EQUITYACTORS’ EQUITY: STANDING UP FOR OURNEWS MEMBERS

MAY 2015 / Volume 100 / Number 4 www.actorsequity.org Vote in AEA’s 2015 Election Ask If It’s Equity Has Arrived allots for Equity’s 2015 their unique login number Council election were (from the paper ballot) and Equity launches its national campaign in seven key Bdistributed on April 13, Member ID number (printed markets to assist the union in taking back the road. 2015. Members who have on the front of their Equity registered for a paperless membership card, minus the fter the overwhelming ballot received an email from leading zeroes) and follow success of the pilot actorsequityhelp@electionser online voting instructions. Acampaign in Chicago vicescorp.com with directions Deadline for receipt of last fall, Ask If It’s Equity – the on how to vote online. All ballots is May 20, 2015. All digital advertising and social other members have been ballots must be received by media campaign to raise sent a paper ballot (but still the balloting company by awareness among audiences have the option to vote 10 a.m. EST.* about the importance of Equity online). *Please note, as a contract protections for its targeting seven Equity liaison- educate audiences to accept After receiving a paper correction to the time listed in touring members and area cities through a mix of nothing less than an Equity tour ballot, if members wish to the April edition of Equity transparency when people pay digital ads in online arts with actors and stage managers vote online, they should go to News, all ballots must be for “Broadway” – has gone sections and local theater who are part of the company. https://www.esc- received by the balloting national. Ask If It’s Equity is part websites, as well as promoted Featuring artwork by Equity vote.com/ae2015/ and enter company by 10 a.m. EST. of the union’s ongoing efforts to content on Facebook and member Justin “Squigs” take back control of the road Twitter. The city Robertson, the Ask If It’s Equity targets are Boston, website allows visitors to learn Equity on the Hill for Cincinnati/Louisville, about the rights and protections Minneapolis/St. Equity affords its members, to Paul, Orlando, San Arts Advocacy Day read testimonials from members Francisco, Seattle on tour and to see a schedule of and Washington, Equity Councillors, board Representing AEA were Equity touring productions D.C./Baltimore. members and staff attended the Eastern Regional Vice President around the country. 2015 National Arts Advocacy Melissa Robinette, Chorus Each city that Member involvement is Day to strengthen support for Councillor Allyson Tucker, CRB was selected for the crucial to spreading the word the arts. non-Councillor Peggy Thorp and campaign was about Ask If It’s Equity. Visit t this year’s annual Senior Business Representative chosen based on its askifitsequity.com for easy ways Americans for the Arts’ Larry Lorczak. strong touring to share the campaign on National Arts Advocacy First-timers to Advocacy Day market offering a A Facebook and follow Day on March 23-24, 2015, have the opportunity to network mix of Equity shows @AskIfItsEquity on Twitter. representatives from Actors’ with other more experienced and strengthen conditions for and non-Equity Equity Association stood with advocates have lobbyed and actors and stage managers on tours that are branded as Members in current touring over 85 organizations and more spoke with members of tour. “Broadway.” Two-fold, this productions are encouraged to than 550 advocates with one Congress. The first day consists Ask If It’s Equity is designed campaign will challenge road share their own tour life and goal: to fight for the arts. of training, where attendees are to meet audiences online. Now, presenters and producers of backstage photos and can Arts Advocacy Day, which is briefed on issues and then do with its own dedicated, non-Equity touring productions contact Equity directly through meant to provide an opportunity mock-meetings to help reinforce interactive website and Twitter to offer consumer transparency the website to add personal to receive advocacy training from their stance on arts issues, and account, the campaign, when people pay premium quotes to the featured experts and then put that training ends with the Nancy Hanks launched April 1, began “Broadway” ticket prices and testimonials. into practice, has been an important AEA mission. Equity, once again, is a co-sponsor of the event and representatives go Executive Director Addresses to learn about and fight for issues important to members. Members at Annual Meeting

Here is a reprint of the speech upon this year. feed, but articles have appeared given by Executive Director Mary Communications: in each issue published of Equity McColl at the Annual News since last April. (Did you Wehavehiredanin-house Membership Meeting on April 10, know that through contract editor who has worked with the 2015. enforcement, staff in the Central Equity News Committee to our elected Council and Region recovered $41,408 for refresh the content and design of the staff of the union members in 2014? Equity News. The committee has have been very busy this #EquityWorks.) Y also developed features that CRB non-Councillor Peggy year and much good work has Since April 2014, we have Thorp, Eastern Regional Vice allow us to pull in visual been done on behalf of the grown our Facebook followers President Melissa Robinette, elements that tell stories from Senior Business Representative membership. Building on the from 44 to 55 thousand (adding our members’ perspectives. We Larry Lorczak and Chorus infrastructure work that was over 600 page likes monthly), Councillor Allyson Tucker at the frequently ask members across reported out last year, we have our Twitter followers from 28 Americans for the Arts’ National the country to share their stories Arts Advocacy Day. continued to move forward in our thousand to 35 thousand (adding core mission: negotiating to about being an Equity member. over 550 followers monthly) and Lecture. improve working conditions for For the most recent issue, we doubled our Instagram followers Equity representatives actors and stage managers, asked the question “what female to 1,839. pushed for more funding for the while continuing to increase the Equity member has inspired your This year, we launched over

Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY and Additional Mailing Offices career?” The responses we National Endowment for the efficiency of the business that (continued on page 3) Arts, as increased funds will supports that core mission. That received were published in lead to jobs for Equity members business is the administration of Equity News, but also were Index across the country. linked to Twitter and posted on NEWS contracts, incoming and out- During the two-day event, a going communications, collection Facebook, where other members Page 2 ...... L.A. Intimate Theater record-breaking 134 House of dues, expanded opportunities helped share that good news by Page 4...... Meet Jerry Adler members banded together to for member participation, posting on their own social Page 4 ...... Lucy Jordan Award UITY sign a bipartisan letter expanded opportunities to learn media platforms. 165 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036 Address Service Requested Paid in New York, NY

Q Page 5 ...... Rosetta LeNoire Award requesting $154.466 million about the broader industry. All of Not only do the #EquityWorks E (continued on page 3) these areas have been touched items show up in our Twitter Page 6 ...... National News 2 / EQUITY news MAY 2015 Area Liaison Equity’s Council Decides upon New Membership Hotline system Rules and Agreements for L.A. Theater

