Committee Elections 2019

Committee elections 2019

w INTRODUCTION BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY

w VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

w CANDIDATES’ ELECTION STATEMENTS

*S01* CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY page 3

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS page 4

SCREEN & NEW MEDIA COMMITTEE — ACTORS pages 5—8

SCREEN & NEW MEDIA COMMITTEE — BLACK & MINORITY ETHNIC page 9

SCREEN & NEW MEDIA COMMITTEE — WALK-ONS pages 10

SCREEN & NEW MEDIA COMMITTEE — STUNTS pages 11

STAGE COMMITTEE — ACTORS pages 12—16

STAGE COMMITTEE — BLACK & MINORITY ETHNIC page 17

VARIETY, CIRCUS & ENTERTAINERS COMMITTEE pages 18—22

AUDIO COMMITTEE pages 23—26

DANCE COMMITTEE page 27

DIRECTORS AND DESIGNERS COMMITTEE pages 28—31

SINGERS COMMITTEE pages 32—34

STAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE pages 35—38

NORTHERN IRELAND COMMITTEE pages 39—40

SCOTTISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE pages 41—45

WELSH NATIONAL COMMITTEE pages 46—50

DEAF AND DISABLED MEMBERS COMMITTEE pages 51—54

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER + COMMITTEE pages 55—58

MINORITY ETHNIC MEMBERS COMMITTEE pages 59—63

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE pages 64—70

YOUNG MEMBERS COMMITTEE pages 71—75

2 INTRODUCTION

Dear Equity member,

Equity is committed to ensuring that we are a powerful industrial force and that every voice in the union is heard.

To achieve this, the Equity Council has a network of committees, at the heart of which are three influential industrial committees — Screen and New Media, Stage and Variety, Circus and Entertainers — with the authority to conduct negotiations. These committees, made up of members with recent experience of relevant work and elected by members with similar experience, are at the forefront of improving pay and conditions for members. Supporting them are five specialist committees — Audio, Dance, Directors and Designers, Singers and Stage Management — all made up of members with recent relevant working experience.

There are also three national committees of members in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, four equality committees — Deaf and Disabled; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender+; Minority Ethnic; and Women — and a Young Members Committee.

These committees are an important part of the union’s democracy and a dynamic force for change. With the support of the Equity Council they are taking forward the industrial agenda, driving the union’s policy-making and ensuring that the voice of working members is heard at the centre of the union’s work.

Please use your vote to ensure that these committees represent you.

On the advice of our independent ballot scrutineer your ballot paper contains your name and address. Please be assured that this does not affect the secrecy of the ballot. Equity has no access to your ballot paper or to information on how or whether you voted, and ballot papers returned to Equity will not be counted.

If you have any questions please call our elections helpline on 020 7670 0266 or email [email protected]. You can also watch a short video about how Equity’s committees work on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/EquityUK

Yours sincerely,

Christine Payne General Secretary

3 VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

Please read the candidates’ statements in this booklet before casting your votes Alexandra Afryea Proposed by Grainne Gillis, seconded by Annie Fitzmaurice How excited I am to be under consideration for the Equity Screen and New Media Committee! As an experienced member of the industry I understand, firsthand, the issues facing working actors, and actor-parents. I’m prepared to contribute to the work Equity undertake to further the interests of all members. As a professional actor my work has spanned numerous years, including student films, Hollywood ‘blockbusters’, commercials, BAFTA-winning television dramas, voiceovers and theatrical productions. Many were lucrative, others less so. It’s my goal for all productions to commit to full © MICHAEL SHELFORD Equity contracts because, as creatives, we shouldn’t have to suffer for our art. During my tenure, I aim to make a positive difference within the union, offering my experience, work ethic and being a fresh, new voice on the team. I’m an active Equity member, attending TO VOTE BY POST TO VOTE BY INTERNET meetings and encouraging non-member actors to join - as we are only stronger together. Please read the instructions on entitlement Please go to Equity’s website at www.equity. to vote against each voting grid in the ballot org.uk/members-area and click on the paper included in this mailing and then vote Vote Now button to be taken to the secure Peter Barnes by marking a cross (O) in the boxes next to independent voting site, then use your Proposed by Steph Bramwell, seconded by Frances Rifkin your chosen candidates. unique voting code printed on the first page Joined 1967. Work in most fields. Member S&NM Committees, Working of your ballot paper. Parties. Campaign Co-ordinating Committee. Former Councillor, ARC Return your completed ballot paper Representative, Deputy, Branch Secretary. Honorary Life Member. immediately in the pre-paid envelope Internet voting is available 24 hours a day Thanks for your support in previous elections. A priority is to unionise provided so that it is received by the until noon on Friday 12 July 2019. the games industry. The involvement of practitioners in this field is vital. independent scrutineer Popularis no We must prevent unacceptable exploitation of our members in the new later than noon on Friday 12July 2019. TV landscape. We have the only union Agreement with Netflix. We can If you have lost your pre-paid envelope resolve problems with Exclusivity and other streaming services. The BBC you can post your completed ballot Agreement is much improved, but Pact members still don’t fully comply ©LB PHOTOGRAPHY paper to: Popularis, Nutsey Lane, Totton, with Agreements and many film employers remain outside Pact. I helped Southampton SO40 3RL develop Equity’s new policies on arts funding and campaigning, which include a publicly funded film sector and defence of public service broadcasting. I’m active in the Co-operative Personal Management Association and deal with contracts in my agency. Vice-Chair of BECS. [email protected]

Sean Biggerstaff Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Ian Barritt PLEASE NOTE: I have worked widely in film, television, audio and theatre for 26 years. 1 You may vote by internet or vote by post, but not both. Any attempt to vote more than once will The work of the Screen and New Media Committee is more important be detected. than ever in this time of constantly changing business models, new 2 If you vote by internet, please do not return your ballot paper in the post. platforms and huge challenges and opportunities for trade unionism, 3 For the following committees or sections of committees there were insufficient candidates and it has been a huge education and privilege to serve on it for the to trigger an election and the candidates have therefore been elected unopposed: Screen past two years, overseeing and scrutinising much needed new and New Media Committee - actors seats, black and minority ethnic seats and walk on seats, agreements and bringing fellow members’ concerns to the committee’s Dance Committee, Directors and Designers Committee, Singers Committee, Northern Ireland attention. Please allow me to continue to use my experience to benefit Committee, Wales National Committee and the LGBT+ Committee - female-identifying and our union. ©MARTIN FORRY ©MARTIN male-identifying seats. Election statements for all candidates on all committees, including those elected unopposed, are included in this booklet. 4 There were no nominations for the the Variety, Circus & Entertainers Committee - black and minority ethnic seats.

4 SCREEN COMMITTEE — actors Alexandra Afryea Proposed by Grainne Gillis, seconded by Annie Fitzmaurice How excited I am to be under consideration for the Equity Screen and New Media Committee! As an experienced member of the industry I understand, firsthand, the issues facing working actors, and actor-parents. I’m prepared to contribute to the work Equity undertake to further the interests of all members. As a professional actor my work has spanned numerous years, including student films, Hollywood ‘blockbusters’, commercials, BAFTA-winning television dramas, voiceovers and theatrical productions. Many were lucrative, others less so. It’s my goal for all productions to commit to full © MICHAEL SHELFORD Equity contracts because, as creatives, we shouldn’t have to suffer for our art. During my tenure, I aim to make a positive difference within the union, offering my experience, work ethic and being a fresh, new voice on the team. I’m an active Equity member, attending meetings and encouraging non-member actors to join - as we are only stronger together.

Peter Barnes Proposed by Steph Bramwell, seconded by Frances Rifkin Joined 1967. Work in most fields. Member S&NM Committees, Working Parties. Campaign Co-ordinating Committee. Former Councillor, ARC Representative, Deputy, Branch Secretary. Honorary Life Member. Thanks for your support in previous elections. A priority is to unionise the games industry. The involvement of practitioners in this field is vital. We must prevent unacceptable exploitation of our members in the new TV landscape. We have the only union Agreement with Netflix. We can resolve problems with Exclusivity and other streaming services. The BBC Agreement is much improved, but Pact members still don’t fully comply ©LB PHOTOGRAPHY with Agreements and many film employers remain outside Pact. I helped develop Equity’s new policies on arts funding and campaigning, which include a publicly funded film sector and defence of public service broadcasting. I’m active in the Co-operative Personal Management Association and deal with contracts in my agency. Vice-Chair of BECS. [email protected]

Sean Biggerstaff Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Ian Barritt I have worked widely in film, television, audio and theatre for 26 years. The work of the Screen and New Media Committee is more important than ever in this time of constantly changing business models, new platforms and huge challenges and opportunities for trade unionism, and it has been a huge education and privilege to serve on it for the past two years, overseeing and scrutinising much needed new agreements and bringing fellow members’ concerns to the committee’s attention. Please allow me to continue to use my experience to benefit our union. ©MARTIN FORRY ©MARTIN

5 SCREEN COMMITTEE — actors Laurence Bouvard Kriss Dosanjh Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Tanya Franks Proposed by Gwen Williams, seconded by Tracey Briggs Member of Equity since 1989. Screen & New Media Committee I am very grateful for the opportunity of working as an actor. Over the 2013-present, Chair 2015-present, Vice Chair 2013-2015; Audio years, I have seen the good work that Equity is doing. This is partly Councillor 2012-2014; Standing Orders, 2000-04, 2010-14, 2018-20; due to members giving back time, imparting knowledge and sharing Audio Committee 2003-2015; Audiobook Working Party; TV Working their experiences, gained from working in this industry and from their Party. As current Chair, I am proud of the work accomplished by the lives. Along with my numerous years of employment experience in Screen & New Media Committee these past few years, especially in the profession, I have volunteered as an equality and diversity newer arenas. In an effort to strengthen ties between the union and the representative for Equity and lent support to my local branch. I feel games industry, I have helped initiate a series of successful games confident that I have the necessary experience and sincerity to be a meetings for members, the highlight being our first ever Equity Women valuable asset to this committee. Should you support me, I would be ©NICK JAMES ©CHRIS BAKER and Games event in March. I have also been striving with the TV delighted to serve on this committee to the best of my ability. working party to deal with the rise of SVOD platforms such as Netflix which are threatening performers’ hard-won rights. If re-elected, I wish to continue fighting for members’ careers at a time when new technologies, and economic shifts such as Brexit, challenge our livelihoods.

Jo Cameron Brown Tanya Franks Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Celia Imrie Proposed by Laurence Bouvard, seconded by Lindsey Coulson A challenge is an opportunity ?!? I believe in the increasingly For the last two decades I have been working predominantly in challenging, complicated, & bewildering Screen and New Media television interspersed with independent movies. My experience work-place, we must grasp that opportunity. includes long running regular contracts, episodic, and comedy and We are forging ahead, EG: the first in the world to negotiate a Netflix drama series. My last two years on the SNMC have been enlightening collective agreement, new guidelines and agreements on casting, by witnessing the amount that is achieved by the staff of Equity on updated TV/Films contracts, re-opening commercial negotiation, and our behalf. They need our feedback and we need their negotiating finding initiatives and understandings as we pick our way through the skills. I have met with the CBI and spoken in parliament on the cowboy country that can be the Games Industry, worth in excess of TV effect of Brexit with Equity’s support; I am part of Equity’s Television &Film combined. Working Party which has agreed a union contract with Netflix – first © © Employed recently On Netflix, Channel 4, BBC Contracts, I bring of its kind in the world; I have been proud to represent the SNMC at strong experiential knowledge, knowing the impact of these contracts, and also witnessed the Annual Representative Conference. With your vote I will continue to raise questions the loss of casting & crew possibilities for UK workers in the EU. and voice our concerns to strive for an ever-improving and respectful working Offering continuity, commitment, experience, and, I hope, humour, I trust you will allow environment. Long live our union! me to carry on in these endeavours on your behalf. [email protected] Current Vice Chair SNM Committee.

Bertie Carvel Henry Hereford Proposed by Chipo Chung, seconded by Samuel West Self-proposed, seconded by Travis Oliver Blue chip companies have brought disruption across the sector. I trained at Drama Studio and my screen experience is extensive and Netflix, Amazon and others have rewritten the rulebook for television includes David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, NBC’s and film distribution. Audible’s rapid expansion has thrown down the “Crossbones”, alongside Claire Foy and John Malkovich, and HBO’s gauntlet to the audiobook industry, challenging its competitors to “True Blood”. In the next two years, I believe the audition process create more content more cheaply. The gaming industry is worth can be changed for the better through open dialogue with casting more than all of them put together, and even less well-regulated. directors. As an actor, I have my finger on the pulse of how my We need to achieve strong industrial agreements in each of these community is feeling and I have seen that in the US a more focussed growth areas, so as to defend our members’ working conditions as and shorter audition session means that more talented actors are well as their fair share of the profit pie. The work we do in this crucial getting in the room, therefore they feel inspired to stay in the © RICH HARDCASTLE phase will lay the pattern for generations to come. © CLAIRE NEWMAN WILLIAMS business. In shows like “The Crown” we have seen that taking a I currently serve on the Screen & New Media Committee as well as on Council. I chance on new faces has changed careers. But with the current UK system, TV shows too previously served two terms on the Stage Committee. I’m a committed member of the TV often re-hire the same actors, which means incredible talent don’t get a chance to enter Working Party and Netflix Working Party. Please give me your vote. the business.

6 SCREEN COMMITTEE — actors Kriss Dosanjh Proposed by Gwen Williams, seconded by Tracey Briggs I am very grateful for the opportunity of working as an actor. Over the years, I have seen the good work that Equity is doing. This is partly due to members giving back time, imparting knowledge and sharing their experiences, gained from working in this industry and from their lives. Along with my numerous years of employment experience in the profession, I have volunteered as an equality and diversity representative for Equity and lent support to my local branch. I feel confident that I have the necessary experience and sincerity to be a valuable asset to this committee. Should you support me, I would be ©CHRIS BAKER delighted to serve on this committee to the best of my ability.

Tanya Franks Proposed by Laurence Bouvard, seconded by Lindsey Coulson For the last two decades I have been working predominantly in television interspersed with independent movies. My experience includes long running regular contracts, episodic, and comedy and drama series. My last two years on the SNMC have been enlightening by witnessing the amount that is achieved by the staff of Equity on our behalf. They need our feedback and we need their negotiating skills. I have met with the CBI and spoken in parliament on the effect of Brexit with Equity’s support; I am part of Equity’s Television Working Party which has agreed a union contract with Netflix – first © of its kind in the world; I have been proud to represent the SNMC at the Annual Representative Conference. With your vote I will continue to raise questions and voice our concerns to strive for an ever-improving and respectful working environment. Long live our union!

Henry Hereford Self-proposed, seconded by Travis Oliver I trained at Drama Studio and my screen experience is extensive and includes David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, NBC’s “Crossbones”, alongside Claire Foy and John Malkovich, and HBO’s “True Blood”. In the next two years, I believe the audition process can be changed for the better through open dialogue with casting directors. As an actor, I have my finger on the pulse of how my community is feeling and I have seen that in the US a more focussed and shorter audition session means that more talented actors are getting in the room, therefore they feel inspired to stay in the

© CLAIRE NEWMAN WILLIAMS business. In shows like “The Crown” we have seen that taking a chance on new faces has changed careers. But with the current UK system, TV shows too often re-hire the same actors, which means incredible talent don’t get a chance to enter the business.

7 SCREEN COMMITTEE — actors Steve North Rae Lim Proposed by Tanya Franks, seconded by Hywel Morgan Self-proposed, seconded by Floriane Andersen I have been an Equity member for 31 years. I have worked as a I’m exceedingly passionate about mental health awareness and screen actor in television and film playing series regulars, lead roles improving access to resources for young performers as well as fair and guest parts. I have been involved in producing two released wages across the board. As an untrained actor who studied Law and feature films and have directed short films (inc one funded by Psychology, I feel strongly I’d be able to fight legal battles where Screen South). I teach screen acting and am passionate about how necessary but also advocate for BAME performers who’ve only to train actors to do their best work on camera. I am particularly recently started getting more opportunities. Having mostly worked interested in low budget filmmaking and how to create the most in screen and also voiceovers, SPACT and currently pursuing MoCap, conducive working conditions possible for actors to achieve their I feel that I have enough experience in each category to be able to best work on screen. Low paid work can be useful if it is truly give a unique insight and to better facilitate a stronger position for © ARMAMMEDIA © JENNIE SCOTT collaborative, however there are far too many times when it is used performers. as an excuse to not pay actors or get away with bad working conditions. I would be keen to look at improving this area of the industry. Thank you for your vote.

Hasit Savani Self-proposed, seconded by Shane Roberts There are ten candidates for the ten actors seats on the Screen and New Media Committee. With a lot of recent media attention regarding diverse The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot representation on-screen, I think it’s important that black and paper. ethnic minorities are represented correctly to create a fair working environment for everyone. We must be conscientious going forward to develop a workplace that rewards merit and ability without discriminating, positively or negatively. I will happily give my time and experience to help achieve this goal. © VINCE STARR

There are two candidates for the two black and minority ethnic seats on the Screen and New Media Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

8 SCREEN COMMITTEE — black and minority ethnic Rae Lim Self-proposed, seconded by Floriane Andersen I’m exceedingly passionate about mental health awareness and improving access to resources for young performers as well as fair wages across the board. As an untrained actor who studied Law and Psychology, I feel strongly I’d be able to fight legal battles where necessary but also advocate for BAME performers who’ve only recently started getting more opportunities. Having mostly worked in screen and also voiceovers, SPACT and currently pursuing MoCap, I feel that I have enough experience in each category to be able to give a unique insight and to better facilitate a stronger position for © ARMAMMEDIA performers.

Hasit Savani Self-proposed, seconded by Shane Roberts With a lot of recent media attention regarding diverse representation on-screen, I think it’s important that black and ethnic minorities are represented correctly to create a fair working environment for everyone. We must be conscientious going forward to develop a workplace that rewards merit and ability without discriminating, positively or negatively. I will happily give my time and experience to help achieve this goal. © VINCE STARR

9 SCREEN COMMITTEE — walk-ons Volenté Lloyd Jim Dowdall Self-proposed, seconded by Nana St Bartholomew-Brown Proposed by Joanna Lumley, seconded by Roy Taylor I have worked as a Stand-In, Double, Walk-On Artist and Stunt I joined the Equity Stunt Register in 1974. Since then I have served Performer for more than 20 years. I love the industry and am very over 30 years on the stunt committee, four as chair. I am a voting passionate about the job! I am passionate about equality and member of BAFTA, an Hon fellow of the BKSTS and am the chair of teamwork in the field. I believe all performers should be properly The British Stunt Register. compensated for the work they do and in a more timely manner. I The health and safety climate regarding stunt work has would like to be able to make a difference for all members to be revolutionised many aspects of what we do as both performers able to work for better pay and conditions for all. I have a wealth of and coordinators. However, I find a huge amount of ignorance and experience in front of and behind the scenes and feel that I dangerous practices still being used by people masquerading as understand the core issues. My goal is to get the rates increased as stunt performers ‘on the cheap’. A lot of the general membership © VOLENTÉ LLOYD © VOLENTÉ WILSON © DAVID soon as possible, as they are currently unacceptable. I believe that have little experience with stunt work and I would like to use it would be beneficial across the nation to achieve fair and equal pay for all. my lifetime’s experience of this particular skill to reach a wider population of the membership with a view to a better ‘safety on set’ regime becoming more of a set standard. David Rapp Self-proposed, seconded by Derek Martin As a walk-on and supporting artist who has regularly worked over many years, I have extensive current experience in the committee’s David Newton area. I regularly work on some of the BBC’s flagship productions. Proposed by Sarah Lochlan, seconded by Lewis Young This gives me an interest in securing a better agreement for No election statement submitted. supporting artists and walk-ons. I believe that we have been poorly represented in the past and it is now time for a change. If elected, my principle aim is to achieve better deals for supporting artists in any future agreements. The last agreement Andy Wareham briefly had our hours before overtime increase without any Proposed by David Garrick, seconded by Lewis Young

additional compensation, this was wrong and should not have I have been a member of Equity for 22 years. I have worked in Theatre, Film, and happened. Ultimately I want supporting artists to be paid a living wage for their work Television throughout my career, engaged as a Variety artist, Creature performer, Stunt and if elected will make this my priority. Artist and Actor. Throughout my career I have seen this industry develop, and the I am asking for your support to enable me to support our union and all of our rights at media our work is viewed on change unimaginably. This coupled with producers and work. accountants finding ever increasing ways to interpret the agreements we work to, too frequently leaves us fighting from the back foot. I would like to help develop a forward thinking agreement which loses the ambiguity and caters for our future. Claire Richardson Self-proposed, seconded by Lauren Henry Primarily an actor, I often work as a walk-on and supporting artist Lewis Young as my utility job. Unfortunately, supporting artists have developed Self-proposed, seconded by Andy Wareham an unnecessary bad reputation throughout the industry which is No election statement submitted. reflected in the attitudes of cast, crew and production alike. The majority of us just want to get on and do the best we can, this job isn’t always easy. Days are usually long, sporadic and unpredictable and as such it’s not unreasonable to expect to earn a living wage from this work. Unfortunately, unlike other Equity departments, we have endured several pay-freezes and few pay rises over the past

© MICHAEL WHARLEY few years, which feels discriminatory and disrespectful. I want to stand up for fair treatment, dignity and decent pay and safe working conditions and help to turn this reputation around for the better. We are still Equity members and deserve to be treated, respected and represented as such.

