EQUITYACTORS’ EQUITY: STANDING UP FOR OURNEWS MEMBERS

JULY/AUGUST 2014 / Volume 99 / Number 6 www.actorsequity.org

Membership Meetings set Theatres in Central Region for the 2014-2015 Season Strive for Equity Excellence The following dates have been set for Equity Membership Meetings in 2014-2015: umerous theatres in the Central Region Eastern Region have made utilizing Friday, October 10, 2014 at 2 p.m. EST N and hiring Equity members a Friday, January 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. EST goal. With the help of AEA staff Central Region members in the Chicago office, Monday, October 6, 2014 at 6 p.m. CST three theatres now proudly state Monday, January 12, 2015 at 12 p.m. CST that they are Equity. Western Region The Insight Theatre in Monday, October 6, 2014 at 11 a.m. PST Webster Groves, Missouri Monday, January 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. PST proudly displays the Actors’ Equity Association logo at the All Regions bottom of its website. The The National Membership Meeting is Friday, April 10, 2015 theatre, along with the Yellow at 2 p.m. EST, 1 p.m. CST and 11 a.m. PST.The regions will Tree Theater in Osseo, be connected by telephonic hook-up in order that members in Minnesota, recently transitioned all regions may hear the statements of candidates running for from using a Special election. Appearance Agreement to Insight Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Maggie Ryan, having a collective bargaining receiving an Actors’ Equity Plaque from Senior Business agreement and using the Small Representative Christian Hainds at the company’s annual gala. AEA Re-ups CAT, Professional Theatre Contract. “Insight Theatre Company is couple is also excited to further will operate on an LOA to LORT Drury LaneTheatre & in its 7th season and in May, at their mission by introducing contract. For CEO and Producer our annual gala, we officially more professional theatre into Jan Albus, knowing what Equity BAT Contracts for 4Years became an Equity Theatre,” said the Northwest suburbs of the means to performers was Insight’s Artistic Director, Twin Cities. something she learned at a quity negotiated several Captain increments (up to 15 Maggie Ryan. “We are very “After only six years, we are young age. Joining AEA at 15, contracts for new percent or non-profits) and proud to be an AEA Small closer than ever to our goal of the actor said that she learned four-year terms. Actors’ Dramatic Dance Captain E Professional Theatre and have providing actual living wages to from the best and adhered to a Equity Association negotiated a increments (up to 9 percent) as enjoyed announcing that we our artists,” said Jason specific level of excellence new four-year Chicago Area well as an increase for the tour now have our official plaque as Peterson, artistic director. demanded from an Equity Theatre Agreement (CAT) per diem. an Equity theatre.” “Becoming an Equity theatre company — she wants to offer effective through June 24, 2018. A new rule has been For Yellow Tree Theater’s further reiterates our her company the same Approved by the Central achieved that provides access founders, Jason and Jessica commitment to strive for high experience. Regional Board at its July for Chorus Actors to auditions if Peterson, transitioning to an artistic standards, but it also “I am aware of what meeting, the agreement boasts chorus is used in a dramatic SPT means that the company serves as a commitment to the professionalism is associated improvements in a number of production. Language was also will be able to draw more artists we serve to continue to with an Equity company and areas including an average achieved that provides written talented and experienced actors provide them with professional chose it because I wanted our yearly salary increase of 2.67 distinction between Brush- to the community — a goal they opportunities.” productions to be of the highest percent. Retroactivity for up/Understudy rehearsals and have had since opening the The Variety Children’s quality utilizing the talents of the salaries takes effect as of June Put-in rehearsals and theatre’s doors in 2008. The Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, best St. Louis has to offer.” 23, 2014. compensation for use of Highlights of the new personal musical instrument agreement include increases to where applicable. For stage Professional Theatre Contracts, the On-Call Understudy managers, ASMs in Tier 5 and Equity MournsTwo the two Developing Theatre salaries, Musical Dance Tier 6 shall be engaged on agreements, accounted for 16.5 contract no later than one week Emeritus Councillors percent of overall Equity prior to first rehearsal. employment. Additionally, all proposals put member of the original Housing Richard Lederer Lederer was also an early forth by the Equal Employment Committee that led to the Richard Lederer, who joined proponent of the national liaison Opportunities, Media and Safe creation of New York’s Equity in 1949, was first elected system, of which he often said and Sanitary committees were Manhattan Plaza. He remained to Council in 1974 and named he was “most proud.” Today, achieved. on the Housing Committee and Councillor Emeritus in 1994, Equity has 28 liaison cities. Also in the Central Region, as a member of the Manhattan died at his home in New York on In a letter from Equity, an agreement has been Plaza Management Policy June 8, 2014. He was 96. informing him that he was being reached with Drury Lane Advisory Committee. Today’s Equity members named Councillor Emeritus, it Theatre with salary increases He continued his committee throughout the country benefit was noted that over the years up an average of 2.5 percent for activities, often serving as chair from many of Lederer’s “you have seen many changes the four-year term through June or vice chair of the Stock, initiatives: support for affordable and the beginning of new 2018. Dinner Theatre, Production, housing, national representation policies, some of which you Equity members will see Alien, Equal Employment and the liaison system. initiated and nurtured to fruition. salary increases of 2 percent in Opportunity and Senior Before running for his first You have not only been a each of the first two years, and Performer committees. He was term on Council, Lederer conscientious, plain-speaking 3 percent in years three and the first chair of the Developing already had served on several four. The members will now Theatre Committee. At the (continued on page 2)

Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY and Additional Mailing Offices committees, on a dozen receive contracts seven days outset, he cautioned that it was separate negotiating teams in prior to rehearsal (up from three not Equity’s role to “underwrite Index four stock categories and had days), while Dance Captain dreams,” but instead to create a been an Equity Deputy on Council Resolutions ...... 2 increments have increased to contract so that members could NEWS almost every stock and dinner 16 percent. be employed and theatres could From the President ...... 3 theatre contract on which he For stage managers, a grow toward achieving a worked. As Councillor, he was a Being a Deputy ...... 5 contract was added for a non- standard contract. By the 2012-

UITY vocal advocate of affordable acting assistant stage manager. 2013 season, the latest for National News ...... 6

165 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036 Address Service Requested Second Class Postage housing for Equity members and Q Additionally, SMs will see one which Equity has figures, Letters Final Curtain ...... 8 Paid in New York, NY E worked toward that goal as a of Agreement and Small (continued on page 3) 2 / EQUITY news JULY/AUGUST 2014