Call 877-AEA-1913 fter receiving and implementation period so that in theaters with 50 seats or compensation, expense Equity has a national toll-free considering months of theaters have time to adjust. fewer, where the budget for the reimbursement and other hotline system for members who Afeedback from members This broad set of options is a production does not exceed working conditions. live in area liaison and office on all sides of the debate on nuanced, tiered approach in $20,000, for up to 16 • Los Angeles 99-Seat cities. The number is 877-AEA- intimate theater in Los Angeles, response to the serious performances. For use up to Agreement. A collective 1913 (honoring the year of Equity’s Council, on April 21, concerns expressed by three times per season, this bargaining agreement to be 2015, has taken several members about the particular Code puts L.A. in alignment with Equity’s founding). Each Area negotiated with producers for important steps to address many needs of the L.A. theater other areas of the country. The Liaison city has its own productions in theaters of 99 of the concerns expressed by community. Showcase Code provides for extension, where members can seats or fewer. The Agreement members in L.A. They have Equity will make available for reimbursement of actual access news and information provides no restrictions on acted in a manner consistent members and producers in L.A. expenses, favored nations in their region. budget, length of the rehearsal with Equity’s long history of County the following stepping compensation, and future rights period, ticket price, or the length (1) Dial 877-AEA-1913 advocating for wages, working stones: for actors in subsequent of the performance run. The (2) Dial your city extension: conditions, collaboration, • Los Angeles Transitional productions. Agreement would provide for fairness and respect for 99-Seat Code. This code, with • NEW Los Angeles 811 Atlanta salary payments based on the professional actors and stage many of the same terms as the Membership Company Rule. In 812 Austin/San Antonio legally-mandated minimum wage managers. Their actions have existing 99-Seat Theatre Plan, the Council’s original proposal, 813 Boston in Los Angeles County (currently national implications, impacting will be in effect from April 22, membership companies would $9 per hour) with minimum call 814 Buffalo/Rochester all 50,000 Equity members – in 2015 to May 31, 2016, and will have been limited to their current requirements, but with no 815 Chicago L.A. and around the country. be available to existing 99-Seat membership. Council amended pension or health benefit 816 Cincinnati/Louisville The Council voted to make Theatre Plan producers, so they this new internal union payments required. The 817 Cleveland substantial changes to the 99- may have time to transition to the membership rule to allow any Agreement would require future 818 Dallas/Fort Worth Seat Theatre Plan that will newly-available options. Equity member to participate (continued on page 8) 819 Denver eliminate the availability of the • Los Angeles Self- with any membership company 820 Detroit Plan. They have adopted new, Produced Project Code. This is as long as that company was in 821 Florida – Central internal union membership rules an internal union membership existence prior to Feb. 6, 2015, 822 Florida – South that contain several important rule allowing Equity members to had registered their company by Equity’s Bonding 823 Houston changes to the original proposal collaborate as a group to self- April 1, 2015, and had previously – including a Showcase Code produce theater without the produced under the prior 99- Policy and How 824 Kansas City and changes to the Los Angeles requirement of an Equity Seat Theatre Plan. This new 825 Las Vegas it Works Membership Company Rule. contract. internal union membership rule 826 Los Angeles One of the most important They have allowed for the use of • NEW Los Angeles 50-Seat allows Equity members to provisions of an Equity contract, 827 Milwaukee/Madison the Small Professional Theater Showcase Code. The Council participate in their membership 828 Minneapolis/St Paul Agreement, which up until this has adopted an internal union companies without the the bonding policy was 829 Nashville point has not been available in membership rule, which allows requirement of an Equity established decades ago in 830 New Orleans Los Angeles, and they have members to work without the contract. Members may order to protect union members 831 New York provided for a 13-month requirement of an Equity contract negotiate their own when working under contract. 832 Philadelphia This policy helps ensure that you receive the minimum 833 Phoenix/Tucson guarantee of contractual salary 834 Pittsburgh and benefits (including pension 835 San Diego CRB to Fill Nine Non-Councillor Seats and health credits) in a timely 836 San Francisco As per the By-Laws of Actors’ Equity Association, the Central Region will be electing nine non- Councillor seats for the Central Regional Board for the 2015 Election. Only members living in the manner should an employer 837 Seattle Central Region are eligible to run and to vote for these positions. default on its obligations to you 838 St. Louis The following 2-year seats are available: five principal, one chorus, and one stage manager. A 1- or Equity. However, it’s important 839 Washington DC/Baltimore year principal seat and a 1-year stage manager seat are also available. to note that filing your contract All candidates must meet the same eligibility requirements in their category as Councillors in their once it is signed – no later than category. If you wish to be considered for any of the above seats, please submit your candidacy the first rehearsal – helps Equity according to the following schedule: guarantee the agreement is properly bonded. Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Candidate packets available by contacting the Central Regional Here’s how it works: The Office bond is simply determined by Wednesday, July 8, 2015 Deadline for nominations by independent petition. Petition and how many contracts are needed administrative forms due in the Chicago office by 3 p.m. CST for the agreement. For Monday, July 13, 2015 Deadline for all Candidates Statements and photos to be re- productions that are individually ceived in the Chicago office is 3 p.m. CST produced by one or more producers (“single unit” Monday, August 3, 2015 Deadline for mailing of ballots* EQUITYNEWS productions), it’s especially Editor: JOSH AUSTIN Tuesday, September 1, 2015 Deadline for return of ballots to the Chicago office is 2:30 p.m. important that the union receives Equity News Advisory Committee CST your contract in a timely manner. Christine Toy Johnson, Chair Wednesday, September 2, 2015 Tellers’ Committee picks up ballots and tabulates results It’s also important that we (Eastern) or Friday, September 4, 2015 have your contract in timely Nancy Daly (Western) manner for seasonal theaters. Diane Dorsey (Central) Tuesday, September 8, 2015 Report of Tellers’ Committee to the Central Regional Board and Nicole Flender (Eastern) Seating of New Board Members For seasonal theater, such as Bruce Alan Johnson (Eastern) Stock, LORT and Letters of *In accordance with the Equity By Laws, should there be no contest among candidates for Kevin McMahon (Western) Agreement, to name a few, the listed seats the nominee(s) shall be deemed elected without need for a ballot. Liz Pazik (Central) bond is based on the highest Barbara Roberts (Western) For a CRB non-Councillor candidate packet, contact Emanuel Rios at [email protected] or number of active contracts in a Melissa Robinette (Eastern) 312-641-0393 ext. 240. (continued on page 8) Buzz Roddy (Eastern) EQUITY NEWS (ISSN: 00924520) is published monthly except for com- On opening night, what is one ritual you do in order to help you prepare for the show? bined issues in Jan./Feb., July/Aug., Oct.,/Nov., by Actors' Equity Association, 165 West 46th Street, On opening night of any show that I do, I always TERRY LAVELL New York, NY 10036. Telephone: make sure I lead the cast in a prayer circle, (212) 869-8530. Periodicals thanking God for the cast, crew, musicians and creative team to bless the postage paid at New York, NY. and additional mailing offices. Copyright run of show. And, I always take a deep breath in and then exhale. 2003, Actors' Equity Association. LYNDSY KAIL Subscription price for non-members of Actors' Equity Association: $25 On opening nights I like to sneak into the theater before the house opens per year. Postmaster: Send address and sit in the audience and imagine the show. Then I pop changes to Equity News, 165 West 46th St., New York, NY 10036. onstage and take in the empty seats and say a little prayer of gratitude. MAY 2015 EQUITY news / 3