There are three candidates for the three walk on seats on the Screen and New Media Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

10 SCREEN COMMITTEE — stunts Jim Dowdall Proposed by Joanna Lumley, seconded by Roy Taylor I joined the Equity Stunt Register in 1974. Since then I have served over 30 years on the stunt committee, four as chair. I am a voting member of BAFTA, an Hon fellow of the BKSTS and am the chair of The British Stunt Register. The health and safety climate regarding stunt work has revolutionised many aspects of what we do as both performers and coordinators. However, I find a huge amount of ignorance and dangerous practices still being used by people masquerading as stunt performers ‘on the cheap’. A lot of the general membership © DAVID WILSON © DAVID have little experience with stunt work and I would like to use my lifetime’s experience of this particular skill to reach a wider population of the membership with a view to a better ‘safety on set’ regime becoming more of a set standard.

David Newton Proposed by Sarah Lochlan, seconded by Lewis Young No election statement submitted.

Andy Wareham Proposed by David Garrick, seconded by Lewis Young I have been a member of Equity for 22 years. I have worked in Theatre, Film, and Television throughout my career, engaged as a Variety artist, Creature performer, Stunt Artist and Actor. Throughout my career I have seen this industry develop, and the media our work is viewed on change unimaginably. This coupled with producers and accountants finding ever increasing ways to interpret the agreements we work to, too frequently leaves us fighting from the back foot. I would like to help develop a forward thinking agreement which loses the ambiguity and caters for our future.

Lewis Young Self-proposed, seconded by Andy Wareham No election statement submitted.

11 STAGE COMMITTEE — actors Jonathan Broadbent Sam Harrison Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Maureen Beattie Proposed by Summer Strallen, seconded by Nick Fletcher Thank you for voting me onto Stage Committee in the last round of Having represented Les Mis on the West End Deps Committee for the elections. In this time I’ve seen feedback and ideas from fellow past year, I know the power of the union when we work together. members get discussed at Stage Committee meetings and effect I’ve loved being at the coalface of negotiations, representing one of change to union negotiations with employers. I’ve been encouraged the biggest companies in the West End navigating redundancy and that your input and communication to myself and fellow members building up almost 100% membership. As we go into final of this committee can and does make a difference to how our union deliberations over the new West End Agreement, I recognise that our is run, and how it has agency within the industry at large. There is greatest asset is our members. I am determined that everyone’s always more we can do and on a personal level I would like to voice in the union is heard and that we continue to build our continue championing mental health awareness and provision for membership base, so we work together to create a better future. © CHARLIE CARTER BELL © DARREN

our members. I would be honoured to continue representing you and promoting your needs. Thank you for voting.

Jackie Clune Rosie Hilal Self-proposed, seconded by Nick Fletcher Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Maureen Beattie I have been an elected member of the Stage Committe for four years I hope to be re-elected to stage committee because my experience now, and vice chair for the past two. During this time I have also on the women’s committee and in various areas of stage work has been elected to Equity Council. I remain passionate about advancing given me valuable insight into women’s issues particular to our the fight against inequality in our industry - we are all workers, and industry. are subject to the same pressures and maltreatment as many other This and my contributions to Equity’s progress in preventing and workers. In particular I am very keen to keep the pressure on confronting sexual harassment, introducing childcare and creating managers, producers, directors and artistic directors to forefront audition guidelines for employers would be a guiding force in the Equity members who have traditionally been underrepresented. I stage industry negotiations. support the work of Act for Change, ERA, PIPA and all groups who Together with PIPA (Parents in Performing Arts) we have lobbied © MICHAEL WHARLEY ©MICHAEL WHARLEY

seek to promote a stronger, fairer industry. that job-shares are written into new Equity Contracts, and that workers with caring duties can access a national network of last minute and drop-in childcare. We need to ensure the stage committee represents intersecting interests through working closely with equalities committees. Next steps should include: working with casting directors and the directors’ and designers’ committee to ensure performers’ (mental) health & safety in auditions and intimate scenes; tackling ageism; getting equal pay.

Nick Fletcher Simon Jay Proposed by Mark Rylance, seconded by Geraldine James Self-proposed, seconded by Annabel Barnett At the time of writing it feels like there’s unfinished business I want As a working-class actor and writer, I’ve appeared in seven to stay involved in for another term. Our new West End, Subsidised Edinburgh Fringe shows since 2011. My work has led me to the and Commercial Theatre agreements are all still to be concluded, Adelaide Fringe and touring round the UK. Throughout this time, I’ve for instance. If you the members re-elect me I’ll then ask the new worked with several talented and hardworking people, but I’ve also committee to elect me as chair again. We’ve been an effective come across some charlatans, and I’m astounded by how seldom scrutinising and oversight body on your behalf during the last term these are held to account. If elected to the committee, I will spend of the committee and I want to make sure we keep building and the next two years working tirelessly to represent actors who work improving. We can’t fix everything overnight but we have to keep at the Fringe and beyond to make sure they’re not ripped-off or pushing for a better future. treated badly by cowboy producers. My own experiences will stand © LAURA DODDINGTON © LAURA ©ALBIE CLARK

me in good stead to spearhead a campaign that allows performers to speak out about malpractice, without risking their professional career (which is crucial). I have been an Equity member since I started working professionally in theatre, and my passion for the union has never been stronger.

12 STAGE COMMITTEE — actors Sam Harrison Proposed by Summer Strallen, seconded by Nick Fletcher Having represented Les Mis on the West End Deps Committee for the past year, I know the power of the union when we work together. I’ve loved being at the coalface of negotiations, representing one of the biggest companies in the West End navigating redundancy and building up almost 100% membership. As we go into final deliberations over the new West End Agreement, I recognise that our greatest asset is our members. I am determined that everyone’s voice in the union is heard and that we continue to build our membership base, so we work together to create a better future. © DARREN BELL © DARREN

Rosie Hilal Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Maureen Beattie I hope to be re-elected to stage committee because my experience on the women’s committee and in various areas of stage work has given me valuable insight into women’s issues particular to our industry. This and my contributions to Equity’s progress in preventing and confronting sexual harassment, introducing childcare and creating audition guidelines for employers would be a guiding force in the stage industry negotiations. Together with PIPA (Parents in Performing Arts) we have lobbied ©MICHAEL WHARLEY that job-shares are written into new Equity Contracts, and that workers with caring duties can access a national network of last minute and drop-in childcare. We need to ensure the stage committee represents intersecting interests through working closely with equalities committees. Next steps should include: working with casting directors and the directors’ and designers’ committee to ensure performers’ (mental) health & safety in auditions and intimate scenes; tackling ageism; getting equal pay.

Simon Jay Self-proposed, seconded by Annabel Barnett As a working-class actor and writer, I’ve appeared in seven Edinburgh Fringe shows since 2011. My work has led me to the Adelaide Fringe and touring round the UK. Throughout this time, I’ve worked with several talented and hardworking people, but I’ve also come across some charlatans, and I’m astounded by how seldom these are held to account. If elected to the committee, I will spend the next two years working tirelessly to represent actors who work at the Fringe and beyond to make sure they’re not ripped-off or treated badly by cowboy producers. My own experiences will stand ©ALBIE CLARK me in good stead to spearhead a campaign that allows performers to speak out about malpractice, without risking their professional career (which is crucial). I have been an Equity member since I started working professionally in theatre, and my passion for the union has never been stronger.

13 STAGE COMMITTEE — actors Emma Manton Patrick O’Kane Proposed by Sandi Toksvig, seconded by Hywel Morgan Proposed by Nick Fletcher, seconded by Niamh Cusack After 2 years on the Stage Committee, I would be thrilled to continue The Stage Committee has worked hard on the recent West End to represent you. Over the last two years, I have helped secure Agreement; however, there is much still to be done. I will work to access to nationwide child and elder care for Equity members ensure that Equity’s professional staff do their utmost to represent through the PiPA campaign’s partnership with MyFamilyCare. I have ALL of our members, in the West End and beyond. been on the working parties looking to secure a commitment to #YesorNo from Casting Directors and to encourage the business to look at flexible working and job shares. I have worked in theatres around the country, also with the RSC and in the West End. I am married to an actor and have a child, so am aware of some of the

© MARTIN PLASEK © MARTIN challenges thrown our way by an industry that often moves very © RUTH CRAFER quickly and makes decisions at the last minute. I’m really keen to help find ways to make our business more family-friendly and accessible for all. Please consider voting for me!

Hywel Morgan Vivien Parry Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Nick Fletcher Proposed by Nick Fletcher, seconded by Jane How Equity member since 1988. Been through the hard times and the I have been an active member of equity since 1987, serving as good times. Equity’s always been there for me but as with deputy on more shows than I care to remember. I believe in, and everything in life, the more you put in, the more you get out. We, the have experienced, the power of the collective to resolve areas of members are Equity. if you have a problem #TellEquity or better difficulty within the workplace and create a sense of company still, get involved. Be the change you want to see in the industry. It’s well-being. Having been on the working committee and face-to-face the only way negotiations on the upcoming SOLT, West End agreement, I have had first-hand experience of working for members best interests and would welcome the opportunity to use my experience to continue representing our union at the coalface of committee and contract

©RIC BACON ©CHIRON COLE negotiations.

David Nellist Adam Pettigrew Self-proposed, seconded by Hywel Morgan Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Rebecca Louis I’ve been an actor for 29 years, and have served on the Stage After 6 years chairing the Young Members Committee, the time has Committee for the last year. I have been Equity Deputy on major come to admit I am no spring chicken, and reluctantly retire from shows such as War Horse and Curious Incident as well as having an the post. During my time on the committee I have learnt a lot about extensive knowledge of small scale and touring theatre. I strive to how the union works, and now want to take my involvement to the make our industry a fair one for all. I support the 50/50 campaign next stage. I have performed professionally in theatre for 10 years, BAME and Working Class members in the fight for equality and worked on the Equity West End, Subsidised and Commercial throughout the profession. I promise to work hard for all. agreements, so I have a good understanding of how they all work. I have volunteered to be the Equity Deputy on every contract since becoming an active member, so I am used to being the diplomatic

©RUTH CRAFER ©MUG PHOTOGRAPHY bridge between members and management, which I am sure is a skill I would need on an industrial committee. I enjoy talking to my fellow members and explaining things in a relatable, jargon free way, making Equity more accessible and relevant to them.

14 STAGE COMMITTEE — actors Patrick O’Kane Proposed by Nick Fletcher, seconded by Niamh Cusack The Stage Committee has worked hard on the recent West End Agreement; however, there is much still to be done. I will work to ensure that Equity’s professional staff do their utmost to represent ALL of our members, in the West End and beyond. © RUTH CRAFER

Vivien Parry Proposed by Nick Fletcher, seconded by Jane How I have been an active member of equity since 1987, serving as deputy on more shows than I care to remember. I believe in, and have experienced, the power of the collective to resolve areas of difficulty within the workplace and create a sense of company well-being. Having been on the working committee and face-to-face negotiations on the upcoming SOLT, West End agreement, I have had first-hand experience of working for members best interests and would welcome the opportunity to use my experience to continue representing our union at the coalface of committee and contract

©CHIRON COLE negotiations.

Adam Pettigrew Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Rebecca Louis After 6 years chairing the Young Members Committee, the time has come to admit I am no spring chicken, and reluctantly retire from the post. During my time on the committee I have learnt a lot about how the union works, and now want to take my involvement to the next stage. I have performed professionally in theatre for 10 years, and worked on the Equity West End, Subsidised and Commercial agreements, so I have a good understanding of how they all work. I have volunteered to be the Equity Deputy on every contract since becoming an active member, so I am used to being the diplomatic

©MUG PHOTOGRAPHY bridge between members and management, which I am sure is a skill I would need on an industrial committee. I enjoy talking to my fellow members and explaining things in a relatable, jargon free way, making Equity more accessible and relevant to them.

15 STAGE COMMITTEE — actors Kirsty Rider Vanessa Fisher Proposed by Michelle Terry, seconded by Elliot Barnes-Worrell Self-proposed, seconded by Dawn Hope Having graduated in 2016 I am still new to the industry but have I have been a proud member of Equity since graduating from college worked at wonderful theatres since then. I believe this has given me in 2014 and I am grateful to have witnessed the positive changes great insight into the mechanics of the industry but also allows me a implemented by Equity. I am a frequent commentator when it comes level of objectivity and clarity when seeing the corruption and to topical discussions and debates with regards to how we continue biases that lead to a real lack of equity in our industry. to progress as an industry, especially with regards to its BME cast, Being an actress of colour with East Asian heritage, I feel I have creatives and theatregoers and would very much appreciate an experienced first-hand some of the areas desperate for deep opportunity, to have a seat at what I believe to be a very important improvement in our industry. ‘Colour blind casting’ is one concept table with Equity. I am fair, intelligent, energetic and bring a wealth I’m eager to explore. of experience surrounding BME matters and I excel when part of a © MUG PHOTOGRAPHY ©ORI JONES My passion for equity meant I founded and lead a group team. Although it is extremely important to acknowledge how far within my church (600 people) which has sought to educate the leadership/staff team the industry has come, I believe it would be remiss of us all to not continue to strive for to acknowledge our privilege and biases and how they can affect inclusivity and better. Together, I am excited to see how far we can go. accessibility. With everything I do, I try to improve these two things.

Martin Williams Dawn Hope Proposed by Eric James Dean, seconded by Pete Lawson Self-proposed, seconded by Raj Ghatak In 2018 I proposed a motion at ARC that addressed the problems of Having worked on Stage since 1975 to present day. I have performed TIE and small independent tours. I’ve spent the majority of my in Theatre, locally , nationally , internationally, Fringe and the West career thus far working for independent companies that generally End. I have seen good progress in the past, but sadly I’m so aware of don’t use Equity Agreements. I’m standing for the Stage Committee the regression of opportunities for us too. I believe that I can add an to try and keep the interests and concerns of our members on these experienced voice around the table. I would consider it a privilege to types of projects on Equity’s agenda. I believe that we need a strong be on this Committee, and be a voice to the Talent that has been on voice that represents those actors who work for small, independent amber... waiting for the green light. Dawn Hope. theatre companies, and I would like to ask you to trust that I can be that voice. © BRANDON BISHOP © BRANDON © PHIL PEREZ

Madeleine Worrall Tameka Mortimer Proposed by Nick Fletcher, seconded by Emma Cunniffe Self-proposed, seconded by Hywel Morgan I was elected to Stage Committee for the first time two years ago Acting is about stepping into someone else’s shoes, whether that be specifically to fight for performers and SMs to get royalties when a fictional character or a real person, our job is to play and to they have been involved in creating work. The motion I took to constantly be someone else so why are the true faces of our diverse Annual Conference on behalf of Committee was unanimously carried society hardly represented? Where does it say that to draw in the and, since then, as a direct result, Equity has included a clause for audience the main lead must be relatable to the upper classes? royalties in its highly ambitious West End negotiations this year. It is Theatre is for the people, should be accessible and should allow for only a first step but I want and intend to keep this issue at the dreams to manifest and authentic storytelling to take place. I don’t forefront of discussions within the industry. I have worked for 20 want another person being told they are a ‘risk’ to a casting director years and know all too well the struggle we face with wage levels, anymore, I don’t want them to be told they are ‘un-castable’ © JAMIE SMITH © RIC BACON touring accommodation and the impact of arts funding cuts upon because they are unsure which box they fit in, it’s 2019 and time to work. I would be thrilled to keep representing my colleagues in theatre for a further two throw away the boxes and represent the society that we live in with all genders, religion years, campaigning for royalties, higher wages, subsistence and better conditions for all. and race. We matter and we exist too.

16 STAGE COMMITTEE — black and minority ethnic Vanessa Fisher Self-proposed, seconded by Dawn Hope I have been a proud member of Equity since graduating from college in 2014 and I am grateful to have witnessed the positive changes implemented by Equity. I am a frequent commentator when it comes to topical discussions and debates with regards to how we continue to progress as an industry, especially with regards to its BME cast, creatives and theatregoers and would very much appreciate an opportunity, to have a seat at what I believe to be a very important table with Equity. I am fair, intelligent, energetic and bring a wealth of experience surrounding BME matters and I excel when part of a © MUG PHOTOGRAPHY team. Although it is extremely important to acknowledge how far the industry has come, I believe it would be remiss of us all to not continue to strive for better. Together, I am excited to see how far we can go.

Dawn Hope Self-proposed, seconded by Raj Ghatak Having worked on Stage since 1975 to present day. I have performed in Theatre, locally , nationally , internationally, Fringe and the West End. I have seen good progress in the past, but sadly I’m so aware of the regression of opportunities for us too. I believe that I can add an experienced voice around the table. I would consider it a privilege to be on this Committee, and be a voice to the Talent that has been on amber... waiting for the green light. Dawn Hope. © BRANDON BISHOP © BRANDON

Tameka Mortimer Self-proposed, seconded by Hywel Morgan Acting is about stepping into someone else’s shoes, whether that be a fictional character or a real person, our job is to play and to constantly be someone else so why are the true faces of our diverse society hardly represented? Where does it say that to draw in the audience the main lead must be relatable to the upper classes? Theatre is for the people, should be accessible and should allow for dreams to manifest and authentic storytelling to take place. I don’t want another person being told they are a ‘risk’ to a casting director anymore, I don’t want them to be told they are ‘un-castable’

© RIC BACON because they are unsure which box they fit in, it’s 2019 and time to throw away the boxes and represent the society that we live in with all genders, religion and race. We matter and we exist too.

17 VARIETY, CIRCUS AND ENTERTAINERS COMMITTEE (VCEC) Beano the Clown Yvonne Joseph Proposed by Eva Lorraine, seconded by Yvonne Joseph Proposed by Victoria Amedume, seconded by Carl Paul Mann Work: children entertainer, street performer, cabaret, and clown company. Act Name:- Vonnie and Gerry Joined Equity 95, TVB committee 96. Served on VAC, VCEC and Council. Equity:- Currently Manchester and District Variety Branch Secretary, VCEC Currently PRO of Scottish Variety Branch. chair. Previously Equity councillor, working parties etc. I work, with performers from very diverse backgrounds. From children Work details:- Grew up in theatrical family. Joined family act as a child parties and corporate events to street theatre, cabaret, and devised theatre; performing in theatre and revue. Had name above title in theatre while still I bring direct, immediate experience, determination and commitment to the at school. Singer, trained in classical dance, played drums, worked circus interests of members. I have raised issues on behalf of children entertainers in uncle’s act shooting rifles and on board for knife throwing. Later became and street performers, and supported many Equity campaigns. I have comedy ‘feed’ in various venues including theatre, revue, pantomime and helped members with financial, medical, copyright and welfare problems. adult pantomime. Now perform double act, singing, dancing and comedy in ©ANDREW SANTANA © I want VCEC to promote Variety’s role in Equity, and fight for our working all sorts of variety venues. conditions across the industry, without compromising members’ interests. I want Variety to have its Ambition:- With my work experience I know the contribution variety makes in lifting the spirits and rightful place as a performing art. am keen to highlight the benefits of this art form while protecting members’ income, particularly Just think: a comedian has been elected president in Ukraine! that of new artistes, and improving work opportunities. Your vote will assist me to achieve this.

