MARCH “Pretending is not 2013 playing. Pretending is Volume 98 imagined possibility.” Number 2 EQUITYNEWS — Meryl Streep A Publication of Actors’ Equity Association • NEWS FOR THE THEATRE PROFESSIONAL • www.actorsequity.org • Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY and Additional Mailing Offices

Annual Membership Meeting Equity Receives National Charter is Friday, April 12, 2013 stronger association in the labor from AFL-CIO community in various industries The Eastern, Central and Western Regions will be connected by Charter Presented by AFL-CIO President across the country and telephone hook-up for the April 12, 2013 Annual Meeting so that strengthens Equity’s position members in all Regions may be able to hear statements of RichardTrumka at American Federation of among the other entertainment candidates running for election to Council. Labor’s Annual Executive Council Meeting unions. The affiliation means The statements will begin at 2:30 pm (Eastern Time), Equity will have a voice in On Tuesday, February 26, unions across industries and 1:30 pm (Central Time) and 11:30 am (Pacific Time). discussions concerning various 2013, Actors’ Equity Association the nation. The meeting in the EASTERN REGION will convene at 2 pm issues — health, pension, received an historic national “For nearly 100 years, (EST) in the Council Room on the 14th Floor of the Equity charter in its centennial Building, 165 West 46th Street, New York, NY year from the AFL-CIO. The agenda will also include the following: The direct charter, which • Presentation of the Rosetta LeNoire Award. was given at the • Membership Discussion Period in accordance with the By-Laws. morning session of the (A Sign Interpreter will be present on request.) AFL-CIO Executive The meeting in the CENTRAL REGION will convene at 1 pm Council meeting, makes (CST) in the Member Center on the 1st Floor of the Equity AEA the 57th labor Building, 557 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL organization to receive The agenda will also include the following: the distinguished honor • Report of the Central Regional Vice President. of formal association • Report of the Central Regional Director. with the national • Membership Discussion Period in accordance with the By-Laws. federation of American The meeting in the WESTERN REGION will convene at 11 am unions. Representing (PST) in the Bellamy Board Room on the 5th Floor of the Equity Equity were First Vice Office, 6755 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA President Paige Price, Shown with Equity’s new national charter from the AFL-CIO are: (l to r) The agenda will also include the following: Executive Director Mary AFL-CIO Secretary Elizabeth Shuler, Executive Director Mary McColl, First Vice President Paige Price, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, • Report of the Western Regional Director. McColl and Assistant AFL-CIO Vice President Arlene Holt-Baker. • Report of the Western Regional Vice President. Executive • Membership Discussion Period in accordance with the By-Laws. Director/Eastern Actors’ Equity has stood for wages, safe working conditions Regional Director and General excellence in the American and more. Equity will also be Counsel Tom Carpenter. theatre, and for dignity, fairness part of AFL-CIO’s annual Your IncomeTax AFL-CIO President Richard and respect for stage actors conferences, and executive Trumka presented the charter to and managers,” said President meetings. Are We Having FunYet? AEA First Vice President Price Trumka. “Today Equity has Accepting the charter on and Executive Director McColl. affirmed those values as well as behalf of the Union, First Vice And OtherTidbitsTo Help Joining President Trumka at the its affiliation with all of American President Paige Price thanked presentation were Vice labor, and we are happy to be President Trumka and members You Navigate Audits President Arlene Holt-Baker, presenting this great union with of the Council and said: “For all Secretary Elizabeth Shuler and a new AFL-CIO charter.” of us, receiving the direct member’s dozens of receipts for By Sandra Karas members of the AFL-CIO The direct charter to the charter on the threshold of our Director, VITA Program business expenses deducted on Executive Council, representing AFL-CIO provides Equity with a the subject’s return. The auditor (continued on page 2) Job Satisfaction issues a recommendation that Here is the audit scenario: results in denial of most of the The IRS examiner completes ordinary and necessary claim to deductions allowed skills and regularly seek knows nothing about who you reviewing copious piles of expenses incurred by our fellow under the Code – the lawful employment, as the lengths of are and what you do. Keep good receipts, bank statements, member in the production of the reduction of the theatrical artist’s the employment contracts are records, your contracts, contracts, itineraries, income member’s work.Yours truly income by those expenses that generally limited.” itineraries, playbills, photos, trade verification, per diem payments (Sandra Karas) is on the phone are ordinary and necessary in This is not an isolated publications, and a detailed and the professional union in an effort to appeal the pursuing and maintaining the incident. I have had dozens of calendar of auditions, interviews, auditor’s recommendation. The career. So, I carefully responded. such conversations over the classes, and receipts of examiner suggests that 1) The “I assume you also enjoy your years with IRS agents and have everything you wish to deduct on expenses are not required by the tried to educate them as to the your returns. Remember that employer; 2) The member has nature of our work. Ultimately, we there is no basic understanding not presented sufficient achieve favorable determinations of how you spend your money, documentation to justify each for members in most cases, but it only the requirement that you expense; 3) (And furthermore, is never easy. What it teaches us can prove you spent it! Add to the examiner adds a query, to is that, regardless of how that your preparedness to wit:) “But she enjoys her job, seriously you pursue the explain what the heck you do right? She has fun doing this.” business, your work is often each day, whether working or This seemed to suggest that if considered something of a not, and you will be in good one derives pleasure, enjoyment, hobby.Yougotoworkwhenmost stead if an audit examination even fun from one’s vocation, it people finish for the day.You toil notice should arrive in your isn’tarealjob,orworthyof for something that they consider mailbox. serious consideration relative to recreation.You create their (continued on page 3) the expenses attached to its relaxation. Such is the nature of pursuit. work and gain great satisfaction entertainment, but as we all Index Yes, I felt the familiar from performing your job well.” know, it does not reduce the level frustration and impatience rise She was silent for a moment and of effort, training, discipline and Equity receives national charter from AFL-CIO...... 1 again, but this was not the first then answered, “Well, yes.” I skill that you must use to provide time I have discussed an artistic said, “Then, I would suggest that that entertainment product. So, Your income tax ...... 1 this taxpayer has chosen a we continue to educate those

NEWS career with an IRS agent. As we From the President...... 3 all have, I have encountered this career with much the same care who would judge us, especially kind of patronizing approach to as you and derives as much those whose judgments can Centennial feature: theartsatmanylevelsoverthe satisfaction from it. However, affect our tax liabilities! Women in Equity ...... 6

UITY unlike you, the taxpayer must years. In an audit, however, I As you prepare your tax National News ...... 8 Q endeavor to argue the facts as spend thousands of dollars each returns, also prepare them to be 165 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036 Address Service Requested Second Class Postage Paid in New York, NY E Letters ...... 12 well as the merits of an artist’s tax year in order to maintain job examined by someone who 2 / EQUITY news MARCH 2013