Equity Mourns Two respond.” Touring, Stock, Developing serve on Council. Area Liaison “I promise my full attention Theatre, National Organizing, “There have been married Hotline system continued from page 1 to any member with any 99-Seat Theatre, and many couples, but we’re the only problem. If the problem can be negotiating and nominating parent-child pair of nudniks member of [Council], but have solved, I will try; if it cannot, it committees. He was also on that have ever served together,” been an industrious and Call 877-AEA-1913 will be explained; and if the both the Western and National he said, referring to his productive worker on the trying, rules are unfair, they must and House Affairs Committee. In daughter Rebecca Kim Jordan, Equity has a National toll-free painstaking and often unsung will be changed,” he said. addition, for many years, he who has been a member of hotline system for members who chores.” He kept this promise for 30 served as chair of HEP, Inc., a Council representing Chorus live in Area Liaison and office Lederer continued attending years as a member of the nonprofit organization since 1992 and Second Vice cities. The number is 877-AEA- Council meetings until his death. Council and/or the Western dedicated to finding affordable President since 2009. 1913 (honoring the year of His legacy will long endure. Equity’s founding). Each Area Regional Board. He was housing for theatrical Before his passing, Jordan Liaison city has its own S. Marc Jordan named Councillor Emeritus in professionals in the Los wanted his daughter to deliver extension, where members can S. Marc Jordan, who died in 2008. Angeles area. the following message: “Thank access news and information California on July 11, 2014 at A self-proclaimed “loud Jordan worked under most the Council for choosing the mouth,” he served on more Equity contracts in both Chorus union as a way to fight for the in their region. the age of 83, joined Actors’ than 60 committees, often as and Principal categories, and dignity of actors, especially the (1) Dial 877-AEA-1913 Equity Association in 1957 as Marc Jordan (he added the “S” Chair or Vice Chair, including was quick to note that he was younger crowd. It’s very brave (2) Dial your city extension: in 1983), and was elected to the Production Contract, Off- an Equity Deputy on every one. to choose a vehicle that really 811 Atlanta Council for the first of many Broadway, Hollywood Area He was proud of his Council isn’t very popular. So carry on. Theatre, Casino, Equal and committee work, and Please, carry one! Don’t stop 812 Austin/San Antonio terms in 1978. Running for his Employment Opportunity, proud, too, to be part of the — we will always need a 813 Boston first five-year principal term, he Membership Education, only parent-child team ever to union.” 814 Buffalo/Rochester pledged “to represent and 815 Chicago 816 Cincinnati/Louisville 817 Cleveland 818 Dallas/Fort Worth Council Takes Action on Membership Meeting Resolutions 819 Denver he following five Wyman, Ms. Jordan, Mr. Member who qualifies to serve Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Shavzin, Mr. 820 Detroit resolutions were passed Kennedy, Ms. Lehman on a major touring contract Carfrae, Mr. Bott, Mr. Cahn, Ms. 821 Florida – Central by the members present Opposed: committee is deemed eligible to Daly, Mr. Dotson, Ms. Ford, Mr. 822 Florida – South T in the Eastern Region during Ms. Flender serve on any touring contract Gammell, Ms. Ground, Mr. 823 Houston the Membership Meeting of Abstain: committee. Herzog, Ms. H. Lee, Ms. M. Lee, 824 Kansas City January 10, 2014 and the Mr. Brody In favor: Ms. Loeb, Ms. Marty, Mr. 825 Las Vegas Membership Meeting of April Present not voting: Mr. Wyman, Ms. Jordan, Ms. McMahon, Mr. Pawley, Ms. 826 Los Angeles 11, 2014. These resolutions Mr. Gammell Robinette, Mr. Atherlay, Mr. Tross 827 Milwaukee/Madison were then presented to the What follows are the results Bateman, Mr. Brody, Mr. Brown, Opposed: 828 Minneapolis/St Paul National Council for of the resolutions made by Ms. Cameron, Ms. Flender, Ms. None 829 Nashville consideration at its meeting on members at the April 11, 2014 Horne, Ms. Ivey, Ms. Lehman, Abstain: 830 New Orleans June 17, 2014. meeting: Ms. Moreland, Ms. Nevins, Ms. None 831 New York What follows is the result RESOLVED to deny the Rice, Ms. Simpson, Ms. RESOLVED to deny the 832 Philadelphia from the vote on the resolution following resolution passed by Slusser, Mr. Watanabe, Mr. J. following resolution passed by 833 Phoenix/Tucson made by members at the the Members present in the Williams, Mr. Zaloom, Ms. the Members present in the Eastern Region during the 834 Pittsburgh January 10, 2014 meeting: Eastern Region during the Karas, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Ewen, RESOLVED to affirm the Membership Meeting of April Ms. Fallon, Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Membership Meeting of April 835 San Diego decision of the Executive 11, 2014: Shavzin, Mr. Carfrae, Mr. Cahn, 11, 2014: 836 San Francisco Committee to deny the RESOLVED that Council Ms. Daly, Mr. Dotson, Ms. RESOLVED that Equity 837 Seattle resolution passed by the instruct the Production and Ground, Mr. Herzog, Ms. H. Deputies from respective 838 St. Louis Members present in the SETA Committee to caucus Lee, Ms. M. Lee, Ms. Loeb, Ms. companies be notified from their 839 Washington DC/Baltimore Eastern Region during the twice a year and report out at Marty, Mr. Pawley respective contract committee Membership Meeting of the October and April Opposed: chair of all viable concessions January 10, 2014 that Members Membership Meetings and that Mr. Bundonis requested while actively under of the age of 70 or older can leading up to the 2015 Abstain: contract. After notice is given request a dues waiver because negotiations, these committees Mr. Knapp, Mr. R. Smith, Mr. the convening committee of of low income of indigence and be required to meet in tandem Bott, Ms. Ford, Mr. Gammell, committee chairs would be the SUBSTITUTE MOTION that once per quarter. Mr. McMahon, Ms. Tross required to allow the Deputy the a Member who meets the In favor: RESOLVED to refer to the opportunity to make a statement following criteria may apply for Mr. Wyman, Ms. Karas, Ms. SETA Proposal Selection either in writing or by telephone and receive a waiver in yearly Robinette, Mr. Bateman, Mr. Committee, the following at the convening of the dues: Brody, Mr. Brown, Mr. Bundonis, resolution passed by the respective committee or • Has attained the age of 70 Ms. Cameron, Mr. Denmark, Members present in the committee chairs, in regards to EQUITYNEWS • Has been a Member of Ms. Flender, Ms. Horne, Ms. Eastern Region during the the requested concession prior Editor: JOSH AUSTIN Actors’ Equity for at least 50 Ivey, Mr. Knapp, Ms. Lehman, Membership Meeting of April to the committee or chairs Equity News Advisory Committee years Ms. Moore, Ms. Moreland, Ms. 11, 2014: finding a resolution. Christine Toy Johnson, Chair (Eastern) • Has had no interruption in Nevins, Ms. Nicole, Ms. RESOLVED that Council In favor: Nancy Daly (Western) dues during the 50-year Simpson, Mr. R. Smith, Ms. instruct the SETA Negotiating Mr. Wyman, Ms. Jordan, Ms. Diane Dorsey (Central) period Slusser, Mr. Watanabe, Mr. J. Committee to change the Karas, Ms. Robinette, Mr. Nicole Flender (Eastern) • Meets the definition of Williams, Mr. Zaloom, Mr. allowable layoff weeks without Atherlay, Mr. Bateman, Mr. Bruce Alan Johnson (Eastern) indigence Kennedy, Mr. Ewen, Ms. Fallon, health benefit payments to 20% Brody, Mr. Bundonis, Ms. Stas’ Kmiec’ (Eastern) Kevin McMahon (Western) In favor: Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Shavzin, Mr. instead of 25% to ensure that Cameron, Ms. Flender, Ms. Liz Pazik (Central) Ms. Karas, Mr. Bateman, Mr. Carfrae, Mr. Cahn, Ms. Daly, Mr. any Member booked on a SETA Horne, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Knapp, Ms. Barbara Roberts (Western) Atherlay, Mr. Brown, Mr. Dotson, Ms. Ford, Mr. Gammell, tour for a minimum of 26 weeks Lehman, Ms. Moreland, Ms. Melissa Robinette (Eastern) Bundonis, Ms. Cameron, Mr. Ms. Ground, Mr. Herzog, Ms. H. will be guaranteed to qualify for Nevins, Ms. Nicole, Ms. Rice, Buzz Roddy (Eastern) Denmark, Ms. Horne, Ms. Ivey, Lee, Ms. M. Lee, Ms. Loeb, Ms. insurance. Ms. Simpson, Ms. Slusser, Mr. EQUITY NEWS (ISSN: 00924520) is Mr. Knapp, Ms. Moore, Ms. Marty, Mr. McMahon, Mr. In favor: R. Smith, Mr. Watanabe, Mr. J. published monthly except for com- Moreland, Ms. Nevins, Ms. Pawley, Mr. Bott, Ms. Tross Mr. Wyman, Ms. Jordan, Ms. Williams, Mr. Zaloom, Mr. bined issues in Jan./Feb., July/Aug., Oct.,/Nov., by Actors' Equity Nicole, Ms. Rice, Ms. Simpson, Opposed: Karas, Ms. Robinette, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Ewen, Ms. Fallon, Association, 165 West 46th Street, Mr. R. Smith, Mr. Watanabe, Mr. Mr. Atherlay Atherlay, Mr. Bateman, Mr. Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Shavzin, Mr. New York, NY 10036. Telephone: J. Williams, Mr. Zaloom, Mr. Abstain: Brody, Mr. Brown, Mr. Bundonis, Carfrae, Mr. Bott, Mr. Cahn, Ms. (212) 869-8530. Periodicals Ewen, Ms. Fallon, Mr. Kaplan, Ms. Rice Ms. Cameron, Ms. Flender, Ms. Daly, Mr. Dotson, Ms. Ford, Ms. postage paid at New York, NY. and ad- Mr. Shavzin, Mr. Carfrae, Mr. RESOLVED to deny the Horne, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Knapp, Ms. Ground, Mr. Herzog, Ms. H. Lee, ditional mailing offices. Copyright 2003, Actors' Equity Association. Bott, Mr. Cahn, Ms. Daly, Mr. following resolution passed by Lehman, Ms. Moreland, Ms. Ms. M. Lee, Ms. Marty, Mr. Subscription price for non-members Dotson, Ms. Ford, Ms. Ground, the Members present in the Nevins, Ms. Nicole, Ms. Rice, McMahon, Mr. Pawley, Ms. Tross of Actors' Equity Association: $25 per Mr. Herzog, Ms. H. Lee, Ms. M. Eastern Region during the Ms. Simpson, Ms. Slusser, Mr. Opposed: year. Postmaster: Send address Lee, Ms. Loeb, Ms. Marty, Mr. Membership Meeting of April R. Smith, Mr. Watanabe, Mr. J. Mr. Gammell, Ms. Loeb changes to Equity News, 165 West 46th St., New York, NY 10036. McMahon, Mr. Pawley, Ms. 11, 2014: Williams, Mr. Zaloom, Mr. Abstain: Tross, Ms. Robinette, Mr. RESOLVED that any Kennedy, Mr. Ewen, Ms. Fallon, Mr. Brown JULY/AUGUST 2014 EQUITY news / 3