Eva Lorraine Rachel Darq Proposed by Beano The Clown, seconded by Yvonne Joseph Proposed by Jenny Runacre, seconded by Rhubard The Clown Fields of Work:- International Cabaret & Recording Artist, Theatre, Rachel Darq is a variety performer predominantly performing Comedy Sketches (Sky TV, Freesat & Freeview), Scottish Opera, burlesque, She is a passionate mentor in burlesque and art cabaret Scottish National Orchestra Chorus performance. A fine artist in art performance, costume designer, Positions held: Vice Chairman (1995-2009) Chairman Scottish model, film, vocalist, auteur and director. Variety Branch,(2009 - current) Ex-VAC Committee, Equity Her roots are from the travelling circus “The 3 Amigos” on a Ambassador double decker bus and learnt the skills early on for performing Members need a strong voice and the right advice. I have been an through her peers. Life started with clowning over 26 years ago. Equity member for many years I am often recommended by agents I come from a grass roots level and performer safety and safe and members to advise on joining the union and if a member needs

performing spaces are what I want to campaign for and work with © help, and have negotiated and written contracts and dealt with © FIONA LINDSEY SIMPSON venues that want to be of the high standard Equity campaigns for. payment enquires when a breakdown in communication has occurred. I have the time, To help continue the good work Red Sarah has started with the burlesque network and to drive, dedication and expertise it takes to represent members’ interests. I will fulfil my give advice to our peers to be there for people, I’m a natural giver. position if elected with the honour and dignity which embodies the values and respect for the hard working artists who need our support. For now, I need you support and vote. Dave Eager Proposed by Mary Lane, seconded by Red Sarah Valerie Jean Mann Former Equity Vice President, Variety Branch Secretary, long-serving Variety/ Nominated by the North & West Yorkshire Variety Branch LE Councillor. It’s easy to forget that unlike other Equity talent, we are Dear Member of Equity, self-employed and our work is akin to being a small business. As a As a working Entertainer and over 35 years Committee Member, 10 consequence, many of Equity’s activities are not applicable to us. That’s why years Variety Branch Secretary, Member of the V.A.C. 2010/2013. it’s important that Variety/Light Entertainment members should be able to VARIETY CIRCUS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE since 2014 keep in touch with those elected to represent them. The Variety, I would like to carry on the good work this committee generates, Entertainment & Circus Committee is designated an ‘Industrial’ Committee and with being a long-standing working member of Equity I feel my by Equity and staff have to adhere to this definition. Accordingly experiences within the Union over this period may help other Equity identification of ‘work’ issues is important, not least because it’s only Members. I also feel that all members’ need to work together with © NEWIMAGEPR.CO.UK professional members who really understand. In ever changing times, the union, working through Variety Branches and Council, along ©LEWIS WHEELHOUSE members’ strength is brought about by Information and communication and I will do my utmost to with the Venues and Agents to find ways of creating better working represent you by keeping in touch. Many thanks to members who support me in this effort. I am opportunities, and helping the younger entertainer within the industry. always available to members at: [email protected] If elected, I can be your voice on the committee and as a proud Variety member of Tel: 01253 855244 Equity I promise to serve all its members faithfully and with dedication.

18 VARIETY, CIRCUS AND ENTERTAINERS COMMITTEE (VCEC) Yvonne Joseph Proposed by Victoria Amedume, seconded by Carl Paul Mann Act Name:- Vonnie and Gerry Equity:- Currently Manchester and District Variety Branch Secretary, VCEC chair. Previously Equity councillor, working parties etc. Work details:- Grew up in theatrical family. Joined family act as a child performing in theatre and revue. Had name above title in theatre while still at school. Singer, trained in classical dance, played drums, worked circus in uncle’s act shooting rifles and on board for knife throwing. Later became comedy ‘feed’ in various venues including theatre, revue, pantomime and adult pantomime. Now perform double act, singing, dancing and comedy in ©ANDREW SANTANA all sorts of variety venues. Ambition:- With my work experience I know the contribution variety makes in lifting the spirits and am keen to highlight the benefits of this art form while protecting members’ income, particularly that of new artistes, and improving work opportunities. Your vote will assist me to achieve this.

Eva Lorraine Proposed by Beano The Clown, seconded by Yvonne Joseph Fields of Work:- International Cabaret & Recording Artist, Theatre, Comedy Sketches (Sky TV, Freesat & Freeview), Scottish Opera, Scottish National Orchestra Chorus Positions held: Vice Chairman (1995-2009) Chairman Scottish Variety Branch,(2009 - current) Ex-VAC Committee, Equity Ambassador Members need a strong voice and the right advice. I have been an Equity member for many years I am often recommended by agents and members to advise on joining the union and if a member needs

© help, and have negotiated and written contracts and dealt with payment enquires when a breakdown in communication has occurred. I have the time, drive, dedication and expertise it takes to represent members’ interests. I will fulfil my position if elected with the honour and dignity which embodies the values and respect for the hard working artists who need our support. For now, I need you support and vote.

Valerie Jean Mann Nominated by the North & West Yorkshire Variety Branch Dear Member of Equity, As a working Entertainer and over 35 years Committee Member, 10 years Variety Branch Secretary, Member of the V.A.C. 2010/2013. VARIETY CIRCUS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE since 2014 I would like to carry on the good work this committee generates, and with being a long-standing working member of Equity I feel my experiences within the Union over this period may help other Equity Members. I also feel that all members’ need to work together with the union, working through Variety Branches and Council, along ©LEWIS WHEELHOUSE with the Venues and Agents to find ways of creating better working opportunities, and helping the younger entertainer within the industry. If elected, I can be your voice on the committee and as a proud Variety member of Equity I promise to serve all its members faithfully and with dedication.

19 VARIETY, CIRCUS AND ENTERTAINERS COMMITTEE (VCEC) Neil McFarlane Geremy Phillips Proposed by Yvonne Joseph, seconded by Alec Powell Proposed by Yvonne Joseph, seconded by Zeta Lamont I’m a comic of two decades’ standing… up. Although I do sit down Geremy Phillips BA Hons., Hon FCSM, Hon. Life Member sometimes, most notably on the VCEC, to which I was elected in Act Name:- Vonnie and Gerry 2017 and where I represent comedians’ interests to the wider Currently:- Manchester & District Variety Branch Chairman, Founder member Committee, and to Council and the wider Union in general. At time ICAF, Trades Councillor, Secretary Manchester Council for Community of writing I am about to travel to the Artists’ Representative Relations. Previously:- Executive Councillor, F&GP, President County Conference in Belfast, where I’ll be proposing a motion recognising Association of Trades Councils, Standing Orders, Governor Salford & the increase in low- and no-pay gigs in the UK’s live comedy club Manchester Universities. landscape: a problem growing exponentially and now affecting Fields Worked:- As juvenile and young adult appeared in many film and professional, formerly well-paid weekend shows – and hence, television productions. Later Repertory and further character work in © BOB MCDEVITT members’ livelihoods. This is just one issue I will continue to bring JOSEPH ©YVONNE the media. As singer and dancer toured in musical theatre. I performed to the fore as a continuing member of the VCEC; other matters include health & safety, extensively in ‘pop’ tours. Travelled internationally with Ballet Mondial. With vocal harmony, dance security, equality, diversity and the too-little discussed concept of ‘fairness’ in a largely and comedy double act, I work in theatre, clubs, cabaret, revue, pantomime. unregulated sector of our industry – as risky as it is vibrant and exhilarating. The future:- With my experience I am aware of the many problems variety members face. Proud to have been the instigator of National Theatres of Variety in England and Scotland. Your vote will allow me to continue my endeavours in these uncertain times.

Peachy Mead Alec Powell Proposed by Olly Day, seconded by Phil Segon Proposed by Mary Lane, seconded by Rhubarb the Clown These industrials committees are essential serving various sections I am a magician and children’s entertainer. I was also at one time a circus of membership needing various age groups of active elected proprietor. I am currently Secretary of Birmingham Variety Branch and have members to be able to function appropriately, having been a served on the VCEC for 3 years. I would like to see the committee be professional entertainer since the sixties, I can contribute years of proactive in the further development of the networks that have recently experience, believing there is very little I have not experienced in been developed such as circus, comedians, puppeteers and children’s my long career, knowledge I can contribute to all age groups serving entertainers. I believe that my background as a performer in these areas on this committee, which I have served since it was formed. My enables me to make an informed contribution. I also believe that the involvement with the union is numerous a variety branch secretary committee should become more engaged with singers dancers and for thirty six years, past chairman of the South East area committee, musicians than hitherto . These are challenging times for all of those who

©DAVE EAGER ©DAVE attending all conferences since started, plus many old A.G.M.’s. I © work in the ‘Variety’ sector. The VCEC has a major responsibility to drive the certainly can still put in time, enthusiasm and energy for my fellow members in this current recruiting campaign and to ensure that Council are fully informed about needs and issues section of the union if you feel I am still one of the right people for the job, please use of concern to members with a view to finding practical resolutions. your vote.

Paper Wizard Samsara Proposed by Jimmy Carlo, seconded by Melvyn Rawlinson Self-proposed, seconded by Nick Putz As the Paper Wizard I have been an Equity member few years, Performer in dance and entertainment since a young age. I continue participated previously on the Variety council, and now as moving to work as an entertainer with other artists in Theatre and as a TV toward semi retirement wish to be elected once again on either the presenter in health, dance and fitness and fashion related issues on Variety and/or Deaf and Disabled commitees. I am a more Hellenic TV and Sky TV channels. independent voice using common sense on discussions rather than A passion for the Creative Arts. affiliated to a particular branch, Please vote for me. Thank You A Journalist in my subject areas of skills and knowledge that I acquired over the years as Lecturer and Assessor. Currently on the committee of the Thames Variety Branch. I feel I can contribute to Equity, a working guide of issues affecting many

© artists. With practical experience for many artists by inspiring a positive attitude, with the power of acquiring, adapting new skills and knowledge from workshops, that can help improve and benefit by creating new pathways within their field.

20 VARIETY, CIRCUS AND ENTERTAINERS COMMITTEE (VCEC) Geremy Phillips Proposed by Yvonne Joseph, seconded by Zeta Lamont Geremy Phillips BA Hons., Hon FCSM, Hon. Life Member Act Name:- Vonnie and Gerry Currently:- Manchester & District Variety Branch Chairman, Founder member ICAF, Trades Councillor, Secretary Manchester Council for Community Relations. Previously:- Executive Councillor, F&GP, President County Association of Trades Councils, Standing Orders, Governor Salford & Manchester Universities. Fields Worked:- As juvenile and young adult appeared in many film and television productions. Later Repertory and further character work in

©YVONNE JOSEPH ©YVONNE the media. As singer and dancer toured in musical theatre. I performed extensively in ‘pop’ tours. Travelled internationally with Ballet Mondial. With vocal harmony, dance and comedy double act, I work in theatre, clubs, cabaret, revue, pantomime. The future:- With my experience I am aware of the many problems variety members face. Proud to have been the instigator of National Theatres of Variety in England and Scotland. Your vote will allow me to continue my endeavours in these uncertain times.

Alec Powell Proposed by Mary Lane, seconded by Rhubarb the Clown I am a magician and children’s entertainer. I was also at one time a circus proprietor. I am currently Secretary of Birmingham Variety Branch and have served on the VCEC for 3 years. I would like to see the committee be proactive in the further development of the networks that have recently been developed such as circus, comedians, puppeteers and children’s entertainers. I believe that my background as a performer in these areas enables me to make an informed contribution. I also believe that the committee should become more engaged with singers dancers and musicians than hitherto . These are challenging times for all of those who

© work in the ‘Variety’ sector. The VCEC has a major responsibility to drive the current recruiting campaign and to ensure that Council are fully informed about needs and issues of concern to members with a view to finding practical resolutions.

Samsara Self-proposed, seconded by Nick Putz Performer in dance and entertainment since a young age. I continue to work as an entertainer with other artists in Theatre and as a TV presenter in health, dance and fitness and fashion related issues on Hellenic TV and Sky TV channels. A passion for the Creative Arts. A Journalist in my subject areas of skills and knowledge that I acquired over the years as Lecturer and Assessor. Currently on the committee of the Thames Variety Branch. I feel I can contribute to Equity, a working guide of issues affecting many

21 VARIETY, CIRCUS AND ENTERTAINERS COMMITTEE (VCEC) Honra Simms Medina Ashabi Ajikawo Proposed by Giovanni, seconded by Norman Fisher Self-proposed, seconded by Patrick Mckenzie I am a lady in my 70’s, young at heart, active, innovative and I have an extensive voiceover catalogue in media & business, including inspiring woman with modern ideas and old fashion values. I am radio, continuity, telecommunications and corporate video voiceovers. Treasurer of the East Anglian Variety branch and founder Treasurer Clients with global brands include the BBC, BBC World Service, Google, when the Branch was created 35 years ago. I have attended many The Body Shop, MTV, VO5 and more. meetings at HO standing in for our Secretary when required. I am The Audio Committee to produce robust data research on Artists with now semi-retired after 50 years in the business. Due to my lengthy protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010. time within the business, the huge variety of experience I have To improve rates and to implement strategies making the Voice Over gained, I feel I have vast wisdom to pass on to up and coming community more inclusive and diverse, reflecting UK society. entertainers. I am excited to have the chance to be part of the As a black woman of African heritage working as a professional © ASUTOSH KASHYAP © ASUTOSH fastest growing Union, I am prepared to stand up, be an active and Voice Over Artist, I am passionate and committed to Equality, Diversity enthusiastic member of the Union. There are changes lying ahead and I know that with & Inclusivity. With my experience, I can make a valuable contribution bringing about my experience I can be a valued, influential and essential member of the team. meaningful and necessary changes. My experience is always great with Equity, however there are issues in the industry around Equality, Diversity & Inclusion which needs to be addressed. I would like the opportunity to contribute to making positive changes.

Jack Stark Louise Barrett Proposed by Red Sarah, seconded by Kiki deVille Proposed by Steve Pemberton, seconded by Don Gilet I love our industry. However, having spent the last 14 years I have been a working actress and an Equity member for 30 years, and performing clowning and magic on the burlesque and cabaret circuit worked within the audio sector for the last 10. In that time the audio as ‘Kiki Lovechild’, I personally know the challenges of working as a industry has exploded and changed rapidly; audiobooks, gaming, home full time performer. Equity has been there for me when I’ve needed studios, and as an industry we need to move with the times and it, and after being inspired by our discussions at the recent Equity understand the implications of these changes for us, the artists. Burlesque Network launch, I am looking forward to contributing to I feel passionate about introducing greater clarity and guidance on the services our Union offers. This committee supports a wide range rates of pay and acceptable contracts and usage, so that performers of performers with varying needs. Over the next two years I want to can be clear about their choices and rights. ensure we provide benefits to performers from every niche, Home studios are now a viable option for audio artists and I’d like to ©CLAIRE GROGAN © KW O’KEEFFE © KW specifically looking at career progression support, working find a way to make this work for everyone. Audiobooks are a hit, but environments, standards and diversity. Alongside my stage work I am completing fees for readers are static … why is this? research into career progression for performers at the CAMEo institute, and will use the Equity has been supportive and active throughout my career, and as such I’d be so happy insights gained to help enhance career progression opportunities for all Equity members. to become a part of this great resource. Thank you for considering me. Natalie Beran Self-proposed, seconded by Sally Davey Natalie is a voiceover artist, freelance assistant director and radio announcer / producer based in London. She is a drama graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York) and holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies (Radio) and has worked in radio and voice over in New Zealand, Sweden, Canada and the USA. Natalie’s voiceover work includes radio drama, commercials, animation, narration, IVR and gaming. She was a finalist in the inaugural SOVAS - Voice Arts Awards for animation demo and is a recipient of the Shakespeare’s Globe © BEN GELDREICH International Actors’ Fellowship. She has taught voiceover technique for The Actors Program, is a narrator for the Blind Foundation, has worked in TV and theatre production and currently works at The Sound Company. Natalie’s Equity experience includes board member of Equity New Zealand and as a long standing National Performers Committee member.

22 AUDIO COMMITTEE Medina Ashabi Ajikawo Self-proposed, seconded by Patrick Mckenzie I have an extensive voiceover catalogue in media & business, including radio, continuity, telecommunications and corporate video voiceovers. Clients with global brands include the BBC, BBC World Service, Google, The Body Shop, MTV, VO5 and more. The Audio Committee to produce robust data research on Artists with protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010. To improve rates and to implement strategies making the Voice Over community more inclusive and diverse, reflecting UK society. As a black woman of African heritage working as a professional © ASUTOSH KASHYAP © ASUTOSH Voice Over Artist, I am passionate and committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity. With my experience, I can make a valuable contribution bringing about meaningful and necessary changes. My experience is always great with Equity, however there are issues in the industry around Equality, Diversity & Inclusion which needs to be addressed. I would like the opportunity to contribute to making positive changes.

Louise Barrett Proposed by Steve Pemberton, seconded by Don Gilet I have been a working actress and an Equity member for 30 years, and worked within the audio sector for the last 10. In that time the audio industry has exploded and changed rapidly; audiobooks, gaming, home studios, and as an industry we need to move with the times and understand the implications of these changes for us, the artists. I feel passionate about introducing greater clarity and guidance on rates of pay and acceptable contracts and usage, so that performers can be clear about their choices and rights. Home studios are now a viable option for audio artists and I’d like to ©CLAIRE GROGAN find a way to make this work for everyone. Audiobooks are a hit, but fees for readers are static … why is this? Equity has been supportive and active throughout my career, and as such I’d be so happy to become a part of this great resource.

Natalie Beran Self-proposed, seconded by Sally Davey Natalie is a voiceover artist, freelance assistant director and radio announcer / producer based in London. She is a drama graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York) and holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies (Radio) and has worked in radio and voice over in New Zealand, Sweden, Canada and the USA. Natalie’s voiceover work includes radio drama, commercials, animation, narration, IVR and gaming. She was a finalist in the inaugural SOVAS - Voice Arts Awards for animation demo and is a recipient of the Shakespeare’s Globe © BEN GELDREICH International Actors’ Fellowship. She has taught voiceover technique for The Actors Program, is a narrator for the Blind Foundation, has worked in TV and theatre production and currently works at The Sound Company. Natalie’s Equity experience includes board member of Equity New Zealand and as a long standing National Performers Committee member.

23 AUDIO COMMITTEE Kerry Gooderson Sheila Mitchell Proposed by Rebecca Boey, seconded by Daniel York Proposed by David John, seconded by Belinda Lang In many areas our industry does not afford actors the rights and I joined Equity in 1949; took honorary withdrawal for 20 years while the respect they deserve, individuals feel unsupported and unable to speak family grew up. I returned in the ‘70s and became active in Equity up and I would like to work to remedy this, particularly for Audio affairs, many times company deputy; progressed to chairing my local Artists. I was a member of BBC Radio Drama Rep 2017 and 2018 after Branch; became a general list Councillor; then the Audio Councillor. I taking part in the Norman Beaton Fellowship, a programme aimed at hope to be re-elected to the Audio Committee (outgoing chair) and getting actors, particularly BAME actors, who have not taken traditional continue the battle to secure decent pay and conditions for Audio Book training routes into radio. I would like to channel what I learned there Readers as well as spear-heading the campaign to rescue BBC Spoken into nurturing more varied routes into audio work, greater Word programmes, in particular Radio Drama, from extinction. But it is representation for BAME actors, ensuring respectable treatment of important to remember that being a committee member brings with it

©SIMON KEATING artists and securing appropriate industry rates. I’m efficient, good with WOOD ©NICKY a collective responsibility. The ever-expanding fields of voice work people and driven by a core sense of fairness which the industry is often lacking in. I would online require constant vigilance. Above all communication with members must be improved like to work with Equity to give Audio Artists the respect and protection they deserve. - it is vital both physically and on-line. As an Honorary Life member I feel I still have a debt to repay.

Marcus Hutton Dan Richards Proposed by Sheila Mitchell, seconded by Annette Rizzo Proposed by Emma Kemp, seconded by Liza Ross I have enjoyed my last two years on the audio committee and have Our current audio committee is strong and has had a good term over taken part in rates negotiations for radio drama and radio commercials, the past two years. At the ARC 2018 I brought forward a motion to and in the drafting of ARC motions. I’ve also learned a lot about the challenge HMRC over tax status for the members of BBC Radio Drama workings of the union. If elected again, I want to continue with the Company. I’ve worked with the ILR commercials Working Party in push for a better understanding of performer’s legal rights in the audio creating a rationalised system and attended the negotiations and we arena, both inside the committee and amongst the wider membership, are heading in a better direction (but there’s more to be done!) and to encourage Equity to take a firmer stance with employers who What’s on my two-year agenda? Better rates of pay and conditions pay very low rates and demand all rights buyouts. The recently passed for all audio work. Supporting ILR commercial negotiations. Supporting EU Copyright Directive breathes new life into this quest, and I look the online voice of Equity Audio. Reaching out to members that need

© DAVID MYERS © DAVID forward to being a part of a team which is better equipped to push for advice when creating home studios/recording space for audio or self fairer financial outcomes for members. I look forward to keeping an eye on the legislation as tape. I would like to see more Equity Audio networking events where creatives can meet at an it develops in the next two years. affordable price. But most of all keeping open dialogue with members by listening and taking note of concerns.

