What is Equity

EQUITY AT A GLANCE 1. 2. 3. 4. WHERE DID WE COME FROM? Before Actors’ Equity, actors and stage managers had little control In 1916, Fred Niblo wrote in Equity Magazine, “The pride of art is really over their careers or even their lives. Rehearsing without pay, being a wonderful thing…but the moment you allow it to break out and run stranded throughout the country after shows closed on the road, wild, it becomes a serious menace to the dinner table.” When Equity paying for their own costumes, and far worse abuses: this was an was first formed, many actors refused to see themselves as workers. As actor’s life before May 26, 1913. On that day, 112 actors gathered at an actor at an early membership meeting commented, “what we the Pabst Grand Circle Hotel in New have cannot be capitalized. What we York City to form a union. William give cannot be weighed and “We hereby constitute ourselves a voluntary measured!” This has always been Equity’s Courtleigh had suggested the name Association to advance, promote, foster, struggle: to be seen, not as self-denying that seemed to encompass what they were fighting for: Actors’ Equity. and benefit all those connected with the ascetics who care only for Art with a for art of the theatre and particularly the capital “A,” but as people who workthe For the next several years, Equity a living, proud workers who deserve profession of acting and the conditions of same consideration and respect as struggled for recognition against producers, managers and even some anyone else. persons engaged therein…” of its own uncertain membership. In 1917, an agreement was reached, but Whether it’s standing against segregation - from the Preamble to Equity’s Constitution, Adopted 1913 very few producers used it. When Francis both in the audience and on stage, Wilson, Equity’s first President, asked a fighting the blacklists of the 1950s, manager when he would start to use the contract, the producer’s banding together to stem the tide of AIDS, or combating the proliferation reply was very simple: ”When you make me.” of non-Union tours throughout the country, the members of Actors’ Equity have worked together for more than 90 years to earn that In 1919, Equity made them. Broadway went dark for the first time as a respect. So whenever you go to an audition, start rehearsals, call a general strike was called. During a long, hot August, 37 productions cue or take a bow, Equity stands behind you. Working together for the were closed down at a loss of $3 million. The producers finally recognized dignity of all those connected with the art of the theatre, the struggle Equity and signed a binding five-year agreement. Before the strike, will continue… Equity had 2,777 members. After the strike, it had grown to 14,000. Actors' Equity is the union of over 45,000 American actors and stage managers working in the professional theatre. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates minimum wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Through its affiliation with the 4As, AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO and is also affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. In everything from strict payment standards to safety conditions, from pension and health to a decades-long battle against discrimination, Equity has fought, time and time again, for the dignity of the performer. When you become a professional, Equity is your voice. WHAT IS EQUITY? Auditions: Most agreements require employers to hold principal and chorus auditions, including separate auditions for Equity members. Audition notices are posted on Equity's website and on Casting Hotlines in various Area Liaison cities. In 2006, over 1,100 calls were held in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, while hundreds more were held in other cities. Dispute resolution: Having a dispute with an employer? Equity protects you through grievance procedures and binding arbitration. Let Equity help! Creating Equal Opportunity: Equity has always been in the forefront of struggles against discrimination in the theatre and has led the way for decades in the fight for non-traditional casting. Casting policies designed to expand employment opportunities for women, seniors, actors of color and performers with disabilities are provided in all agreements. Agency Regulations: Equity franchises agents who follow agreedupon commission rates and regulations. A franchised Agent Directory can be found in the Members Only section of the website. Equity members may only sign with franchised agents. WORKING FOR YOU AFL-CIO Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4As) AEA AFTRA AGMA AGVA SAG 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. • Payment standards: This has been the main focus of Equity’s work for over 90 years: making sure Equity members are treated fairly in terms of minimum salary, extra pay for extra duties, overtime, and per diem or housing when on tour. • Work rules: With ever-changing stage technology, Equity has kept its eye on safety issues, like raked stages, smoke and haze exposure, and sanitary rules, as well as limits on rehearsal time. • Guaranteed Paycheck: Equity requires most producers to post a bond to ensure payments. This means that even if a show closes, or a producer defaults, you still get paid and you still get home. • Getting work: Over the years, Equity has negotiated required auditions for principal and chorus performers, including separate