The decision shines a spotlight on the tense relationship between Broadway producers and Broadway’s 14 unions in these difficult times.
The unions say the producer, behind hits including “Rent”, “Avenue Q”, “In the Heights”, and “Six”, is manipulating the Covid situation to avoid the traditionally slow winter months.
“Continued action is necessary to ensure our government is one that serves all of its constituents, and not those who show the most force.”
Frey told Observer, “The labor movement was becoming hot, so to speak, and members were really getting activated and needed a way to organize and funnel that energy.”
As Omicron spreads, shows are relying on replacement actors more than ever. And productions without enough of them have had to cancel performances.
Actors’ Equity has named Alvin Vincent, Jr., an executive within the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, as its new executive director.
"We look forward to working with Dr. Jackson as the entire industry continues to push toward a fair and just recovery from COVID-19." Said AEA President Kate Shindle.
A new survey of arts agencies across the country finds their grant-making practices directly contribute to a lack of diversity on stages.
Just 9.4 percent of the 4,500 state and local agencies that fund performing arts projects require that institutions carrying out funded performances must pay their actors a living wage, a report by the Actors' Equity Association found.
The report offers recommendations for changes arts agencies can make to improve inclusion.