Federico Louhau Annette Rizzo Self-proposed, seconded by David John Proposed by Sheila Mitchell, seconded by Liza Ross As a Spanish speaking (and therefore a Foreign Voice) actor and Since joining the Audio Committee, I have worked consistently Professional Sound Engineer with a home studio, you could say I alongside other Committee members to raise the profile of Audio represent a very small minority within the Audio world in London and within the Union, as well as representing our very specific issues across the UK. And yet, I’m constantly meeting new colleagues, some UK born, the industry. This has included: contributing to discussions with the some ‘International’ that wish, like me, that our niche —whether it be BBC; continuing - as a member of the Radio Commercials Working Party the home studio, or the International VO part of it— was more strongly - to negotiate with Radio Groups on how we calculate rates and on represented. If elected I want to help bridge the gap that often exists what those rates should be; communicating with members (and between the English and the Foreign world, making sure we stand non-members!) directly and on Social Media to keep ideas and together regarding rates, best practices, quality of work, education and information flowing in both directions. The challenges keep coming:

© JAMES BYRNE anything else that can put us right up there with the rest. On top of P2P sites, race-to-the-bottom rates, new delivery platforms, confusion this, the VO world is changing rapidly, and I want to help debunk the often heard myth that over IP rights, distributors increasingly becoming content producers. It’s been a learning you can’t be professional whilst recording from home. Yes you can! curve. If elected, my aim is to keep learning, explore launching a Network of our own, keep Audio high on the Union agenda, and to keep battling to make our industry better and fairer.

24 AUDIO COMMITTEE Sheila Mitchell Proposed by David John, seconded by Belinda Lang I joined Equity in 1949; took honorary withdrawal for 20 years while the family grew up. I returned in the ‘70s and became active in Equity affairs, many times company deputy; progressed to chairing my local Branch; became a general list Councillor; then the Audio Councillor. I hope to be re-elected to the Audio Committee (outgoing chair) and continue the battle to secure decent pay and conditions for Audio Book Readers as well as spear-heading the campaign to rescue BBC Spoken Word programmes, in particular Radio Drama, from extinction. But it is important to remember that being a committee member brings with it

©NICKY WOOD ©NICKY a collective responsibility. The ever-expanding fields of voice work online require constant vigilance. Above all communication with members must be improved - it is vital both physically and on-line. As an Honorary Life member I feel I still have a debt to repay.

Dan Richards Proposed by Emma Kemp, seconded by Liza Ross Our current audio committee is strong and has had a good term over the past two years. At the ARC 2018 I brought forward a motion to challenge HMRC over tax status for the members of BBC Radio Drama Company. I’ve worked with the ILR commercials Working Party in creating a rationalised system and attended the negotiations and we are heading in a better direction (but there’s more to be done!) What’s on my two-year agenda? Better rates of pay and conditions for all audio work. Supporting ILR commercial negotiations. Supporting the online voice of Equity Audio. Reaching out to members that need advice when creating home studios/recording space for audio or self tape. I would like to see more Equity Audio networking events where creatives can meet at an affordable price. But most of all keeping open dialogue with members by listening and taking note of concerns.

Annette Rizzo Proposed by Sheila Mitchell, seconded by Liza Ross Since joining the Audio Committee, I have worked consistently alongside other Committee members to raise the profile of Audio within the Union, as well as representing our very specific issues across the industry. This has included: contributing to discussions with the BBC; continuing - as a member of the Radio Commercials Working Party - to negotiate with Radio Groups on how we calculate rates and on what those rates should be; communicating with members (and non-members!) directly and on Social Media to keep ideas and information flowing in both directions. The challenges keep coming: P2P sites, race-to-the-bottom rates, new delivery platforms, confusion over IP rights, distributors increasingly becoming content producers. It’s been a learning curve. If elected, my aim is to keep learning, explore launching a Network of our own, keep Audio high on the Union agenda, and to keep battling to make our industry better and fairer.

25 AUDIO COMMITTEE Liza Ross Julie Havelund Proposed by David Thorpe, seconded by Sheila Mitchell Proposed by Sara Wookey, seconded by Jane Chan I have worked for many years as an audio artist in audiobooks, radio I am a Dance Artist with seven years’ experience in the performing arts drama, animation, voice-overs, games voices and ADR and am currently industry. My work spans across performance, dramaturgy, facilitation a member of the Audio Committee and the Audiobooks Working Party. and choreography for stage, galleries, screen and outdoors. Our pro-active committee has worked hard to negotiate contracts and I have been an active Equity member since 2016, and I am excited to raise the profile of audio. We have written a ‘Guide to Audio Work’ to about getting involved as a committee member. I have two aims in aid young members who would like to work in our expanding audio particular, which I want to achieve in the next two years: field. During the next two years I would like to further the campaign for - Recognition of the fluctuating nature of portfolio work, and BBC radio drama, to support the work done by voice artists in home opportunities for dancers to develop in moments out of artistic work studios, ensuring that it is properly remunerated, and to forge a link - Improvement of the conditions for dance in gallery and museums

©SU GILROY with artists engaged in new types of audio work such as audio CLEMENTS © DANIEL I will listen to your views on improving dancers’ pay, working describing. I am committed to diversity and equality in audio. Your vote means that I can conditions, rights and other matters you deem important. I will work towards reaching my continue working on your behalf. Thank you. own committee aims by proposing further CPD opportunities for dancers with Equity and by working towards setting better conditions for dancers in non-conventional dance contexts.

David Thorpe Sara Wookey Proposed by David John, seconded by Laurence Bouvard Self-proposed, seconded by Chris George Current Audio Committee Vice Chair. Served on Committee several I want to run for re-election for the Independent Dance Committee years. Member Audiobook Working Party. Attended ARC as rep because I feel I can be of service going forward in the independent several times and been involved in BBC Radio negotiations. Equity dance sector through my work on the Equity committee. My main member since 1987. Committed trade unionist. I have worked in interests are in creating more equitable working conditions for Audio over 25 years as actor, presenter, voiceover and now primarily dance artists working in the gallery and museum sector and being a audiobook narrator. Our rapidly changing industry faces great voice at the table for mid-career, female dance artists working in the challenges in so many areas, I sometimes feel if the Audio UK. I have been working in the dance sector as an independent Committee met every week we’d struggle to stay across everything, dance artist for over 20 years working internationally across North that said it has been a pleasure and inspiration to be alongside such America and Europe. In 2014 I came to the UK on an Artist’s Visa

© a diversely talented and committed group these past 2 years © endorsed by Arts Council England to continue developing my attempting to do just that with only 5 meetings a year (and lots of emails). I would love practice through my company Wookey Works. Affiliates include Centre for Dance Research the opportunity to continue to be a part of the fight, and to serve you as best I can Please (C-DaRe), Siobhan Davies Dance, and Tate. do get in touch if you want to raise anything [email protected]

There are two candidates for the nine seats on the Dance Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

26 DANCE COMMITTEE Julie Havelund Proposed by Sara Wookey, seconded by Jane Chan I am a Dance Artist with seven years’ experience in the performing arts industry. My work spans across performance, dramaturgy, facilitation and choreography for stage, galleries, screen and outdoors. I have been an active Equity member since 2016, and I am excited about getting involved as a committee member. I have two aims in particular, which I want to achieve in the next two years: - Recognition of the fluctuating nature of portfolio work, and opportunities for dancers to develop in moments out of artistic work - Improvement of the conditions for dance in gallery and museums

© DANIEL CLEMENTS © DANIEL I will listen to your views on improving dancers’ pay, working conditions, rights and other matters you deem important. I will work towards reaching my own committee aims by proposing further CPD opportunities for dancers with Equity and by working towards setting better conditions for dancers in non-conventional dance contexts.

Sara Wookey Self-proposed, seconded by Chris George I want to run for re-election for the Independent Dance Committee because I feel I can be of service going forward in the independent dance sector through my work on the Equity committee. My main interests are in creating more equitable working conditions for dance artists working in the gallery and museum sector and being a voice at the table for mid-career, female dance artists working in the UK. I have been working in the dance sector as an independent dance artist for over 20 years working internationally across North America and Europe. In 2014 I came to the UK on an Artist’s Visa

There are two candidates for the nine seats on the Dance Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

27 DIRECTORS AND DESIGNERS COMMITTEE — directors Lisa Blair Robyn Winfield-Smith Proposed by Daniel Evans, seconded by Dan Ayling Proposed by Dan Ayling, seconded by Lisa Blair After graduating from the Birkbeck MFA in Theatre Directing in 2010, I’m a principled theatre director based as Artistic Director of Liminal I joined Equity. I started out as an Assistant Director and work Stage, Associate Director at Omnibus, & Education Associate includes: The National Theatre, RSC, Old Vic. My own work has been Practitioner at the RSC. During my 7 years’ directing, I’ve worked at: Sheffield Crucible, English Theatre Frankfurt, The Watermill, with companies from the Coronet to the Donmar, and have Chichester Festival Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse and Park demonstrated a strong commitment to increasing fairness, Theatre. I have been Chair of the Directors and Designers Committee consistency, access, equality and diversity within the theatre for the past four years and during that time, we have been able to industry. As the youngest founding member of the Board of SDUK achieve a marked increase in the minimum pay agreement for and a Trustee of the Directors Charitable Foundation, I’m passionate Assistant Directors’, and Directors’ fees in the West End and UK about pioneering the rights and concerns of theatre directors and © MARC BRENNER MCGILLIS © TOPHER Theatre Agreements. I would love to stand again because I believe designers in the UK, and possess invaluable high-profile mentors that there is much needed work to be done for Directors’ & Designers’ fees across all within the industry, whilst also understanding the realities of being an early-career sectors. Secondly, I believe a debate needs to be started about the widening divide and director. I was a member of the D&D Committee 2017-2019, and part of the negotiating the loss of opportunity for emerging directors. panel that increased directors’ minimums by a record amount. I want to build on that work over the next 2 years to intensify Equity’s focus on creatives. Barry Evans Proposed by Dan Ayling, seconded by Jamie Byron After five years of directing productions on the fringe and in schools in Greater Manchester, I undertook a MA Directing course while still There are four candidates for the four directors seats on the Directors & Designers Committee. teaching acting and working as an actor. This dedication to the art The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot of directing doesn’t end there. The individual, their position within paper. the entertainment industry, is paramount. In recent years there have been great leaps forward to address growing concerns within the industry. I would like to stand on the shoulders of these giants and build on this success by contributing my own viewpoints from a director in their early stages. Fringe theatre continues to be the

© CORRIE SHELLEY © CORRIE place where a lot of directors and designers cut their teeth. I would like to see a huge focus on this area as this is where exploitation can easily creep in. As the last Northern Area Councillor, I believe I have great connections with artists in the area and beyond.

Robert Shaw Proposed by Adam Burns, seconded by Cathy Conneff I’m a working director and writer. I’ve recently developed two projects with Arts Council Grants. My activism stems from a lifetime of independent, self-generated success in our industry. Given the increasing number of attacks on artists by HMRC, Equity needs to concentrate on robustly defending the self-employed professional status of all our members, not just directors. I will work for this. With my legal knowledge and experience, I believe I know how to achieve practical results without wasting the union’s money chasing unicorns. When I was on this committee in 2015-2017, Equity and © SUZANNE DECHILLO/NEW YORK TIMES YORK DECHILLO/NEW © SUZANNE SDUK were at loggerheads. My interventions helped bring them together. Unfortunately, the preparation fee for directors promised by SDUK has still not been delivered. I will work for that. I can do this because I’m independent of SDUK and any organisation representing management insiders. Thanks for lending me your vote.

28 DIRECTORS AND DESIGNERS COMMITTEE — directors Robyn Winfield-Smith Proposed by Dan Ayling, seconded by Lisa Blair I’m a principled theatre director based as Artistic Director of Liminal Stage, Associate Director at Omnibus, & Education Associate Practitioner at the RSC. During my 7 years’ directing, I’ve worked with companies from the Coronet to the Donmar, and have demonstrated a strong commitment to increasing fairness, consistency, access, equality and diversity within the theatre industry. As the youngest founding member of the Board of SDUK and a Trustee of the Directors Charitable Foundation, I’m passionate about pioneering the rights and concerns of theatre directors and © TOPHER MCGILLIS © TOPHER designers in the UK, and possess invaluable high-profile mentors within the industry, whilst also understanding the realities of being an early-career director. I was a member of the D&D Committee 2017-2019, and part of the negotiating panel that increased directors’ minimums by a record amount. I want to build on that work over the next 2 years to intensify Equity’s focus on creatives.

There are four candidates for the four directors seats on the Directors & Designers Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

29 DIRECTORS AND DESIGNERS COMMITTEE — designers Robbie Butler Phil Stafford Proposed by Peter Mumford, seconded by Mark Jonathan Proposed by Ronin Traynor, seconded by Alexandra Kataigida I am a lighting designer currently sitting on the Equity Directors and Taken part in training/assessing/qualifying many candidates for Fight Directors’ Register; Designers Committee. In the last two years the union has stepped up most recent Kaitlin Howard & Kyder Ali. its efforts in its representation of non performing members. I am “Actors Combat Theatrical Training” group stated aim:- standing for re-election because I want to continue to build on this “keeping a high level of training in the profession” and very much in favour of supporting momentum and to keep fighting for fairer working conditions and FDReg, have invited me to join them. I’ve accepted invitation. more sustainable fees. Am going to Royal Armouries, Leeds, Sword & Buckler training symposium to valuate this as a further option for FD training. Served on London Area Cttee, FDReg cttee/working party many times. D&D Cttee since 2015. ARC Rep many times. ©SIOBHAN WEBER

There is one candidate for the two fight directors seats on the Directors & Designers Committee. The candidate is therefore elected unopposed and their name does not appear on Max Jones the ballot paper. Self-proposed, seconded by Robbie Butler I am a London based Theatre Designer and have been practicing across the UK and abroad for the last 18 years. Originally from Bristol, I trained at RWCMD in Cardiff. I consider myself an established mid-career designer. Sustaining my career up until this point has been, and continues to be, a real challenge financially. Over the last 18 months I have been trying both independently and in consultation with Fiona Watt (SBTD), via The Value of Design program, to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by Theatre Designers in the UK regarding low pay and the

©PHILIPPA BROCKLEHURST ©PHILIPPA subsequent lack of sustainability and diversity in our profession. I have no previous union experience, having in the past been sceptical of Equity’s effectiveness at protecting UK Theatre Designers from exploitation. I would like to help change this perception.

There are two candidates for the four designers seats on the Directors & Designers Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

30 DIRECTORS AND DESIGNERS COMMITTEE — fight directors Phil Stafford Proposed by Ronin Traynor, seconded by Alexandra Kataigida Taken part in training/assessing/qualifying many candidates for Fight Directors’ Register; most recent Kaitlin Howard & Kyder Ali. “Actors Combat Theatrical Training” group stated aim:- “keeping a high level of training in the profession” and very much in favour of supporting FDReg, have invited me to join them. I’ve accepted invitation. Am going to Royal Armouries, Leeds, Sword & Buckler training symposium to valuate this as a further option for FD training. Served on London Area Cttee, FDReg cttee/working party many times. D&D Cttee since 2015. ARC Rep many times.

There is one candidate for the two fight directors seats on the Directors & Designers Committee. The candidate is therefore elected unopposed and their name does not appear on the ballot paper.

31 SINGERS COMMITTEE Edward D’Arcy Hatton Russell Painter Proposed by Shonni Doulton, seconded by Elise Harris Proposed by Tom Emlyn Williams, seconded by Nicholas Keay One was homeless for 3 years, received little help from those who I have been on the singers committee for the last two years and found it should have done so. One intends to change all of this by asking thoroughly rewarding. Helping implement policies to working on Equity, one’s union to provide emergency care or help for all those motions to be put forward to the general council. Most of all I find that members in full membership. One also has been a professional you can make a real difference to how Equity functions and works for all opera singer, actor for nearly 35 years. One is hoping to help people in this ever changing industry. I stand again to keep making sure members who find themselves in a similar situation, giving help for that the singers voice is heard (!) Helping to get better pay, conditions those finding themselves vulnerable. One has been to meetings at and rights for all who are making singing their profession. one’s local branch, NW London. Served as treasurer for 2 years on Liverpool General Branch. One will continue to offer one’s support

for my beloved Equity, whom one fully supports, and always will. Please vote as your mind set, and with your fullest support for homeless members will never, ever be ignored. Also, be rest assured of one’s full support for ALL singers who also require help and assistance.

Natalie Nicole Gilbert Richard Reaville Self-proposed, seconded by Suzanne Roche Self-proposed, seconded by Tom Emlyn Williams I am an LGBT performing artist identifying as female. I am also a I have been active as a freelance opera and concert singer for the voting member of the Recording Academy/NARAS as a singer/ past 36 years. Over the next two years I would like the committee to songwriter and, separately, a screenwriter, so I have worked on try and attract new members into the union as this is essential to multiple sides of the industry. maintain a strong presence of singers in Equity. Also to maintain our levels of pay and conditions within the industry. Paramount to me is to try and maintain the freedom of movement of vocal artists to work and pursue work within the EU. As a member of the committee I hope to bring my years of experience as a singer both in the field of opera and concert work. I have been on the singers committee for © KIM HARDY ©ELISE REAVILLE the past two years.

Nicholas Keay Mia Tizzano Proposed by Tom Emlyn Williams, seconded by Russell Painter Proposed by Nicholas Keay, seconded by Russell Painter No election statement submitted Commonly known as Mimi, I have served as a Co-Opted member for the past year. Equity is an amazing organisation. I am always in awe about the fantastic things they achieve. The work these committees do Marie Kelly is imperative as they look at problematic aspects of the industry Proposed by Mia Tizzano, seconded by Nicholas Keay individually in detail and figure out how best to fix them. Marie has been a member of the committee for the past four years I’ve been singing professionally since the age of 5 in musical theatre taking an active part in the decision making process. As a and from 16 as a recording artist, in UK, Los Angeles and New York. performing practitioner working with singers of all ages I make a I’ve gained extensive knowledge of the recording industry which I feel

relevant contribution to this committee and believe that singers BARRASS ©PAUL contributes well to the knowledge and wisdom of other members. concerns in our ever changing industry need Equity more than ever. If elected, I want to raise awareness about the benefits of joining Equity as a singer to all genres. The term “actors union” needs to go. Whoever you vote for, PLEASE VOTE. Having the opportunity to say who runs YOUR union is priceless. ©ALBANE MCGUINNESS

32 SINGERS COMMITTEE Russell Painter Proposed by Tom Emlyn Williams, seconded by Nicholas Keay I have been on the singers committee for the last two years and found it thoroughly rewarding. Helping implement policies to working on motions to be put forward to the general council. Most of all I find that you can make a real difference to how Equity functions and works for all people in this ever changing industry. I stand again to keep making sure that the singers voice is heard (!) Helping to get better pay, conditions and rights for all who are making singing their profession.

Richard Reaville Self-proposed, seconded by Tom Emlyn Williams I have been active as a freelance opera and concert singer for the past 36 years. Over the next two years I would like the committee to try and attract new members into the union as this is essential to maintain a strong presence of singers in Equity. Also to maintain our levels of pay and conditions within the industry. Paramount to me is to try and maintain the freedom of movement of vocal artists to work and pursue work within the EU. As a member of the committee I hope to bring my years of experience as a singer both in the field of opera and concert work. I have been on the singers committee for

©ELISE REAVILLE the past two years.

Mia Tizzano Proposed by Nicholas Keay, seconded by Russell Painter Commonly known as Mimi, I have served as a Co-Opted member for the past year. Equity is an amazing organisation. I am always in awe about the fantastic things they achieve. The work these committees do is imperative as they look at problematic aspects of the industry individually in detail and figure out how best to fix them. I’ve been singing professionally since the age of 5 in musical theatre and from 16 as a recording artist, in UK, Los Angeles and New York. I’ve gained extensive knowledge of the recording industry which I feel

©PAUL BARRASS ©PAUL contributes well to the knowledge and wisdom of other members. If elected, I want to raise awareness about the benefits of joining Equity as a singer to all genres. The term “actors union” needs to go. Whoever you vote for, PLEASE VOTE. Having the opportunity to say who runs YOUR union is priceless.

33 SINGERS COMMITTEE Tom Emlyn Williams Sarah Alford-Smith Proposed by Garrick Forbes, seconded by Nicholas Keay Proposed by Lorna Seymour, seconded by Sarah Hellicar I’m the current Chair of the Singers Committee and I would like to In over 20 years in the industry I have worked extensively in sub rep and keep working for you! One good reason for staying with me is that commercial theatre, and have toured both in the UK and internationally. I’m old enough and ugly enough not to be brow-beaten by anyone I will bring experience, diplomacy and realistic expectations to this on the employers’ side. We need to keep our presence alive and committee. I’m keen to look at how we can move towards a better work/ strong and that means encouraging all the youngsters working in life balance by encouraging employers to adopt a more enlightened our bit of the patch to join and be active within Equity. I have more approach to working hours. I intend to make the case for attracting a than a small amount of Equity experience having been many times a much more diverse new generation to stage management, which must deputy and have served a number of terms on Council. more closely reflect wider society. I am ready to represent my colleagues and peers to work for fairer deals for all in stage management. I have a

©TONY PLANT ©TONY huge respect for Equity and the continuous support and advice it has given me throughout my career. It’s vital to encourage more stage managers to join and get involved in the union, and if elected I would make this a priority.