AEA Reups In the Western Region, AEA From the re-upped the Bay Area Theatre continued from page 1 (BAT)Contract for a four year PRESIDENT term. The contract went into week of contract pre-production effect on July 21, 2014 and will work, with two days for a non- run through 2018. acting assistant stage manager. BAT was approved by And, any SM performing Equity’s Western Regional Mirroring additional duties will Board at its June 10, 2014 ctors like mirrors. difficulties she anticipated in opportunities such as Nikki contractually have the meeting, which took place on (Although some joker crossing the new sky lobby in James’ Éponine in Les keeps putting wrinkles the New York City office building; Misérables or Ann Harada’s #EquityWorks: As a result of Equity deputy A and a chicken neck in my mirror.) went to a dinner honoring the step-sister in Cinderella or The Windy City Playhouse, reporting, four TYA touring We stare into them in dressing New York City chapter of the Chuck Cooper’s producer in Act set to open for its inaugural companies received overtime rooms and watch ourselves in NAACP, and read the Kilroys’ list One, but also entire casts such 2015 season, is one of pay and six TYA touring them in dance class. We use of 46 women-authored plays as the recent Broadway revivals Equity’s newest theatres. companies accrued an them to practice bits, recommended by playwrights, of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A When it comes to working additional week of health expressions, lines, dance steps. dramaturgs and artistic Streetcar Named Desire or with AEA, Artistic Director benefits. Mirrors are important directors. Baayork’s Oliver! For an Amy Rubenstein said, “It is In New York City, members metaphorically. We are To paraphrase Walt Whitman: inspiring take on these important for us to premiere working on a festival stage supposed to be mirrored by our We are large, we contain possibilities, check out the as an Equity theatre because reading code were parents. (Maybe that’s where multitudes. mission statement of Theater we want to create reimbursed for travel to three that chicken neck came from.) And what glorious Breaking Through Barriers opportunities for union actors different rehearsal venues in We ourselves are supposed to multitudes! What a blessing it (www.tbtb.org). in Chicago. This city has such the course of one day, as a be a mirror to the audience. would be if all the disparate As a middle-class, non- an incredible wealth of talent, result of notifying their “Hold, as it were, the mirror up elements of our polyglot culture disabled white male, I am keenly and we want to be able to contract business to nature,” said the Bard. An saw themselves regularly on our aware of the doors in our culture work with those Equity representative. In the Western audience should see itself nation’s stages. It would not just and society that I stroll blithely members who will bring life to Region, one member received reflected and should recognize create employment through, doors that to others are our stage.” a pleasant surprise — back itself onstage. opportunities for the broadest barely ajar or closed or pay for vacation monies owed. #EquityWorks: A play can mirror an array of our members, it would inaccessible or even locked. I And, in the Central Region, Did You Know? audience even when the actors build audiences. (It thrilled me to and the Association are the sudden closure of a Equity keeps a close eye look completely different. I see African-American committed to opening doors, to theatre company in Michigan on your weekly pay to ensure recently had the pleasure of audiences streaming into the providing opportunities to all our saw more than $7,000 in you receive what you are seeing the Tupac Shakur Broadway revival of A Raisin in members. We don’t have hiring underpayments paid back to owed and no payments are musical, Holler If Ya Hear Me, the Sun.) halls, we can’t give anyone a members for the final season. missed. and Mike Lew’s play Tiger Style! Actors’ Equity has worked for job; what we can offer members The worlds depicted therein of decades to see that the diversity is access and opportunity — urban African-Americans and of our nation is reflected on our and sometimes only the pledge opportunity to negotiate an extra June 10, 2014. Signatories to super-achieving Asian- stages. Equity led the battle to to keep fighting for access and salary for this work. A variety of the agreement are Aurora Americans respectively are not integrate the National Theatre in opportunity. safe and sanitary provisions Theatre Company, 42nd Street my world; but, I thoroughly Washington, D.C. All our That access and that was also achieved, focusing on Moon, Magic Theatre, San Jose enjoyed both pieces, and I contracts have language opportunity benefit both sides of tech elements, playing surfaces, Stage Company, San Francisco identified with both the struggles promoting equal opportunity and the mirror between audience staged fighting, stunts and the Playhouse, Shotgun Players and anxieties and triumphs and prohibiting discrimination on the and actor: More people see use of firearms. and The Z Space Studio. failures of the characters. basis of sex, race, color, creed, themselves physically I got to thinking about mirrors national origin, age, disability, represented onstage and and the universal need to be sexual orientation, gender audiences learn to see mirrored a few weeks ago when, identity and/or expression. themselves in different physical in the space of a few days, I Equity has long championed representations. I firmly believe went to an entirely Asian- non-traditional casting, that this makes for a better How I American production of Oliver! particularly where race, gender mirror, one that serves both art by Baayork Lee’s National Asian or disability are not germane to and society. Now if we could just Got My Artists Project; heard a friend the character. This approach get rid of that chicken neck in Equity Card with a disability talk about the can open up, not only individual my mirror. Judith Drake months or so, I learned more than I could by working with — Standing Up for he morning after mind the fact that I didn’t sing or and standing on the stage Social Justice graduating from Tulsa dance and had little or no watching when I wasn’t on — TUniversity in Oklahoma experience. Carleton Carpenter (whose t the May National minority women in the U.S.). in 1964, I was on a bus to an He told Gower and his story of how he got his Equity Council meeting, three Congress has introduced a apprenticeship with the assistant that I could be really card was in the 2014 Jan/Feb. Aresolutions that build few pieces of legislation to Peterborough Players in New funny. Lucky for me, they really Equity News) and Mary Martin. on Equity’s strong social help combat pay inequality, Hampshire. The morning that liked Ron. So to be nice, they They were, without a doubt, the justice foundation were such as The Paycheck job finished, I was back on a bus allowed me to audition, first for greatest teachers ever. Timing, presented by the National Fairness Act (which aids headed for New York City. the assistant, and then for humor, love of the work and Public Policy Committee and workers when fighting wage People have always told me I Gower. I was too naive to be audience and their fellow artists passed. discrimination) and the Equal have terrific timing and nothing nervous. When I started singing — it was the best launch into a The resolutions addressed Employment Opportunity issues that are in the national Restoration Act (which could have proved that more in the wrong key, I simply career anyone could ever have consciousness — equal pay for removes the barriers from the than my timing in going to New jumped it up and continued. had. women, ending employment infamous Wal-Mart v. Dukes York. If I’d waited a little longer, it When I finished reading (and Judith Drake also appeared discrimination against LGBT case that stunted employees’ wouldn’t have happened. A out of the corner of my eye saw on Broadway in Lysistrata. She’s workers and opposing voter rights to bring class-action friend of mine from college, Ron Gower coming down to the worked Off-Broadway, Off-Off- suppression and strengthening suits under anti-discrimination Young, had graduated the year stage), I turned to him and said, Broadway, at regional theatres voting rights. laws). before me and was singing and “That what ya want?” He gave and in stock and dinner In 1963, when the Equal With this legislation and dancing in his first Broadway me my first laugh on Broadway. I theatres. A Burbank, California Pay Act was signed into law, it other government measures to show, the original Hello, Dolly! got a call the next day saying resident, she also has appeared required all employers to pay protect and enhance equal pay After I had been in New York for that they loved me, but because in more than two dozen films men and women equally for in mind, the NPPC proposed a few months, Gower Champion I had no experience, they’d have and has scores of TV credits, equal work. Though the pay the following to the Council: was starting to put together his to see more people. A few days including “ Parks & Recreation,” gap has slowly been “Move that Actors’ Equity next production of Hello, Dolly! later, they hired me. “NCIS,” “How I Met Your Mother,” decreasing, there is still a 23 Association support legislative — the international company, Miracle of miracles, I was an “Rules of Engagement,” cent wage difference between efforts to end wage starring Mary Martin. My friend, actor. “Desperate Housewives,” “Two men and women today (an discrimination and to further Ron, thought I would be great So began my first union job and A Half Men,” “Monk” and even wider gap exists for for the role of Ernestina — never in early 1965. For the next 14 others. (continued on page 5) 4 / EQUITY news JULY/AUGU Inside Look: The

