 for single taxpayers and 200,000 for joint filers to help ensure middle-class entertainment workers qualify for the deduction.
In a letter sent today to the leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance,...
Currently, the adjusted gross income threshold for the Qpa deduction is 16,000, which has been unchanged since Qpa’s inception in 1986. Patpa would raise the threshold of the Qpa deduction to 100,000 for single taxpayers and 200,000 for joint filers to help ensure middle-class entertainment workers qualify for the deduction.
In a letter sent today to the leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance,...
- 12/6/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with latest: Dancers at a topless bar in North Hollywood have received approval from the National Labor Relations Board for a union recognition election, a move officials said could make them the only strippers in the United States represented by a union, according to the decision obtained
today.
The Nlrb scheduled a mail ballot for dancers and disc jockeys at Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in an order issued Thursday. The ballots will be mailed Oct. 14 and counted Nov. 7.
If workers choose to be represented by a union and the Nlrb certifies the election results, the Star Garden dancers’ bargaining unit could be affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers employed in live theater.
“Every worker who wants a union deserves a union, including the live performers in strip clubs,” said Kate Shindle, president of Equity. “This decision moves us one step closer.
today.
The Nlrb scheduled a mail ballot for dancers and disc jockeys at Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in an order issued Thursday. The ballots will be mailed Oct. 14 and counted Nov. 7.
If workers choose to be represented by a union and the Nlrb certifies the election results, the Star Garden dancers’ bargaining unit could be affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers employed in live theater.
“Every worker who wants a union deserves a union, including the live performers in strip clubs,” said Kate Shindle, president of Equity. “This decision moves us one step closer.
- 10/7/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a “landmark” bill that creates the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund to supply much-needed support grants to small nonprofit performing arts organizations, helping them offset a portion of their payroll costs. Introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino (D – Burbank), Senate Bill 1116 was cosponsored by Actors’ Equity Association and the Theatrical Producers of Southern California.
“The creative arts industry was amongst the hardest hit by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the governor said in a signing statement. “I am proud of the economic and cultural contributions that our arts workers provide to California, and support industry-led efforts to improve their ability to succeed and continue to enhance our communities. Without community arts organizations, many of our small and disadvantaged communities may not have access to the arts.”
He noted, however, that the grant program the legislation creates is still subject to funding and encouraged “the...
“The creative arts industry was amongst the hardest hit by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the governor said in a signing statement. “I am proud of the economic and cultural contributions that our arts workers provide to California, and support industry-led efforts to improve their ability to succeed and continue to enhance our communities. Without community arts organizations, many of our small and disadvantaged communities may not have access to the arts.”
He noted, however, that the grant program the legislation creates is still subject to funding and encouraged “the...
- 9/29/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
“Strippers united, will never be divided!”
For months, dancers at North Hollywood’s Star Garden Topless Dive Bar have picketed the Lankershim Boulevard club, claiming that dancers there have experienced retaliatory job terminations, unsafe working conditions and compensation problems. They’ve repeatedly staked out the sidewalk in front of the bar, holding signs, wearing costumes, cheering cars that pass by honking and trying to persuade potential customers not to enter. But on Friday night, their chants began not at the club, but a mile and a half away in the parking lot of the L.A. office of union Actors’ Equity Association.
Just a few days earlier, on Aug. 17, Actors’ Equity — an over 100-year-old union that primarily bargains on behalf of actors and stage managers in live theater — announced that it was partnering with the Star Garden dancers to attempt to unionize the workplace.
“Strippers united, will never be divided!”
For months, dancers at North Hollywood’s Star Garden Topless Dive Bar have picketed the Lankershim Boulevard club, claiming that dancers there have experienced retaliatory job terminations, unsafe working conditions and compensation problems. They’ve repeatedly staked out the sidewalk in front of the bar, holding signs, wearing costumes, cheering cars that pass by honking and trying to persuade potential customers not to enter. But on Friday night, their chants began not at the club, but a mile and a half away in the parking lot of the L.A. office of union Actors’ Equity Association.
Just a few days earlier, on Aug. 17, Actors’ Equity — an over 100-year-old union that primarily bargains on behalf of actors and stage managers in live theater — announced that it was partnering with the Star Garden dancers to attempt to unionize the workplace.
- 8/22/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny and Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This Sunday’s 75th Annual Tony Awards will feature a line-up of presenters from the stage and screen, including Andrew Garfield, Laurence Fishburne, Nathan Lane, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bowen Yang and both Paris and Prince Jackson, the children of Mj subject Michael Jackson.
The roster of presenters was announced today by Tony Awards producers, and also includes Utkarsh Ambudkar, Skylar Astin, Zach Braff, Danielle Brooks, Danny Burstein, Len Cariou, RuPaul Charles, Jessica Chastain, Lilli Cooper, Bryan Cranston, Wilson Cruz, Colman Domingo, Anthony Edwards, Cynthia Erivo, Raúl Esparza, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tony Goldwyn, David Alan Grier, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Hudson, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O’Hara, Sarah Paulson, Bernadette Peters, Jeremy Pope, Billy Porter, Latanya Richardson, Chita Rivera, Tony Shalhoub, Phillipa Soo, Sarah Silverman, George Takei, Aaron Tveit, Adrienne Warren and Patrick Wilson.