Lindah Balfour There are eight candidates for the nine seats on the Singers Committee. The candidates are Proposed by Malcolm Sinclair, seconded by Hywel Morgan therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper. I have been a Stage Manager and a committed Equity member for over 20 years and have experience as an ASM, DSM and currently as a CSM across Sub Rep, Commercial and West End contracts. With the new West End agreement imminent I feel it’s a great time to get involved. I have experienced the changes to our industry first hand and understand the challenges that we all face on a daily basis. Buyouts are now commonplace for Stage Management and as a union we need to continue to provide assistance in understanding what we are actually being offered.

The industry has changed immeasurably since I began my career. We all need to continue to embrace these changes and to be more prepared for those to come. Mental Health issues have come more to the forefront and I am committed to continuing discussions within Equity to help those in need.

Jamie Byron Proposed by Fiona H Mott, seconded by Alex Burke Standing for a fifth time on the Stage Management Specialist Committee and looking forward - as always. There is much to be learnt from the past but the future of the Industry and those who work within are best protected by the Union. It’s important to keep that knowledge alive and working in all the members’ best interests. Engagement with the 1,000 + Stage Management Equity members is key to providing best practice and understanding of the needs facing Stage Managers on all types of agreement. Across the vast spectrum of work in our Industry there are obvious challenges in pay, buyouts and terms and conditions within the ©G COOPER work force which can only be bettered by Union guidance and help. The best part of being in the Union and this Committee is learning from one another. Being #StrongerTogether - I welcome your vote.

34 STAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Sarah Alford-Smith Proposed by Lorna Seymour, seconded by Sarah Hellicar In over 20 years in the industry I have worked extensively in sub rep and commercial theatre, and have toured both in the UK and internationally. I will bring experience, diplomacy and realistic expectations to this committee. I’m keen to look at how we can move towards a better work/ life balance by encouraging employers to adopt a more enlightened approach to working hours. I intend to make the case for attracting a much more diverse new generation to stage management, which must more closely reflect wider society. I am ready to represent my colleagues and peers to work for fairer deals for all in stage management. I have a

huge respect for Equity and the continuous support and advice it has given me throughout my career. It’s vital to encourage more stage managers to join and get involved in the union, and if elected I would make this a priority.

Lindah Balfour Proposed by Malcolm Sinclair, seconded by Hywel Morgan I have been a Stage Manager and a committed Equity member for over 20 years and have experience as an ASM, DSM and currently as a CSM across Sub Rep, Commercial and West End contracts. With the new West End agreement imminent I feel it’s a great time to get involved. I have experienced the changes to our industry first hand and understand the challenges that we all face on a daily basis. Buyouts are now commonplace for Stage Management and as a union we need to continue to provide assistance in understanding what we are actually being offered.

35 STAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Lizzie Cooper Claire Kennard Proposed by Aimee Rose Hulme, seconded by Victoria Eames Proposed by Brian Perkins, seconded by Caron Jane Lyon I have worked in sub rep, commercial, and fringe theatre since 2012, and I am a Stage and Company Manager and over the past 9 years have the presence and support of Equity across these contracts has been worked on almost every Equity agreement, which has helped me gain an pivotal in turning my hobby into a career. Having been part of recent insight into the realities of working under our Union’s agreed Terms and subsidised theatre negotiations I would like to further my involvement in Conditions. My particular area of interest is in widening participation and the union, representing the concerns of stage management across the facilitating work/life balance, so that more people have the opportunity industry, expressing the honest reality of role we do, and fighting for to become Stage Managers and remain working in the industry without fairer and reasonable terms in future negotiations. I am passionate about feeling they have to choose between a beloved job and a life outside making the union accessible to new stage mangers from all walks of life, work. Whether this is through improving T&Cs in contract negotiations or and I would endeavour to be an advocate in inspiring young and more by developing campaigns or initiatives, I believe the Committee has the © IAN KELSEY © CLAIRE KENNARD diverse generations to explore stage management as an attainable and power to continue changing things for the better. rewarding vocation. I have been a member of the Equity Stage Management Committee for the past 4 years and have been part of the ITC Working Party for the last 3, and would love to continue in this role.

Ben Delfont Lisa Mellor Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Louise Bann Proposed by Sharon Hobden, seconded by Benjamin Eddon-Carruthers I am a Company Stage Manager with 27 years experience, now mainly This will be my fifteenth year in stage management and I feel very lucky that my work has working on a variety of Sub-Rep and SOLT/West End contracts. covered a wide range of sectors including West End, Repertory theatre, site-specific, and work One of my main aims would be to further clarify the “buy-out”, with emerging companies. I have been on the Stage Management Committee for four years and making it easier for stage management to be able to start a job feeling I’m proud of what we have achieved but there is always more to do. Moving forward I’d like clearer about what they are being bought out for. The buy-out should to see how the committee can do more to support members working all around the country, be recognised as “pre-paid overtime”, not an average of the hours addressing the differing needs of freelance and in-house staff. I want Equity to keep up the worked over the contract. Currently things like missed meal breaks pressure on managers offering buyout contracts, ensuring that the minimum terms are always and missed overnight breaks go unaccounted for. Buy-outs are still too enforced. I would also like to see steps taken to address how our jobs are evolving in terms of ambiguous, and too open to interpretation on both sides. The buy-out technology and the challenges that presents. It would be a privilege to continue to serve on the ©CLAIRE DELFONT rules should be clearly written into Equity agreements, so there is clarity Stage Management Committee. for everyone. I am also interested in ways that job-sharing might work for stage management, as this may be a way forward for people who cannot or don’t want to do the job full-time.

Sophia Horrocks Fiona H Mott Self-proposed, seconded by Stephanie Greer Proposed by Helen King, seconded by Louise Bann I am a Northern based Stage Manager who has been working in the A professional Stage Manager and Equity activist all my working life, with industry since 2007 and have been an Equity member for over a extensive experience in Subsidised Theatre, West End and Commercial decade. I would like to represent our members on the SM committee Touring. I am a passionate trade unionist. Privileged to have served as as I am determined to show that Stage Managers are as equally Chair with the current SM committee, where our work has included important as all other roles in the arts and whilst often overlooked continued development of a buy-out calculator, assisting with the have voices that need to be listened to. I am especially interested in formulation of claims for negotiations in all theatre sectors, and encouraging other BAME artists like myself to be heard. representation on working parties. My future aims remain aligned to long held beliefs - continuing to champion buy-out awareness amongst members and employers; encouraging and strengthening use of our © AOIFE NALLY © AOIFE crucial collective agreements; furthering ongoing work addressing concerns about extra duties; identifying and developing appropriate training opportunities. No false promises – members sometimes have differing goals, so we can’t always achieve everyone’s wishes – but I would continue to work hard to ensure the voice of stage management is heard.

36 STAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Claire Kennard Proposed by Brian Perkins, seconded by Caron Jane Lyon I am a Stage and Company Manager and over the past 9 years have worked on almost every Equity agreement, which has helped me gain an insight into the realities of working under our Union’s agreed Terms and Conditions. My particular area of interest is in widening participation and facilitating work/life balance, so that more people have the opportunity to become Stage Managers and remain working in the industry without feeling they have to choose between a beloved job and a life outside work. Whether this is through improving T&Cs in contract negotiations or by developing campaigns or initiatives, I believe the Committee has the © CLAIRE KENNARD power to continue changing things for the better. I have been a member of the Equity Stage Management Committee for the past 4 years and have been part of the ITC Working Party for the last 3, and would love to continue in this role.

Lisa Mellor Proposed by Sharon Hobden, seconded by Benjamin Eddon-Carruthers This will be my fifteenth year in stage management and I feel very lucky that my work has covered a wide range of sectors including West End, Repertory theatre, site-specific, and work with emerging companies. I have been on the Stage Management Committee for four years and I’m proud of what we have achieved but there is always more to do. Moving forward I’d like to see how the committee can do more to support members working all around the country, addressing the differing needs of freelance and in-house staff. I want Equity to keep up the pressure on managers offering buyout contracts, ensuring that the minimum terms are always enforced. I would also like to see steps taken to address how our jobs are evolving in terms of technology and the challenges that presents. It would be a privilege to continue to serve on the Stage Management Committee.

Fiona H Mott Proposed by Helen King, seconded by Louise Bann A professional Stage Manager and Equity activist all my working life, with extensive experience in Subsidised Theatre, West End and Commercial Touring. I am a passionate trade unionist. Privileged to have served as Chair with the current SM committee, where our work has included continued development of a buy-out calculator, assisting with the formulation of claims for negotiations in all theatre sectors, and representation on working parties. My future aims remain aligned to long held beliefs - continuing to champion buy-out awareness amongst members and employers; encouraging and strengthening use of our © AOIFE NALLY © AOIFE crucial collective agreements; furthering ongoing work addressing concerns about extra duties; identifying and developing appropriate training opportunities. No false promises – members sometimes have differing goals, so we can’t always achieve everyone’s wishes – but I would continue to work hard to ensure the voice of stage management is heard.

37 STAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Brian Perkins Stephen Beggs Proposed by Jude Malcomson, seconded by Isabella Brain Self-proposed, seconded by Marina Hampton The voice of Stage Managers has grown louder in recent years…now they During my time as an Equity member I have been lucky to sit on the need to be stronger. The issues I would like to see addressed during the Northern Ireland National Committee for several years and have committee are: mental health issues throughout the industry but been Chair for the last two. I am also the Vice-Chair of the NI especially for stage managers, work/life balance, investigating the General Branch and the convener of our Campaigning Working reasons stage managers are not as active in the Union and change the Group and Mental Health Sub-Committee. I am a committed reasons why. To look at training for SM’s to help them with issues such as activist, working regularly as a stage actor, writer, director and bullying and harassment in the work place. Visiting all educational workshop facilitator. I have also been General Manager of a theatre institutions earlier in study to get younger stage managers to become company and therefore have experience from both the worker’s and active members sooner. Find better ways to communicate with stage employer’s point of view. If returned to the Northern Ireland ©

managers to listen to their thoughts, opinions and concerns and turn © National Committee I will work tirelessly for all our members on them into workable actions. I have tried to represent you all over the last few years and I would both industrial and political issues in the hugely challenging times ahead. like to continue to work on your behalf. I thank you for your vote.

Chris Peterson Charmaine Carr Proposed by Kevin Smith, seconded by Charlotte Unwin Proposed by Elaine Duncan, seconded by Stephen Beggs This is my first time running for committee. Having found myself I have been a member of Equity for many years now. complaining too much I decided I should probably do something I have been working in the performing arts area since 1992 after about it! I have been working in the industry professionally for completing my performing arts and drama course. nearly ten years, in various roles and on a variety of sized projects. I I worked professionally in Northern Ireland, and Edinburgh with feel that more and more often, SMgt are being asked to do extra theatre groups. services without extra payment and I think this needs addressing. I have also been on the cabaret and band scene for many years. Also having had experience of both buy-outs and company wages, I I have been involved in theatre, TV and radio voiceovers and think that these need re-looking at, and either re-negotiating or adverts for TV. being made clearer from the outset. I hope to have the opportunity I currently do support artist now filming in many productions.

to campaign for better and clearer terms for Stage Managers on all © I am currently a member of the Northern Ireland branch types of contract, and help eliminate the grey areas that often crop up. and attend all meetings and am a fully committed activist and can bring a valuable perspective to every issue facing Equity and help the council teach decisions that will effectively benefit members. I have been a lecturer/teacher for twenty years. I would like to be elected to serve in the assembly of Northern Ireland. I hope you will give me your vote. David Sneddon Self-proposed, seconded by Katie McLuskie Having graduated from the RSAMD in 2000, I have worked extensively in Stephen Dix Stage Management ever since. My experience has been predominantly Proposed by Alan McKee, seconded by Marina Hampton freelance for a variety of Scottish companies including 7:84, Scottish I am a stage manager and have worked at the Lyric Theatre for the Opera, NTS, The Citizens, to name but a few. For 4 years I was the Tron past 6 years. I have also had the privilege during my time here to Theatre’s fulltime Stage Manager. Roles are becoming all encompassing co-produce with other companies across Northern Ireland and within Stage Management and expectations are growing despite Ireland. I have been part of the Northern Ireland Committee for the frequent cuts to funding, budgets and staffing. I would like to discuss last 6 months and hope – with your help – to continue. I am such issues, and many others, with likeminded professionals, especially currently the only member on the committee that is a stage in our current political climate of uncertainty. I joined Equity in 2012 and manager. I want to use this position to help not only our acting © although, not hugely active to date, I am keen to be more involved in the community but also keep an eye on how companies across Northern greater good. Within this forum, I will aim to offer fair representation on behalf of my many Ireland are treating our colleagues behind the scenes. If elected I industry friends and colleagues and with their valuable input and feedback, I feel I can bring © want to help members get the pay they deserve. This includes much to the table. making companies understand that paying holiday pay is not an option but is the law. I hope to engage with more of our younger members and increase their activism within our union.

38 NORTHERN IRELAND COMMITTEE Stephen Beggs Self-proposed, seconded by Marina Hampton During my time as an Equity member I have been lucky to sit on the Northern Ireland National Committee for several years and have been Chair for the last two. I am also the Vice-Chair of the NI General Branch and the convener of our Campaigning Working Group and Mental Health Sub-Committee. I am a committed activist, working regularly as a stage actor, writer, director and workshop facilitator. I have also been General Manager of a theatre company and therefore have experience from both the worker’s and employer’s point of view. If returned to the Northern Ireland

Charmaine Carr Proposed by Elaine Duncan, seconded by Stephen Beggs I have been a member of Equity for many years now. I have been working in the performing arts area since 1992 after completing my performing arts and drama course. I worked professionally in Northern Ireland, and Edinburgh with theatre groups. I have also been on the cabaret and band scene for many years. I have been involved in theatre, TV and radio voiceovers and adverts for TV. I currently do support artist now filming in many productions.

© I am currently a member of the Northern Ireland branch and attend all meetings and am a fully committed activist and can bring a valuable perspective to every issue facing Equity and help the council teach decisions that will effectively benefit members. I have been a lecturer/teacher for twenty years. I would like to be elected to serve in the assembly of Northern Ireland. I hope you will give me your vote.

Stephen Dix Proposed by Alan McKee, seconded by Marina Hampton I am a stage manager and have worked at the Lyric Theatre for the past 6 years. I have also had the privilege during my time here to co-produce with other companies across Northern Ireland and Ireland. I have been part of the Northern Ireland Committee for the last 6 months and hope – with your help – to continue. I am currently the only member on the committee that is a stage manager. I want to use this position to help not only our acting community but also keep an eye on how companies across Northern Ireland are treating our colleagues behind the scenes. If elected I

© want to help members get the pay they deserve. This includes making companies understand that paying holiday pay is not an option but is the law. I hope to engage with more of our younger members and increase their activism within our union.

39 NORTHERN IRELAND COMMITTEE Marina Hampton Morna Burdon Proposed by Vicky Blades, seconded by Stephen Beggs Proposed by Natasha Gerson, seconded by Clunie Mackenzie If elected to the National Committee Marina will use her skills and As a long-term Equity activist, Scottish Committee member and East connections to make sure that artists in Northern Ireland are of Scotland Chair, I have worked hard to support members through represented and protected and are made aware of what their union self-taping training; access to industry speakers and workshop can do for them. leaders and through mental health and anti-stalking work. If elected I will work to have Scotland well represented in union business and to have home-based talent & resources recognised in industry developments in film, television, audio & theatre thus creating more Scottish jobs. I supported and celebrate the setting up of the Glasgow Branch

© and want to reach further out to represent all members whatever their geographical, social, emotional, physical, career or financial circumstances. Finally, union means together and I want to find a place or places we can be whether in or out of work – to end the isolation - someplace we can be when the going gets tough, to exchange job opportunities & skills, to “network”, to belong.

Christina Nelson Andy Clark Proposed by Louis Rolston, seconded by Maureen Beattie Proposed by Tam Dean Burn, seconded by Helen McAlpine No election statement submitted. In two years on the Scottish Committee I have enjoyed the vibrant meetings, the commitment from colleagues and witnessed firsthand the advocating, negotiating & ongoing hard work done by Equity on behalf of members. I have endeavoured to engage and contribute conscientiously but can do more. I can be more vocal, assertive and remind myself that striving to improve working conditions, terms and practices is not making unrealistic demands but securing basic rights. If re-elected, I will continue to listen to my fellow actors in Scotland and represent their interests as best I can. © SIMON FALLAHA © EAMONN MCGOLDRICK The recent Scottish AGM was the most well-attended and stimulating in years. This was primarily down to the current debate regarding casting practices in Scotland. It highlighted the strength of feeling among members and, with progress already being made, demonstrated the positive influence a unified group can have. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Louis Rolston Julie Coombe Proposed by Christina Nelson, seconded by Al Logan Proposed by Hazel Ann Crawford, seconded by Isabella Jarrett No election statement submitted. I was elected to the Scottish Committee in 2017. Thank you to everyone who voted. It has been my privilege to serve alongside colleagues and work with our Equity staff to ensure we have a strong voice within our rapidly changing industry. We are constantly striving for a professional environment and practices that are fair to all. At the behest of several members I myself have opened dialogue with theatres about better discounted tickets for Equity members. I would very much like to stay on the committee to continue to chase There are six candidates for the nine seats on the Northern Ireland Committee. The candidates those theatres down! Your vote would be greatly appreciated. are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper. © ALAN MACREDIE

40 SCOTTISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Morna Burdon Proposed by Natasha Gerson, seconded by Clunie Mackenzie As a long-term Equity activist, Scottish Committee member and East of Scotland Chair, I have worked hard to support members through self-taping training; access to industry speakers and workshop leaders and through mental health and anti-stalking work. If elected I will work to have Scotland well represented in union business and to have home-based talent & resources recognised in industry developments in film, television, audio & theatre thus creating more Scottish jobs. I supported and celebrate the setting up of the Glasgow Branch

Andy Clark Proposed by Tam Dean Burn, seconded by Helen McAlpine In two years on the Scottish Committee I have enjoyed the vibrant meetings, the commitment from colleagues and witnessed firsthand the advocating, negotiating & ongoing hard work done by Equity on behalf of members. I have endeavoured to engage and contribute conscientiously but can do more. I can be more vocal, assertive and remind myself that striving to improve working conditions, terms and practices is not making unrealistic demands but securing basic rights. If re-elected, I will continue to listen to my fellow actors in Scotland and represent their interests as best I can.

© EAMONN MCGOLDRICK The recent Scottish AGM was the most well-attended and stimulating in years. This was primarily down to the current debate regarding casting practices in Scotland. It highlighted the strength of feeling among members and, with progress already being made, demonstrated the positive influence a unified group can have. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Julie Coombe Proposed by Hazel Ann Crawford, seconded by Isabella Jarrett I was elected to the Scottish Committee in 2017. Thank you to everyone who voted. It has been my privilege to serve alongside colleagues and work with our Equity staff to ensure we have a strong voice within our rapidly changing industry. We are constantly striving for a professional environment and practices that are fair to all. At the behest of several members I myself have opened dialogue with theatres about better discounted tickets for Equity members. I would very much like to stay on the committee to continue to chase those theatres down! Your vote would be greatly appreciated. © ALAN MACREDIE

41 SCOTTISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Hazel Ann Crawford Sanjay Lago Proposed by Sean Biggerstaff, seconded by Stephen Clyde Proposed by Natasha Gerson, seconded by Linda Rifkind I am an Actor living and working in Scotland. An Equity member for My name is Sanjay Lago. I am a multidisciplinary performance artist 21 years and have served on the Scottish Committee for 2 years. and theatre maker. I am interested in themes of Race, Identity and During my time as a committee member I have proposed a motion at Dyslexia to name a few. I have been an officer for NUS and a Young ARC regarding the importance of casting in Scotland especially in Member for Unite the Union. I’m passionate about Diversity,Equality regards to public funded organisations and projects. Public money & Inclusion. I graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in is not only to develop culture for consumers but also to help BA Hons Contemporary Performance Practice. I’m interested in develop and enrich the talent based here. I am happy that we now creating socially engaged work. I’ve been a Student Deputy for have our new Cast it Here campaign and I will continue to advocate Equity and also a member of the Diversity School Initiative. I wish to the importance of casting here. be apart of the Scottish committee to make Equity’s campaigns felt ©TOM DUNCAN ©TOM © I have also represented Equity at WSTUC and STUC Congress amongst the young members of Scotland, to create events for young where I was involved in a motion to better accessibility for performers with disabilities. Scotland members, to represent Equity at events in Scotland. I am an individual who I believe it is important that members voices are heard and to facilitate this I have been enjoys discussions within the arts scene and enjoy creating work with a message. I wish involved in setting up a Glasgow Branch so that to bring a breath of fresh air to the Committee.