Equity Receives Charter History infused the occasion. of stage actors and stage Attendants-CWA), and Randi Area Liaison Equity’s first charter was managers as union members Weingarten (American continued from page 1 Hotline system granted on July 18, 1919 but Actors’ Equity Association Federation of Teachers) spoke 100th anniversary renews our through the Associated Actors has a long and proud history of with Price and McColl, Call 877-AEA-1913 commitment to working on and Artistes of America (4As). being part of the labor congratulating them and behalf of our members and all A few weeks later, the fledging movement. It is a cornerstone welcoming Equity to the AFL- Equity has a National toll-free Americans to create a union called a nationwide in Equity’s foundation and we CIO as a directly chartered hotline system for members who workplace where there is strike. On August 26, AFL are pleased to receive this union. th live in Area Liaison and office fairness and dignity for President Samuel Gompers direct charter in this, our 100 Later in the evening, a cities. The number is 877-AEA- everyone. Theatre is a union- came to an Equity membership year. To quote our first reception was held at which 1913 (honoring the year of Eq- made industry - from the IATSE meeting and pledged his President Francis Wilson, ‘Our the AFL-CIO again celebrated uity’s founding). Each Area stagehands, to the musicians of support: “Whatever influence or trail is out of the wilderness and Equity. Paige Price spoke Liaison city has its own exten- the AFM, to the Operating power there may be in the great that trail is affiliation with briefly about the Union, sion, where members can ac- Engineers and everyone in American Federation of Labor organized labor.’” reaffirming Equity’s commit- cess news and information in between, Equity members to help you, rest assured that SAG-AFTRA Co-Presidents ment and noting that the their region. stand proudly among our power and influence is behind Roberta Reardon and Ken entertainment field is among (1) Dial 877-AEA-1913 brothers and sisters. On this you until the end.” Howard spoke before the the most heavily unionized stage, here among all of you Executive Director Mary Executive Council and industries in the nation. Price, (2) Dial your city extension: today, is perhaps the most McColl read a message from congratulated Equity. Privately, McColl and Carpenter were 811 Atlanta important step in Equity’s President Nick Wyman who many Executive Council joined at the reception by AEA 812 Austin/San Antonio history. This charter represents was in rehearsals and unable to members, including IATSE Orlando staff members Brian 813 Boston the next act for our 49,000 attend. The message read: President Matt Loeb, Veda Spitler, Doug Truelsen, Jennie 814 Buffalo/Rochester members and Equity’s future.” “One wouldn’t necessarily think Shook (Association of Flight Davis and Jackie Dames. 815 Chicago 816 Cincinnati/Louisville 817 Cleveland 818 Dallas/Fort Worth 819 Denver 2013 Annual A Look Back @Equity Milestones 820 Detroit Election Calendar 821 Florida – Central President Kennedy to serve on 822 Florida – South Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Deadline for Candidates’ 100YearsAgo the Committee for the Statements for Equity News, 823 Houston March 1913 Department of Labor Fiftieth Equity Website and Ballot 824 Kansas City • An actor’s length of Anniversary Year. (The Labor Brochure (Due in all three 825 Las Vegas employment is subject to the Department was established Regional Offices by 2 pm 826 Los Angeles manager’s slightest whim. on March 6, 1913 by Present Eastern Time) William Howard Taft.) 827 Milwaukee/Madison Companies and individuals might Friday, March 22, 2013 Deadline for registration to vote 828 Minneapolis/St Paul be laid off, their salaries cut, or • A bill to disqualify children electronically the play might be closed without under the age of 14 from 829 Nashville Friday, April 12, 2013 Annual National Membership notice. collecting unemployment 830 New Orleans Meeting (all Regions via • Strandings are frequent and insurance passes the New York 831 New York teleconference) Candidate the actor often is required to pay State Assembly over Equity’s 832 Philadelphia speeches his own transportation home strong objections. 833 Phoenix/Tucson Monday, April 15, 2013 Distribution of ballots (from after an engagement ends. 834 Pittsburgh balloting company) • Practically all of the actors 25Years ago 835 San Diego are required to furnish their own Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Deadline for receipt of ballots is costumes for modern plays and March 1988 836 San Francisco 5 pm Eastern Time sometimes for period plays as 837 Seattle • After 15 hours of Thursday, May 23, 2013 Tabulation Day well. 838 St. Louis testimony, the New York City • There is no Equity. 839 Washington DC/Baltimore Board of Estimate unanimously approves landmark status for Council MournsTwo 75YearsAgo 29 Broadway theatres. March 1938 • Council expands the wo past members of appeared on Broadway, Off- • The jurisdiction held by definition of More Council died in January, Broadway, in stock and on the Chorus Equity Association since Remunerative Employment to 2013: Conrad Bain on road, but may best be T 1934 of chorus performers in include contractual January 14 and Paul Ainsley remembered for his roles in the night clubs, and cabarets, is employment under the on January 19. TV sitcoms, Maude and revoked by the Associated jurisdiction of other theatrical Conrad Bain, who died of Diff’rent Strokes. Actors and Artistes of America societies and guilds, such as Paul and given to the American the Society of Stage Directors Ainsley, 67, Federation of Actors. (The AFA is and Choreographers. joined Council EQUITYNEWS an early actors’ union, disbanded Editor: DICK MOORE as a Western in 1939 and later succeeded by Associate Editor: HELAINE FELDMAN Region 10YearsAgo the American Guild of Variety replacement in Equity News Advisory Committee Artists.) March 2003 2001 and was Christine Toy Johnson, Chair • Council requires payment of (Eastern) elected to a • Equity supports the $5 when actors participate in Nancy Daly (Western) five-year American Federation of Diane Dorsey (Central) readings to give managers “a Principal term Musicians in a strike over the Nicole Flender (Eastern) clearer picture of a script.” Bruce Alan Johnson (Eastern) in 2002, use of virtual music, which Stas’ Kmiec’ (Eastern) closes Broadway for four days. Conrad Bain. Paul Ainsley. serving until Kevin McMahon (Western) “Our members have made it Liz Pazik (Central) 2007. He was Barbara Roberts (Western) natural causes in Livermore, on several committees, clear that they do not wish to Melissa Robinette (Eastern) California at the age of 89, including Western Regional perform to virtual orchestras,” Buzz Roddy (Eastern) served as a Principal Nominating Committees, a says Equity President Patrick EQUITY NEWS (ISSN: 00924520) is Councillor from 1961-1976. His WCLO negotiating team and Quinn. published monthly except for com- bined issues in Jan./Feb., July/Aug., legacy at Equity is that he was the Casino Committee. Mr. • Equity expands its Oct.,/Nov., by Actors' Equity one of the original Ainsley created the role of guidelines for the use of smoke Association, 165 West 46th Street, incorporators of the Actors “King Herod” in the original and haze under the Production New York, NY 10036. Telephone: Federal Credit Union in 1962. Broadway staging of Jesus Contract to most of its (212) 869-8530. Periodicals He also served on numerous Christ Superstar, was in the collective bargaining postage paid at New York, NY. and additional mailing offices. Copyright other committees, including the first national company of Les Ralph Bellamy. agreements. To ensure 2003, Actors' Equity Association. Committee to Extend the Misérables, and in productions compliance, Equity acquires a Subscription price for non-members Professional Theatre, the of Peter Pan, Pirates of 50 years ago sophisticated monitoring device of Actors' Equity Association: $25 House Affairs Committee, the Penzance and Gypsy. On TV, that detects exact levels and per year. Postmaster: Send address March 1963 Staff Pension Committee and he played a recurring role on concentrations of glycol or changes to Equity News, 165 West • Equity President Ralph 46th St., New York, NY 10036. the Agency Committee. Three’s Company, among other mineral-oil based airborne Professionally, Mr. Bain credits. Bellamy is appointed by particles. MARCH 2013 EQUITY news / 3 From the Your Income Tax diem), you probably don’t have to keep track of anything but your continued from page 1 itinerary and contract to prove PRESIDENT Home Office Deduction you were working out of town. If, Reporting Rules however, your expenses exceed Eased This Year the per diem, you must keep track of your hotel and You Have a Dream The red flag still waves in front incidentals and report those of the faces of auditors – really in By Nick Wyman you were young, you dreamed dreams she planted in you.” expenses along with the front of computers programmed of working in the professional This is a maddeningly tough standard meal allowance your t was Martin Luther King Day to pull the returns that include theatre, of becoming a business, one whose default tax advisor will calculate, and recently, and while my fellow unusual deductions and professional actor or stage setting is “No.” In that same subtract the per diem you president was expenses that can be both I manager.You have realized that famous speech, Rev. King spoke received. The difference will be a communicating with millions at personal and business in the dream. Perhaps your life may of having been to “the tax deduction on your returns. If his inauguration, I was same year. The “Office in Home” not seem so dreamy right now; you get no per diem, it stands to communicating with 30 mountaintop.” If there were a deduction is one such expense your theatre work almost reason that you keep track of members at the first mountaintop in the American and one that very few of our certainly doesn’t pay all your everything as usual and take the membership meeting of the theatre, it might well members claim on their tax bills, and it may be a very small full deduction, including a newly-established Albany, NY be Broadway, and I am lucky returns. Some theatrical artists, part of the mosaic of your life. standard meal allowance allowed liaison area. enough to have been there however, do qualify for this But you have achieved the by law. I was profoundly moved by many times.Yet despite my deduction. They are generally distinction of being one of the These per diem arrangements these Albany actors, who unbelievable good fortune, I independent contractors, tiny percentage of wannabe have been negotiated by your admitted that they would occasionally find myself in a designers, writers, musicians, actors and stage managers to union to be accountable to the probably be able to do more seeming Slough of Despond, directors, choreographers, print receive an Equity card. employer, which means that they work if they were non-Equity, but models, some audio performers, resentful and griping about the are non-taxable to the member. they were still glad and proud to We are the dreamers of music directors, arrangers, etc. roles I didn’t get and the yet- The three tests to be met are: 1) be Equity. I was equally moved dreams. In my acceptance For those who can claim the more fortunate actors above me They are a business expense to while doing a reading last week speech for Equity’s Tony Award office in home expense, the on our industry’s peak. the employer; 2) There is an to hear the tale of two actor last June (in which basic rules remain the same. The When that happens, I remind adequate accounting by the friends who are raising a family your pedantic president space must be exclusively used myself of just how far up the member (where you were and in New Jersey. Despite their managed to misquote both for one’s business purposes and mountain I am, and I remember what costs you incurred); and 3) relative success (they have Shakespeare and Yeats in the be a separate area of the to be grateful.You too, simply by Any excess payments will be each been on Broadway), they space of 30 seconds), I spoke of taxpayer’s home. It must also be returned to the employer. Insofar are currently sinking into debt as the centrality of dreams to our having your Equity card, are on the primary site of the taxpayer’s as our members receive per they struggle to piece together a artistic lives. I love the quote I the upper slopes. Heck, just work or be used for storage of diem under these three mosaic that will pay their bills. read recently of August Wilson, being an educated American essential inventory, equipment, conditions, the payments are speaking to a young theatre gives you a leg up on the vast vehicles, etc. Notwithstanding Rev. King famously said “I accountable and not taxable to director who was thinking of majority of people on this planet. the fact that performing artists have a dream.”You have a them. leaving the business in order to So look down and say a little prepare, organize and often train dream, too. I am no We recommend that you take make some money: “Your mom prayer of thanks. Then look up in their homes, most of them are oneiromantic (though I am note of how much per diem, if doesn’t need you to buy her a and keep climbing.You have a not required to actually perform clearly a pedant) but I believe any, you receive when you’re out their work at home. Actors and you are living the dream. When house. She needs you to do the dream. of town and keep your records Stage Managers work in accordingly. If you have any rehearsal halls and on theatrical questions before you leave, stop and sound stages for the most in and ask. Better to be prepared part. But for those who qualify for gave full rein to his love of the songwriter(s) responsible for the before the fact than confused this deduction, the calculation MUSICAL QUIZ vernacular in lyrics. Whose other half (working on three afterwards. has been simplified and can be comic style did he hope to other shows at the time). Who With George and Ira of great benefit to the taxpayer. Filing Update – Post Script emulate in some of his lyrics for was/were the other Gershwin’s Nice Work if You Whereas until now the deduction As most of you already know, Tip-Toes? songwriter(s)? Can Get It enjoying a run on involved a pro rata computation – the IRS and state agencies got A. Alexander Woollcott A. Rudolf Friml Broadway, and Porgy and Bess based on the square footage of off to a very slow start this year B. Lorenz Hart B. DeSylva, Brown and the recipient of the 2012 Tony the home office as relates to the and encountered many problems C. Irving Berlin Henderson Award for Best Musical Revival, total home space – of myriad in processing returns. This was D. W.S. Gilbert C. Sigmund Romberg this month’s Musical Quiz home costs (rent, or mortgage the result of the unusually late E. P.G. Wodehouse D. Rodgers and Hart highlights the musical brothers. interest, property taxes, utilities, tax deal brokered in Congress by 3. The brothers followed up E. Jerome Kern Questions come from The repairs, maintenance, insurance, our legislators who preferred Tip-Toes with another success 5. Girl Crazy (1930) shows Musical Quiz Book by Laura depreciation, and the like), the fiscal crisis to tax preparedness. in Oh, Kay! (1926), starring up on the radar of many Frankos, published by Applause new calculation requires only We want to remind everyone to Gertrude Lawrence and Victor Broadway buffs because it Theatre & Cinema Books, and that the square footage of the be patient as some forms and Moore. Howard Dietz helped marked the sensational debut of reprinted with permission. home office be multiplied by $5. timetables have been affected. with some lyrics when Ira had Ethel Merman (though Ginger 1. George and Ira’s first big There’s a short form for this short For some of you, this has meant an emergency appendectomy. Rogers was the lead). The goofy hit was 1924’s Lady, Be Good!, calculation for those who either later filing; for others, it has The plot (book by Guy Bolton ad story had a New York playboy with book by Guy Bolton and don’t want to go to the trouble or meant delayed refunds. At VITA, P.G. Wodehouse) was classic heading to Arizona, leading to Fred Thompson and starring whose deduction would not be we are doing everything we can ‘20s fluff about rumrunners fun with cowpokes and chorines. Fred and Adele Astaire. Lady, greater using the old method. to get everyone in and filed in during Prohibition, but the score The phenomenal score includes Be Good!, with its jazz- Those who benefit from the long accordance with the constraints was studded with hits: “Clap Yo’ hits like “But Not for Me,” “I Got influenced score, would run for calculation may continue to use placed on all of us. Thanks for Hands,” “Do, Do, Do,” “Maybe,” Rhythm,” “Sam and Delilah,” over 300 performances, and is the long form for the home office your patience. and “Someone to Watch Over “Could You Use Me?” and today seen as a landmark show deduction. If you have questions about Me.” What prop was Gertie “Embraceable You.” This jazzy for the era. Which song used a these or other tax topics, consult Lawrence holding when she songfest had a ton of heavy Per Diem and piece George had previously Accountable Plans your tax advisor or stop in to introduced “Someone to Watch hitters playing in the pit. Who written that he called Over Me”? was not in the orchestra for Girl If you’ve ever gone out on your nearest VITA office. The “Syncopated City”? A. a teddy bear Crazy? tour, you know that your union VITA office in New York is located A. “Oh, Lady, Be Good” B. a stuffed lamb A. Gene Krupa has negotiated a per diem on the 14th Floor of the Equity B. “The Half of It, Dearie, C. a feather duster, since she B. Jimmy Dorsey payment for you to offset the Building. Hours are: 10:30 am – Blues” was in disguise as a maid C. Benny Goodman costs of housing, meals and 4:00 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, C. “Hang On to Me” D. a long, long scarf D. Glenn Miller incidental expenses while you’re Thursdays and Fridays (no D. “Fascinating Rhythm” E. a rag doll E. Bunny Berigan on the road. The per diem Tuesdays). Telephone: 212-921- E. “Little Jazz Bird” 4. Rosalie (1928) ended up a 6. Of Thee I Sing (1931) ran amounts vary depending on 2548. VITA sites are also located 2. Tip-Toes (1926) reunited success because of its star, for 441 performances and which contract you’ve signed in Los Angeles at the Actors the creative team from Lady, Be Marilyn Miller, not the score. became the first musical to win (Tiered, SETA, LORT, etc.).We Fund and in Orlando at Actors’ Good! with the same producers, George and Ira were working on the Pulitzer Prize, which was often get asked what kinds of Equity. Alex Aarons and Vinton two other shows at the time, but awarded to Ira for his lyrics and expense receipts members need Freedley—the second of the when producer Flo Ziegfeld to Kaufman and Ryskind for to save and report on their taxes Sandra Karas is Secretary- seven Gershwin shows they talked, people listened. The their libretto, but not to George. and the answer is fairly simple. If Treasurer of Actors’ Equity would produce. This was a brothers contributed about half (The Pulitzer committee has your per diem covers your travel Association and a member of zippy, often satirical piece about the songs, using a lot of trunk since then added George’s expenses (you’re not out of SAG-AFTRA. a flapper and her uncles, and Ira material, as did the pocket in addition to the per (continued on page 4) 4 / EQUITY news MARCH 2013