ties into Equity’s business representative, who AEA staff can provide the No More internal will call or email a deputy back necessary support to any Paperwork organization. Any with answers. deputy. issue opened will Additionally, the center holds The focus groups led to The new interactive Deputy be sent to the a deputy overview, basic sifting through the numerous Support Center provides mobile correct business emergency protocol information, forms that have been used for accessibility and a direct line to representative and links to the rulebook library, Top years, and transforming — or the union categorized by a 10 Deputy Checklist, specific eliminating — the paperwork to here’s a running joke variety of subjects. contract type as well as the create a modern, efficient and when it comes to the Issues are appropriate business streamlined process for all cast-only tradition of T categorized by a representative’s contact deputies. selecting a company’s Equity number of subjects; information for the deputy’s Of course, technically, the Deputy at first rehearsal: you but now, any forms show. center isn’t a new idea — at were probably in the bathroom regarding “The union isn’t a faceless, least according to Beebe. when it happened. contractual nameless entity,” Beebe said. “The idea of an interactive, With close to 900 deputies in questions or “We have hardworking, online deputy experience goes the nation serving in this problems, personal professional staff dedicated to all the way back to our original necessary role at any given between our deputies and the compensation, injury reports, helping our members — we’re website mission from 1997,” he time, the recently launched union.” among many other matters, making it easier to build that said. “But, the ability to execute Deputy Support Center, housed For Beebe and his creative have taken a new, easier and relationship. Working together just wasn’t there yet. Over the on the Member Portal, was team, improvement and better immediate procedure. can now happen on-the-go, years we added online forms, designed to create a simpler, communication meant using Within the Issue Ticketing using a mobile device at a but we now have the streamlined and more technology. System on the Deputy Center, rehearsal, from your dressing accessible user experience on The interactive Support users will be able to attach a room or on the road.” technological infrastructure to mobile device, tablet or laptop. Center has removed the tedium photo or document to help When it came to developing fully realize that experience — “Deputies play a crucial role of paperwork. There’s no more provide more information and this online center, Beebe said and our membership has the as the frontline liaisons to logging company hours and visually explain any situation, that it was crucial to understand technology.” Equity,” said Doug Beebe, printing out forms that speak to which helps the business the needs and requirements of So what does that mean for National Director of Information grievances, safety and sanitary representative discover a all people involved (which in this Equity’s deputies and Technology, and the driving issues or injuries. Now, should a solution in a timely manner. case are deputies and AEA staff members? force behind the new center. problem arise, deputies can And, not just for problems, members). The staff at AEA held According to Beebe, it means “But, they’re also working communicate with Equity by the system can be used to ask both internal and deputy-driven “improved communication, more performers who often have “opening an issue” in the center. questions and express concerns focus groups to get a sense of immediate contact, less questions or need guidance. According to Beebe, issues (about anything, from contract deputies’ challenges and the paperwork and a better, The core objective was to are handled by staff through the and payment confusion to time demands of the position. This stronger union standing up for improve our communication Issue Ticketing System, which off and rulebook inquiries) to a meant also focusing on how its members.”