auditions for Equity members. • Pension and health plans: Since 1960, producers have had to pay into pension and health trust funds. WHAT DO I GET? Contract Benefits WHAT DO I GIVE? Member Responsibilities • • • • • • • • • Never rehearse or perform without a signed Equity contract. Pay your dues on time (May and November). Keep your contact information up-to-date, register for the Members Only section of the website. Give your best possible performance. File a copy of your contract no later than first rehearsal. Make no unauthorized changes in performance, costume, make-up or hairstyle. Be on time for rehearsals and the scheduled half-hour. Notify the Stage Manager before half-hour if you are ill or unable to reach the theatre in time. Get involved. Join a Committee. VOTE. Equity can help: Equity has always been in the forefront in helping with the struggles of actors. From taxes to equal opportunity; Actors’ Federal Credit Union to unemployment claims; and through charitable organizations, including the Actors’ Equity Foundation, the Actors’ Fund of America, the Actors’ Work Program, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Career Transition for Dancers, and many more, Equity is there for you. Did you know that... Fifteen percent of our members work primarily as Stage Managers, coordinating the production during rehearsal and performance periods, and maintaining the artistic intentions of the director after the opening of the show. They maintain the prompt book, cue sheets and other records that are essential to the running of a show, and they are a vital part of AEA. A contract is a negotiated, binding agreement between Equity members and their employers. For years, most actors worked without contract, without security of any kind. Denouncing this state of affairs, Frank Gilmore said bitterly, “Ours is not a profession. It isn’t even a trade. It hasn’t even the dignity of a When should I file my contract? vocation. It’s only a A copy of your contract should be job! And half the filed no later than first rehearsal. time we don’t get paid for it!” Equity’s purpose has always been to change this: to create a binding contract that would provide security for both the actor and the employer. Today, Equity negotiates and administers more than 30 national and regional contracts which cover jobs in three categories: Principal, Chorus and Stage Manager. The Principal contract (sometimes referred to as a “white contract”) is used for all principal actors and most stage managers. The Chorus contract (sometimes referred to as the “pink” contract) is used for those actors who are primarily performing chorus work. CONTRACTS Equity is completely funded by members’ initiation fees and dues. After earning your membership, Equity’s initiation fee must be paid in full within a two-year period. Equity dues are paid in two ways: basic dues are paid each May and November; working dues, a percentage of your gross salary income (which does not include contractually-mandated per diem monies) is automatically deducted from your paycheck by your employer on behalf of Equity. Whenever you decide that the time is right to earn your Equity membership, you will be joining a long line of theatrical artists who have shown the world that acting is not only a job, but a profession of influence and dignity. “What’s in a name?” As an actor, your name is everything – just ask Archibald Leach, Alphonso D'Abruzzo and Bernice Frankel (that is, Cary Grant, Alan Alda and Bea Arthur!). Because names are so important to an actor, Equity cannot issue you a professional name that is identical (or similar sounding) to that of an already current member. If a conflict exists, you will be advised when you join. DUES FEES AND MEMBERSHIP 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Throughout the history of Equity, single strong voices have often made the difference. Equity is a member-run organization; from committees to Regional Boards, from Council to the President, members run the show! Once you earn your Equity membership, there are many ways you can become involved: • Join a committee: There are committees dealing with issues from chorus affairs, to stage managers, young performers, contract areas, Area Liaisons, EEO, filming and taping, agency regulations and more, so from your first day of membership it is easy to make your voice heard. Committee applications are available in your local Equity office. • Vote or run for office: from committees to Council, Actors’ Equity is governed by its members. Elections for Council positions are held on an annual basis. Want to change things? Vote - or better yet – run! • Let your voice be heard: the website or Equity News often becomes a forum on issues facing union members. Equity officials are quick to reply to questions and concerns. • Volunteer: Actors’ Equity offers many opportunities to volunteer and help your fellow members, by joining a committee, becoming Area Liaison, or assisting in the Educational Outreach program. HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? An informed union is a strong union; information is the lifeblood of Actors’ Equity. Equity members catch up on the latest news from a variety of sources: • Equity News newsletter: Published monthly and snail-mailed to each Equity member, Equity News offers reliable and detailed news, updates on contract negotiations, and articles placing today’s news in historical context. Equity News serves as a forum