that professional Equity theatre THEATRE is alive and well in the state of Central Region Michigan. The Williamston Theatre is an intimate gem. I am Theatre Makes a Difference in excited to be working with such SPOTLIGHT a great group of people who Small Michigan Community inspire, support and keep this theatre alive and lively. The Williamston Theatre is small, but he Williamston Theatre they should’ve released Absolutely. Plus we create over Chamber of Commerce as the mighty. It is young in years, but in Williamston, Michigan before… If we can do that for 50 jobs for Michigan artists Chamber Member of the Year wise in its creative pursuits, (just outside of Lansing), one or two people a night, every year. The tie between the (2008) for their contribution to T artistic integrity, management began as the Williamston maybe that’ll help change our arts and the economy is clear. the vitality and economic health and professionalism.” Theatre Project in the Spring of little part of the world for the We’re living proof.” of the downtown area; and Equity Member Nan Luchini 2004 when four Michigan-based better.” The theatre also has many brought the theatre and its four says that her “joy of stage theatre professionals—Equity founders the Robert Busby management is always members John Lepard and Award for extraordinary quadrupled” when she works at Emily Sutton-Smith, along with contribution to theatre in the Williamston Theatre. “Everyone director Tony Caselli and arts Greater Lansing Area. is truly dedicated to hard work administrator Christine “Our audiences continually and producing a phenomenal Purchis—chose this location to praise us on the excellent show. Tony and John are able to found a small, not-for-profit, quality of our productions,” adds foresee problems and help solve professional theatre company. Managing Director Christine them early on. Having a design Why start an Equity theatre in Purchis. “I have heard from team that is able to get the set a town in Michigan with less many first time patrons how constructed so we can work on than 4,000 people? Artistic surprised they are that our a functional set during our entire Director Tony Caselli says it’s actors come from right here in rehearsal process always helps “because entertaining people, Michigan. One of the many create a much smoother tech helping people laugh and cry, is reasons we chose to be an process. Working at Williamston something to be cherished, and Equity theatre was so that we’d Theatre is always a pleasure the value of that should not be be able to help keep these and I look forward to my shows overlooked. Can theatre as an talented people here in our there. Minimal stress industry make a difference in state.” A production of Dead Man’s Shoes features Paul Hopper, Aral environment, positive the world, save the planet? I “After living and working in Gribble, Drew Parker and Maggie Meyer. hardworking production team don’t know. Maybe not the world New York City and then Los and the applause and laughter (not in one big sweeping move, The theatre has already programs to involve the Angeles, my husband, daughter, from the appreciative audience anyway), but if we can help a changed the local community is community and build audiences and I decided to move to my is always my favorite part.” couple of people per night see several ways. “When we started for the future: apprenticeship Founder and Executive their world in a different way, the Williamston Theatre, we opportunities for recent college Director John Lepard comes empathize with someone else, wanted to produce good theatre. graduates, classes for teens, back to the original question: remember that life is about the That’s why we chose to be an student discounts at the box Why start an Equity theatre in a people in their lives, ask a Equity Theatre,” says office and school day matinees small town in Michigan. “I have Development Director for local area high school been a member of Equity for 21 Emily Sutton-Smith. students. In addition, the years and have had many great “What has been great Williamston Theatre has a experiences in theatres all to watch are the terrific partnership with the around the country,” he says, tangible changes that Michigan State University “but starting my own union our work has brought Department of Theatre, offering theatre with three of my best to this small town. opportunities for students to friends (all of us based in During a time of work backstage and Michigan) and making it work for incredible economic occasionally appear onstage, seven seasons and counting, is duress, Williamston where many first begin earning something I never expected to has gone from one their Equity Membership accomplish. This is the most fine dining restaurant Candidate points. The two exciting time in my career. downtown, to five. The institutions collaborate Helping plays come to life from building across the frequently in a variety of ways. the initial idea for a script, to the street that was empty The black box theatre with Wayne David Parker and Kate Peckham in Talley’s Folly. first model of a set, to the world in 2006 when we 104 seats opened in June 2006. premiere in front of an audience opened is now filled to Since that first summer, the home state to be near my aging gives me such a tremendous capacity with artists Williamston Theatre has parents and extended family,” feeling of accomplishment— Teri Clark, John Lepard, Anne Miranda and unique vendors. produced nine world premieres says Equity member Julia and Hugh Maguire in Leaving Iowa. words cannot explain. I am There are ribbon of new works by Michigan Glander. “We knew this was a thankful every day that this cuttings for new playwrights; mounted regional question they never thought to good personal choice, but we dream could become a reality, businesses all the time. Is this and state premieres of ask, laugh at themselves in a really did not know what to and I am also thankful for all because of us? No. But are countless other works; has way they haven’t ever done, expect as far as work in the everyone who had made we an anchoring element of this received many local awards, weep and release something theatre. I am happy to report Williamston Theatre a success.” economic revitalization? including being named by the