family,” Dlamini laughed. doesn’t go between the two of that after spending so many production and knowing the Guiding Two The production didn’t only us, it goes through the families,” years with the company, and producers and AEA staff, the Families introduce Dlamini and Duma to Duma said. “You send your learning about the business and couple is proud to explain rules, their “brothers and sisters” on family representatives to her Equity, they could take on more offer advice and as Duma put it, Lindiwe Dlamini and Bongi stage, but it also sparked a family’s representatives to make of a guardian role as Equity “to maintain the integrity of the Duma of Disney’s The Lion King connection for the couple itself. it happen. We decided not to Deputies. environment of the actors.” share their experiences both on When Duma arrived to the take Western values with “In my dressing room I can “With us coming from another and off stage as Broadway vets Broadway production 10 years proposing.” tell that some of the cast are country, Equity has been on our and Equity Deputies ago, Dlamini played host to the Though, Dlamini teased that younger and they really don’t side since I came here in 1987 or eight shows a week, for NYC-newbie, taking him while they were dating, Duma know the rules of Equity,” said with another show,” said Dlamini. close to six years, Lindiwe sightseeing, to restaurants and said he would marry her. Duma. “They know that they’re in “I feel more proud to have both FDlamini and Bongi Duma shopping. “At first I was joking,” he a union and they pay dues, but on my résumé: being an Equity were commuting from the “He likes to shop,” she stated. stated. they don’t know what role Equity Deputy and being in The Lion Poconos in Pennsylvania to the “Rarely,” Duma quickly added. “My mom took him seriously,” plays for them as actors.” King. I like those two things Minskoff Theatre in New York “He likes to shop combined — I’m very City. It was a round trip teetering more than me.” proud to be on 1,250 miles and 30 hours per As their representing Equity.” week — give or take. relationship got Being a deputy and more serious, the The daily, tedious drive, learning the ins-and- duo discovered that however, always proved its outs of their contract- they had quite a bit worth once the married couple type and union rules in common; they’re arrived at the theatre — they have inspired the two both from the same were at their home away from to want to start an hometown — home and among their theatrical actors’ union in South family, the cast of The Lion King. Debin, South Africa Africa. More than that, For Dlamini, an original — and they each the couple would like to Broadway company member, have incredibly eventually travel back and Duma, a 10-year vet of the artistic families. to their home country Broadway production, and an Dlamini’s sister to teach and train original company member of the was also in the potential actors at a Hamburg, Germany production, original company of professional level, The Lion King cast and crew The Lion King, and has truly become an intimate went on to perform which means anything extension of their own in two tours of the and everything from household. musical, and writing a résumé to “It’s still exciting,” Duma said. Duma’s brother, a Dlamini said. “My mom said, That’s when Dlamini and reading music. “It’s an interesting job we have London-based actor, just ‘Yeah, he’s handsome. Go for it.’” Duma decided to step in and Now, having moved to New because you have a full day at recently performed for Queen Now, along with Dlamini’s two help guide the up-and-coming Jersey two years ago, their drive home and then in the evening Elizabeth II. children (one grown and out of cast. is less than 30 minutes, you come to work. You look When the two got married in the house and the other a senior According to the actors, the depending on traffic, which forward to going to work in 2006, they decided to follow in in high school), the couple have most important thing about Dlamini said is more stressful another way because it’s an the traditions of their home a just-turned six-year-old being a deputy is making sure than commuting from the escape for us, and then that’s country and Zulu people, daughter already eyeing the that all actors, new or otherwise, Poconos. our way out to the second customs that started with the Great White Way. understand what Equity does But, it’s certainly closer to family.” engagement. But, in addition to raising a and can do for them. And, aside their home at the Minskoff Pride “The more fun, exciting “At home, the proposal family at home, the couple feels from being a mainstay in the Lands. UST 2014 EQUITY news / 5 e Equity Deputy

beloved and considered to be explained many things, including and dent free. Why I Became kind, generous and unselfish. What Being a the role of a deputy. I No matter what role you a Deputy and People seem to spontaneously Deputy Means particularly remember the AEA choose to take or volunteer to cheer you and stage members of that show leaving to take as a proud AEA member, What it Takes management will love you. to Me elect the deputy, and I thought take on one or several roles. Now, down to brass tacks: To “one day me?” Always be that soldier whose By Adinah Alexander me, the most important thing By Anthony Peeples An AEA deputy is voice resonates in the an honor that all AEA family with ver the past 30 years about being a deputy, other than s a former orphan and proud members the same as an AEA Member, knowledge of the workings of ward of the State of the particular contract for the should amount of I have volunteered to Ohio, heart and loyalty O show you are in, is the ability to A volunteer for excellence be the deputy in almost every run deep for me when it comes listen. A good deputy is a at various and quality of production that I have worked to the idea of family, and as diplomat, a therapist and a times in their character that on. such, I strive to be a resolute priest all rolled into one. You journey after got you to be member of our AEA family. I Why would I perform such a have to be able to hear a being cast in a proud have worked at and auditioned selfless act over and over? grievance without judgment a production. member in the for several regional theatre Well, I am going to and take the The deputy is a first place. Even houses across the country, and break open the appropriate steps crucial person to as a deputy, make have been able to congress with dark and without ensure the link sure you show up on amazing and talented family secretive world betraying the between the cast and AEA time well studied and prepared; members and producers in all of the Equity source of that national staff, who are fighting in attend annual membership regions that AEA represents. As Deputy and grievance. the ensemble’s corner. The meetings in your region; get an AEA ensemble member, it’s share our You also deputy is the liaison who is involved with committees and vital to me that I volunteer to innermost have to be making sure that contract Council; learn the rules and take the lead and be an Equity secrets, like unafraid of requirements and the cast’s regulations and be able to Deputy. the handshake confrontation, general safety is being upheld articulate them to upcoming I became aware of the and honored while in rehearsal, members who are waiting in the and private club; or what may be deputy role in my first AEA (I running a show or on the road. wings themselves. there’s the car perceived as was an EMC) run at The Like any good deputy, I see Let your AEA quality of service, bagels, clean confrontation. If you are not good at being direct and Cleveland Play House in The myself doing this role almost as character shine to the audience, bathroom at stage level that no you’re uncomfortable taking the Infinite Regress of Human a foot soldier on the front lines, casting directors, producers and one — not even IATSE — has lead in a situation, then being a Vanity. Being green to AEA, the fiercely upholding the AEA future members you encounter access to. There are those who deputy is not for you. then managing director at CPH banner, battling to keep my and stay active and involved in will be angered by my revealing I am a deputy because I feel met with me, where he ensemble’s armor looking shiny our AEA family. such trade secrets (like a that I can be of service to my magician revealing the inner company. I am a deputy workings of a trick), but I think because I am confident that I the world needs to know. As a lowly newb to Seattle, I 5th, I had the great pleasure of way our union and this business can handle any situation with was joining the company of Iron making fast friends with works from those conversations. Honestly, nothing endears tact, grace and civility. I am a Curtain, and let me tell you, it everyone down at the L.A. I’d be lying if I said that being you to a company on the first deputy because I am not afraid was a crash course in all offices, conversing with them a deputy was a fun, breezy day of rehearsal more than to take on a challenge. things Equity. Media just about every day situation. It’s rough at some volunteering to be the deputy. And, of course, for the clean payments, live (RE: pyrotechnics, points, and it can be You are, generally, instantly bathroom. appearances, passerelles and overwhelming as hell. You’re rehearsal time ponies). Let continually put in the position of overage rates me explain: going to bat for fellow actors and honor with pride. Literally — and During the making sure everyone is on the Why I there’s a badge. everything Act I finale, a same page regarding certain Volunteer I’m woe to admit that, that goes pile of ponies procedures. And honestly, I initially, I became a deputy for along with a would gallop wouldn’t trade those By Jared Michael Brown selfish reasons. It wasn’t about new work – and passé experiences for anything. When the absolute power, the coveted including when a across the stage you deputy a show, you become ey all, first day of piece has to be under a drop a veritable walking contract, and weekly correspondence to “ school, you know frozen — it felt insane. outfitted with aside from being the biggest Equity, the free highlighter or Hthe drill. Who The company manager at the pyrotechnic sparks, whilst nerd in the room, you become the other perks that go along wants to -” time was incredibly patient with dancing on a two-foot wide someone people can approach with the job; it was about “Jared,” from everyone, my questions (and there were passerelle in skin-tight velour and trust to talk matters over simultaneously. getting to see the Village many) describing the ins and pony costumes, topped-off with with. That’s truly what’s “Yep.” Theatre Agreement with outs of the Equity rules, which giant foam pony heads. It was important to me, and why I Five. I have been a deputy Equity. One of Seattle’s made my first show at The 5th unreal and beautiful. It involved continue to volunteer to be a five times at The 5th Avenue theatrical best-kept secrets was Avenue a lot easier. many conversations with the deputy. Theatre and once at the Village the theatre’s contract and During Rodgers and team at the 5th and Equity. I Do the deputy thing. It’s Theatre. I wear that badge of corresponding side letters. Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the learned a great deal about the worth the time.

