Equity in the News

According to statistics from the United Scenic Artists, which represents craftspeople in the industry, 44 percent of their membership is female and 56 percent male, noted Christine Toy Johnson, national chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee for Actors’ Equity Association. But 72 percent of jobs went to men during the past eight years, she said.

"Entertainment workers aren't going to see what hit them until they file their tax returns next year," warns actress and tax attorney Sandra Karas, secretary treasurer of the Actors' Equity Association, who estimates that 75 percent of her guild will be paying more taxes this year.

Actress Kate Shindle has been backstage in a lot of theaters — on Broadway, off-Broadway and on tour. But she came across something unusual a few months ago when she went to rehearsals for a new show in New Jersey.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ “Gypsy of the Year” competition has been renamed the “Red Bucket Follies.”

Joe Barnes has been named the national director of organizing for Actors' Equity. Barnes previously worked for three years as the national representative for SAG-AFTRA and as a campaign manager for grassroots advocacy organization Compassion and Choices.

Actors' Equity, the labor union representing more than 51,000 professional theatre Actors and Stage Managers, has announced that Joe Barnes has been named National Director of Organizing.

This guide is for those with questions about avoiding harassment or being an ally to those who have experienced abuse. Here’s how you can spot and respond to red flags, find resources you can lean on, and learn realities to be aware of.

Nothing is more important than the safety of our members. We can and do use every resource at our disposal to keep our members safe. In addition to the language in any specific contract, employers are obligated by law to maintain a workplace free from harassment and bullying. Equity takes that obligation seriously.

Norwegian’s agreement with Equity exclusively covered May 3–5 while the ship harbored in NYC on its unveiling tour, according to a union press release. In addition to health care and pension points, the deal added $575 to the daily paychecks of union actors and $750 per day for union stage managers. 

Actors’ Equity Association has announced that a new name has been chosen for the tradition formerly known as the “Gypsy Robe.” Moving forward, the Robe and tradition, in which the longest-performing chorus member of each Broadway show is honored on opening night with a colorful patchwork garment, will be referred to as the “Legacy Robe,” a name chosen by members in a survey.