Musical Quiz ambassador has a lovely bit of collaboration with DuBose Porgy and Bess. What a Jerome Kern considered doing French nonsense penned by Ira Heyward, who had written the treasure the musical world lost. a musical Porgy based on continued from page 3 to some trunk music George novel (and with his wife, Thankfully, Ira would live for Heyward’s play with Al Jolson name, but he didn’t get any of had left over from Girl Crazy. Dorothy, the later play) Porgy, many more years, and write playing the lead in blackface the money.) This satire of What typically “French” item about a poor black community more brilliant, idiosyncratic D. The New York Times was politics introduced John listed below is not mentioned in on the South Carolina coast. lyrics for Jerome Kern, Kurt so confused about whether it Wintergreen, running for Ira’s lyrics? Porgy and Bess debuted in Weill and Harold Arlen, among was an opera or a musical that president on a ticket of love. He A. escargot 1935 and was met with mixed others. they sent both their music critic gets into trouble, however, B. crépes-suzette reactions. It did not run long, Which of the following is not and their theatre critic to the when he prefers Mary Turner C. Chevrolet coupé and George and Ira, like many true about Porgy and Bess? premiere and her homemade muffins D. Lafayette of their Broadway brethren, A. the score was valued at a E. Porgy and Bess arose out over the girl who won the E. Maurice Chevalier headed to Hollywood. They mere $250 when George’s of George’s one-act black contest, Diane Devereaux, to 7. The brothers followed this wrote several film scores, estate was totaled in 1937 opera, Blue Monday Blues, be his sweetheart. This turns smash with two flops in 1933, including two (Shall We Dance B. the Danish so admired it which played for one night into an international fracas Pardon My English and the ill- and A Damsel in Distress) for they staged it despite Nazi during the George White’s when Diane’s French ancestry advised sequel to Of Thee I their old pal Fred Astaire. But opposition and used “It Ain’t Scandals of 1922 before being is revealed and the French Sing, Let ‘Em Eat Cake. Their then George died in 1937 of a Necessarily So” to block cut. ambassador files a protest. The next effort was the classic brain tumor, never seeing the German broadcasts honor guard accompanying the Porgy and Bess, written in success of the 1942 revival of C. Oscar Hammerstein II and Answer on page 5 MARCH 2013 EQUITY news / 5 An Actor Behind the Table – Part I: The Monitor and The Reader By Scott Guthrie times just a smile or eye contact for recognition of being there. once saw a TV special about Your participation in the audition country music star Garth only comes if they need to see a Brooks in which he talked I certain side. about something he did before You would think the reader every concert. He would walk out has no stock in your auditions. into the house (or stadium or Wrong. We sit behind the table arena in most cases) and go up the same amount of time as the to a far away section to look creative team. We want you to back at the stage. He enjoyed be good. When we get the the perspective it gave him on opportunity to read with you, we his own show. I remember that want to be a good scene partner affecting me at an early phase of and give you options. As an my career. I always try to find actor, it drives me nuts when that perspective in whatever your reader just says the line house I am working at, be it from giving you no inflection or energy the fly rail or back of the balcony. to infuse your scene. As a But what about when I reader, I try to bring as much to audition? the scene as possible to help I craved this perspective after The Actors’ Equity Card… you make the most of your read, years of auditioning with little to which is often as good as a no results. So I began to offer my “Don’t Leave Home Without It!” callback in the room. services as a monitor or reader The most valuable thing I By Staés Kmieéc provides services and facilities Memorial Library. With more than for auditions. Most times this put at: Al Hirschfeld Free Health 4,000 scripts and books, it also learned from being behind the ou may remember the me outside the door, dealing with Clinic, Lillian Booth Actors contains sheet music, CDs, table as a reader is that I can “Don’t Leave Home actors in that precious pre- Home, Dorothy Ross Friedman DVDs, video and audiocassettes, watch you not only display your Without It” ad campaign audition prep phase. I would Y Residence, Palm View as well as rare volumes. acting and singing talents, but I from American Express– made gather headshots, resumes, Residence, AIDS Initiative, and watch you as a human being. I famous by Karl Malden. Could A Support System appointment times, messages to Phyllis Newman Women’s Health watch how you walk into a room, that same tagline work with your One of the most important the people behind the table, and Initiative. sometimes I would collect how you acknowledge a table of Equity card? Have you thought benefits of membership is the A Different Kind of Finance attitudes. Most were good, but (usually) strangers. I watch how about what your union card can experience and knowledge of the some were unfortunate. you interact with your offer beyond entry to EPAs or Actors Federal Credit Union Equity staff. Business accompanist (your audition My perspective was changing Chorus calls, basic wages, provides the same amenities you Representatives enforce each partner), and everything else already. How you are as a working conditions and get from traditional banks, but member’s individual contract person is on display just as that leads up to the moment you numerous provisions in more when you utilize the services, provisions and riders, monitor much as your talent. A simple open your mouth to begin your than 30 agreements? you benefit other AEA members. safety conditions, administer interaction with someone whose audition. These moments are Equity provides a wide range Services include: free checking, Equity’s agreement with job is to facilitate people in and just as telling to me as your of benefits that enhance both the VISA cards with no annual fees, franchised agents and assist out of the room became a telling audition itself. It answers professional and personal lives an overdraft protection program, members with work-related transaction. Most smiled, questions like “Do I want to be in of its members. There are low rate auto loans, home equity issues like Unemployment and introduced themselves, and were a room for two weeks straight, Contract Benefits and loans, mortgages, and fee-free Workers’ Compensation claims. pleasant and punctual. Some eight hours a day, working with Membership Benefits: Equity- ATMs in NYC and certain Equity makes you a part of were frazzled, hurried, and brisk, this person?” Not only do we hire only auditions, discounts, locales. the most distinguished body of but nonetheless easy to get you for your talent, we hire you seminars, events, and tax Discounts! professional Actors and Stage because of the person you are. Managers in America. The along with. And sometimes, assistance are among some of Your Equity card is the key to We know we do not get one support system and network that there was that all too familiar the rewards.…and what about savings on a wide range of without the other. Equity provides allows theatre sense of entitlement that free flu shots? merchandise and entertainment artists the opportunity to enjoy a seemed to place them higher Most regional and stock The Actors Fund, Career offering discounted theatre successful and self-sustaining than you. theatres do all their casting in- Transition for Dancers, Actors tickets, as well as discounts on career. Make sure to keep your This being said, most times, house. If this is the case with a Federal Credit Union and AFL- rehearsal spaces, subscriptions, Equity card closely guarded, and this person who is the theatre you have any connection CIO offer resources, emergency restaurants/hotels, gyms/spas/ take advantage of all the gatekeeper to the audition is the with, offer yourself up as a grants, career counseling, yoga classes, and theatre- opportunities available to low man on the totem pole—an volunteer reader.You lose a day employment and training related merchandise. members. intern, apprentice, or even a that you might have temped, services, health, social service An Actors’ Library For more information check volunteer, such as I was at the catered, or auditioned, but you and support programs, low cost In Chicago a valuable the AEA website: time. But through the years, I gain a gift of knowledge and financial services, loans and resource to members for over 25 www.actorsequity.org. have seen many a producer, experience that you would be discounts. years is the Ray Lonergan choreographer, director, or hard up to find anywhere else. Free Tax Preparation And who knows what it could alumni of the program be this Volunteer Income Tax lead to? Romberg number on which Ira person.You never know who it is Assistance (VITA), an IRS- Answers to Musical Quiz and Wodehouse collaborated. for whom you are making that Recently, I was a reader for a sponsored tax assistance 1. D. “Fascinating Rhythm” 5. E. Bunny Berigan wasn’t first impression. regional theatre for their summer program, provides free tax developed out of the earlier in the pit for Girl Crazy. If I wasn’t manning the door, I season. I had auditioned for preparation to paid-up members “Syncopated City.” 6. A. Ira does not mention was behind the table as a reader them the week prior and had a of Equity and other performing 2. E. Ira used P.G. escargot among the or an assistant. This is where my horrible audition. I mustered the arts unions in New York, Los Wodehouse as his inspiration Frenchified mishmash he perspective began to shift again. courage to show my face again Angeles, and Orlando. for the lyrics to Tip-Toes. and volunteer as a reader for a created for the French honor I had taken endless classes on Free Shoes! 3. E. Gertie was holding a auditioning that started to say production that I would not rag doll that George bought guard. In 1945, actor Conrad the same thing, but it wasn’t until normally go in for. Over the for her in a Philadelphia toy 7. E. Blue Monday Blues Cantzen bequeathed his estate I got to see these things from the course of the morning, the table store while Oh, Kay! was on predates DuBose Heyward’s to The Actors Fund with the other side that they started to saw me do several different tryout. novel Porgy (1925) by three stipulation that it should help make sense. takes on different characters, 4. C. Sigmund Romberg years. George wanted to do a actors not to appear “down at the Being a reader affords you a and ultimately read me for a role wrote the other half of musical version of the novel heels” when auditioning. This unique opportunity: to observe in another show in their Rosalie’s score, with most of as soon as he read it during a fund reimburses unemployed and be anonymous.You are the season—which I booked. the lyrics to his melodies by bout of insomnia in 1926, union professionals up to $40 even before Heyward had extra face behind the table that is (Editor’s note: Part II—The P.G. Wodehouse. There were towards a pair of shoes. adapted it into a straight play. rarely mentioned.You don’t get a Director—will appear in a future two Gershwin songs and one The Actors’ Fund also handshake or a hello, often issue of Equity News.) 6 / EQUITY news