The four-hour June 12 Tony evening begins at 7 p.m. Et/4 p.m. Pt with The Tony Awards: Act One, a one-hour...
The roster of presenters was announced today by Tony Awards producers, and also includes Utkarsh Ambudkar, Skylar Astin, Zach Braff, Danielle Brooks, Danny Burstein, Len Cariou, RuPaul Charles, Jessica Chastain, Lilli Cooper, Bryan Cranston, Wilson Cruz, Colman Domingo, Anthony Edwards, Cynthia Erivo, Raúl Esparza, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tony Goldwyn, David Alan Grier, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Hudson, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O’Hara, Sarah Paulson, Bernadette Peters, Jeremy Pope, Billy Porter, Latanya Richardson, Chita Rivera, Tony Shalhoub, Phillipa Soo, Sarah Silverman, George Takei, Aaron Tveit, Adrienne Warren and Patrick Wilson.
The four-hour June 12 Tony evening begins at 7 p.m. Et/4 p.m. Pt with The Tony Awards: Act One, a one-hour...
- 6/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jesse Williams has spoken out regarding the leak of a nude scene from his Broadway revival of Take Me Out, saying that he’s “not down” about it.
“Our job is to go out there every night, no matter what…I’m not really worrying about it. I can’t sweat that,” Williams told The Associated Press on Thursday at their event, Tony Awards: Meet The Nominees.
The actor added that actors “do need to keep advocating” for themselves, and that it’s been “wonderful” to see his community “push back” and be clear about the kinds of behavior it won’t stand for. “Consent is important, I thought,” he said. “So, let’s keep that in mind universally.”
Williams added that while “theater is a sacred space,” not everyone understands that. “Everybody doesn’t necessarily respect or regard that in a way that maybe they should, or we’d like,...
“Our job is to go out there every night, no matter what…I’m not really worrying about it. I can’t sweat that,” Williams told The Associated Press on Thursday at their event, Tony Awards: Meet The Nominees.
The actor added that actors “do need to keep advocating” for themselves, and that it’s been “wonderful” to see his community “push back” and be clear about the kinds of behavior it won’t stand for. “Consent is important, I thought,” he said. “So, let’s keep that in mind universally.”
Williams added that while “theater is a sacred space,” not everyone understands that. “Everybody doesn’t necessarily respect or regard that in a way that maybe they should, or we’d like,...
- 5/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity is blasting an audience member who secretly videotaped Jesse Williams’ nude scene while performing in Take Me Out at the Second Stage Theater in NYC and then released it on Twitter. Equity called it an act of “sexual harassment and an appalling breach of consent.”
The NYC theater, which collects audience members’ cell phones and keeps them locked away during performances, called the breach “highly objectionable,” saying it can lead to “severe legal consequences.” Williams received a Tony nomination for his role Monday, and he was trending on Twitter for much of the day.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the creation and distribution of photographs and videos of our members during a nude scene,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “As actors, we regularly agree to be vulnerable onstage in order to tell difficult and challenging stories. This does not mean that we agree...
The NYC theater, which collects audience members’ cell phones and keeps them locked away during performances, called the breach “highly objectionable,” saying it can lead to “severe legal consequences.” Williams received a Tony nomination for his role Monday, and he was trending on Twitter for much of the day.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the creation and distribution of photographs and videos of our members during a nude scene,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “As actors, we regularly agree to be vulnerable onstage in order to tell difficult and challenging stories. This does not mean that we agree...
- 5/10/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association are praising the passage Friday of the Crown Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, Hr 2116, would prohibit discrimination in education and employment based on a person’s texture or style of hair. Several states, including California and New York, already have such laws.
“SAG-AFTRA performers of color routinely find themselves on sets where their hair care and styling needs are not met in an equitable manner with other performers,” the union said in a statement today. “This legislation will help address that disparate treatment on our sets nationwide and end this discriminatory practice in the workplace once and for all.”
“Now is the time to reevaluate norms in a multiracial, multiethnic nation such as the United States of America,” said SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. “We must all refine our eyes to see...
“SAG-AFTRA performers of color routinely find themselves on sets where their hair care and styling needs are not met in an equitable manner with other performers,” the union said in a statement today. “This legislation will help address that disparate treatment on our sets nationwide and end this discriminatory practice in the workplace once and for all.”
“Now is the time to reevaluate norms in a multiracial, multiethnic nation such as the United States of America,” said SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. “We must all refine our eyes to see...
- 3/18/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite theater industry pledges to improve its track record on diversity and inclusion in hiring, the follow-through has fallen “far short” of the promises, says a new report by Actors’ Equity Association.