Annual Meeting by spreading the word. with elected officials and other There are currently nearly LOA to full LORT Agreements. decision makers and funders. 40,000 active members The staff has negotiated 88 (continued from page 1) Advocacy: Diversity registered for the Member Portal. LOAs and 20 SPTs. Social Justice Since last April we have The Central Region had 230 distinct bulk email We recently participated in a As you know, the governors of collected over $3 million in dues 2,609 new work weeks, plus 18 campaigns to 884,000 recipients, panel about diversity at the Indiana and Arkansas have and initiation fees online. More new and/or returning theaters with an open rate of 55%. Congo Square Theatre Company signed the Religious Freedom than 10,000 members have added this year. The staff (Epsilon, a web intelligence in Chicago. Central Regional Restoration Acts into law, signed up for paperless billing. If negotiated 20 LOAs and 57 service, reports a national Director Sean Taylor was among allowing any business owner to you haven’t done so yet, please SPTs and eight larger, individual average open rate of 28.5%.) an impressive group of speakers, deny service based on their consider signing up. It is easy, producer/multi-employer Email campaigns vary in content, including Michelle Boone, personal religious beliefs. Both saves paper and saves your agreements (with wage increase ranging from membership Commissioner – City of Chicago, bills have undergone changes union money. And, I would be results averaging from 2.7% to meeting notifications to Department of Cultural Affairs; meant to “fix” them. Although remiss if I didn’t remind you to 3.3% per year). invitations to events such as Ben Cameron of the Doris Duke these are meant to be steps in make sure that your address and The Eastern Region had CTI’s “The Business of Show Foundation and Teresa Eyring the right direction, we believe the other contact information is 2,933 new work weeks, plus 22 Business Seminar,” from from the Theatre Communi- “fixes” in both of these bills falls updated in the Member Portal. new or returning theater notifications of free flu shots to cations Group. This panel was short of providing full protection companies added this year paperless billing for dues one of a series called “Owning New Work/New for anyone who may be the (including the Allenberry payments and from new member Our Worth.” Employers/More Contracts: target of discrimination. Playhouse returning to a full receptions to health surveys from Staff has been very busy The Council of Actors’ Equity Systems: Equity agreement after 10 years The Actors Fund. In each case, working on existing relationships is on record in support of the Building on the success of our of producing non-Equity). There we are communicating directly with employers and building new Federal Employment Non- upgraded Member Portal, and are 16 new single production with members. With all of those relationships, resulting in an Discrimination Act and similar working on the promise to make producers, five new Business emails sent, only 145 members additional 7,708 paid work legislative efforts to end it easier to participate in and Theatre Agreements, and staff unsubscribed from receiving weeks added for Equity discrimination against LGBT communicate with the union, we negotiated 152 Media emails from us. We believe this members across the country. citizens. A petition has been have created an online Deputy Agreements, with a doubling of tells us that members want to National Organizing: circulated, asking Equity to pull Portal and support center, broadcast agreements over a hear from their union. all tours out of their bookings in replacing the paper and snail Troika will be touring a 12-month period. Ask If It’s Equity: Indiana. While language in our mail version of the deputy packet production of the new musical After a successful run in collective bargaining agreements and report. Deputies may now Around the World in 80 Days on Chicago, we have taken Ask If prevents us from requiring sign on to the Member Portal, a Special Agreement. This tour Arts Advocacy Day will not perform in a theater, but It’s Equity national. If you are producers to cancel their where the Deputy Portal is (continued from page 1) buying tickets to a Broadway bookings, Equity’s staff has located, and make reports about in a specially created venue and (about a $9 million increase) for Tour, make sure to Ask If It’s already reached out to producers issues large and small. Those will play in major markets across the NEA for the 2016 fiscal year. Equity. to tell them that we are closely reports are immediately the country. The tour is an The letter stated, “Few other This campaign, which shines monitoring the situation to forwarded to the Business Rep Equity tour. Terms are federal investments have such a a spotlight on Equity members ensure the safety and well-being working that particular show so comparable to the SET widespread impact and on tour, and the importance of of our members touring into he or she can take action. A Agreement, including overage magnifying effect across the Equity contract protections while these states. In addition, we have record of the issue will also be participation. entire nation as does the Arts on the road, is a digital reached out to touring made in our system. For We will be entering into Endowment. According to the campaign directed at the ticket- companies that are scheduled to instance: If deputies on tour negotiations with BASE NEA, for every one dollar we buying public. Ask If It’s Equity travel to Indiana and Arkansas to make reports about a particular Entertainment for an agreement spend on federal arts initiatives has its own dedicated website discuss any concerns and how theater in St. Paul, MN (they can that will cover all of their and Twitter feed. Launched on we may be of help. Our Central even take a quick picture of that productions in Las Vegas. This we see nine non-federal dollars Wednesday, April 1, 2015, here Regional Director is reaching out mold/faulty plumbing/dirty relationship is responsive to our leveraged, generating over $600 are the results so far: to our members who reside in bathroom with their phone and members in Las Vegas, who are million in matching support • The website has received these states and will also reach upload the picture with their asking for more union work. while at the same time enriching over 11,000 visits out to those members who are report), that helps create a We have reached an our children and communities working in regional theater. agreement with Norwegian with access to the arts they • The campaign has been record to be used in labor Further, we are examining how Cruise Lines for B-roll usage for might not otherwise have.” mentioned over 725 times on management meetings and your union can join the fight two shows for which our “I believe it is vital for Actors’ social media (Facebook/ eventually in negotiations. Since against these so-called “religious members will be paid. This Equity to be a part of Arts Twitter) the portal was launched, there agreement comes with freedom” bills when they crop up have been 165 support cases Advocacy,” Thorp said. “We are • The @AskIfItsEquity handle language that says “both parties in other states. submitted online by deputies. ‘in the trenches,’ so to speak, on Twitter now has 725 are desiring to start exploratory Arts Funding We have added new and can tell stories from our followers conversations with each other.” For more than a decade, technology that allows for us to personal experience as to the • @AskIfItsEquity tweets This is the first door to crack Equity has been a co-sponsor of conduct cloud-based video value of the arts in everyone’s have reached over 457,000 open after years of work Americans for the Arts’ National conferencing, which we have life.” attempting to organize people Arts Advocacy Day in successfully used to conference Equity representatives also performers and stage managers This concept is currently Washington, D.C. This year, with touring casts as well as talked about increasing the on cruise ships. being used for touring, but can Eastern Regional Vice President stage managers from across the number of jobs, white space easily be re-worked for other Melissa Robinette, Councillor country. Sharing Good News with wireless mics issues, 401K organizing campaigns. So, why Allyson Tucker, Central Regional We intend to make further by Region: funding though the arts, and not tell your family and friends to Board member Peggy Thorpe use of this technology, as we The Western Region had arts education. get in the habit now and always and staff member, Senior implement new strategies to 2,166 new work weeks, plus 63 “As a member of Equity,” said Ask If It’s Equity when buying a Business Representative Larry build member involvement. If you new companies that used Thorp, “I was able to reiterate ticket. Please visit the website, Lorczak attended meetings with have an idea that you think Special Appearance and Guest the value of the arts (and live AskIfItsEquity.com, to learn congressional representatives to would make good use of this Artist Agreements. These 63 theater in particular) in enriching more about the campaign – and talk about the importance of new technology, email me at companies had never hired the cultural life of our community please share the information funding for the National [email protected]. We Equity members before. Eight and how theater artists have through social media, emailing Endowment for the Arts and the know that not everyone can or Western Region theaters have helped enrich the education of and by telling everyone you arts in general. We continue to wants to join a committee. This is transitioned to SPTs in the last our youth through programs in know. You can help your seek opportunities where we can your chance to tell us how you year, and four Western region schools and special showings of brothers and sisters on the road share that important message would like to participate. theaters have moved from an regular productions.”