Women Play Major R

existence—it merged with Actors’ Equity in 1955— the start, the focus was on increasing employment for Chorus Equity had only four Executive Secretaries: ethnic minorities. But by 1982, Equity conceived the Dorothy Bryant, 1919-1937; Ruth Richmond, 1938- concept of Non-Traditional Casting, a broader 1951; Edith Christensen for a brief term of seven definition to support the casting of not only ethnic months and then Ben Irving, who held the post from minorities, but females, seniors and disabled actors in 1951 until the merger. Bryant and Ruth Richmond roles where race, ethnicity, gender, age and/or the were each eventually voted Chorus Executive presence or absence of a disability is not essential to Mrs. Thomas Whiffen. Secretary Emeritus, along with Rebecca Brownstein, the development of the play or character. long time counsel, who became Chorus Counsel Throughout the ‘80s, Equity gathered and n the beginning — May, 1913—when Equity was Emeritus.) When, a few months after the strike maintained statistics on the hiring of women (called founded, there were no women involved. ended, Marie Dressler resigned the presidency due “appalling”); scheduled meetings with playwrights and “Membership in the early days of the Association to employment commitments, she was succeeded by agents to discuss sexual harassment and other had been restricted to men,” according to Alfred another woman—Blanche Ring. issues, and, recalling the 1919 strike characterized as IHarding’s book, The Revolt of the Actors, which From the beginning, Equity’s guiding principle “The Revolt of the Actors,” suggested that perhaps it chronicles the Association’s history from 1913 to 1929. was “All for One and One for All.” For women, this was time for a “Revolt of the Actresses.” But, in mid-July, the membership requirements were meant they had all the rights and privileges of modified to read: “Any person, irrespective of quity is a union of stage actors and stage membership that the men had. In fact, Equity nationality, who can establish a record of three years managers. And there are many, many women women could vote for the President of the Union as an actor is eligible to membership in the who have joined Equity as stage managers. Association.” Under that ruling, Mrs. Thomas Whiffen long before American women could vote for the These women are found on Broadway and Off became the first actress to be elected to membership. President of the United States. Eand in theatres large and small across the Today, women comprise nearly half of the Women continued playing an active and important country. Stage managers combine a keen membership. Mrs. Whiffen was also the first to serve role at Equity throughout the years. They were active understanding of acting, psychology and a passion for on Council, having been appointed to fill a vacancy. in the war effort—raising money and morale. They the development of an idea on paper to a full But it wasn’t until 1918 that the first women were participated in the Stage Women’s War Relief during production on stage. They are the calm presence that elected to Council: Katherine Emmet, Florence Reed World War I and in the USO and Stage Door Canteen keeps every aspect of a show in motion without chaos. and Helen Ware. during World War II, entertaining—and serving coffee. “It took a little longer for women to become Production Not willing to sit on the sidelines of their new union, The end of the war women quickly began to play a prominent role in brought other challenges— Equity and in its legendary strike for recognition in these on the home front. 1919. Ethel Barrymore offered early and invaluable Performers were support, sending the following message to Strike concerned that the nation’s Headquarters: “While my entire theatrical career has capitol in Washington, DC been associated with but one management from had a strict segregation which I have received only fairness and consideration, policy. A Committee re Jim I feel that the traditions of my family and my personal Crow was formed, chaired predilections ally me logically and irremediably with by Frances Heflin. A the members of my profession in the Actors’ Equity production of Joan of Association.” Ms. Barrymore later served as Equity’s Lorraine starring Ingrid First Vice President for ten years. Bergman was playing at Members of the Chorus, especially women, had the Lisner Auditorium of their own problems with unscrupulous managers and George Washington onerous working conditions and were happy to join University.The theatre the strike effort. At one meeting at Strike refused to sell tickets to Headquarters a Follies girl climbed up on her seat, blacks and was picketed by Equity. Ms. Bergman Chorus Actors join the strike: Center is Marie Dressler holding the banner shouting “Who wants to be arrested tonight? Let’s go while Ethel Barrymore points to the message. picketing.” And they did. They even formed their own supported Equity’s efforts, “sister” organization: Chorus Equity Association. but was unable to change Stage Managers on Broadway than in other arenas,” Marie Dressler, who had started her career as a the policy. However, she said she would never again said Marjorie Horne, a Stage Manager and Councillor. chorus actor earning $8 a week, was elected play in a segregated theatre—anywhere. Equity’s “But now you regularly see women stage managers President. At one of the early meetings of Chorus actions eventually led to the closing of the National listed on the title page and in the credits. Women Equity, a speaker proclaimed: “If actors and Theatre in Washington for five years until its policy stage managers are also well-represented on the actresses can rehearse 12 weeks without pay, what changed. National Council of Equity as well.” is to prevent their remaining on strike 12 weeks Equity was increasingly concerned with When the Best Man for the Part Can Be a Women without pay?” (During the almost 36 years of its discrimination against actors in the theatre, as well. At was the subject of a symposium sponsored by the EQUITY news / 7

Roles in Equity History

Western Region EEOC. Could the Best Man for the Part efore Off-Broadway, there was Equity Library be a Woman? was a similar event sponsored by the Theatre—formed by Equity to showcase Ethel Barrymore. Eastern Region Women’s Committee. Why not, indeed? members’ talents. Not surprisingly, a woman— One highly-publicized and critically successful Terese Hayden—was one of the founders. ELT, clothing and equipment, chaired by Jean Stapleton of as it was known, staged plays in public libraries example of Non-Traditional Casting was a 1990 B All in the Family fame) in the ‘60s, to a Parents to which producers, agents and casting directors production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Committee started by President Nick Wyman in the were invited. ELT in New York was eventually Shakespeare Theatre at the Folger in Washington in ‘90s, Equity has been committed to finding affordable disbanded, although it remains active in Chicago. which Ms. Pat Carroll played the role of Sir John child care options so that actors can combine a career As a member of Chorus Equity, Jeanna Belkin was Falstaff. New York Times drama critic Frank Rich wrote: with raising a family. Equity members have supported concerned when another chorus member felt ill and “Her performance is a triumph from start to finish, and, passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, participated had no place in the theatre I think, a in fundraising walks around the country to raise to lie down. Enter the particularly money and awareness for breast cancer and Equity cot—which is now brave and Alzheimers, and supported the Phyllis Newman mandated in every Equity moving one, Women's Health Initiative of The Actors Fund, among theatre. with other activities. Equity members are active members Councillor Nancy R. implications of the League of Professional Theatre Women and the Pollock chaired Equity’s that go beyond union is a charter member of the WAM Coalition Committee to Extend the this production. (Women in the Arts & Media) in New York, which Professional Theatre. It Ms. Carroll and provides networking opportunities, information sharing was her dream to extend Mr. Kahn and mentoring. and promote theatre (Michael Kahn, Today, as Equity celebrates its Centennial, it boasts throughout the United the Artistic a roster of legendary theatre women who have served States. The Committee Director) help on Council, including Katharine Cornell, Mildred then became a revivify the Dunnock, Ruth Gordon, Helen Hayes, Cornelia Otis department in Equity, argument that Skinner, Jessica Tandy, Laurette Taylor, Peggy Wood which led to the creation of the right and Blanche Yurka. They served not merely as FEDAPT, the Foundation actresses can figureheads, but participated in many activities, to Extend the Professional perform some Outgoing President Ellen Burstyn (l) hands off the gavel to including testifying before Congressional committees Theatre, with Ms. Pollock of the great new President Colleen Dewhurst. on issues important to Equity and the arts and raising as President. FEDAPT classic roles the profile of professional actors. Ellen Burstyn was eventually morphed into the Commercial Theatre traditionally denied to women and make them their elected the Association’s first female President in Institute, which still exists. own. It’s not a new argument, to be sure; female 1982 and was succeeded by Colleen Dewhurst, who Councillor Joan Lowell had her own dream: to Hamlets stretch back into history. But what separates served until 1991. (Once again, Equity was ahead of advise older actors on making the transition from Ms. Carroll’s Falstaff from some other similar casting the curve; the United States has yet to elect a woman performing to alternative employment and also to experiments of late is that her performance exists to president.) explore casting opportunities for mature performers. investigate a character rather than merely as Currently, the First and Second Vice Presidents She urged Council to form the Actors Work Program ideological window dressing for a gimmicky and Secretary-Treasurer of the union, plus the Central Committee. This Committee, too, became a separate production.” and Western Regional Directors and Eastern department before being taken over by The Actors Over the years, Equity women have been involved Regional Vice President are women; women serve as Fund. on many fronts. Following the assassination of Dr. chairs of Area Liaison Committees and there are more Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Equity members, led hen the AIDS epidemic began, Equity rallied ‘round with a fundraiser, The Best of the than 30 women on Council. Women hold key positions by Second Vice President Jeanna Belkin and Best: A Show of Concern, produced by three on the national staff and have been lead negotiators Councillor Barbara Colton, joined the Memphis women (Jane Neufeld, Judy Rice, and Jane for Equity contracts. Carol Waaser took on the post of Sanitation Department in their march to protest the WRobertson), along with two men (Arne Acting Executive Director in 2009, serving until 2011 deplorable treatment of black employees of the Gundersen and Patrick Quinn). This 1985 benefit when Mary McColl was named Executive Director. Department and to further the work toward equal raised more than $1 million and led to the formation of “Since Equity’s inception, women have been a rights to which Dr. King had devoted his life. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. strong influence in shaping the Union,” said Ms. After the attack on the World Trade Center in When Broadway theatres were earmarked for McColl. “Their leadership has left an indelible mark, 2001, New York Loves America: The Broadway Tour demolition to make way for a hotel, Equity women creating a legacy of which we can all be proud. And with a five member company including Councillor once again stepped up, formed the Save the Theatres the women of this generation will build upon the Paige Price and Sandy Duncan, went on the road, Committee, led by Sandy Lundwall and Lenore foundation for a strong and bright future.” visiting 14 cities, to thank America for its support Loveman, and some women even were arrested Stay tuned! Women may have come a long way in and to show the resilience and indomitable spirit of following a sit-in as the bulldozers arrived. society—and in Equity—but there’s still a lot of work to the American people. From a Baby Bundles Committee (for sharing baby do and a long way to go. 8 / EQUITY news MARCH 2013

East Haddam, CT Something’s Afoot for BC/EFA at Goodspeed Opera House Ten strangers come together point out the seven local and disappear one by one in a charities funded by BC/EFA, musical murder mystery. Luckily including the Alliance for Living the company of Something’s and AIDS Project New Haven in NATIONALNEWS Afoot at the Goodspeed Opera the appeal. “We researched who NATIONALNEWS House all returned in time to receives funding locally from make an appeal to their local BC/EFA and could see the nods audiences and raise $12,134 for of recognition in the audience as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights we let them know that every

VITA NY Opens Doors For 37th Tax Season IRS-Sponsored Tax Assistance Program Also Offered in Los Angeles, Orlando