for Council Candidates and features an expansive letters page where members from around the country voice their opinions and concerns. • The Actors’ Equity web site: By clicking on www.actorsequity.org, Equity members can access Casting Call 24/7 for current audition notices, as well as update their member contact and financial information. Other features include news from each of Equity's regions, crucial announcements, touring and negotiations updates, important events and meetings, a extensive document library of Equity contracts and codes, alerts about non-Equity Don’t miss out on a job! Make productions, a year-by-year sure your contact information timeline of Equity history, is up-to-date. You can and, of course, the Gypsy manage your Profile in the Robe! Recent additions to Members Only section of the the web site have allowed website. members both to vote and to pay dues online. HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE? NATIONAL/EASTERN OFFICE 165 West 46th St. New York, NY 10036 212-869-8530 CENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE 125 S. Clark St., Suite 1500 Chicago, IL 60603 312-641-0393 WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite One Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-634-1750 Orlando Office 10319 Orangewood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821 407-345-8600 San Francisco Office 350 Sansome St., Suite 900 San Francisco, CA 94104 415-391-3838 Equity is a national organization that is divided into three administrative regions: an Eastern Region, a Central Region and a Western Region. The Union as a whole is supervised by an Executive Director, and each region is administered by its own Regional Director. Policy shaping and the ultimate decision making power resides with the Council. Council Officers and Councillors are elected by secret mail or online ballot from the membership and receive no compensation for their many hours of service. The Councillor seats are distributed among Equity’s three geographic regions, determined by the proportion of both the regional membership and working members in each contract category. www.actorsequity.org V TE O 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. Mark Zimmerman, President John P. Connolly, Executive Director Photo strip I.D. (photo credit) - 1. AEA President Frederick O'Neal and Lyndon Johnson; 2. Mylo Ironbear (Ed Krieger); 3. Richard Korthaze - Gypsy Robe (Walter McBride); 4. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA record breaking performance #7,486 (Joan Marcus); 5. Sara Surrey as “Cleopatra” and Dan Snook as “Antony” at The Old Globe's 2004 Shakespeare Festival (Craig Schwartz); 6. JACQUES BREL at Palm Beach Drama Works; 7. Starlight Theatre, Kansas City (Mark McDonald); 8. John Randolph; 9. Derwent Award winners John Tartaglia and Anika Noni Rose (John Quilty); 10. LEAGUE OF NATIONS, Mixed Blood Theatre (Rich Ryan); 11. SHEAR MADNESS, Charles Playhouse, Boston(Richard Feldman); 12. Kitty Lunn, Artistic Director of Infinity Dance Theater (Dan Demetriad); 13. Broadway Picket Line, 1968; 14. Lucy Jordan Award recipient Dirk Van Allen (Lanny van Allen); 15. Derwent Award winners Jason Ritter and Felicia P. Fields (John Quilty); 16. Philip Loeb; 17. Allyssa Cartwright, Michael Stock, HOW HIS BRIDE CAME TO ABRAHAM, Unicorn Theatre (Cynthia Levin, Courtesy of Unicorn Theatre); 18. Equity March, 1918; 19. John Dossett, Michele Pawk, Stephen J. Falat Basket Project (John Quilty); stage spot lights by David Ritter designed and written by Peter Royston, David Lotz, Amy Dolan, and Tim Thayer As Actors and Stage Managers we face uncertainty in our chosen profession but we’re also filled with passion for what we do. As Equity members, we have a hand in shaping our own future because our union is a democracy. It gives us a united voice in determining our basic compensation and working conditions through collective bargaining. Equity creates solutions to our concerns, offers programs and seminars for our advancement as individuals and as members, all of which pave the way for a dignified and rewarding career. And it gives us a network of professionals who share the same vision. I invite you to learn more about Equity, and when it’s the right time, to join us. By becoming a member you will take and important step towards empowering your future. Please check out our award-winning website [www.actorsequity.org] to learn more about your union -- Actors' Equity -- and how it can benefit you and your career. Since 1913, Actors' Equity has been the symbol of excellence in the American Theatre, setting the standard of professionalism among Actors and Stage Managers throughout the industry. We are a democratic, member-driven Union that creatively builds and defends the economic framework that allows us to practice our craft and provide for ourselves and our families with dignity over a lifelong career. Fair wages, safe working conditions, healthcare, and a secure retirement are only a few of the challenges we successfully address on your behalf. Equity has a proud history of being in the forefront of social issues that affect not only our own members, but all working people. Equity achieves this because we have a strong, dedicated elected leadership, staff and membership -- people just like you -- who work together democratically towards common goals. As an Equity member you are an important part of a proud, century-long tradition in the Theatre. Welcome!