On opening night, what is one ritual you do in order to help you prepare for the show?

JASON NALL During the day of opening, I get a haircut and shave (I’ve usually been growing my beard out since the week before tech for luck), and that night, I arrive and sit quietly in the booth alone for a few minutes. Right before places I spend a few seconds with each actor to connect and say “Toi Toi Toi” — a holdover from my opera days — before heading to the console! REBECCA E. COVINGTON On opening night, I love to dive into the show by spending the entire day listening to music inside the world of whatever production I’m doing. A little pre-show dance party never hurt anyone! 4 / EQUITY news MAY 2015 At 86, Jerry Adler has barely even begun his acting career erry Adler, age 86, has EN: When did you decide to changed Adler: Well, I use to enjoy donned many theatrical hats make the leap from behind- since 1951? doing understudy rehearsals in Jduring his almost 65-year the-scenes to the stage? Adler: My Fair Lady because I could career. Currently appearing on Adler: Acting came when I Monetarily, play all the roles. I could play Broadway in Larry David’s was getting ready to retire. it’s changed Higgins, I could play Doolittle – I comedy Fish in the Dark, Adler When I was 65 years old, a tremendously. could have a lot of fun doing has 53 Broadway credits to his friend of mine who is a casting When My that. That was fun to do. This is name, but the role of stage director called me (at the time I Fair Lady my second acting job on “actor” isn’t necessarily what’s was directing a soap opera in opened, we Broadway, so I don’t have any Jerry Adler, center, along with the cast of Fish in opened with kept him busy on the main stem California), and she said, “The the Dark. Photo by Joan Marcus favorite acting jobs yet. I’m still for more than half a century. director of this movie, when he a price of working on it. Officially the third-oldest describes who he wants, read and I listen to the laughter $7.50 (a EN: What has been a working Equity member (Mike describes you, would you come out front, which is great. If you ticket) and then we raised it to moment that has made you Nussbaum at 91 holds the and meet him?” I never acted listen to laughs all day long, it $8.05. It made a headline in the proud to be a union member? number one spot while Angela before. So I met this guy and he makes your life a little happier. New York Times that My Fair Adler: Equity helped me a did a big take when I walked in EN: Over your expansive Lady had broken the $8 barrier. great deal when I first got out of You look around now and seats the room. Later on I asked him, career, what has been the one the army in 1952. I got a loan are $499; it’s unbelievable. Also, “Why did you do that take when memory that hasn’t left? from them, which really helped it’s much more digitized. I would I walked in the room?” He said, Adler: Backstage in New me get started because I was never be able to be a stage “Because I said to myself, ‘Oh Haven, during the run – a week looking around for work and it manager now because I’m not my God I hope he can act.’” So I after opening – of My Fair Lady, was hard getting started again technically savvy. [Laughs.] I’m got this job in a movie. I helped a woman in the when you got out of the army. just learning how to use the EN: And it stuck. audience give birth to a baby. This was the Korean War. And in Internet. I would never be able Adler: Well, Woody Allen The show had ended and I was that time Equity gave me a hell to figure out what the hell they’re saw the movie and cast me in packing up, we were at the of a boost. And of course the doing backstage now. Manhattan Murder Mystery and Shubert Theatre in New Haven, health plan was great in those Everything is so automated it’s and I hear this moaning. I days; it was such a new thing. Jerry Adler acting started. amazing. Thank god I’m an looked out on the stage, and EN: What is your daily actor, or I’d be out of work. The When I got married and had a stage left in one of the boxes – Lansbury, 89 is ranked number routine for performing eight stage managers today are really baby, it really was great. two), Adler talked to Equity shows a week? there was a floor box – there extraordinary. EN: What’s after Fish in the News about earning his card, Adler: This is the perfect was this woman lying there and EN: Out of all the roles Dark? working eight shows a week and show for me because I never I ran out to see. She was giving you’ve played either on stage, Adler: Oh my god, I have no that one time he helped deliver touch the floor. I’m in a bed the birth. Her husband had run out or backstage (actor, stage idea. Well, I’m still doing The a baby out in the house. (Yes, whole time. They roll me on and to get a cab or the doctor or manager, director, etc…), Good Wife on television and I’m you read that correctly.) they roll me off. So, it’s the whatever. I took off my jacket what’s been you’re favorite just waiting to see. Hopefully I’ll Equity News: Jerry, in your perfect role. In between my stint and the baby came. [Laughs.] thus far? get another job where I’m lying own words, tell us, “How I Got on stage and the curtain call I EN: How has Broadway down. Walking around is tough. My Equity Card.” Jerry Adler: I got hired on Labor Day 1950 to be the at The Actors Fund in L.A., second assistant stage manager AEA Veteran Mary Lou Westerfield Westerfield has served as a on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes board member and the 2nd Vice with Carol Channing. I was still President of Screen Actors Guild up in Syracuse at the time. I got garners the 2014 Lucy Jordan Award in New York; 2nd Vice President the job because my father was ary Lou Westerfield colleagues and peers that she proudly received her Equity of Theatre Authority, Inc.; the company manager, so I am always wanted to be in garnered her the 2014 Lucy card. founding board member of the product of nepotism. That Mthe theater, but she Jordan Award. “Since becoming a member, Career Transition for Dancers; was my first job; it was great. I never planned to dedicate her life The Award was started in she has been a workhorse – International Executive Secretary was gaga-eyed because there to the industry. For the former 1992 to honor the legacy of Lucy trustworthy and loyal – doing of the 4As and member of the was Carol Channing and there Equity Western Regional Finney Jordan, a former ballerina things that make a difference, Western Council of The Actors were a lot of stars in it and it Director/Assistant Executive and chorus “gypsy” who, for often going above the jobs on Fund. She was also instrumental was a big, hit show. Director, it just kind of happened. many years, was the “face” of Council and staff,” said Equity in creating affordable housing for EN: How did it feel to finally Of course, for her, with not one Actors’ Equity in the Western Councillor, James T. McDermott. performing artists. Longtime chair get the card? regret. Region as the union’s outside “Mary Lou has supported all of the policy committee for Adler: I hadn’t thought much “I just wanted to work,” she field rep. The award is given to individuals within the arts Manhattan Plaza, she negotiated about getting my Equity card so said, “and I knew that meant I those who demonstrate “a industry to champion fairness in a 20-year agreement with the soon because I was still in needed to be a member of lifetime commitment to the contractual coverage and new owners to maintain that school. It was a big surprise, Actors’ Equity. While working on theater and especially, helping benefits for all members of all housing for performing artists. and, of course, great. Then, various Equity contracts, I shared other theater artists.” performing arts unions, not just “Lucy was a great person,” because I had the card, I got a the stage with Councillors and Westerfield’s résumé at AEA. Finally, and perhaps most said Westerfield, “and as a staff job right away after Blondes with then-Equity president Theo Equity, and otherwise, is importantly, she has made member, she was loved and closed. I became a stage Bikel. I was encouraged to join impressive. Serving AEA herself available 24/7 to anyone appreciated by members and manager on a show called committees and run for Council. members in capacities that who needs her or her advice - producers alike. It’s truly an honor Seventeen, which was a One year followed another; I kept spanned from Chorus Councillor much like they did with Lucy to get ‘her’ award. As a member musical, produced by Milton putting one foot in front of to Second Vice President and Jordan.” of Equity, it makes me feel Berle at the time. Fish in the another – I was a dancer after all then from National Director, In addition to the time she put grateful to be honored this way. Dark is the 53rd Broadway show – and the rest just happened.” Policy to the National Executive in with Equity, which includes As a staff member, it makes me that I am associated with, It’s Westerfield’s dedication, Team to Western Regional serving as an original VITA feel humble that members think I having been either a director, service, loyal nature and the Director, Westerfield has been an volunteer in New York City and followed in Lucy’s footsteps and stage manager, producer, actor. admiration for her from her Equity mainstay since 1973 when helping begin the VITA program followed her example.”