On Monday, February 4, From the moment I walked in the also volunteers. Be grateful. Be 2013, the VITA (Volunteer door, VITA has provided an prepared. Don’t waste their time; Income Tax Assistance) program immeasurable service for our fill out those worksheets in opened its doors for its 37th industry.” advance! And, don’t expect them annual season on the 14th Floor Member Amy Fortgang to “fudge” like some private of the Equity Building in New (Connor) first learned about VITA preparers—it isn’t going to York. As always, a long line in 1984 from an article in happen! No matter what your AIDS. Equity member Audrie dollar of their support allowed formed well before dawn with Backstage, using the published friends tell you their accountant Neenan led the company in its BC/EFA to reach out to their AEA and SAG-AFTRA members tips before she joined Equity. does - VITA does it right.” efforts, using every tactic friends and neighbors,” said who braved the extremely brisk Connor muses, “As soon as I VITA’s opening day was available—from selling Audrie. The cast would often pit winter temperatures to seek out joined Equity, I became a VITA coordinated by long-time autographed posters to chasing matinee audiences against the coveted appointments for free client. This is my 26th year. I’ve program volunteer, Linda Carol down the last few patrons in the evening shows, creating a tax return preparation by VITA’s been with VITA longer than I’ve Young, who not only arrived at 5 theatre. “I was not above going friendly competition and hard-working and dedicated been with my husband!” Connor am, but devoted many hours to into the ladies’ room and saying encouraged the student the advance prep for worksheets ‘Did I miss anyone in here?’ audiences to give as well. “The and forms, staffing, and Anything that put a smile on students were especially management of the appointment their faces and encouraged generous considering their sign-ups. Thanks to Linda’s them to contribute as much as resources. It was wonderful to dedicated efforts, everything ran they could—which they happily see them want to be a part of it smoothly and the team did.” The cast made sure to all.” processed 49 tax returns. Also special thanks to all of the tireless members of VITA’s volunteer staff: Toby Blackwell, New York Sandra M. Bloom, Bernadette Cancelliere, Kathleen Conry, J. Actors Fund Sets Seminars Francis Curley, Kylie Delre, Betsy The Actors Fund is obtaining affordable rental DiLellio, Magie Dominic, Carol sponsoring a seminar on How to housing: 80/20 housing, tenants’ Emshoff, Margaret A. Flanagan, be Successful in Teaching, rights, information and more. The Elizabeth Flax, Leonard Garbin, Training and Coaching on seminar will be held several Brian Hargrove, Yvette Heyliger, Among volunteers who assisted on VITA’s opening day were Thursday, March 21, 2013 from times during the year on the 10th Betty Hudson, Mark Irish, Marcia (l to r): Joan Shangold, Margaret Flanagan and John Tillotson. 5:30 pm – 7 pm at AFM Local Floor at The Fund office, 729 (Photo: Stephanie Masucci) Kaufman, John LaGioia, Darrie 802, 322 West 48th Street. For Seventh Avenue. The dates are Lawrence, Mike Lesser, Laurel information: all Mondays, from 5:30 pm - 7 volunteers. continued, “The volunteers Lockhart, Patricia Masters, Elliott [email protected]. pm on April 1, May 20, July 15, Headed by Director Sandra understand performers’ taxes in Mayer, Joseph P. McDonnell, The Fund has also set a September 9, October 28 and Karas, Equity’s Secretary- a way that no other tax preparer Michael McKenzie, Michael series of housing seminars to December 16. For information: Treasurer, VITA is the only IRS- does. They have seen me Mulheren, Jody Myers, Pat review long term options to [email protected]. sponsored tax assistance through tax years with up to eight Nesbit, Nneoma Nkuku, program in the country W-2s, foreign tour income, Marchand Odette, Tony specializing in performers’ tax Broadway show income, an Paccione, Jody Prusan, Shelley returns. Each year, the VITA NY audit, unemployment, the Rosner, Stacey Scotte, Carolyn Philadelphia team prepares thousands of purchase of two homes, a Seiff, Michelle Seipel, Roger complex federal, state and local marriage, a divorce, another Seyer, Susan Sigrist, Jackie FringeArts Festival Coming Up tax returns for more than 2,000 marriage, the addition of three Slusser, Nancy Slusser, Gordon The application process for AEA members who are union members. For the second dependents, child actor income, Stanley, Catherine Thorpe, John the newly named “FringeArts interested in self-producing their year in a row, the VITA program several career shifts (from Tillotson, Carla Torgrimson, John Festival,” formerly the own projects under an AEA is also being offered to AEA and performer to director to Weigand, William White, and Joe “Philadelphia Live Arts Festival Code should get in touch as SAG-AFTRA members in Los choreographer to costume Zaloom. and Philly Fringe” is underway. soon as possible with the Angeles (courtesy of The Actors designer and back again), and On opening day, VITA Philadelphia AEA Liaison Fund), and in Orlando at Equity’s even a $60,000 game show win.” volunteers who assisted were: For information, visit Committee. The committee Central Florida office. Member Kim Rideout has Stephanie Card, Kathy Conry, J. www.livearts-fringe.com/ encourages members to ask Member Stan Krajewski “paid it forward” and heralded the Francis Curley, Margaret A. festival/fringe-artists.cfm questions early in the process arrived at 3:40 am from the VITA program to many young Flanagan, Stephanie Gatton, If theatres or producing and not to wait until summer or Upper East Side of Manhattan actors and new arrivals to Paul Kochman, Pat Nesbit, Joan organizations are interested in when the project is already in for VITA’s opening day and was Manhattan. Rideout says, “Being Shangold, David Sitler, Cayte hiring Equity members for their rehearsal. For further the sixth person in line for tax on your own and trying to figure Thorpe, John Robert Tillotson, productions in the FringeArts information, contact the return processing. “In every out your taxes and all that goes Linda Carol Young and Joe Festival, they must sign you to committee at: possible way, VITA took all my along with being an actor is Zaloom. Equity staffer Chris an appropriate AEA agreement [email protected] W-2s, 1099s and just made tough! It’s nice to have someone Williams was also on hand to (LOA, SPT, Guest Artist, Special or call 877-232-1913, ext. 832. sense of something that would guide you.” Rideout added, “The oversee the smooth running of Appearance, etc.). otherwise have left me clueless. staff is knowledgeable. They are opening day. MARCH 2013 EQUITY news / 9

San Diego One Event Celebrates Two Occasions San Diego members Pictured here (l to r) are: Cast celebrated both Black History member Warner Joseph Miller; and Women’s History months former AEA Equal Employment with a single event on February Opportunity Committee Chair 17, 2013. An Afternoon with Barbara Roberts; Lydia Lydia Diamond, a reception Diamond; MOXIE Theatre sponsored by AEA was followed Artistic Director and Director of by a performance of Toni The Bluest Eye Delicia Turner Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Sonnenberg; cast member adapted by award-winning Cashae M. Overton; Mo’olelo playwright Lydia Diamond. A Performing Arts Company talk-back with Diamond followed Interim General and Producing the performance. Ms. Diamond’s Manager Jessica Bird; cast appearance was sponsored by member and San Diego AEA the Mo’olelo Performing Arts Liaison Abner Genece; and cast Houston Company, which produced her member Melissa Coleman- Western Business Reps Attend Texas Meeting hit play, Stick Fly, in 2011. Reed. The annual membership was unanimously affirmed (the items and said that Equity will meeting for the Houston area remainder of the committee is be celebrating its 100th was held on February 11, 2013 unchanged from last year). anniversary in May, and each at Main Street Theatre’s Several topics were discussed: liaison city will be encouraged to Chelsea Market location in first and foremost was the new mark this milestone in some Houston. New Liaison chair, Members Project Code manner. He also spoke about Joel Sandel, and fellow agreement. Ron Jones, a former the “soon to be” new offices for committee members Debs committee member, announced AEA in Los Angeles. Ramser, David Grant, Carolyn his intention to be the first Mr. Sandel thanked Luisa Johnson, Susan Shofner and person in the area to utilize the Amaral-Smith, the Liaison chair Luisa Amaral-Smith took MPC in a “member generated” for whom he took over, for her advantage of the event to production of Tennessee tireless work on behalf of the informally kick off AEA’s 100th Williams’ The Milk Train Doesn’t Houston area saying she set a anniversary and had a few Stop Here Anymore. Mr. Geana- standard that will be impossible appropriately themed items on Bastare reported a very healthy to match. the check-in and refreshment uptick in the number of At the conclusion of the tables. Michael Van Duzer and contracts issued for Houston meeting, there was a drawing Albert Geana-Bastare, from the during the 2012 calendar year for theatre tickets generously New York LA office, were special guests. A (20 theatres hired union actors!). donated by Theater Under the handful of Equity Membership He also encouraged the Stars, Stark Naked Theatre, EEOC Sets Cross-Gender Casting Candidates attended the membership to urge non-Equity Unity Theatre and the University Event for Women’s History Month reception and it was noted that theatres to contact him if they’re of Houston School of Theater. an event specifically for the interested in using an Equity Afterwards, members returned EMCs needs to be organized, member. He said he would walk to the lobby for more socializing The Eastern Region Equal casting. The scenes will be hopefully, in the fall. the producers through the and snacking. All in all, “it was a Employment Opportunity followed by a discussion with The meeting began with the process and show them how very successful, informative and Committee is planning to the artists. selection of the Liaison easy it actually is to hire encouraging event that was celebrate Women’s History Joanne Zipay, Artistic Committee. Robert Nelson professionals. Mr. Van Duzer enjoyed by all who attended,” Month with Opening Up Director of the Judith volunteered to come aboard and then reported on a few national reports Mr. Sandel. Possibilities for Women Through Shakespeare Company, will Cross-Gender Casting on lead the event. Additional Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7 directors presenting work are pm at the Equity Building, 165 Rebecca Patterson, Artistic South Florida another term on the Liaison West 46th Street. Director of The Queen’s Committee and decided not to The evening will feature Company, and Emily Davis, New Members Join Liaison Committee return because of other scenes demonstrating a variety Artistic Director of Messenger commitments. New member of ways to create more Theatre Company. The By Irene Adjan, and the status of the Equity Renata Eastlick volunteered to opportunities for women in coordinator is Equity member Equity Liaison Building in New York. There serve, joined by Patti Gardner. Shakespearean productions and Gael Schaefer. were also questions on the President Nick Wyman was The other members whose beyond by utilizing non- RSVP to effect of the Affordable Care Act on hand for the South Florida terms were expiring remained traditional casting via cross- [email protected]. on members’ health coverage, General Membership Meeting on the Committee. gender and gender-neutral as well as regional business, on January 14, 2013 at the Thanks to Dave Corey and such as the IATSE strike at the Plaza Theatre in Manalapan. Barbara Sloan for their service Kravis Center, the closing of and to Renata St. Louis Eastlick and Patti Gardner for Shakespeare Festival St. Louis stepping up and joining the Liaison Introduces Cyber-Bullying Play Committee. Shakespeare Festival St. area and beyond. Thanks, too, to Louis (SFSTL) is once again “I’ve always been intrigued by President Wyman bringing an anti-bullying pairing a social issue with one for attending; to message to local schools. In of Shakespeare’s plays,” said Alan Jacobson for addition to the anti-bullying Rick Dildine, executive director the use of the campaign built around the of Shakespeare Festival St. theatre; to the organization’s 2013 production Louis. “We have incorporated members who of Twelfth Night, SFSTL is the bullying theme into our President Nick Wyman (c, back) with members at the South Florida meeting. turned out; and to introducing a cyber-bullying Education Tour shows the past the members of play, Winning Juliet, dealing with two years, but in light of the The meeting followed a meet- several South Florida theatres, the Committee for high school students hacking cyber-bullying issues occurring and-greet in the lobby of the and the realities and their time and commitment: into a bullied student’s account in schools and on social media theatre, with light refreshments consequences of Equity actors Barbara Bradshaw, Oscar and creating a social media sites nationwide, we felt this was provided by the Liaison working non-SAG-AFTRA jobs. Cheda, Beth Dimon, John Felix, crisis. Both plays are scheduled an appropriate time to focus Committee. Also discussed were plans for Wayne LeGette, Margery Lowe, to be performed by Equity attention on it. We’re using the Topics discussed included the upcoming Equity Centennial. Margot Moreland, Marj O’Neill- member/teaching artists for power of the theatre to build approximately 26,000 students awareness, teach empathy, and the SETA negotiations, the Both Dave Corey and Butler, Laura Turnbull and Tom throughout the St. Louis metro support communication.” upcoming LORT negotiations, Barbara Sloan were up for Wahl. 10 / EQUITY news MARCH 2013