Standing Up discrimination, such as Title employee discrimination based people (specifically, elderly, and fairness in our VII of the Civil Rights Act of on sexual orientation or minorities and young voters) to democracy.” continued from page 3 1964. The law prohibits any gender identity. vote. “I am so proud that Equity’s strengthen laws that make it employer from discriminating For this issue, the The NPPC proposed the elected leadership continues illegal for employers to pay against anyone based on their committee recommended to following resolution to Council: to build on the union’s unequal wages to women, “race, color, religion, sex or Council the following: “Move that Actors’ Equity historical support of social including supporting measures national origin.” “Move that Actors’ Equity Association support efforts to justice issues,” said Mary Congress also passed the Association support ending make our voting system free, as the Paycheck Fairness Act, McColl, AEA Executive Age Discrimination in employment discrimination fair and accessible to all strengthening remedies and Director. “These resolutions, Employment Act (which means based on sexual orientation or Americans by, among other class-action procedures under which speak out in support of that any employee over the gender identity by enactment things, (1) eliminating laws the Equal Pay Act, and pay equality for women, age of 40 is protected with of the Employment Non- that limit access to the polls; supporting similar such various employment attributes) Discrimination Act, or other (2) supporting same-day ending employment legislation.” and the 1990 Americans with similar legislation.” registration, early voting, no- discrimination against LGBT When it comes to ending Disabilities Act (prohibiting Recently, several states fault absentee voting and workers and working to strike employment discrimination employers from discriminating have passed voter I.D. and other such modernization down voter suppression laws against LGBT workers, against anyone with a other laws that address voting, efforts; and (3) supporting to ensure that all Americans Congress has passed laws to disability). Still, Congress has which limits access to the polls campaign finance reform can vote, puts us yet again on protect individuals from not created a law that protects and makes it difficult for efforts that promote integrity the right side of history.” 6 / EQUITY news JULY/AUGUST 2014

playing the title role in Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (which also won Outstanding Production of a Musical) for American Repertory Theatre of

Photo: Christopher Scinta Photo: Western New York. Outstanding Production of a Play went to Torn Space Theatre’s A Clockwork NATIONALNATIONALNEWNEWSS Orange. Other Equity members that were nominated for Arties were Eileen Dugan (Good People, Kavinoky Theatre), Ellen Horst (Miracle on South Division Street, Kavinoky Theatre), Thomas LaChiusa (A View From the Bridge, Subversive Theatre), Vincent O’Neill