George Drennan Clunie Mackenzie Proposed by Hazel Ann Crawford, seconded by John Sampson Proposed by Isabella Jarrett, seconded by John Sampson I have been an Equity member for over thirty one years so I guess I have been an Equity member for 44 years, working as an actor, I’m officially old but with age comes a bit of wisdom and experience. director and stage manager. Whilst on the Scottish National I am also part of the current Scottish Committee and have been Committee I have had the privilege of being Chair, and now vice- for four years now, with your vote I’ll hopefully be able to continue. Chair. I will continue to use my voice to champion the rights of I am often an Equity Deputy and it’s encouraging to see some of Scottish based artists. Therefore I am absolutely committed to both the younger performers joining Equity and realising the importance the ‘Manifesto For Casting’ campaign, particularly short notice and benefits of being part of our union. castings, and ‘Cast It Here’ which will increase employment As part of the new committee I want to continue to attract new opportunities for all members by encouraging TV, Film and Theatre

members and support my fellow performers. GRUENLING ©KERSTIN Companies to use people who live, and want to work in Scotland. I

© TOMMY-GA-KEN WAN © TOMMY-GA-KEN will continue to support people coming into the profession to join the union, helping to keep Equity’s voice strong in the difficult and uncertain political future ahead of us. If elected I will carry on working for improved pay, and working conditions, for all our members.

Natasha Gerson Kate McCall Proposed by Kate McCall, seconded by Sheena Penson Proposed by George Drennan, seconded by Natasha Gerson Natasha Gerson, Present Chair of Scottish Committee,. Former Kate McCall, Scottish Committee member since 1969. Chair of Equity Councillor, 1995- 2014, Former Vice- President of Equity. Scottish Committee, 1987-1997. Former ITV Stage Managers’ Member of STUC General Council. BECS Board Member. Councillor. Scottish Councillor from 1995- 2012. We had a terrific Annual Meeting in Scotland this year, with over a I am thrilled about the development of a West of Scotland Branch hundred members, partly encouraged by a timely motion on casting and look forward to assisting with its work in the future.

from our member Sarah MacCardie. I have been a frequent delegate to the STUC, the Women’s STUC The arts in Scot land and elsewhere must be allowed to flourish and the TUC. and am an ardent and active trade unionist. in these tempestuous and controversial political times. Society and At such a troubled and uncertain time, it is vitally important to the economy need us. We have a west of Scotland Branch at last! have a strong Trade Union.

I would like to be allowed to continue supporting our members As a committed socialist, I want to continue to participate in the in a safe and equal working environment as a member of the Scottish Committee. Please achievement of this aim. vote for me.

42 SCOTTISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Sanjay Lago Proposed by Natasha Gerson, seconded by Linda Rifkind My name is Sanjay Lago. I am a multidisciplinary performance artist and theatre maker. I am interested in themes of Race, Identity and Dyslexia to name a few. I have been an officer for NUS and a Young Member for Unite the Union. I’m passionate about Diversity,Equality & Inclusion. I graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in BA Hons Contemporary Performance Practice. I’m interested in creating socially engaged work. I’ve been a Student Deputy for Equity and also a member of the Diversity School Initiative. I wish to be apart of the Scottish committee to make Equity’s campaigns felt

©TOM DUNCAN ©TOM amongst the young members of Scotland, to create events for young Scotland members, to represent Equity at events in Scotland. I am an individual who enjoys discussions within the arts scene and enjoy creating work with a message. I wish to bring a breath of fresh air to the Committee.

Clunie Mackenzie Proposed by Isabella Jarrett, seconded by John Sampson I have been an Equity member for 44 years, working as an actor, director and stage manager. Whilst on the Scottish National Committee I have had the privilege of being Chair, and now vice- Chair. I will continue to use my voice to champion the rights of Scottish based artists. Therefore I am absolutely committed to both the ‘Manifesto For Casting’ campaign, particularly short notice castings, and ‘Cast It Here’ which will increase employment opportunities for all members by encouraging TV, Film and Theatre

©KERSTIN GRUENLING ©KERSTIN Companies to use people who live, and want to work in Scotland. I will continue to support people coming into the profession to join the union, helping to keep Equity’s voice strong in the difficult and uncertain political future ahead of us. If elected I will carry on working for improved pay, and working conditions, for all our members.

Kate McCall Proposed by George Drennan, seconded by Natasha Gerson Kate McCall, Scottish Committee member since 1969. Chair of Scottish Committee, 1987-1997. Former ITV Stage Managers’ Councillor. Scottish Councillor from 1995- 2012. I am thrilled about the development of a West of Scotland Branch and look forward to assisting with its work in the future.

I have been a frequent delegate to the STUC, the Women’s STUC and the TUC. and am an ardent and active trade unionist. At such a troubled and uncertain time, it is vitally important to have a strong Trade Union.

As a committed socialist, I want to continue to participate in the achievement of this aim.

43 SCOTTISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Sarah McCardie John Sampson Proposed by Natasha Gerson, seconded by Kate McCall Proposed by Clunie Mackenzie, seconded by John Bett I am a Scottish Actress & Director based in Scotland and believe that I am standing to improve wages, fairer local castings to residents of we have an enormous pool of talent that needs to be valued, Scotland and to try and abate exploitation that still occurs for all supported and encouraged to thrive. After the AGM in February of our members in the business. As we march on with the uncertainty this year - I saw the need for a collective voice & representation of of what brexit will bring or not bring to the workplace we need to our community which is why I am standing for The Scottish stick together to consolidate our position in Theatre ,TV & film and Committee. We are stronger together and I want to help the expand with new possibilities & opportunities that a new film studio creatives within Scotland to become stronger, more proactive & will bring to Scotland. Low pay at grassroots level in theatre & late communicative about the practices used within our places of work. payments from role play companies still needs addressed. We all deserve opportunity as professionals. If we stand alone we

© SIDEY CLARK are powerless, but if we stand together we can create change. I CRAIG ©COLIN renewed my Equity membership 2 years ago because I feel we can only create change if we make it happen ourselves. As a Committee member I will endeavor to listen; support & fight your corner.

Kirstin McLean Proposed by Michael Dylan, seconded by Clare Waugh My work spans acting, tutoring, directing and playwriting. Equity has advised me in all areas of my work, and in the same way, I intend to support not only actors, but also those in other roles. Through this committee, I have taken action for shared parental leave, improved rehearsal conditions and fairer pay as well as addressing workplace bullying. I will continue to work hard to support and protect members, with a focus on gender equality, respectful casting, decent pay, fairer contracts for freelance tutors, and protecting the arts in constitutionally uncertain times. This

© JOHN COOPER year’s Scottish AGM created a surge in engagement, leading to significant changes - a timely and exciting reminder that Equity belongs to its members. We shape this union and together, we can move mountains. I look forward to working alongside and representing my fellow members to see what new victories we can achieve together.

William Riddoch Proposed by Clunie Mackenzie, seconded by Natasha Gerson I am privileged to serve on the Scottish National Committee of Equity, and if re-elected guarantee a strong commitment to all our members who live or work in Scotland. A vote for me ensures that your voice will be heard on all matters that impact upon us in Scotland. Thank you.

44 SCOTTISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE John Sampson Proposed by Clunie Mackenzie, seconded by John Bett I am standing to improve wages, fairer local castings to residents of Scotland and to try and abate exploitation that still occurs for all our members in the business. As we march on with the uncertainty of what brexit will bring or not bring to the workplace we need to stick together to consolidate our position in Theatre ,TV & film and expand with new possibilities & opportunities that a new film studio will bring to Scotland. Low pay at grassroots level in theatre & late payments from role play companies still needs addressed. ©COLIN CRAIG ©COLIN

45 WELSH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Jenni Barbieri Abbie Hirst Self-proposed, seconded by Terry Victor Proposed by Terry Victor, seconded by Sean Carlsen I’ve been a member of Welsh Equity since 1984, working in dance, No election statement submitted. theatre, TV and film. After almost 12 years living and working in Argentina, I returned to Mid Wales in 2010, from where I continue as a dancer-teacher-choreographer. I’m just completing my first term on Wales National Committee. It’s been a busy two years, I had the privilege of representing the WNC at the Nations Meeting in Belfast end 2017 and at two ARC’s, in London 2018 and Belfast 2019. But there’s still much to do, especially keeping the pressure on with our Cast in Wales/Cast it Here campaign for more Wales based talent both front of © © MARK CLEGHORN

camera and in theatre content produced here and, with the on-going Brexit negotiations, it’s more important than ever to keep pushing for that “place at the table” especially re arts funding to Wales and freedom of movement for our members.

Christopher Batten Sharon Morgan Self-proposed, seconded by Olwen Medi Self-proposed, seconded by Gwawr Loader As an actor in theatre, TV and Theatre In Education, I have been a Dwi am geisio cael fy ail-ethol i’r Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol er mwyn member of Equity for over 20 years and sat on the Welsh National parhau a gwaith y blynyddoedd diwethaf mewn cysylltiad a’r Cwmni Committee since 2011. I am currently serving a third term as Chair. As Theatr Cenedlaethol Iaith Saesneg, cynhyrchiadau cefn wrth gefn we face an ever more surreal and precarious political landscape, the S4C, a’r diffyg dybryd o gynhyrchiadau ffilm a theledu cynhenid yn role of Equity has never been more important, fighting for professional yr iaith Saesneg, yn enwedig yng nghyd-destun y cwmniau hynny pay and working conditions for our members. The WNC works as a link sy’n derbyn cefnogaeth ariannol gan y LLywodraeth ac yn cyflogi between you and the Union leadership, giving voice to the realities of dim bron o actorion Cymraeg. I am seeking re-election in order to working and living in Wales, as well as supporting the Equity Wales continue the work of the last few years in connection with the officers who work tirelessly in the interests of individual members and English Language National Theatre Company, S4C’s back to back

© BRIAN TARR Welsh talent as a whole; from lobbying government ministers and TODD ©GERAINT productions, and the appalling lack of film and tv productions in the negotiating with national broadcasters and theatre producers to chasing unpaid fees for out English language rooted in Wales, particularly in the context of those companies who are of pocket performers. I am proud to play a small role in this important work. supported financially by the Government and employ hardly any Welsh actors.

Doc O’Brien Jeremi Cockram Self-proposed, seconded by Abbie Hirst Proposed by Nia Caron, seconded by Richard Lynch Aelod o Equity am ddeugain mlynedd. Aelod sylfaenol o gangen Pe bawn i’n cael fy ail-ethol i Bwyllgor Cenedlaethol Cymru fydden i’n gogledd Cymru yn 1983, yr wyf ar hyn o bryd yn Cadeirydd. awyddus i gynrychioli buddiannau actorion a gweithwyr creadigol o Wedi gwasaneithu ar pwllgor cenedlaethol Cymru am pedwar ar bob cefndir, sy’n gweithio trwy gyfrwng y ddwy iaith. Rydw i’n credu’n ugain mlynedd. gryf y dylai ddarlledu gael ei ddatganoli, a hynny cyn gynted â phosib. Os caf fy’n ethol eto, mi’wnaf barhau I weithio: Yn dilyn y gwaith y mae’r pwyllgor eisoes wedi ei wneud i sicrhau fod • Dros I aelodau yng Nghymru gael cyfle I castio am waith ar y Equity yng Nghymru yn rhan o’r drafodaeth, fydden i’n gweithio er teledu yng Nghymru. mwyn annog Cyngor yr Undeb i dderbyn hyn fel polisi cenedlaethol • Gweithio I dorri lawr a cael gwared o’r bwlch yn y cyflog rhwng swyddogol. dynion a merched yn y byd adloniant

© FATIMA NAMDAR © FATIMA If re-elected to the Welsh National Committee I would continue to Equity member for 40 years. Founder member of North Wales branch in 1983. Current chair. seek to represent the interests of actors and all creatives from all backgrounds, who work in 24 years served on Welsh National Committee. both languages. I firmly believe that broadcasting in Wales should be devolved as soon as If re elected, I will continue to work: possible, and I will do my utmost to persuade the Equity Council to adopt this as our official • For more casting opportunities for Welsh members on film and television made in national policy. Wales. • To improve the finances and quality of theatre in Wales in both English and Welsh. • To eliminate the gender pay gap in entertainment.

46 WELSH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Abbie Hirst Proposed by Terry Victor, seconded by Sean Carlsen No election statement submitted. © MARK CLEGHORN

Sharon Morgan Self-proposed, seconded by Gwawr Loader Dwi am geisio cael fy ail-ethol i’r Pwyllgor Cenedlaethol er mwyn parhau a gwaith y blynyddoedd diwethaf mewn cysylltiad a’r Cwmni Theatr Cenedlaethol Iaith Saesneg, cynhyrchiadau cefn wrth gefn S4C, a’r diffyg dybryd o gynhyrchiadau ffilm a theledu cynhenid yn yr iaith Saesneg, yn enwedig yng nghyd-destun y cwmniau hynny sy’n derbyn cefnogaeth ariannol gan y LLywodraeth ac yn cyflogi dim bron o actorion Cymraeg. I am seeking re-election in order to continue the work of the last few years in connection with the English Language National Theatre Company, S4C’s back to back

©GERAINT TODD ©GERAINT productions, and the appalling lack of film and tv productions in the English language rooted in Wales, particularly in the context of those companies who are supported financially by the Government and employ hardly any Welsh actors.

Doc O’Brien Self-proposed, seconded by Abbie Hirst Aelod o Equity am ddeugain mlynedd. Aelod sylfaenol o gangen gogledd Cymru yn 1983, yr wyf ar hyn o bryd yn Cadeirydd. Wedi gwasaneithu ar pwllgor cenedlaethol Cymru am pedwar ar ugain mlynedd. Os caf fy’n ethol eto, mi’wnaf barhau I weithio: • Dros I aelodau yng Nghymru gael cyfle I castio am waith ar y teledu yng Nghymru. • Gweithio I dorri lawr a cael gwared o’r bwlch yn y cyflog rhwng dynion a merched yn y byd adloniant © DOC O’BRIEN Equity member for 40 years. Founder member of North Wales branch in 1983. Current chair. 24 years served on Welsh National Committee. If re elected, I will continue to work: • For more casting opportunities for Welsh members on film and television made in Wales. • To improve the finances and quality of theatre in Wales in both English and Welsh. • To eliminate the gender pay gap in entertainment.

47 WELSH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Cei Phillips Caron Reidy Proposed by Shelli Dawn, seconded by Julia Carson Sims Proposed by Christian Patterson, seconded by Rachel Pedley Since becoming an Equity member, I have regularly attended I have lived in Wales since 2004 and have been a proud member of meetings of the South Wales Variety Branch and have been Branch Equity since 2010 having started my acting career the year before. I Treasurer since 2006. I have also been a member of the Welsh enjoyed working with my fellow committee members and Simon to National Committee from 2013. revive the South Wales General Branch and served for 4 years as the I work as stage manager and actor and have toured the country PRO before joining the Welsh National Committee 2 years ago. More with a wide range of productions including Variety Shows and recently I’ve been co-opted onto the On Line Branch committee which pantomimes. I believe to be a valuable resource for many members in outlying It is my firm belief that National Committees should be comprised areas of Wales and beyond. I’m a passionate supporter of the Welsh of members of both Variety and General members in order that all Language, Cast it here/Cast in Wales campaigns & anything which will © CEI PHILLIPS sides of the Union have representation. better support our members living and/or working in Wales. I’ve loved my time on WNC and so I am seeking to serve for another 2 years.

Tom Powell Nana St Bartholomew-Brown Self-proposed, seconded by Clive Riches Proposed by Volenté Lloyd, seconded by Kirsten Jones Hello everyone, my name is Tom Powell, I am an actor who would Being an Equity member resident in Wales, the realisation that like to run again for Welsh National Committee. I have been working in the regions in order to raise all of the inequalities that fortunate enough to be on the last two committees for Wales, where affect Welsh actors is tremendous. Previously elected to the WNC and have those four years gone! I would like to represent actors and being on the MEMC, we are all affected by lack of investment in Welsh actresses to have equal rights in the industry workplace. I am artistes, poor pay and casting disadvantages. Notwithstanding, I’m passionate about getting more of the talent here in Wales onto our passionate about the performing arts industry in Wales and my role stages and screens as I believe we are still currently being as an actor. Diversity and equality are subjects that are important to overlooked by a London centric industry. There is exciting news me and as such, want to see a WNC that represents and embraces all regarding the Cast It Here website, run by Equity, to get our of its resident non-Welsh diverse community. Nominated as Equity’s © LARKLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY © ALLAN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY members here in Wales more of a chance of being seen and in work. representative to the TUC’s Race Relations Committee, highlighting The Welsh committee is commuted to helping all our members here in Wales, and I would how the Welsh performing industry is marginalised the racial discrimination that Welsh- love to represent you all again. Thank you for your consideration. Tom. speaking performers have endure. I definitely that with concerted effort, being part of a strong team, so much could be accomplished in due course.

Steve Purbrick Terry Victor Proposed by Terry Victor, seconded by Caron Reidy Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Liz Gardiner I have been on the Equity Welsh National Committee for the past I work as an actor, broadcaster and artistic director, with an unbroken two terms, and have helped improve the conditions of fellow record of Equity membership since 1979. Member (sometime chair) of members. Proposals and motions we have made as a Union have the Welsh National Committee/Wales Committee since 2000 and changed our working lives for the better, and I would like to founding chair of the Cardiff & South Wales General Branch. I have continue to help make a difference. I recently took part in a been especially active in the foundation of our Online Branch [OLB], consulation with OfCom via the committee, and some of the currently as a member of the branch committee; also, Equity’s concerns I helped express have actually been taken up by the Welsh Standing Orders Committee, the working party on censorship, the government and re-visited. I would like to take the opportunity of International Committee for Artists’ Freedom; and, without exception, attending another term to assist other performers in my specialist I have contributed to every Annual Representative Conference. I do ©NOELLE LE CONTE © KIRSTEN MCTERNAN © KIRSTEN field, historic interpretation. I hope to get this recognised by Equity regret having been forced to choose between continuing membership as a valid form of professional work, and to help promote basic standards of good of my local General Branch and membership of the OLB. practice in this field. Looking at the date above I realise that this year I will have been in Equity for 40 years. It is a privilege to offer that experience in this election. Wales matters. Castiwch yma. Cast it here.

48 WELSH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Caron Reidy Proposed by Christian Patterson, seconded by Rachel Pedley I have lived in Wales since 2004 and have been a proud member of Equity since 2010 having started my acting career the year before. I enjoyed working with my fellow committee members and Simon to revive the South Wales General Branch and served for 4 years as the PRO before joining the Welsh National Committee 2 years ago. More recently I’ve been co-opted onto the On Line Branch committee which I believe to be a valuable resource for many members in outlying areas of Wales and beyond. I’m a passionate supporter of the Welsh Language, Cast it here/Cast in Wales campaigns & anything which will better support our members living and/or working in Wales. I’ve loved my time on WNC and so I am seeking to serve for another 2 years.

Nana St Bartholomew-Brown Proposed by Volenté Lloyd, seconded by Kirsten Jones Being an Equity member resident in Wales, the realisation that working in the regions in order to raise all of the inequalities that affect Welsh actors is tremendous. Previously elected to the WNC and being on the MEMC, we are all affected by lack of investment in Welsh artistes, poor pay and casting disadvantages. Notwithstanding, I’m passionate about the performing arts industry in Wales and my role as an actor. Diversity and equality are subjects that are important to me and as such, want to see a WNC that represents and embraces all of its resident non-Welsh diverse community. Nominated as Equity’s © ALLAN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY representative to the TUC’s Race Relations Committee, highlighting how the Welsh performing industry is marginalised the racial discrimination that Welsh- speaking performers have endure. I definitely that with concerted effort, being part of a strong team, so much could be accomplished in due course.

Terry Victor Proposed by Hywel Morgan, seconded by Liz Gardiner I work as an actor, broadcaster and artistic director, with an unbroken record of Equity membership since 1979. Member (sometime chair) of the Welsh National Committee/Wales Committee since 2000 and founding chair of the Cardiff & South Wales General Branch. I have been especially active in the foundation of our Online Branch [OLB], currently as a member of the branch committee; also, Equity’s Standing Orders Committee, the working party on censorship, the International Committee for Artists’ Freedom; and, without exception, I have contributed to every Annual Representative Conference. I do ©NOELLE LE CONTE regret having been forced to choose between continuing membership of my local General Branch and membership of the OLB. Looking at the date above I realise that this year I will have been in Equity for 40 years. It is a privilege to offer that experience in this election. Wales matters. Castiwch yma. Cast it here.