On opening night, what is one ritual you do in order to help you prepare for the show?

NICK BRANDON Every opening night I do a little chant with my crew called “All that is Good.” It goes, “All that is good. And accomplished in this world. Takes work! Takes work! Takes HAAAAARRD WORK! And everything else? I said EVERYTHING else? Is jive!” It gets us focused and ready to put on an awesome show! ANNIE BELLINGER Before the house opens, but once everyone is off the stage, I stand at center stage and take a deep breath to release tech and transition into show mode. MAY 2015 EQUITY news / 5

theater received its second Tony Award when John Doyle’s Looking toward the future with the actor/musician production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park which premiered at the Playhouse the previous year, history of nurturing new works, Compulsion celebrated the was named the Best Revival of We asked the staff at while expanding the theater’s opening night of both play and a Musical. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park commitment to culturally diverse Playhouse. Just eight years Diversifying Playhouse to tell us about the theater; this and multi-generational plays later, with sold-out houses programming is also one of is what they had to say: and ramping up the company’s becoming the norm in the Robison’s key goals. To this end, he Cincinnati Playhouse community engagement efforts. intimate Thompson he reconceived the theater’s in the Park may be one Today’s Cincinnati Playhouse Shelterhouse, the larger Robert artistic model to include four Tof the country’s oldest is the product of a rich history. It S. Marx Theatre was added. associate artists — Timothy regional theaters, but that began in 1959 with the dream of Although productions have Douglas, Michael Evan Haney, doesn’t mean the organization is a young college student, Gerald been presented first and KJ Sanchez and Eric Ting. “This happy to rest on past Covell, who combined his foremost for the Tristate area, is a unique, new paradigm for successes. Wrapping up his artistic vision for a professional the Playhouse always has engaging artists in the life of our third season as the Playhouse’s theater in Cincinnati with the contributed to the national institution,” Robison said. new artistic director, Blake commitment of several of the stage. More than 70 plays have Leroy James McClain, “Together, they participate in city’s arts, received their world premieres Stephanie Berry and Shane season planning and form the business and on one of the Playhouse’s two Taylor in the Cincinnati backbone of our directing corps. political stages over the course of the Playhouse in the Park’s 2014 world premiere production of They bring a diversity of leaders. The theater’s 55-year history, a Safe House. Photo by Sandy backgrounds, experiences and original prestigious list that includes Underwood viewpoints to the Playhouse. It’s Playhouse several Steinberg Award an inclusive, forward-looking was confined finalists, a Pulitzer Prize Gunderson and Native Gardens model that excites me very to a park nominee and works that have by Karen Zacarías. much.” shelterhouse. seen subsequent life both on “The creation of new plays is The Cincinnati Playhouse Scheduled and off-Broadway. This focus on an important part of our mission has been an Equity theater for new work continues in the and essential for keeping demolition, current Playhouse season, theater timely and vital in since its inception, and its the building partnership with Actors’ Equity The cast of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the which saw the premiere of Keith today’s world,” says Robison. Park’s 2006 production of Company. Photo by Sandy offered the Josef Adkins’ Safe House, and “Most new plays get their start, has been a key to its ongoing Underwood perfect in the recently announced 2015- of course, not in New York but in success. According to Robison, setting: great 16 season, which will include regional theaters like the “We are proud to work with a Robison has been busy making theater performed in the world premiere plays by two of Playhouse.” This legacy robust community of local his mark at the theater by beautiful surroundings of the country’s most exciting and contributed to the Playhouse members, as well as Equity building on the Playhouse’s Cincinnati’s Eden Park. On Oct. prolific female playwrights: The receiving the Regional Theatre artists from New York and reputation for excellence and 10, 1960, Meyer Levin’s Revolutionists by Lauren Tony Award in 2004. In 2007, the across the country.”