AEA member Josie DiVincenzo as (The Plough and the Stars, Uzi in Dai for the Jewish Repertory Irish Classical Theatre), Across the Nation Theatre of Western New York. Paul Todaro (Red, MusicalFare Theatre), and Two Equity Members, Four Family Members Buffalo, New York Josephine Hogan (for Direction of a Play, A Woman of Receive Union Plus Scholarships 24th Annual No Importance, Irish Classical Theatre). Now in its 23rd year, Union City, whose mother, Joanne Union Plus Scholarship Artie Awards are Also, this year’s recipients of Plus, a program of Union Lessner, has been an Equity awards are granted to students the Katharine Cornell Award for Privilege, created by the AFL- member since 1992. attending a two-year or four- Presented Outstanding Contribution by a CIO to provide consumer Winning a $1,000 scholarship year college, graduate school or Visiting Artist were AEA members By Don Gervasi savings, benefits and education is Sara Romanello of Pelham, a recognized technical or trade Steven Fales (Confessions of a resources to members and New York, whose father, Paul school. Recipients are selected The 24th Annual Artvoice Mormon Boy, Buffalo United retirees of participating labor Romanello, is an Equity based on academic ability, Theatre Awards were held at the Artists), and Tovah Feldshuh unions, has awarded $150,000 member, and Emma Taylor of social awareness, financial need Town Ballroom in Buffalo, New (Golda’s Balcony, 710 Main in scholarships to 116 students Macon, Illinois, whose mother, and appreciation of labor. York on June 2, 2014, honoring Theatre). representing 39 unions, Marie Jagger-Taylor, is also a This year’s Career Visit UnionPlus.org/ local productions from the 2013- including six winners from proud AEA member. Achievement Award went to Education for applications and 2014 theatre season. Equity (earning a total of Both Frank Dolce of Sparta, The “Arties” were started in Playwright and Buffalo native Tom benefit eligibility. In addition to $14,000 in scholarships). New Jersey, an Equity member 1991 by Anthony Chase, theatre Dudzik, who will direct his Union Plus Scholarships, union The 2014 Equity winners since 2008, and Evan Griffith of editor of Artvoice, a free weekly acclaimed Over the Tavern this families are eligible for National receiving $4,000 scholarships New York City, a past winner newspaper dedicated to the arts September to kick off Kavinoky Labor College Scholarships and are: Kelsey Fowler of Barnegat, whose parents, Edward and in Western New York. The evening Theatre’s 35th Anniversary New Jersey, who has been an Lisa Griffith, are both longtime discounts on college and was emceed by Chase, Season. AEA member since 2006, and members, won a $2,000 graduate school test preparation Charmagne Chi and Alan Trinca, Over 400 people attended this Julian Rosenblum of New York scholarship. courses. with music direction by Michael year’s Artie Awards with over Hake. $10,000 raised for Equity Member Josie Immunodeficiency Services at the DiVincenzo was awarded the Erie County Medical Center. Over company of Artie for Outstanding Actress in a the years, the Artvoice Theatre The Gershwins’ Play, after playing 11 different Awards (and the connected sale Porgy and roles in Jewish Repertory of red ribbons) has raised close to Bess raised Theatre’s one woman show, Dai. $220,000 for AIDS-related more than Member Tom Loughlin took home causes. All proceeds from the $51,000 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a evening, along with proceeds from Broadway Play for his portrayal of Polonius in area theatres’ sale of Red Cares/Equity Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s Ribbons, go to ECMC’s Fights AIDS. Hamlet. In addition, Equity Immunodeficiency Services, the Cast Membership Candidate Steve largest and only comprehensive member Copps won the Artie for HIV/AIDS care center in Western Roosevelt Outstanding Actor in a Musical, New York. André Credit, who participated in the while others rushed backstage Chicago for a quick change. fundraising The Central Member during the “We couldn’t go to the lobby Education and Outreach show’s in costume,” Credit said. “But Committee hosted a two-part Broadway run, you’ve never seen actors run so coaching series — Part One took on the fast to get to the front of house titled “Find your GLEE!” and Los Angeles task of and greet our audiences. It was Part Two “Achieve FAME!” — wrangling a true group effort.” with Courtney Rioux. Rioux is Porgy & Bess in L.A. Got Plenty of efforts on the In 2014, BC/EFA has an Equity and SAG-AFTRA road. awarded more than $535,000 member who has found passion “We had a Somethin’ for BC/EFA to AIDS and family service for personal development and ball and the helping others. Thirty members Over three of its six-week show’s Broadway run, took on organizations across California, cast was honored to do it,” participated in the series, which stay at the Ahmanson Theatre the task of wrangling efforts on with $192,500 earmarked for Credit said. “But this was a big was held on Monday, June 30 in Los Angeles, the touring the road. more than 15 social service education for me because I was and July 7, 2014 at the AEA company of The Gershwins’ “We had a ball and the cast agencies across the Los taking care of all the Chicago Member Center. Rioux Porgy and Bess raised more was honored to do it,” Credit Angeles area, including Project responsibilities that our helped members set goals and than $51,000 for Broadway said. “But this was a big Angel Food, AIDS Project Los amazing stage managers figure out ways to achieve those Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. education for me because I was Angeles, Black AIDS Institute, handled on Broadway.” missions, as well as assisted in Cast member Roosevelt Over three of its six-week stay PAWS-LA, Valley Community Several of the company developing and teaching the André Credit, who participated at the Ahmanson Theatre in members rotated through the Clinic and Trevor Project, importance of a healthy in the fundraising during the Los Angeles, the touring nightly appeal to audiences, among others. mindset. JULY/AUGUST 2014 EQUITY news / 7

as your president for the next • Beautiful – The Carole A LOOK BACK three years. I shall try to serve AWARDS King Musical received you faithfully and to the best of this year’s eighth my ability.” Over the course of June and annual ACCA Award 75 years ago July, Actors’ Equity Association for Outstanding July/August 1939 25 years ago presented three awards to four Broadway Chorus. deserving actors and an To read full stories about • With the Federal Theatre July/August 1989 outstanding Broadway chorus. the awards and the proud eliminated in June 1939 by • The Council unanimously recipients, go to Congress (during the theatre’s • The 2014 Clarence votes to seek membership Richard Seff Award Derwent Award was actorsequity.org. approximate four and a half year approval to increase initiation presented to Whitney existence, it had produced fees and dues for members. It Bashor (The Bridges of nearly 1,200 plays and will be the first increase since Madison County) and employed about 9,000 actors), April of 1981. Alan Eisenberg, Steven Boyer (Hand to God). areas around the country start then Executive Director, says feeling the effects. The Golden that the need to increase fees • Peter Maloney (Outside Gate Project, which was part of stemmed from inflation. Mullingar) and Mare the Federal Theatre Project Winningham (Casa closed after 588 performances, Valentina) garnered the and during what many considers 10 years ago 2014 Richard Seff Award to be the theatre’s prime. July/August 2004 for best performance in a • Fifteen days after the supporting role by veteran ACCA Award 50 years ago contract’s expiration, and just performers. July/August 1964 two hours before a nationwide strike would have gone into • Frederick O’Neal, Equity’s effect, Equity and the League first black president, becomes of American Theatres and the 10th AEA president, Producers reach a tentative following in the footsteps of agreement for the Production Ralph Bellamy, who served as Rulebook. president from 1952 to 1964. In his first letter to AEA • On August 13, in front of four members in the Equity billion television viewers, Magazine, O’Neal writes, “I Equity member George would like to take this Costacos participates in the opportunity to express my opening ceremonies at the thanks to you for electing me Olympics in Athens, Greece.

New York City her fellow actors. Celander, another recipient; Mia The winners are nominated Katigbak, Artistic Director of Getting Red Socks by Pan Asian Rep, Ma-Yi NAATCO and Kim. Theatre Company and the Equity members Orlando National Asian-American Office Closing Pabotoy and Peter Kim were Theatre Company. All Equity offices will be honored with the 10th Pictured above, from left to closed on Monday, Sept. 1, anniversary Lila Kan Red Socks right, are John FitzGibbon, award, getting a plaque, $1,000 2014 in observation of Labor founder of the award; Tisa Day. In addition, all offices check and, of course, a pair of Chang, Artistic/Producing will close early on Friday, red socks. The honor stems Director of Pan Asian Rep; Aug. 29, 2014. (Check with from Kan’s tradition of Jorge Ortoll, Executive Director your local office for the early presenting the garment as an of Ma-Yi; Pabotoy; Marina closing time.) opening night good luck gift to

New York City Equity Stage Managers Honored Photo: Christopher Sapienza

On Monday, June 23, 2014, “What a true surprise when three Equity stage managers notified that I had been chosen were honored by The Stage to receive a Lifetime Manager’s Association with the Achievement Award from the Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Stage Manager’s Association for Achievement in the Art of Stage my career achievements in Management. Western Regional stage management,” said Councillor James T. McDermott McDermott. “This award does was honored along with AEA mean a great deal as it is a members, Martha Knight and recognition by stage managers, Thomas A. Kelly Jr. my peers.” The recipients are chosen The Del Hughes Award was based on what the awards’ established by Julie Hughes and committee would define as the Barry Moss, intending to honor Philadelphia, Pa. finest qualities of stage Hughes’ father, who had a Coco’s in Center City members reconnected. The management: patience, longstanding career as a stage Several AEA members and Philadelphia on July 1, 2014. Philadelphia Liaison Committee diplomacy, organization and a manager EMCs attended the 4th Annual There was plenty of great looks forward to continuing this sense of humor. Philadelphia AEA “Social” at theatre conversation as many tradition in spring 2015. 8 / EQUITY news JULY/AUGUST 2014 Broadway Bares: Rock Hard! Shakes, Rattles & Disrobes