49 WELSH NATIONAL COMMITTEE Natalie Amber Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Dan Edge I have worked in TV, Film, and Theatre for 14yrs, both as able-bodied actress and disabled actress. The change in the way I was treated, and the lack of opportunity lead to me standing to be on the DDMC, which I have now been a proud member for 6 year. As a committee we work tirelessly, creating alliances across the board from major Broadcasters to Theatres. Working with them to challenge attitudes, find solutions remove barriers. The power of change comes from the Industry working together, which Equity needs to be leading. I need your vote so I can keep moving this work forward. I have the © JOHN NICHOLS passion, knowledge and drive needed. I want to help teach best practice from the top of production through to casting. Help drama schools create and understand inclusive training. To work alongside the other Equality Committees. So please vote for me.

Cindy-Jane Armbruster Proposed by Natalie Amber, seconded by Chloë Clarke I came to acting later in life because growing up, I knew no Deaf or Disabled actors. I still found my way into acting, graduating from East15 a few years ago. I’ve now been a member and vice-chair of this committee for two terms, hoping to be elected for a third. The work here has been educational (and occasionally frustrating), but also inspiring and There are twelve candidates for the twelve seats on the Welsh National Committee. The empowering to experience what difference we can make in the candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot treatment and representation of Deaf and Disabled members in the paper. industry. ©ROBERT TAYLOR ©ROBERT Despite a lot of encouraging developments, there is a lot to do. Deaf/Disabled actors are still woefully under- and misrepresented on stage and screen; and there are still many financial, physical, and attitudinal barriers to be dismantled or overcome. I’d like to be part of this force for change for another term and continue lobbying for more diversity and representation.

Chloë Clarke Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Steven George I’m a visually impaired Actor, Audio Description Consultant and long-standing Equity member. I’ve served on the DDMC for over 3 years and am committed to ensuring equality for D/deaf & Disabled members within our industry. Having built my career around inclusivity and creative access, I’m now co-founder of disabled-led Elbow Room Theatre Company in Cardiff. I also consult on a number of projects - ‘mainstream’ and disabled-led - to improve access and train people in visual impairment and disability awareness. The representation of disability and disabled artists in our © JONATHAN DUNN © JONATHAN industry is vital for our inclusion in wider society. Our committee is taking palpable, progressive steps towards improving representation, equality and tackling discriminatory practices in the Arts and I would be proud to continue this work representing the visually impaired community and fighting for all of our rights as D/deaf & Disabled Artists.

50 DEAF AND DISABLED MEMBERS COMMITTEE Natalie Amber Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Dan Edge I have worked in TV, Film, and Theatre for 14yrs, both as able-bodied actress and disabled actress. The change in the way I was treated, and the lack of opportunity lead to me standing to be on the DDMC, which I have now been a proud member for 6 year. As a committee we work tirelessly, creating alliances across the board from major Broadcasters to Theatres. Working with them to challenge attitudes, find solutions remove barriers. The power of change comes from the Industry working together, which Equity needs to be leading. I need your vote so I can keep moving this work forward. I have the © JOHN NICHOLS passion, knowledge and drive needed. I want to help teach best practice from the top of production through to casting. Help drama schools create and understand inclusive training. To work alongside the other Equality Committees. So please vote for me.

Cindy-Jane Armbruster Proposed by Natalie Amber, seconded by Chloë Clarke I came to acting later in life because growing up, I knew no Deaf or Disabled actors. I still found my way into acting, graduating from East15 a few years ago. I’ve now been a member and vice-chair of this committee for two terms, hoping to be elected for a third. The work here has been educational (and occasionally frustrating), but also inspiring and empowering to experience what difference we can make in the treatment and representation of Deaf and Disabled members in the industry. ©ROBERT TAYLOR ©ROBERT Despite a lot of encouraging developments, there is a lot to do. Deaf/Disabled actors are still woefully under- and misrepresented on stage and screen; and there are still many financial, physical, and attitudinal barriers to be dismantled or overcome. I’d like to be part of this force for change for another term and continue lobbying for more diversity and representation.

51 DEAF AND DISABLED MEMBERS COMMITTEE Henry Douthwaite Steven George Proposed by Abigail Matthews, seconded by Elizabeth Conrad Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Chloë Clarke As an epileptic. I identify as a person with a disability. I noted at the I am currently part of the Deaf & Disabled Committee and believe last committee meeting there were no representatives with a the work we do to be vital in ensuring that diversity is not just neurological disability on the committee and I feel it’s important to another buzz word and would love to continue the great work the have a representative if there are any actors who are experiencing committee does. I have been an actor for over 20 years but have issues in the industry to have a point of contact with their union. only been a visually impaired one for about 5, so have seen the With nearly 18 years experience in the industry, I have encountered industry from both sides of the diversity fence. I’m passionate about issues of my own and would like to bring a voice to what I found to disabled actors playing disabled roles and want to help the be a vibrant and active committee and explore what difference I committee in making this the norm. Accessibility is another issue could make. close to my heart, and I do a lot of work with Extant, the country’s ©PIETER LAWMAN © NICHOLAS DAWKES leading theatre company for the visually impaired, where I perform but also deliver workshops on acessibility and inclusion for venues and practitioners. I believe this supports my work with Equity, helping it go from strength to strength.

Dan Edge Phoebe Kemp Proposed by Laurence Bouvard, seconded by Cindy-Jane Armbruster Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Daniel York Having over a decade in our industry and being involved with the The unofficial motto of the DDMC has become ‘things are better, but Committee for nearly as long I feel I offer a good amount of they’re still not great’. I have been honoured to work on the experience and understanding for The Union, Committee, and our D/ committee for 6 years, and to have chaired it for the last three. deaf and Disabled Members. If I am elected next term I would very Some things that are better: Equity’s inclusive casting policy, the much like to still be at the forefront of our work. Especially that with policy on challenging non disabled actors cast in accessible roles, the gaming industry with the hope of opening up new and exciting stronger relationships with industry members, more equality employment and training opportunities for our D/deaf and Disabled training for Equity staff and representatives and the creation of a members. I will also be putting my energy into fighting for equality steering group to create an accessible casting database. Things that and inclusion, by working to remove as many barriers as possible be are still not great: D/deaf and Disabled members continue to be © PORTRAITS FOR PALSY FOR © PORTRAITS ALLEN © STUART they physical, or attitudinal, to allow D/deaf and Disabled talent to underemployed in the industry and our representation is often poor shine both on stage or camera or behind, while supported by good quality representation and stereotyped. We have numerous projects in progress to address these, and I would and stories. I am passionate about this work and want to see ongoing positive change love the opportunity to keep fighting for better treatment of D/deaf and Disabled continue. Thank you Members in our industry. I would be privileged to receive your vote and continue this work.

Neil Fox-Roberts Paper Wizard Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Martin Fox-Roberts Proposed by Jimmy Carlo, seconded by Melvyn Rawlinson Born profoundly Deaf and British Sign Language is my first As the Paper Wizard I have been an equity member few years, language. I studied at Reading University Theatre for the Deaf 1990. participated previously on the Variety council, and now as moving In 26 years, I have worked for various Theatre Companies, TV and toward semi retirement wish to be elected once again on either the Film. Some of the most notable Deaf and Disability Arts companies I Variety and/or Deaf and Disabled commitees. I am a more had the privilege of working with included Show of Hands, Graeae independent voice using common sense on discussions rather than Theatre, Roundabout Theatre, Fingersmiths and Deaf and Hearing affiliated to a particular branch, Please vote for me. Thank You Ensemble. In the next 2 years I would like to raise Deaf awareness, to have more Deaf role-models in the media and raise confidence in employing Deaf Professionals across all mediums. I would like to © ISAAC PERAL © ISAAC have consultation with Deaf professionals and for their voices to be heard and represented. I believe I can be a strong representative to those existing members increasing their profiles and to recruiting new members form those just starting out. I first joined Equity in approx 1994

52 DEAF AND DISABLED MEMBERS COMMITTEE Steven George Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Chloë Clarke I am currently part of the Deaf & Disabled Committee and believe the work we do to be vital in ensuring that diversity is not just another buzz word and would love to continue the great work the committee does. I have been an actor for over 20 years but have only been a visually impaired one for about 5, so have seen the industry from both sides of the diversity fence. I’m passionate about disabled actors playing disabled roles and want to help the committee in making this the norm. Accessibility is another issue close to my heart, and I do a lot of work with Extant, the country’s © NICHOLAS DAWKES leading theatre company for the visually impaired, where I perform but also deliver workshops on acessibility and inclusion for venues and practitioners. I believe this supports my work with Equity, helping it go from strength to strength.

Phoebe Kemp Proposed by Cindy-Jane Armbruster, seconded by Daniel York The unofficial motto of the DDMC has become ‘things are better, but they’re still not great’. I have been honoured to work on the committee for 6 years, and to have chaired it for the last three. Some things that are better: Equity’s inclusive casting policy, the policy on challenging non disabled actors cast in accessible roles, stronger relationships with industry members, more equality training for Equity staff and representatives and the creation of a steering group to create an accessible casting database. Things that are still not great: D/deaf and Disabled members continue to be © STUART ALLEN © STUART underemployed in the industry and our representation is often poor and stereotyped. We have numerous projects in progress to address these, and I would love the opportunity to keep fighting for better treatment of D/deaf and Disabled Members in our industry. I would be privileged to receive your vote and continue this work.

Paper Wizard Proposed by Jimmy Carlo, seconded by Melvyn Rawlinson As the Paper Wizard I have been an equity member few years, participated previously on the Variety council, and now as moving toward semi retirement wish to be elected once again on either the Variety and/or Deaf and Disabled commitees. I am a more independent voice using common sense on discussions rather than affiliated to a particular branch, Please vote for me. Thank You

53 DEAF AND DISABLED MEMBERS COMMITTEE Lee Ravitz Amy Forrest Proposed by Caron Jane Lyon, seconded by Helen Raw Proposed by Julie Hesmondhalgh, seconded by Giovanni Bienne I previously sat for two years on the Independent Theatre I have been an Equity member since 2005, an LGBT+ Committee Committee, contributing to the Working Party that led to a member for 2 years and Vice-Chair for nearly 2 years. As a Bisexual solidifying of the Equity Fringe Agreement and the appointment of a cis female, the LGBTQ+ community is something I am very dedicated low/no pay Officer. I have recently been diagnosed with passionate about. During my time in the LGBT+ Committee I spoke Multiple Sclerosis (after years of being symptomatic), with brain on behalf of Equity at the TUC LGBT+ conference and was asked to stem effects that cause me ataxia, and I have had to reassess my give the vote of thanks at the end of the 3 day conference. It was a acting priorities. Thankfully, contacts such as Mat Fraser have wonderful achievement for Equity and for our members to get their shown me that the current climate for the physically disabled voices heard. A couple of years ago I was sent on the LGBTQ+ performer is much advanced compared to its past. We are beginning Leadership course at Ruskin College in Oxford. I still feel there is a © DAVID JOHN © DAVID © RORY LEWIS © RORY to see improvements: a greater attention paid to access lot of work to be done and I would love to be part of this journey requirements, to better casting representation, to the use of disabled actors (once rare) and movement. I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and would be proud to stand to portray disabled characters. But the good work needs to be maintained, and I wish to for committee once again. help ensure that. I am also interested in better addressing the impact of neurodiverse mental conditions on performance.

Freddie Stabb Natalie Nicole Gilbert Proposed by Natalie Amber, seconded by Dan Edge Self-proposed, seconded by Suzanne Roche With over 25 years experience across the board as a professional I am an LGBT performing artist identifying as female. I am also a actress, I have been involved on the DDMC for over 10 years and voting member of the Recording Academy/NARAS as a singer/ have chaired the committee, with a two year sabbatical. I am ready songwriter and, separately, a screenwriter, so I have worked on to re-immerse myself in the committee and its tireless work on multiple sides of the industry. inclusion for our disabled members. I continue to volunteer my time towards advocating and encouraging the next generation of actors across the country, by sharing my experience and knowledge, particularly in the thriving Manchester area and hope to encourage more links between North and South. I have seen many changes in © KIM HARDY © JENNIE SCOTT my time and been involved in most of them, but we need to come together to keep moving the industry forward. A vote for me is a positive move in this direction. Rebecca Root Self-proposed, seconded by Elizabeth Menabney I’ve been a member of Equity since 1992: for the first 11 years of my Keely Cat Wells membership I presented as male; since 2003 I’ve lived and worked Self-proposed, seconded by Jessica Bastick-Vines as female; I’ve been an ardent supporter throughout. The Deaf / HH / Disabled community is very close to my heart and Historically there have been few roles for trans actors; of those, my mission has and will always be inclusion, I work closely with most did not depict our lived experiences accurately, let alone Respectability in the US and advocate on a daily basis, I also set up sensitively. When I transitioned trans characters were typically C Talent, my Management company based in Hollywood played by cis actors, a casting trait that disappointingly lingers representing only Disabled and Minority artists. I am a proud to this day. Trans actors meanwhile are rarely cast in cis parts ambassador of the #AllIn campaign. And believe that to change (although I am happily bucking this trend). ©SAM IRONS society we must learn to tell a new set of stories about the world we Despite the growing cultural acceptance of trans people in society want to create which means including ALL types of people, its about and our increased visibility in the arts, there is still a distance to go before equality with giving everyone the chance to see them selves represented and not cis performers is gained. I will use my voice on the LGBT committee to shake up casting

©MOLLY PAN PHOTOGRAPHY PAN ©MOLLY be 3rd class citizens anymore, the world is made up of a 25% practises by demanding trans actors be cast in both trans and cis roles. disabled population, and only 3% is shown on TV and in Film. We must portray the world we live in and portray the world we WANT to live in. There are three candidates for the three female-identifying seats on the LGBT+ Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

54 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER + COMMITTEE - female-identifying Amy Forrest Proposed by Julie Hesmondhalgh, seconded by Giovanni Bienne I have been an Equity member since 2005, an LGBT+ Committee member for 2 years and Vice-Chair for nearly 2 years. As a Bisexual cis female, the LGBTQ+ community is something I am very passionate about. During my time in the LGBT+ Committee I spoke on behalf of Equity at the TUC LGBT+ conference and was asked to give the vote of thanks at the end of the 3 day conference. It was a wonderful achievement for Equity and for our members to get their voices heard. A couple of years ago I was sent on the LGBTQ+ Leadership course at Ruskin College in Oxford. I still feel there is a © DAVID JOHN © DAVID lot of work to be done and I would love to be part of this journey and movement. I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and would be proud to stand for committee once again.

Natalie Nicole Gilbert Self-proposed, seconded by Suzanne Roche I am an LGBT performing artist identifying as female. I am also a voting member of the Recording Academy/NARAS as a singer/ songwriter and, separately, a screenwriter, so I have worked on multiple sides of the industry. © KIM HARDY

Rebecca Root Self-proposed, seconded by Elizabeth Menabney I’ve been a member of Equity since 1992: for the first 11 years of my membership I presented as male; since 2003 I’ve lived and worked as female; I’ve been an ardent supporter throughout. Historically there have been few roles for trans actors; of those, most did not depict our lived experiences accurately, let alone sensitively. When I transitioned trans characters were typically played by cis actors, a casting trait that disappointingly lingers to this day. Trans actors meanwhile are rarely cast in cis parts (although I am happily bucking this trend). ©SAM IRONS Despite the growing cultural acceptance of trans people in society and our increased visibility in the arts, there is still a distance to go before equality with cis performers is gained. I will use my voice on the LGBT committee to shake up casting practises by demanding trans actors be cast in both trans and cis roles.

There are three candidates for the three female-identifying seats on the LGBT+ Committee. The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot paper.

55 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER + COMMITTEE - male-identifying Giovanni Bienne Tigger Blaize Proposed by Tom Ross-Williams, seconded by Amy Lamé Proposed by Giovanni Bienne, seconded by Mjka-Anne Scott I’m an actor, most recently working Off-Westend and in audio. This was I’m an actor, Theatre, TV, Film, Voice. A proud Equity member since my first full term as LGBT+ Committee Chair and I’m excited about our graduating from Rose Bruford College, I’ve been a dep, attended ARCs, committee’s achievements: primarily, the upcoming publication of been Vice-Chair, and have served my first term on the LGBT+ Industry Guidelines for those working with LGBT+ entertainment Committee. I’ve been really busy - organising our first presence on the professionals, which led to a Casting Event for trans* performers at the march at Brighton Pride, writing Guidelines for Working with LGBT+ National. We changed the make-up of the Committee, making it more Creatives (our ARC 2018 motion), and helping coordinate the casting representative. An LGBT+ Network was launched, a forum to meet and event at the National Theatre for actors who identify as transgender. communicate with the Committee and among members. I want to Things are changing, there’s still lots of work to do. The subject extend this advice and outreach to drama students. Recent events have of gender and queer identities are a hot topic. I’m keen to be an ©PHIL SHARP ©ROCCO REDONDO ©ROCCO

highlighted again how minority students are particularly vulnerable ambassador for further exposure and understanding, fearlessly giving a and need targeted support outside their training institutions. Tell me your concerns - not voice to LGBT+ spectrum identities. I am mindful of exploitation of our stories, and depictions least those around areas of the industry performers like me have less experience of. If of our identities within the Arts. Bullying must not be tolerated. elected, I’ll ensure that our issues - chiefly the push for better representation - are on Equity’s I identify as Trans*, Genderqueer, Other. He/him pronouns. Questions? tiggerblaize@ agenda. yahoo.co.uk @TiggerBlaize

Peter Kosta Fox Fisher Proposed by James Hamilton Welsh, seconded by Mjka-Anne Scott Proposed by Rebecca Root, seconded by Annie Wallace No election statement submitted Please consider me for the Equality Committee. I have experience supporting trans people through my film project My Genderation (100+ films and hundreds of trans contributors, providing underrepresented voices with a platform). For the past seven years I have been an Advisor to All About Trans, advising the mainstream media on trans issues. As a proud co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton, trustee and committee member for five years, I learned about event planning and community building. I co-created the Trans Acting course at the Royal School of Speech and Drama with © © Gendered Intelligence to help actors like myself. In the next two years, I would like to see more support and representation of trans actors, including non binary, for trans roles and beyond. Nothing about us, without us! I would incorporate my James Nicholson experience on advocating for trans rights. We need more social events to connect trans Proposed by Adam Pettigrew, seconded by Sam Harrison actors and raise visibility. Our industry, as we know it, is not a place to feel unsettled, unwelcome or unsupported. But I can’t shake the feeling there is a disconnect between the industry and where LGBTQIA+ artists sit Stevie Skinner within it. There is frustration shared among peers but it’s not heard Self-proposed, seconded by Amy Forrest by the powers that can make change. I want to place part of the My first introduction to the LGBT+ committee was in 2015 at focus of the LGBT+ Committee on gender and sexuality education for Manchester Pride. I met with several members who stood proud as everyone involved in the workplace, including training on what Equity members and as representatives of the committee. Paving language is appropriate in a professional setting. Prejudice isn’t the way for other LGBT+ members like myself and inspiring me as an always the issue here, but sensitivity is important. Including more open gender-fluid actor. Thanks to an Equity member, I have

© TRISTAN GAGE © TRISTAN LGBTQIA+ issues in equality training and making this information a marched at Brighton Pride and I am now a registered gender-fluid standard in a basic Equity agreement would greatly benefit queer artists. I want to work actor with the Casting Society of America. I want to see better for an Industry where the challenges we face at work stem from the work we’re creating, representation of the Trans community in a broad range of mediums not the conditions we’re creating in. for performance. I want to see gender diversity within roles that are © DAVID JOHN © DAVID not gender-specific. I want to see roles on stage and screen that do There are three candidates for the three male-identifying seats on the LGBT+ Committee. not limit Trans performers to being cast simply for being Trans. I would be a positive The candidates are therefore elected unopposed and their names do not appear on the ballot influence on this committee as a young performer in the industry. I would fight to make paper. changes for the Trans community.