festivals, along with new works Vermont’s Weston Playhouse Theatre Company and education programs, including a middle and high earns the 2015 Rosetta LeNoire Award school playwright residency program and a young adult estled in the rural commitment the playhouse in 1988 and Broadway Boot Camp. mountains of Vermont to inclusion,” becoming a nonprofit Equity Currently in the throes of a – and in a town said house, Stettler, along with its N campaign to improve the boasting a population just shy of Christine Toy founding directors, have made it Weston Playhouse, which 600 – the Weston Playhouse Johnson, their mission to keep their includes an effort to raise funds Theatre Company has Equity stages diverse. for a state-of-the-art studio dedicated itself to diversity on its Councillor, “We believe that theater theater as well as general stage. That’s why the Playhouse National should explore the human renovations, the Playhouse is Equal has been named the proud condition and that diversity is of striving to dig deeper into Employment recipient of Equity’s 2015 the essence in doing so,” said Vermont’s soil while creating a Opportunity Rosetta LeNoire Award. The Stettler. “Particularly because national theatrical impact and committee Playhouse’s Producing Artistic we produce in one of the least maintain its professionalism and (L-R) Equity member Marcus Neville; Christine Toy chair. “I Director, Steve Stettler, ethnically diverse states in the value toward diversity. Johnson, National Equal Employment Opportunity strongly accepted the award on April 10, Committee Chair; Weston Playhouse’s Producing country, we place a priority on “Weston is deeply honored to believe that 2015, during Equity’s Annual Artistic Director Steve Stettler; and Playhouse board diverse programming, casting the be recognized in the company Membership Meeting in New member Anthony Wood Photo by Stephanie Masucci and hiring. We are constantly community of the remarkable artists, York City. working to see that our of artists that theaters and organizations who The award, established in of ethnic minorities, female company and community are the Weston Playhouse has have won the Rosetta LeNoire 1988, recognizes outstanding actors and actors with inclusive and welcoming, and created has organically become Award,” Stettler said. “We are artistic contributions to the disabilities through multi-racial that the work on our stages a community of artists of the proud of our long-standing universality of the human and/or non-traditional casting. reflects a broader world and diverse world in which we live – relationship with Actors’ Equity experience in American Theater. “Through diverse world view.” because of the world view that and our dedication to diversity The award is given to an The oldest professional programming, inclusive casting its producers have and are and theatrical excellence. This individual, theater or producing and development of new works, committed to upholding.” theater in the state, the award further inspires us to organization with an exemplary the Weston Playhouse company is now an award- continue to set an example in record in the hiring or promotion consistently demonstrates a Since taking over the reins of winning theater with summer the field.”

On opening night, what is one ritual you do in order to help you prepare for the show?

TINA M. JACH I page through my prompt book to make sure all is in order and go through any multi-cue sequences. Then I go to the stage and walk around to make sure all is good for the company and I soak in the quiet.

JAY PARANADA I’m usually pretty quiet and focused, speeding through my lines in my head before putting on my mic. And for my nerves, I’ll sing one vocal siren before walking on for the first time, just to make sure my voice is still there. 6 / EQUITY news MAY 2015

Members of the Atlanta Liaison Committee with Jean Goffaux (far left) from Open Hand with the certificate and plaque. Atlanta, Georgia Members in Atlanta Raise Impressive

lack of spaces for productions, a Funds for Open Hand Atlanta list of current bonded producers, For the fourth consecutive volunteers, stood in lobbies and upcoming NOLA Equity and collected donations from Photo: Edward R. Cox year, the Atlanta Area Liaison events, such as the EMC Committee sponsored and generous patrons. This year’s Celebration on June 12, 2015, organized the annual fund total, to date, has reached a at New Orleans Shakespeare drive for Open Hand Atlanta, record $39,344, bringing the Festival at Tulane. an organization now in its 25th four-year total to just over Members Leslie Castay, year, that has delivered $98,500 – every penny going Edward R. Cox, Meredith homemade meals to straight to Open Hand. Long, Katherine McClain and terminally and chronically ill At the March committee Janet B. Shea were selected for patients and homebound meeting, Jean Goffaux from three-year terms on the Liaison seniors all across the city of Open Hand presented the Committee. In addition, member Atlanta and northern Georgia Liaison Committee with a Sean Patterson was selected to at no cost. certificate, accompanied with Members and Central Regional staff attend the 2015 Big Easy Awards. replace an out-going member in This year there were 14 a copper and glass plaque. their second year on the Equity affiliated theaters The committee and the New Orleans, Louisiana committee. participating. Following Atlanta membership will now The evening ended with a performances all over the have a fourth brick placed in NOLA Hosts Membership Meeting few moments to remember Atlanta area, cast and crew the sidewalk at the Open NOLA singer/actress and Tony members, as well as Hand office. & Members Attend Big Easy Awards nominee, B.J. Crosby, who By Meredith Long, 1st Vice committee’s past efferts, which recently passed away. Chair, New Orleans Liaison included work on the NOLA The visit was topped off on Committee Contract and EMC events as Monday night when the staff well as the 2014 NOLA Tony attended the annual Big Easy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania New Orleans is full of Party. Awards Ceremony at Harrah’s parades, parties, festivals and The evening, led by Liaison Theatre. AEA was one of the it’s rich in culture, food and the 2015 Philadelphia “FringeArts Chair John Bostic, included an major sponsors for the event. arts. After 2005’s Hurricane update on contracts and Such stars as Festival” Reminder Katrina, it seemed impossible organizing activities in the Bryan Batt, Jeffery Roberson (or that New Orleans would have Central Region over the last Varla Jean Merman) and This is a reminder that committee encourages the strength in its year. Member discussion began Michael Cerveris have hosted if theaters or producing members to ask theater community that it has with concern that the Broadway this important local event in the organizations are questions early in the now – let alone the possibility of Across America Series included past. Members celebrated interested in hiring you process. Please do not Equity contracts. With the staff’s non-union tours. Members in typical New Orleans for theater productions in wait until this summer work, New Orleans and Baton expressed their opinions of the fashion, showing the Chicago “FringeArts,” they must or when the project is Rouge have at least seven situation, hoping that AEA will guests what an amazing theater sign you to an already in rehearsal. bonded theaters and average do everything possible to town New Orleans has become appropriate AEA For further information, around 400 work weeks for change this situation. [See “Ask – and why local members agreement (LOA, SPT, please contact the union actors on the NOLA If It’s Equity has Arrived” on consider themselves lucky to Guest Artist, Special committee at Appearance, etc.). phlliaisoncommittee Contract alone. page 1.] call it home. AEA members who @yahoo.com or call On Sunday March 29, 2015, Then there was a discussion Best Actress in a Comedy are interested in self- 1-877-232-1913, ext. 832. Chicago AEA staff (Sean Taylor, of issues related to the increase award winner and Equity producing their own As of mid-April, the Central Regional in film activity in the area. member Liann Pattison said, “I projects under the application process for Director/Assistant Executive Producers have expressed am thankful to be a proud Philadelphia AEA the 2015 Philadelphia Director; Christian Hainds, problems with members’ MREs. member of Actors’ Equity. They FRINGEARTS Code “FringeArts” Festival is in Senior Business Casting agents have repeatedly have done so much for me, and should get in touch as process. For more Representative; and Luther asked members not to do for all of you in this room, soon as possible with information, visit http:// Goins, Business theater. The lack of understudies whether you are a member or the Philadelphia AEA fringearts.com/about/ Representative), met with the and low pay of theater contracts not. I hope you realize that. I am Liaison Committee. The for-artists/. NOLA Liaison Committee add to the problems. Other also looking forward to my members and discussed the points of discussion included the pension.”