New York Broadway and Ballet Combine for Fundraiser Dancers Responding to gypsies in (2) Hello Dolly, a 1 AIDS, a program of Broadway quirky, crowd-pleasing number Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, fused created by choreographer Al Broadway and ballet, Blackstone (Wicked). contemporary and tap to create The January 28 the eighth annual edition of performances opened with a Dance from the Heart on special tribute to choreographer January 28 and 29, 2013. Jerome Robbins with American Dance from the Heart is a Dance Machine for the 21st platform for performers from the Century’s restaging of “Mr. Broadway and dance Monotony” sung live by Gravitte communities, including Equity and featuring a five-piece band members, to showcase their and dancers from New York City artistry while raising funds for Ballet. those battling HIV/AIDS and The closing number other critical illnesses. highlighted Equity dancers Chip This year’s program featured Abbott, Alicia Albright, Ioana 78 performers, including (1) Alfonso, Jeremy Davis, Kelly With four performances over Tony Award-winning Debbie Lafarga, Heather Lang, two evenings, this year’s Gravitte (Jerome Robbins’ Jonathan McGill, Joseph program was a record-breaking Broadway), tapper Corey John Medeiros, Michael Mindlin, success, drawing more than 600 Milwaukee Snide (Billy Elliot: The Musical, Adam Perry, Morgan Rose, and people to Cedar Lake Theater in 13) and a cast of 14 Broadway Ronnie Todorowski. Manhattan’s West Chelsea Historic District Milwaukee Rep’s Production of 2 and raising “Blues in the Night” Steps Up $113,140, surpassing last The Milwaukee Repertory everyone,” said Love. “We year’s record by Theatre’s production of Blues in decided two onstage making the more than the Night proved that regional appeal and two in the lobby was $45,000. companies can compete with the way to go and switched it up For more the likes of Broadway when it each performance. Audiences information about comes to giving from the heart. were wonderful. They not only Dancers Lili Thomas, Zonya Love and praised the show, but thanked Responding to Halle Morse (pictured) joined us over and over for doing AIDS, visit Carl Clemons-Hopkins and something positive for the dradance.org. collected more than $2,300 over community. We were all very eight performances during proud to be involved and glad to BC/EFA Week in the 120-seat help, not only our theatrical Stackner Cabaret. “With only the community, but also the three Boston four of us in the cast we were agencies in Wisconsin funded brainstorming how best to reach by BC/EFA.” Casting Coup at Wheelock Family Theatre Wheelock Family Theatre, which has been recognized Washington, DC both locally and nationally for its commitment to accessible, “You For Me” at Woolly Mammoth multi-cultural, and multi- generational productions for is also for BC/EFA families (including receiving Equity’s Rosetta LeNoire The six-person ensemble 16 social service agencies in Award in 2000), has once cast of the world premiere Washington, DC. “It was a full again made a bold casting production of Mia Chung’s Yo u ensemble effort spearheaded by move. The role of Fagin in its For Me For You at Woolly our fantastic stage manager production of Oliver!, which Mammoth Theatre Company Marne Anderson,” Jue ran from January 24- raised $3,135 for Broadway continues. “She really took the February 24, 2013, was Cares/Equity Fights AIDS over reins on this.” Anderson says played by the theatre’s co- nine performances. Company this is something that always founder and co-artistic member and Equity Councillor brings her joy. “Whenever I bring director, Jane Staab. Here, Ms. Staab is center stage, flanked by Isaac Haber and Emma Kelley. (Photo: Gary Ng)

Washington, DC Recipes Wanted for Theatre Artists Cookbook

DC Equity members Kerry potlucks are eagerly anticipated about your recipe. Also list the Epstein and Sherri Edelen are and recipes are frequently theatres where you’ve worked looking for recipes for a demanded,” they write. “To that (or cooked) as they’d like every backstage cookbook, proceeds end, Taking Care of Our Own DC-area theatre to be of which will benefit Taking Care (TCOOO) would like to invite represented. of Our Own, a new initiative of you to participate in the first Email your recipe to theatreWashington created to Local Theatre Artists [email protected] no Francis Jue said, “It’s such a the idea of collecting for assist local theatre Cookbook.” later than March 15, 2013. The wonderful thing that theatres Broadway Cares to the artistic professionals and artists in They are looking for the TCOOO cookbook will make its outside of New York are able to staff here they always give me personal emergency situations. following categories: debut at the Summer Hummer contribute to BC/EFA Week, their full support and “On any given night at the breakfast/brunch, appetizers, 2013 on August 19 and then be particularly since so much of the cooperation,” she says. “It gives half hour call, tasty treats salads, bread, main dishes, side available for sale at DC-area money raised is then awarded me such a great feeling to appear in Green Rooms across dishes, desserts and beverages. theatres. by BC/EFA to local contribute in any way I can and the DC area: baked goods, Send your favorite recipe, For more information about organizations.” Over $260,000 pulls a company together in a savory delicacies, maybe a along with a one-sentence bio of Taking Care of Our Own, visit was sent in 2012 by BC/EFA to wonderful way.” moon pie or two. Between-show yourself and one sentence www.theatrewashington.org. MARCH 2013 EQUITY news / 11

Los Angeles Chicago (10 am or 11 am), requests will be taken by the Equity office Actors Fund Tackles Money Matters SM Networking beginning Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 10 am. Call 312-641- The Actors Fund has divorce negotiation: spousal Event Coming 0406 from 10 am to 12 noon scheduled two seminars on support, child support, pensions and 1 pm to 3 pm only. It is Money Matters. The first, on and the house. The speaker is This Spring expected that 11 Stage Monday, March 18, 2013 from 10 Judith M. Weigle, a 35-year Managers will be A networking event for Stage accommodated per rotation am to 12 noon, examines powers veteran of the entertainment Managers in the Chicago Area hour, and those slots will be of attorney, health care directives, industry and current President of is being planned for April 22, available on a first come, first wills and trusts: how, when and A Divorce Resource and founder 2013, in time to be of benefit as guaranteed to meet for a few served basis. Once the hourly when not to do it yourself. The of Extreme Mediation. local theatres gear up for their minutes with all of the theatres slots are filled, a waiting list will speaker is Michael Alexander, Both events will be held at Fall 2013 seasons. Similar to in attendance. Participants be formed. If you cannot keep J.D., Managing Principal, Private The Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire past successful events, this one should plan to bring at least 12 your appointment, call Elizabeth Trust Management Group. Boulevard, Suite 400 in Los will have a speed interview resumes to exchange. The event Gonzalez, 312-641-0393, ext. The second, on Monday, Angeles. RSVP: format. Stage Managers will will be held at Steppenwolf 240 so that another Stage March 25 from 10 am to noon, [email protected] or call sign up for a “rotation hour,” Garage, 1624 N. Halsted Street. Manager may participate. discusses four fear factors in 323-933-9244, ext. 415. during which they will be To sign up for a rotation hour

Dallas/Fort Worth Equity Gets a Column Equity received an Honorary The Column Awards Executive Column Award in recognition Vice President Dennis Yslas of its upcoming Centennial stated: “The Column Awards is when the awards, which honor the largest gathering of excellence in theatre within the theatrical professionals in Dallas/Fort Worth Theatre Texas and we are so happy to Metroplex, were presented on honor my union for the 100 February 25, 2013. Western years of working for actors.” Regional Director Mary Lou Three theatres offering Westerfield accepted the Equity contracts—Theatre award, thanking the presenters Three, Uptown Players and Showing off Equity's proclamation are (l to r): Sally Soldo, Pam Dougherty, Dennis Yslas, for the recognition and Plaza Theatre Company—were Orfeh, Gregory Lush, Connie Coit-Kitchens, Wendy Welch and Western Regional Director Mary Lou reminding the DFW theatre recognized with Best Play and Westerfield. (Photo: Calvin Brockington) community that “we are all a Best Musical Awards and 11 part of the process of making Equity members received Baldwin, BJ Cleveland, David Jamison, Denise Lee, Liz Serrecchia, Ashton Smalling art.” DFW Liaison Chair and individual awards: Andy Coffee, Pam Dougherty, Lee Mikel, Jeffrey Schmidt, Michael and Max Swarner.