Honoring iconic music included a gyrating and twerking $10,000 donation to the $12.6 moments and songs from Elvis Brandon Rubendall Wounded Warrior Project. million for to Pink, Aerosmith to Prince, mesmerizing a sock-hop-happy In two comedy skits, Matilda BC/EFA. Broadway Bares: Rock Hard! stage of young men in a tribute the Musical’s Lesli Margherita Broadway featured 173 of Broadway’s to Elvis; James Harkness played a strict security guard Bares: Rock sexiest dancers and got a crowd seductively leading sizzling who forced Rocky ’s Andy Karl Hard! was of more than 5,000 people at its male dancers through a mash- and Casa Valentina’s Patrick directed by two shows on June 22, 2014. up of Photo: Thomas Garcia Kevin Equity The modern-day mix tape of Prince member sensual sights and sounds tunes, and Nick Kenkel raised an impressive a tribute to and Michael 3 produced by Jackson BC/EFA, led featuring After a jukebox journey that by Producing Director Michael Donna also honored Stevie Nicks, Graziano and J. Jason Daunter. Vaughn Queen, The Rolling Stones, Tina Broadway Bares was created by (#1) Turner, Led Zeppelin and more, director and choreographer Photo: Jenny Anderson Jenny Photo: recreating the show was brought to a Jerry Mitchell. many of raucous finale with a Broadway Photo: Daniel Roberts the King of Bares Pop’s version of 4 signature 2 Pink’s moves with energetic Photo: Jenny Anderson a sextet of Page (#2) to go shirtless in “Raise shirtless men. order to gain admission Your U.S. Marine veteran Alex backstage, while Tony winner Glass” Minsky, who lost his leg fighting Alan Cumming (Cabaret) sailed (#4). 1 in Afghanistan, found himself through without trouble. The 24 “star-spangled” after prudent Surprise special guest James editions of $1,386,105 to benefit Broadway TSA screeners stripped him for Franco (Of Mice and Men) Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. setting off the “detector.” In created quite a stir and Bares Highlights of the evening, held honor of Minsky, and in ultimately required a full-body have for the first time at New York’s celebration of his Broadway frisking by drag diva Bianca Del raised Hammerstein Ballroom, Bares debut, BC/EFA made a Rio (#3). more than

speakers discussed “achieving all, more than 100 four-legged, playing Ruth Younger in the The Broadway League, passed true diversity, inclusion and furry friends of all shapes and 1959 production of A Raisin in away. A friend of Equity, Popper BRIEF NOTES equity in our theatre field.” sizes found forever homes with the Sun. Along with her negotiated the theatre industry’s the fans and stars of A husband, Ossie Davis, the contracts with unions all over • AEA Executive Director Mary • Bernadette Peters and James Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and couple garnered the second country. He leaves behind a wife McColl attended the 24th TCG Franco led 60 of Broadway’s Murder, Pippin, Rocky, Violet AEA Paul Robeson Award in and two children. National Conference: “Crossing animal-loving best in raising and many more. 1975. Both Dee and her Borders” in June in San Diego. over $105,000 for the 27 • Terry Marone, a former actress husband were often standing on With four other guests, McColl shelters that gathered in • Ruby Dee, famed actor — and Equity staffer, passed away the front lines with Equity, spoke on a panel titled, “All Shubert Alley for “Broadway both on stage and screen — as in late June. Marone was demanding better treatment of Hands On Deck: A Progress Barks,” produced by Broadway well as poet, journalist and credited with bringing the theatre professionals. Report on Field-Wide Equity,” Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on activist, died at the age of 91 on tradition of the Gypsy Robe into where she and the rest of the Saturday, July 12, 2014. Best of June 11, 2014. Dee is well • On May 26, 2014, Seth M. Equity and formalizing the remembered for many of her Popper, who served as the ceremony. stage appearances, including Director of Labor Relations for

ostage Letters to The Editor FINAL U.S.P 49 Letters received from paid-up members on subjects of concern to Equity members will be considered for publication in Equity News, provided that they are no greater than 175 words in length. Letters selected for publication may be edited for space requirements. Actors’ Equity Association reserves the CURTAIN right to decline to publish letters at its sole discretion. When multiple letters on the same topic are submitted, the Editor may decide to select a smaller number of representative letters for publication. Letters must be signed and must provide preferred contact information for verification purposes, but names may be withheld from publication in certain limited circumstances, at a member’s request. “Were I to die and go to heaven Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of Actors’ Equity Association. and find it populated by actors, I would not be unhappy.” IN MEMORIAM all who knew him, as was together in The Sound of Music, Dear Editor: demonstrated by the wonderful The Music Man and Mame. He —-Playwright Ben Hecht It is with deep sorrow that I comments and attendance of so wrote a collection of plays and many friends and colleagues at musicals that were the lifeblood (Reported between 05-20-2014 and 07-14-2014) report the death of my partner, Jerry Gulledge, well-known the recent celebration of his life. of the Traveling Playhouse, a His obsession with flamingos children’s theatre company that Augie Amato Phyllis Frelich John Pinette South Florida leading actor and was known by all, so I close toured from the 1950s through Maya Angelou Jerry Gulledge Marc Platt longtime member of Actors' with a quote from a dear friend, the mid-90s. His musical, Ten Diane Armistead Fiona Hale Nina Polan Equity. He will be remembered "May flights of flamingos carry By 6, has played several Walter Beery Lawrence Hamilton Cherie Ross for his many leading roles, you to your rest, Jerry regional theatres. Anna Berger Dorothy Dorian James Gerard Russak including his favorites as Fagin Gulledge." Among his childhood heroes Michael Capanna S. Marc Jordan Jerome A. Russo in Oliver, Georges in La Cage Arthur Barnes were Errol Flynn and Douglas Ruthann Chartier Casey Kasem Luke Sickle aux Folles and especially Don Matthew Chandler Roger Kozol Reuben Silver Dear Editor: Fairbanks, Jr. I remember going Quixote in Man of La Mancha, a On April 22, 2014, my father, together to the swashbuckling Cowles Richard Lederer Donn Simione role that he said he would be Jon Lee Meshach Taylor Richard Kinter, died at the age movies of Hollywood’s Golden Victor D’Altorio perfectly content to perform for Ann B. Davis Nancy Malone Merritt Thompson of 81. He leaves a legacy not Era, influences that led me on the rest of his life. I would like to Vince Davis Marjorie Martin Gary Tucker only as an actor, but director, my own career path as a fight thank Actors' Equity for all their Ruby Dee Martin Meyers Stuart Vaughan designer, composer and director. At theatres and help and support. We were Paris-Christian Martha Miller Eli Wallach playwright, in a theatre career workshops, people ask me all always treated with respect and Dimoleon Rosemary Murphy Vera Bantz Ward that spanned 60 plus years. the time if I’m related to Richard concern by all. You should be Lesly Terrell Donald Kathryn Newman RIchard Whaley He spent many seasons at Kinter, and the stories they tell William H. Dreyer Rocky Rochelle Myrna White proud of the professionalism of the Barter Theatre and Utah me of him are always filled with Marvin Einhorn Parker Efrem Zimbalist Jr. your organization. Jerry was Shakespeare Festival. As a admiration and affection. deeply loved and respected by family, we toured and performed Rod Kinter