On opening night, what is one ritual you do in order to help you prepare for the show?

I have none! Whatever the particular show is, I remind myself to do whatever it takes to ALYSSA K. HOWARD balance it: a somber show might get a one-person dance party, a madcap show perhaps some centering quiet time. ALEJANDRA ESCALANTE I try to eat as much sugar as humanly possible and remind myself that tomorrow there’s no rehearsal, so I get to sleep way in. I’m pretty professional. MAY 2015 EQUITY news / 7

Kansas City, Kansas On Saturday, March 28, 2015, the Kansas City membership held its annual meeting at the Unicorn Theatre. Licia Watson, Kansas City Area Liaison Chair, welcomed guests Sean Taylor, Central Regional Director/Assistant Executive Director; Christian Hainds, Senior Business Representative; and David Kolen, Business Representative. Brief presentations were given by the Chicago staff to enable ample Members of the Cincinnati/Louisville Area Liaison Committee time for discussion and questions. gather for its annual meeting. Chicago Attendees were gratified to hear that the union has been focused Cincinnati/Louisville Members Helping Members… on increasing work opportunities Chicago Style! for existing membership. Cincinnati/Louisville Members meet for Additional topics of interest Annual Membership Meeting Body and Soul: for an open, honest and frank included the recent revision of the discussion about rejection, Understanding the Emotional Member’s Project Code and The Cincinnati/Louisville Area Ask If It’s Equity campaign and Realities of the Theatre Artist, insecurities and fears, also clarification of its use. After the Liaison Committee met for its how it can be actively involved with the first in a series of career presented realistic ideas and slate of committee members was Annual Membership Meeting on its success. The staff also empowerment workshops, took methods for the actor to April 12, 2015, at the Stage One approved (including two new discussed work weeks and place on Saturday, April 11, examine their image versus Rehearsal Studio. additions for Council’s approval), organizing efforts throughout the 2015, at Chicago’s their talent and abilities. The meeting began with members brought up a host of Central Region. Greenhouse Theater. The professional panel opening remarks from Liaison topics, including questions Additionally, the committee held This highly anticipated included Equity Members Chair Clara Harris, who expressed regarding electronic deputy a Q&A, where members asked workshop, which was Wydetta Carter, Diane Dorsey a desire to know how the reports, rule book education about state tax credits for film and presented by Actors’ Equity and Julie Proudfoot; Steven M. members in the area can affect (especially for transitioning how those credits can have a and the Central Regional Haught, the Director of Social organizing of local theaters and theaters and new stage members of the National Equal Services in the Central Region member communication. positive effect on new theaters in managers) and policies regarding Employment Opportunity for the Actors Fund; Phyllis Joined by Central Regional the area; the possibility of a members who give up their cards. Committee (EEO), explored the Joseph, a licensed social Director/Assistant Executive committee sponsored unified emotional journeys that actors worker; Cree Rankin, Casting Before adjourning, members Director Sean Taylor, Senior audition or seminar for area and stage managers Director for Chicago’s Court were encouraged to put Monday, Business Representative Christian theaters and producers; housing experience on a daily basis. Theatre; and Courtney Rioux, a September 7, 2015, on their Hainds and Business versus travel stipends in the region The workshop, which allowed Chicago-area life coach. calendars to participate in the Representative Brittany Steiger, where actors have access to local annual Labor Day Parade. the committee learned about the housing; among other topics.

scholarships and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements within the theater community, according to its website. Once again, Actors’ Equity Association sponsored one of the awards, and this year it was Best Actor in a Play, which went to Nicholas Richberg for his performance Members of the South Florida Liaison Committee along with as Black Stache in Peter and Carbonell winner Nicholas Richberg (back right) and Eastern the Starcatcher, a joint Regional Vice President Melissa Robinette (front right). production between the Los Angeles Organization’s website, “The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Calibre Awards recognize and South Florida Equity’s office in North Performing Arts and the honor the excellent work of Hollywood has been nominated Honoring Equity members at University of Miami. Eastern project teams that have Regional Vice President by the Southern California exceeded the expectations of the Carbonell Awards Melissa Robinette presented Chapter of the International our profession to bring interior the award. Interior Design Association for a design to life. The Calibre By Irene Adjan, South and non-Equity actors, from the Handing out around 20 2015 Calibre Award. Nominated Awards honor the true meaning Florida Equity Liaison 2014 theater season. awards, over 25 professional in the “Workplace Small” of collaboration for projects that The Carbonell Award was The 39th Annual Carbonell theater companies in Miami- category, Equity worked exhibit a high level of teamwork Awards Ceremony was held in designed to foster the artistic Dade, Broward and Palm alongside OKB Architecture, and stunning design.” Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at growth of professional theater in Beach counties, along with Denham Wolf, Mata As of press time, winners the Broward Center for the South Florida by celebrating the numerous Equity actors, Construction and Unisource haven’t been announced. Performing Arts, honoring local diversity of theater artists, participate in the awards Solutions. The 27th Calibre Awards Gala productions, as well as Equity providing educational process every year. According to the is on May 1, 2015. On opening night, what is one ritual you do in order to help you prepare for the show?

By nature, I’m not a superstitious person, so I try not to get hooked on rituals. However, I do make JOE LA FORTE it a point to take a moment, before the curtain rises, to take a deep breath and remind myself to enjoy this day, this performance, because before you know it, it will be in the past — all the fun, hard work and enjoyment. MOMOKO TANNO

I say a little prayer so that I can put myself aside and just become His vessel and let His glory shine through. 8 / EQUITY news MAY 2015 Equity Stands Against Discrimination