MISSING LINKS 1234 5678 9101112 13 14 15 By Jim Bernhard 55 “____ the season to be jolly“ 56 Argentinian pop singer born NOTE: The clues marked with* Florencia Caserta 16 17 18 are partial titles of two plays or 57 *The Man Who Came To at musicals that share omittted Eight 19 20 21 22 word that is the answer to the 59 *The Family in Vienna clue. 63 Feminine ending 23 24 25 64 Machete ACROSS 67 Anakin by another name 1 Working hard 68 Roger who was artistic 26 27 28 29 30 5 Reacted to a cut director at Williamstown 9 Tests for HS seniors 69 Mars to ancient Greeks 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 13 Author of “The Republic’ 70 Online biz 14 Floor covering in Britain 71 Ilk 38 39 40 41 42 15 Skip 72 Chap 16 Rice dish 73 Ruby and Sandra 17 Spread out on the table 43 44 45 46 47 sometimes DOWN 18 *I kid you not” TV figure 48 49 50 51 1 Inter ___ 19 *South Overtures 2 Baby powder substance 21 *A Streetcar Named Under 3 “ ____Necessarily So” 52 53 54 55 56 the Elms (Gershwin song) 23 Beatty and Rorem 4 Candies made of butter and 57 58 59 60 61 62 24 Chum sugar 25 Siesta 5 Voting groups 26 *Call Me Roberts 63 64 65 66 67 6 Abner or Kim 29 Boy Scouts founder 7 Opp. of WSW ______-Powell 8 Thingamajig 68 69 70 31 Get older 9 Bribes, perhaps 32 First _____ girl; character in 10 With full force 71 72 73 “Beauty and the Beast” 11 Princess’s headwear 34 *Girl for You 12 Kind of throat 38 Lands in the Seine 13 Very, very soft in music 40 Sister at the Sorbonne 20 First (and last) king of 33 Funds advanced temporarily 49 It deploys on impact 60 Dies ____(day of wrath in a 42 Notre Dame’s Parseghian Libya 35 “Pretty maids all in ___” 51 Elaborately decorated hymn) and others 22 Kind of engr. 36 Grey of Western fiction 52 Singer Linda and critic 61 Skinner of the stage 43 *A little Night in the Air 24 “Fork it over” 37 Belgian-French river Richard 62 Assn. on ice 45 “A Dandy in ___”. 1968 film 26 Maul 39 Ruman in Marx Brothers 53 Sal of “Rebel Without A 65 Treasure in “Treasure of 47 “A Chorus Line” song 27 Ice house, in Inuit language films Cause” Sierra Madre” 48 Edna Ferber novel 28 Bishoprics 41 Winchester, for example 54 Word before sanctum or tube 66 Cariou who played Sweeney 50 *Cactus Drum Song 29 Hallowed 44 Name 56 Hoary poet? 52 Big name in recorded music 30 U. S. gun gp. 45 Unclear 58 Tree house Answer on page 12 12 / EQUITY news MARCH 2013

remove his arm, then calmly and Dear Editor:

U.S.Postage Letters to The Editor methodically locked the door The recent passing of Elana 46 Letters received from paid up members on subjects of concern to Equity members will be considered and from inside. He waved Ernst Silverstein, a dear friend published as soon as possible. The Editor reserves the right to limit letters to 175 words and to select one contemptuously to us to go away and multi-talented performer, or two representative letters when many similar letters are received. Letters must be signed, but names and disappeared out of our line shocked the lives of many in the will be withheld on request for those letters which may affect members’ employment. Signatures will not of vision, taking his lackeys with theatre community. “Elana be withheld on letters antagonistic or accusatory, either implied or expressed, against other members. him. became a pro so young” said Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of Actors’ Equity Association. Our Equity representative Jessica Redish, childhood friend made a full report to Equity, and Founding Artistic Director of serving while working under the Association and attempting to RE: MONITORS ON STAFF which sent a directive to their The Music Theatre Company, as Equity contract. bring our rules, standards and Dear Editor: entire membership not to quoted in the Chicago Tribune. At We hope to have this issue regulations into concordance with The reason not all Equity patronize Millers. Two years later 17, Elana toured nationally with resolved so that all of those with our changing society, our monitors have joined the staff, Millers closed down. Mamma Mia! and then received the most expertise can rejoin the changing business, and the law although we were invited to do so Morna Murphy Martell a BFA at Cincinnati’s College- as the most qualified personnel monitor team and continue to of the land. Many changes are Conservatory of Music. Post to fill the positions by Mary have auditions run as well as being made - such as making ANOTHER CENTENNIAL graduation, she became a well- McColl and Steve DiPaola, who they can be run, without losing monitors paid staff rather than Dear Equity Members: known stage actress and explained the change from the benefits of membership to member volunteers; maintaining We are celebrating The voiceover artist in her native independent contractors to being which they are entitled. this policy about staff and Rehearsal Club’s Centennial Chicago. She was also an artistic part of the staff, is that being part Margaret A. Flanagan committee membership, after from June 27-July 1, 2013 in advocate, working tirelessly in of staff, as it stands now, means (President Wyman responds: I thorough debate, was several venues in Manhattan. If her administrative roles with The Equity members cannot serve on am delighted that Ms. determined to be in the best you lived at The Rehearsal Club, Music Theatre Company and committees or Council or work Flanagan—and many others— interests of the Association.) please get in touch, plan to visit Chicago Children’s Theatre. under Equity contract. feel such a strong proprietary AEA’S FIGHT AGAINST NY and join us for a reunion. Elana inspired me with her To change this, so that part- stake in their union. It is this DISCRIMINATION You may visit the website immense talent, commanding time staff, like monitors, could grassroots democratic www.rehearsalclubnyc.com to leadership and great versatility. Dear Editor: serve on committees and participation and responsiveness download the membership form She had a quick, comedic wit, As a proud AEA member, I Council, lending their expertise to that is one of AEA’s strengths. I and learn more about what’s but was also a thoughtful and wanted to share my appreciation those committees and to Council, and my fellow elected AEA happening in our circle. The generous friend. Her 2009 for Michael Sommers’ article on requires a letter from members Officers and Councillors share Centennial Page lists the events wedding was a beautiful AEA’s history of social change interested in having this issue that proprietary stake. All of us, planned. Everyone else reading celebration that brought people (January/February issue) and to discussed to be sent to Mary including several Councillors who this can “like” our Rehearsal Club together from all walks of life. add some thoughts it conjured in McColl, who then takes it to are also monitors, listened to all Facebook page and follow our She is survived by her parents, me. Council to discuss and decide the arguments pro and con about journey by becoming a “Friend of sister, husband and one-year old The article clearly and the issue. changing Council’s long-standing the Rehearsal Club.” daughter, Maya. Please consider eloquently enlightens us about A letter with hundreds of policy against staff members Thank you to the women of making a donation to the Maya AEA’s battles against signatures was sent, and we being members of Council or The Rehearsal Club for your Blue Scholarship Fund: 2121 employment discrimination on were told it was discussed other committees. There are continued collaboration. We are Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL behalf of minority actors: extensively, but “Council” decided potential legal consequences to creating mini-miracles in the 60402. effectively including women, not to change the status of part- making that change that, in the world of show business! Mara Jill Herman people of color and artists with time staff. Since part-time staff do opinion of the overwhelming Kathleen Conry Dear Editor: disabilities. The only mention of not in any way control auditions majority of your Council, Rehearsal Club My mother, actress and LGBT activism however is on or affect hiring, but observe the outweighed the possible value to dancer Ruth Antonofsky, went to behalf of marriage equality, ALIVE AND WELL rules already in place and report either the Association or to heaven on October 27, 2012. which is, of course, righteous Dear Editor: to the Audition Center any individuals desiring to serve the She was a member of AEA and and appreciated, but doesn’t In the January/February violations, again I ask that you union as both committee SAG-AFTRA. Born on the Lower address the more critical issue, I saw an obit for “R.G. consider making all part-time members and staff. This decision East Side of New York, she problem with actors in these Brown” and pinched myself. It staff exempt from not serving on was not made idly.We are moved to Caracas, Venezuela communities, which is access to turns out that I didn’t expire. committees and Council and examining many of the policies of and performed and employment. “How would a Please let members know that choreographed classical and casting director know if an actor Robert Gregory Brown is alive contemporary dance at the is gay?” you might well ask. They and well and living in Southern Caracas Theatre Club, Teatro wouldn’t unless told, or if they California. Anyone wishing to Municipal and on live television. perceived the actor to be “gay” reach me can call. On her return to New York, based on gender presentation, Robert Gregory Brown Ruth became a familiar face on perpetuating a problem in the IN MEMORIAM television soaps, film, Off-Off- industry I call “Don’t Act, Don’t Broadway theatre, commercials Dear Editor: Tell.” (My articles on this and and print. She was a longtime I was in Highland Falls, NY short film called Acting Out are and proud member of Actors’ the day Charles Durning, the available online.) Equity and attended auditions titan of character actors, died. I hope AEA will consider this almost to the end of her life. Durning, a decorated World War as your fight against Beautiful, inside and out, she II vet , was raised in Highland discrimination continues, in our was an inspiration to her Falls. profession and our society. offspring—Betty, Alicia and I had worked with Durning, Mark O’Connell Roger Kaplan and her Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas grandchildren, actor/artist Daniel AEA BATTLES on the film Tough Guys. Louis Rivas and actor/musician SEGREGATION Durning was the most Sara Rivas. Dear Editor: accessible and we shared a Ruth’s beautiful spirit and Congratulations on AEA’s 100 table during our break. I wish he positive attitude towards life is NOW years fighting for human rights. would have spoken about his war sorely missed by her family, In 1961, when on tour with A experiences. I could have IN friends and colleagues. BOOK Taste of Honey, we played Ford’s thanked him for liberating my A memoriam page dedicated STORES Theatre in Baltimore. Robert mother, a scared Jewish child to her life can be found on Hooks told us that, the year hiding from the Nazis in Virton, a www.Danisarte.org. before, the cast of the National small town in the Ardennes not Always in my heart. $42.50 U HARDCOVER U 978-1-55783-837-7 Tour of A Raisin in the Sun had far from Bastogne and all that Alicia Kaplan  

  
 
  

 
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