The actors and stage managers union says in its third annual Diversity and Inclusion Hiring Bias Report that statistics for the year 2020 indicate that the percentage of contracts going to members of color increased only marginally from the 2016-2019 period, rising from 21.5% to 24.8%. The union’s members of color nationally earned an average of 91.8% of what white members made per week.
“We are disappointed by the realities of the data: while there was some incremental progress here and there in 2020, the theatre fell far short of fulfilling its promises of diverse and inclusive hiring,” said Kate Shindle, president of Equity, in a statement. “Equity has made it a top priority to combat inequality in the industry, but we cannot do this work alone.
The actors and stage managers union says in its third annual Diversity and Inclusion Hiring Bias Report that statistics for the year 2020 indicate that the percentage of contracts going to members of color increased only marginally from the 2016-2019 period, rising from 21.5% to 24.8%. The union’s members of color nationally earned an average of 91.8% of what white members made per week.
“We are disappointed by the realities of the data: while there was some incremental progress here and there in 2020, the theatre fell far short of fulfilling its promises of diverse and inclusive hiring,” said Kate Shindle, president of Equity, in a statement. “Equity has made it a top priority to combat inequality in the industry, but we cannot do this work alone.
- 3/10/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood unions and guilds are paying tribute to Richard Trumka, who led the AFL-CIO since 2009 and died today. He was 72.
One of the top labor officials in the country, Trumka died of as-yet undisclosed causes. The AFL-CIO confirmed his death but did not provide details. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also announced his death in a speech on the Senate floor. President Joe Biden also paid tribute, calling Trumka a “close friend.”
Trumka was the son and grandson of Pennsylvania coal miners and worked as a miner while attending Penn State University, per the Associated Press. He was elected president of United Mine Workers of America in 1982, its youngest president at age 33, and was elected secretary treasurer of the AFL-CIO in 1995. He was elected president of the AFL-CIO in 2009.
SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity, WGA East and IATSE are affiliates of the AFL-CIO, which has 12.5 million members.
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said...
One of the top labor officials in the country, Trumka died of as-yet undisclosed causes. The AFL-CIO confirmed his death but did not provide details. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also announced his death in a speech on the Senate floor. President Joe Biden also paid tribute, calling Trumka a “close friend.”
Trumka was the son and grandson of Pennsylvania coal miners and worked as a miner while attending Penn State University, per the Associated Press. He was elected president of United Mine Workers of America in 1982, its youngest president at age 33, and was elected secretary treasurer of the AFL-CIO in 1995. He was elected president of the AFL-CIO in 2009.
SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity, WGA East and IATSE are affiliates of the AFL-CIO, which has 12.5 million members.
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said...
- 8/5/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity Association is expanding eligibility for membership to include any actor or stage manager who can demonstrate they have worked professionally in the United States, a move that could significantly broaden access to the organization.
Under the new “Open Access” policy, effective immediately, union membership will no longer be limited to those working for an Equity employer or to members of a sibling union.
Open Access is considered by the union to be one of the “pillars” of its diversity and inclusion efforts, part of what Equity says is a re-examination of “its own systems, structures and processes from the ground up to move Equity toward becoming an antiracist organization.”
Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, said in a statement, “The old system had a significant flaw: It made employers the gatekeepers of Equity membership, with almost no other pathways to joining. The entertainment industry is disproportionately white,...
Under the new “Open Access” policy, effective immediately, union membership will no longer be limited to those working for an Equity employer or to members of a sibling union.
Open Access is considered by the union to be one of the “pillars” of its diversity and inclusion efforts, part of what Equity says is a re-examination of “its own systems, structures and processes from the ground up to move Equity toward becoming an antiracist organization.”
Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, said in a statement, “The old system had a significant flaw: It made employers the gatekeepers of Equity membership, with almost no other pathways to joining. The entertainment industry is disproportionately white,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity says that fully vaccinated theater companies now can dispense with masking and Covid-19 testing mandates. The live-theater union’s newly updated protocols will remain in effect through the end of September.
“The health and safety of our members comes first,” said Equity president Kate Shindle. “We are heartened by the declining infection rates nationwide, because so many people have done their part and gotten vaccinated. As such, it will now be a smoother and less expensive process for employers to recall our members to work. We still need to be diligent about the virus, but we are very hopeful for the months ahead.”
A new rider to the union’s guidelines notes that “these protocols presume that all Equity members and everyone that interacts with the actors and stage managers have been fully vaccinated and the show will be presented at one location. Tours or productions that play...
“The health and safety of our members comes first,” said Equity president Kate Shindle. “We are heartened by the declining infection rates nationwide, because so many people have done their part and gotten vaccinated. As such, it will now be a smoother and less expensive process for employers to recall our members to work. We still need to be diligent about the virus, but we are very hopeful for the months ahead.”
A new rider to the union’s guidelines notes that “these protocols presume that all Equity members and everyone that interacts with the actors and stage managers have been fully vaccinated and the show will be presented at one location. Tours or productions that play...
- 7/2/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
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