ctors’ Equity Association Restoration Act” (RFRA). Other states’ laws provide that the How I has a long and proud Though versions of a bill government can’t restrict an Got My Ahistory of standing up protecting the exercise of religion individual’s right to exercise his or against discrimination – striking have been passed in many her religion, but the Indiana and against the National Theatre’s states, the legislation that was Arkansas versions apply to Equity Card policy of segregation, opposing initially passed by the legislatures disputes between two private the infamous Blacklist and has of Indiana and Arkansas are very citizens, or between an individual Qurrat Ann Kadwani been one of first unions to different, in that they are and a business. publically support marriage sweeping measures that would The amended version of the equality. allow individuals and businesses laws, which were later put forward was 24, had just finished an callback and then I didn’t hear In addition to provisions in to use religion as a justification to in both states in response to internship at a talent agency anything…for a while. Equity contracts protecting discriminate against LGBT protests, only address the first Iand my friend told me she Finally, my agent told me they members from discrimination on people and other minorities. problem, and only in a limited was a temp in a big bank. I got a were auditioning on the West the basis of sexual orientation or Versions of the RFRA that way. The new versions of the law job there, which was perfect Coast and I got so nervous. A gender identity or expression, the have been passed in other states now provide that the laws cannot because I had flexibility with week later, I found out I got the union has taken a strong policy differ from the Indiana and be used to override existing auditions and gigs. role and would be staying in an position in support of any Arkansas laws in a few key discrimination protections. The A breakdown came out for a executive apartment with my legislation that would provide respects: problem is, these amendments play at Theatreworks in Palo Alto, own car. Not only would I have non-discrimination protections for • In other states, religious fall far short of providing a full Calif.; it was Baby Taj by Tanya my own car, but there was a LGBT persons. freedom laws do not trump solution, because neither Indiana Shaffer and there was a role for gym, pool, hot tub and a few Last spring, during Equity’s non-discrimination protections. nor Arkansas have a statewide an Indian woman in her 30s grills on the property. This was first annual National Public Policy States like Illinois have statewide anti-discrimination law that living in India. I went to the such an amazing way to get my Committee Summit, the laws protecting LGBT citizens protects LGBT people. audition with Indian clothes and Equity card and I will never forget committee put forward, and the from discrimination. Indiana and Equity will continue to work my hair in a braid. The sides the great year that I had in the Council approved, a resolution to Arkansas do not have any such toward getting full equality for its were wonderful — I went in for a San Francisco Bay Area. go on record in support of the statewide protections. members. In the meantime, the Employment Non-Discrimination • The Indiana and Arkansas union is prepared to assist Act (ENDA)—federal legislation legislation expressly applies to members in any way that it can, commission. Members of the that would provide protections for corporations. Versions in other when members are traveling to committee include AEA LGBT citizens. states only apply to people. This states that may not have strong A LOOK BACK Executive Director Angus Recently, members contacted means that businesses can protections in place. If you are Duncan, along with Helen Equity with concerns that they implement “religious” policies, working in a place where you may Hayes, Richard Rodgers and might not be protected in states which may be discriminatory. not be fully protected by the law, 75 Years Ago August Heckscher. that passed laws referred to as • The Indiana and Arkansas please don’t hesitate to call your May 1940 the “Religious Freedom laws apply to private disputes. union if we can be of assistance. After two months of 25 Years Ago negotiations and one week of “warlike activity,” the 4As, on May 1990 workplace standards. needed to represent the behalf of Equity and other Rules and Agreements Performers working at Walt • Hollywood Area Theatre interests of the membership in performing-centric unions, for L.A. Theater Disney World in Orlando Agreement (“HAT”). The HAT is L.A. and around the country. works out a deal with the New (Continued from page 2) overwhelmingly vote for Equity an existing collective bargaining “We are proud of our York World’s Fair, garnering representation. The organizing rights based on the terms of the agreement for use in Los members who shared their generous wages, especially as effort, which began in 1989, was subsequent Equity collective Angeles Theatres of 349-499 insightful views and spoke with the Fair’s production, American met with a letter from Tyne Daly bargaining agreement and would seats. There is no budget cap passion about the importance of Jubilee, was on the brink of asking Disney performers to also require basic workplace per production, and no restriction intimate theater,” said Mary cancellation, potentially leaving vote for the union’s protection, standards. on the length of a performance McColl, Equity’s Executive hundreds of Equity members writing, “I know how difficult it is • NEW Small Professional run. Productions may rehearse Director. “The National Council’s and members of other unions for a performer to negotiate for Theatre Agreement (“SPT”). for no fewer than 2 ½ weeks. The decision today is responsive to out of work. him or herself. That is why I The SPT Agreement, which has Agreement provides for salaries that feedback and we look Governor Herbert H. Lehman joined Actors’ Equity…” long been available in other between $229 to $582 per week forward to working together to signs the Mitchell Bill, making it parts of the country, would now and based on a 5-performance build a foundation for the growth a misdemeanor to sell theater be permitted for productions in week (up to three additional and sustainability of intimate tickets for more than 75 cents 10 Years Ago Los Angeles County in venues performances may be theater in L.A.” above the face value of the May 2005 with a capacity up to 349 seats. purchased), with salary ticket. This is a bill for which There is no budget cap per increases every 20th week of Equity has been pressing the California Congressman Brad production, no limitation on the employment. The Agreement Office Closing governor to sign. Sherman reads into the length of the rehearsal period, requires pension and health All Equity offices will be Congressional Record of and no restriction on the length benefit payments, future rights closed on Monday, May 25, 50 Years Ago Tribute, calling former AEA of the performance run. The based on the producer’s future President Theodore Bikel “a 2015, in observation of May 1965 Agreement provides for salary involvement with any Memorial Day. In addition, renaissance man who has made payments ranging from $229 to subsequent production and all offices will close early The New York State Arts his mark as an accomplished $664 per week, based on the would also require basic on Friday, May 22, 2015. Council is made a permanent musician, actor, author, lecturer maximum number of weekly workplace standards. The HAT (Check with your local office agency after Governor and activist” after he was performances, with pension and Agreement is an all-Equity for the early closing time.) Rockefeller established it in honored with a star on the health contributions required. agreement. 1960 as a temporary Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Agreement requires future Equity’s Council believes that rights based on the producer’s these rules and agreements future involvement with any balance concerns raised by L.A. subsequent production and members about the original .S.Postage Letters to The Editor U would also require basic proposals, while doing what’s 49 Letters received from paid-up members on subjects of concern to Equity members will be considered for publication in Equity News, provided that they are no greater than 175 words in length. Letters selected for publication may be edited for space requirements. Actors’ Equity Association reserves the If a seasonal theater does right to decline to publish letters at its sole discretion. When multiple letters on the same topic are Bonding Policy submitted, the Editor may decide to select a smaller number of representative letters for publication. default, you may only receive the (continued from page 2) Letters must be signed and must provide preferred contact information for verification purposes, but guaranteed portion of your names may be withheld from publication in certain limited circumstances, at a member’s request. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of Actors’ Equity Association. two-week period. If Equity contract from the available bond. But know that Equity will do receives more contracts than the IN MEMORIAM financial or moral. It’s hard for me to imagine everything it can to legally bond protects, the union will My late friend and Equity During the past 50 years, I’ve that I won’t be receiving a call pursue a defaulting employer in immediately demand additional member Don Stoltz was gone back to the Old Log from Don asking if I’m acting an effort to secure the full bond be posted. If, for some constantly reminding me of my Theater (Don was a prior owner) and if not, “WHY NOT?” I loved obligations due to members. reason, the producer fails to “gift,” and that I “should be on in Minnesota to do shows, him for the things he taught me, increase the bond, actors will The Equity bond is just stage using it.” Don did good attend funerals and to visit Don for the fun we had, for being my have the option to cancel their another example of how the work – most anonymously – and and his wife, Joan, also my friend. “I will miss him” doesn’t contract without any further union is standing up for its was considerate of those who friend, in their beautiful home on even come close. Words fail. obligation to the employer. members. #EquityWorks needed his support, whether Lake Minnetonka. — Cleo Holladay