New York – Actors' Equity Association, the union which represents more than 51,000 professional stage actors and stage managers in live theatre, announced the results of its 2026 Officer and Councilor Election. In total, 43 positions across all three regions and representing four categories (principal actor, chorus actor, stage manager and at-large) were filled, effective immediately. All terms are four years except where noted.
National Officers: Jacqueline Jarrold was elected 1st Vice President – Principal. Sarah Quinn Taylor was elected 2nd Vice President – Chorus. Leslie Sears was elected 3rd Vice President – Stage Manager. Jeff Applegate was elected Secretary/Treasurer, without opposition.
In the Eastern Region:
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region Principal Councilor:
- Joanne Borts
- Todd Buonopane
- Danny Burgos
- Kate Burton
- Kimberly Chatterjee
- Matt DaSilva
- Ellis Gage (2-year term)
- Aisha Jackson
- Doug MacKechnie
- Carla Martinez
- Kilty Reidy
- Jesse James Rose
- Cecilia Snow
- Sharon S. Wheatley
- Christopher Henry Young
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region Chorus Councilor:
- Taavon Gamble
- Ashley E. Matthews
- Alicia Newcom
- Ryan Rodiño
- Kaylin Seckel
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region Stage Manager Councilor:
- Jonathan Bach
- Ruth E. Kramer
- Ashani Smith
- Lara Tenenbaum
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region At-Large Councilor:
- Elizabeth Ramirez
- Bert Rodriguez
- Rebecca Talisman
In the Central Region:
The following candidate was unopposed and deemed elected Central Region Principal Councilor:
- Kelli Crump
The following candidate was elected Central Region Chorus Councilor:
- Kristen Beth Williams
In the Western Region:
The following candidates were elected Western Region Principal Councilor:
- Will Allan
- Brittany Bellizeare
- Brian Herndon
- Brian Kim McCormick
- Kathryn Smith McGlynn
- DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor
- Allie Trimm
The following candidates were elected Western Region Stage Manager Councilor:
- Kaylee Sarton McCray
- Laura Zingle
The following candidate was unopposed and deemed elected Western Region At-Large Councilor:
- Heather M. Brose
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
May 21, 2026
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