56 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER + COMMITTEE - trans+ section Tigger Blaize Proposed by Giovanni Bienne, seconded by Mjka-Anne Scott I’m an actor, Theatre, TV, Film, Voice. A proud Equity member since graduating from Rose Bruford College, I’ve been a dep, attended ARCs, been Vice-Chair, and have served my first term on the LGBT+ Committee. I’ve been really busy - organising our first presence on the march at Brighton Pride, writing Guidelines for Working with LGBT+ Creatives (our ARC 2018 motion), and helping coordinate the casting event at the National Theatre for actors who identify as transgender. Things are changing, there’s still lots of work to do. The subject of gender and queer identities are a hot topic. I’m keen to be an ©ROCCO REDONDO ©ROCCO ambassador for further exposure and understanding, fearlessly giving a voice to LGBT+ spectrum identities. I am mindful of exploitation of our stories, and depictions of our identities within the Arts. Bullying must not be tolerated. I identify as Trans*, Genderqueer, Other. He/him pronouns. Questions? tiggerblaize@ yahoo.co.uk @TiggerBlaize

Fox Fisher Proposed by Rebecca Root, seconded by Annie Wallace Please consider me for the Equality Committee. I have experience supporting trans people through my film project My Genderation (100+ films and hundreds of trans contributors, providing underrepresented voices with a platform). For the past seven years I have been an Advisor to All About Trans, advising the mainstream media on trans issues. As a proud co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton, trustee and committee member for five years, I learned about event planning and community building. I co-created the Trans Acting course at the Royal School of Speech and Drama with © Gendered Intelligence to help actors like myself. In the next two years, I would like to see more support and representation of trans actors, including non binary, for trans roles and beyond. Nothing about us, without us! I would incorporate my experience on advocating for trans rights. We need more social events to connect trans actors and raise visibility.

Stevie Skinner Self-proposed, seconded by Amy Forrest My first introduction to the LGBT+ committee was in 2015 at Manchester Pride. I met with several members who stood proud as Equity members and as representatives of the committee. Paving the way for other LGBT+ members like myself and inspiring me as an open gender-fluid actor. Thanks to an Equity member, I have marched at Brighton Pride and I am now a registered gender-fluid actor with the Casting Society of America. I want to see better representation of the Trans community in a broad range of mediums for performance. I want to see gender diversity within roles that are © DAVID JOHN © DAVID not gender-specific. I want to see roles on stage and screen that do not limit Trans performers to being cast simply for being Trans. I would be a positive influence on this committee as a young performer in the industry. I would fight to make changes for the Trans community.

57 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER + COMMITTEE - trans+ section Annie Wallace Jassa Ahluwalia Proposed by Hayley Cartwright, seconded by Fox Fisher Proposed by Rebecca Boey, seconded by Daniel York Hi. I wish to be considered for the LGBT+ Committee - Trans. Since Owing to my mixed British-Indian heritage I am passionate about transitioning in 1989, I did LGBT+ campaigning at a local level, championing minority ethnic representation within our industry. whilst holding down careers in computing, A-V and technical Not just in terms of faces, but also stories. Being white-presenting theatre. Between 1998 and 2001, I acted as a story advisor for the has also given me insight into the universality and complexity of character of Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, and also minority experience. Over the next two years I’m particularly keen to campaigned for Press for Change to advance trans rights. Since change attitudes towards mixed heritage performers. “Mixed-race” attending Manchester School of Theatre, I have continued my is often used with very little consideration to the diversity of mixed activism, and guested in an episode of ‘Shameless’. Since 2015, I experience, or is overlooked entirely in favour of binary “us and have been playing Sally St. Claire in ‘Hollyoaks’, a trans them” narratives. I have already started to challenge notions of © KERRY SPICER/HOLLYOAKS © KERRY © headmistress. I have appeared in over 200 episodes, and this is identity via social/traditional media (comedy skits, writing, ongoing. I am also currently a patron of Mermaids, Manchester Pride and Sparkle. As a interviews) using #BothNotHalf - the distillation of my thinking and struggles with my committee member, I would like to see more opportunities and visibility for trans people, sense of self. It appears to be resonating widely; I’d love to continue this work to effect as well as all LGBT+ creatives, and to encourage greater union membership. meaningful change within our industry. Inspired by my more experienced friends, this would be my first active engagement with Equity.

Ed Zephyr Miriam Babooram Proposed by Ash Palmisciano, seconded by Harrison Knights Self-Proposed, seconded by Deborah Wastell Less than two years ago, I approached Equity’s LGBT+ committee I grew up in a small town in the North-East of England. I thought my with ideas for projects to help improve casting and the experience/ family was unique. I didn’t realise there were other mixed race representation of LGBT+ (especially trans) actors in the industry. I people until I watched East is East when I was 19. It was a real was co-opted into the vacant trans seat on the committee, and epiphany for me. My Dad watched the film and was angry. “They helped initiate this work. In partnership with Spotlight and All About always show us as wife beaters.” he said. Trans we united industry movers & shakers with actors to discuss 20 years later and East is East is still the only film I’ve seen with issues and feed into a Casting Guide, which is currently in a mixed race protagonist. South Asians are no longer portrayed as production. This lead on to the National Theatre running a recent abusive but more often as terrorists. casting event for trans actors. I am glad to have made a positive and Our industry has this incredible power to make people feel like ©LARA GENOVESE ©LARA © E.DANA productive impact and would be grateful to be elected onto the they belong, that their story matters. Being an ethnic minority committee to continue supporting this important ongoing work. There is still much to be shouldn’t exclude us from the main narrative. The way ethnic minorities are viewed done. needs to change. The stories that are being told need to change. We all have stories that make us human. Let’s tell those.

Rebecca Boey Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Norma Dixit I am a current member of the Minority Ethnic Members Committee and recently spoke on behalf of Equity at the TUC Black Workers Conference about the harmful portrayals of Muslim women on TV - specifically in the BBC’s Bodyguard. It was heartening to see a whole conference room of BAME people from all industries passionately supporting us. They understood that what happens in the arts directly affects every aspect of life. Coming to the end of my first term on this committee, I am really keen to continue in the role and keep pressure up on industry gatekeepers who are still failing

58 MINORITY ETHNIC MEMBERS COMMITTEE Jassa Ahluwalia Proposed by Rebecca Boey, seconded by Daniel York Owing to my mixed British-Indian heritage I am passionate about championing minority ethnic representation within our industry. Not just in terms of faces, but also stories. Being white-presenting has also given me insight into the universality and complexity of minority experience. Over the next two years I’m particularly keen to change attitudes towards mixed heritage performers. “Mixed-race” is often used with very little consideration to the diversity of mixed experience, or is overlooked entirely in favour of binary “us and them” narratives. I have already started to challenge notions of © identity via social/traditional media (comedy skits, writing, interviews) using #BothNotHalf - the distillation of my thinking and struggles with my sense of self. It appears to be resonating widely; I’d love to continue this work to effect meaningful change within our industry. Inspired by my more experienced friends, this would be my first active engagement with Equity.

Miriam Babooram Self-Proposed, seconded by Deborah Wastell I grew up in a small town in the North-East of England. I thought my family was unique. I didn’t realise there were other mixed race people until I watched East is East when I was 19. It was a real epiphany for me. My Dad watched the film and was angry. “They always show us as wife beaters.” he said. 20 years later and East is East is still the only film I’ve seen with a mixed race protagonist. South Asians are no longer portrayed as abusive but more often as terrorists. Our industry has this incredible power to make people feel like ©LARA GENOVESE ©LARA they belong, that their story matters. Being an ethnic minority shouldn’t exclude us from the main narrative. The way ethnic minorities are viewed needs to change. The stories that are being told need to change. We all have stories that make us human. Let’s tell those.

59 MINORITY ETHNIC MEMBERS COMMITTEE Julie Cheung-Inhin Siu-See Hung Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Rebecca Boey Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Rebecca Boey It’s an exciting time in the arts: diversity dominates the conversation I would like to join the Equity Minority Ethnic committee so that I as never before. Companies and productions (mostly…) strive to can join the other committee members in relentlessly championing diversify, represent and provide a platform for the faces we rarely equality for minority ethnic members in our industry. We must be see and the voices we rarely hear, but with these strides forward, loud and must be heard. there are still too many stumbles. As a British East Asian actor, I have seen firsthand the progress made. However, this has also shone a spotlight on the problems that still persist. I am frustrated with seeing East Asians cast to play the foreigner. The BBC recently decided to capitalise on Asian faces by creating a show that © LOUISE BOASE © LOUISE ©JENNIE SCOTT perpetuated stereotypes and actively ignored Asian writers. This has got to stop. We must be seen, and we must be seen to tell our stories. The talent is there.

Adrian Derrick-Palmer Paul Courtenay Hyu Self-proposed, seconded by Violet Verigo Proposed by Somi De Souza, seconded by Paul Chan I would like to join the Minority Ethnic Committee as I believe I have Equity is improving for BAME actors. But Equity moves slowly and a number of new, creative and fresh ideas that hopefully address never leads the way. At a time when even Lloyds Bank is some of the issues BAME performers regularly face within the implementing diversity targets, why is Equity not supporting this Industry. idea for their members? Shouldn’t a union like Equity that exists to support fair work conditions and opportunities in the acting industry be supporting this idea? Why has Equity been so slow to support or campaign for policies that are commonplace in US? Why have so many BAME actors famously had to leave the UK for the US to find work? During my eight years on the MEM committee, I saw ©JOHN GODWIN © LUKE SCOTT © LUKE many good ideas for equality be dismissed out of hand, or “kicked into the long grass”. The work isn’t finished in this area and there still exists a white privilege.

Norma Dixit Irvine Iqbal Proposed by Ariane Barnes, seconded by Rebecca Boey Self-proposed, seconded by Karl Seth I’m a current member of the MEM Committee and was a member of I wish to be considered as a member of the Minority Ethnic Members its predecessor, the Afro-Asian Committee. I have represented the Committee. I have worked professionally for 20 years in the committee at the TUC Black Workers Conference and at the ARC. We industry. have made some progress towards equality but we still have a long I have always been a strong advocate for diversity in the arts. way to go. Current monitoring suggests that we are going backwards Between 2006 and 2010, I worked for a company called Stratagem rather than forwards . The MEM Committee are looking at many Consulting; which involved roleplaying new diversity initiatives ways to combat this and I would like to continue to be a part of it. I with Magic Circle Law firms such as Herbert Smith LLP and Clifford would therefore ask for your vote and would urge you to vote for all Chance. In 2007, I completed a Masters in Business which gave me other BAME candidates as well. Together we are stronger. Many great insight into Leadership and Human Resources.

thanks in advance. © ETIENNE GILFILLAN The primary function of any supportive committee is to listen to its members. Without listening, a collective group cannot objectively process information or concerns. One clear objective for the Minority Ethnic Members Committee is to ensure members are aware of who they are and know there is a support network whether this involves communication by email, social media or direct telephone. Presence is paramount.

60 MINORITY ETHNIC MEMBERS COMMITTEE Siu-See Hung Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Rebecca Boey I would like to join the Equity Minority Ethnic committee so that I can join the other committee members in relentlessly championing equality for minority ethnic members in our industry. We must be loud and must be heard. © LOUISE BOASE © LOUISE

Paul Courtenay Hyu Proposed by Somi De Souza, seconded by Paul Chan Equity is improving for BAME actors. But Equity moves slowly and never leads the way. At a time when even Lloyds Bank is implementing diversity targets, why is Equity not supporting this idea for their members? Shouldn’t a union like Equity that exists to support fair work conditions and opportunities in the acting industry be supporting this idea? Why has Equity been so slow to support or campaign for policies that are commonplace in US? Why have so many BAME actors famously had to leave the UK for the US to find work? During my eight years on the MEM committee, I saw ©JOHN GODWIN many good ideas for equality be dismissed out of hand, or “kicked into the long grass”. The work isn’t finished in this area and there still exists a white privilege.

Irvine Iqbal Self-proposed, seconded by Karl Seth I wish to be considered as a member of the Minority Ethnic Members Committee. I have worked professionally for 20 years in the industry. I have always been a strong advocate for diversity in the arts. Between 2006 and 2010, I worked for a company called Stratagem Consulting; which involved roleplaying new diversity initiatives with Magic Circle Law firms such as Herbert Smith LLP and Clifford Chance. In 2007, I completed a Masters in Business which gave me great insight into Leadership and Human Resources.

© ETIENNE GILFILLAN The primary function of any supportive committee is to listen to its members. Without listening, a collective group cannot objectively process information or concerns. One clear objective for the Minority Ethnic Members Committee is to ensure members are aware of who they are and know there is a support network whether this involves communication by email, social media or direct telephone. Presence is paramount.

61 MINORITY ETHNIC MEMBERS COMMITTEE Matt Lim Debra Tidd Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Rebecca Boey Self-proposed, seconded by Kate Eccles I am passionate about diversity, eloquent, and ready to fight. In the Now in my 27th year since becoming a Stage Management Graduate struggle for diversity of representation, we are all on the same side. at GSA (Guildford School of Acting) my future bright and full of I believe strongly in equality of output and of opportunity for possibility, excited about what the theatre world had to offer, artists. This includes holding employers accountable in the hiring something I longed to be a part of as that little girl watching process, both of cast and creatives. It also means calling out Hollywood movies with my father every weekend. unconscious bias and harmful stereotypes. I for one am sick of being My training was possible, only because I was fortunate to be asked in auditions to propagate racists tropes or affect offensive awarded a grant by the (GLA), opportunities like this rarely exist “accents”. Representation starts with truth and visibility. When I nowadays. I want to see a diverse Theatre environment both on and moved to London as an actor, I was sceptical of how Equity could off-stage, particularly amongst the technical departments, to be

© THOMAS SCHLORDT represent me, when I couldn’t see myself reflected in the media or © more inclusive of BAME and I want to ensure the career longevity of the industry. I was thrilled to discover this wonderful collective of like-minded creatives those workers. This is something I’m hugely passionate about, using my experience to and to gain acceptance. Now I am excited about the chance to represent you on this empower others. increasingly important committee at this urgent time. Equity is more prevalent today as it recognises the broader issues that affect its members in today’s working environment, we all should be a part of that.

Windson Liong Leo Wan Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Nicholas Goh Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Rebecca Boey As an actor growing up in Asia and living in UK, I understand how it I’m an actor of mixed heritage and currently serve as the Equity Dep feels to be part of both the majority and minority population within for the Royal Shakespeare Company 2019/20 season. I’ve been the industry. Sometimes, opportunities of equality are not available working within the industry for the past eight years. During that to the Minority because there is a lack of awareness and time, I’ve been committed to working with inclusive companies and understanding by the Majority. As someone who constantly yo-yos telling diverse stories. The issue of diversity in the arts has become between being a Majority and Minority, I am passionate about more high profile in recent years. However, our industry remains an bridging that gap between the two communities. I strongly believe institutionally racist one where the concept of “risk” is used to that the campaign for equality can be achieved through education prevent or avoid cultural diversity programming. It is imperative and the building of empathy. If I were to be elected, I hope to bring that we #KeepTheConversationGoing until inclusivity and equality

© SINDRI SWAN to the table, empathy and perspectives from both sides of the © are embedded throughout the industry. I believe the MEMC must spectrum, fighting for equality and at the same time, creating awareness and pressure Equity to not only promote visibility but also to challenge stereotyping and opportunities for the Minority to be seen and heard. ‘othering’. If elected I hope to champion the work of campaigns such as Act for Change, the Diversity School Initiative and the Black Ticket Project.

Nana St Bartholemew-Brown Daniel York Proposed by Ariane Barnes, seconded by Volenté Lloyd Proposed by Katie Leung, seconded by Rebecca Boey A passionate MEMC campaigner for Play Fair especially since recent As an actor I have worked at the RSC, Royal Court, NT and Donmar. I broadcasting statistics have shown that there’s still a huge and have served on the Ethnic Minority Committee for 10 years including visible gap of ethnic minorities, especially black performers, on as Chair/Vice Chair variously. In that time, I have organised and British screen and television productions. Casting discrimination is taken part in social media campaigns that have challenged the still visibly prevalent but others such as cultural appropriations is theatre industry and led to leading theatres deploying greater beginning to be the norm. Black performers are still being numbers of British East Asian actors and creatives than ever before, marginalised and have started to resort to “doing their own thing”. as well as physically protesring yellowface casting at the Print Even matters of hair and makeup problems still persist. Nominated Room, taken motions to the TUC Black Workers Conference and as Equity’s representative to the TUC’s Race Relations Committee, I engaged in dialogue with leading theatre/TV policy makers to

© ALLAN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY will draw attention to the problems by every black performer in the © initiate greater equality/inclusion so that minority ethnic members entertainment industry. The time has come for casting directors, production will be viewed/considered/employed on their talent alone, not as tokenistic racial management teams especially those in receipt of public funding to take a good look at signifiers and not perpetuating disempowering and negative stereotypes. Much has been their race equality practices or else, individualised conflict between MEM black achieved but there is still much more to be done. Please vote for me to continue the performers and casting directors, productions might become exclusively legal issues. work.

62 MINORITY ETHNIC MEMBERS COMMITTEE Debra Tidd Self-proposed, seconded by Kate Eccles Now in my 27th year since becoming a Stage Management Graduate at GSA (Guildford School of Acting) my future bright and full of possibility, excited about what the theatre world had to offer, something I longed to be a part of as that little girl watching Hollywood movies with my father every weekend. My training was possible, only because I was fortunate to be awarded a grant by the (GLA), opportunities like this rarely exist nowadays. I want to see a diverse Theatre environment both on and off-stage, particularly amongst the technical departments, to be

© more inclusive of BAME and I want to ensure the career longevity of those workers. This is something I’m hugely passionate about, using my experience to empower others. Equity is more prevalent today as it recognises the broader issues that affect its members in today’s working environment, we all should be a part of that.

Leo Wan Proposed by Daniel York, seconded by Rebecca Boey I’m an actor of mixed heritage and currently serve as the Equity Dep for the Royal Shakespeare Company 2019/20 season. I’ve been working within the industry for the past eight years. During that time, I’ve been committed to working with inclusive companies and telling diverse stories. The issue of diversity in the arts has become more high profile in recent years. However, our industry remains an institutionally racist one where the concept of “risk” is used to prevent or avoid cultural diversity programming. It is imperative that we #KeepTheConversationGoing until inclusivity and equality

© are embedded throughout the industry. I believe the MEMC must pressure Equity to not only promote visibility but also to challenge stereotyping and ‘othering’. If elected I hope to champion the work of campaigns such as Act for Change, the Diversity School Initiative and the Black Ticket Project.

Daniel York Proposed by Katie Leung, seconded by Rebecca Boey As an actor I have worked at the RSC, Royal Court, NT and Donmar. I have served on the Ethnic Minority Committee for 10 years including as Chair/Vice Chair variously. In that time, I have organised and taken part in social media campaigns that have challenged the theatre industry and led to leading theatres deploying greater numbers of British East Asian actors and creatives than ever before, as well as physically protesring yellowface casting at the Print Room, taken motions to the TUC Black Workers Conference and engaged in dialogue with leading theatre/TV policy makers to

© initiate greater equality/inclusion so that minority ethnic members will be viewed/considered/employed on their talent alone, not as tokenistic racial signifiers and not perpetuating disempowering and negative stereotypes. Much has been achieved but there is still much more to be done. Please vote for me to continue the work.

63 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Jessica Bastick-Vines Rose Collis Proposed by Adam Pettigrew, seconded by Nicola Hawkins Proposed by Kailing Fu, seconded by Colleen Prendergast Jess is currently vice-chair of the Young Members Committee which she Having served an instructive two years as the only ‘L’ member of the has been on for 4 years. Jess has represented the YMC at Trade LGBT+ Committee, I now want to devote my energies and skills to the Congress several times and at the European Houses of Parliament. Jess many issues around women’s equality championed by the Women’s instigated, and ran major project this year in collaboration with the Committee and the union. These include PiPA, ERA50:50 and ageism Mono Box, “Creative Acts”; a series of workshops and talks provoking experienced by women throughout the creative industries, as well as active dialogues with high-profile industry professionals around intersecting issues, including social mobility and discrimination representation, self-empowerment and activism through the arts. The against women writers. Committee experience has included drafting conversations opened are definitely unfinished and she would like to motions; writing/delivering speeches for TUC/ARC conferences; continue on this work. Jess has become acutely aware of the nuanced creating and delivering the successful Player Kings and Queens event

© BRANDON BISHOP © BRANDON challenges within the industry and would now like to explore these © for LGBT History Month; providing material for the WC display about from the female perspective, representing women without losing sight of the bigger picture, women founders at ARC 2018; liaising with the WC about the ‘WASPI’ campaign and using the experience she has gained through her time on the Young Members Committee. She participating in the WC ‘Equaliteas’ play-reading. As an actor, writer and producer, I have a takes pride in listening, communicating, collaborating, thinking outside the box and moving comprehensive overview and experience of inequality faced by women in creative industries towards positive change. and therefore able to make positive contributions to the Women’s Committee work.

Kelly Burke Victoria Emslie Proposed by Rosamund Shelley, seconded by Peta Lily Self-proposed, seconded by Shenagh Govan I’ve had the excitement and privilege of being Chair of the Women’s As an active member of Time’s Up UK and core ERA 5050 committee Committee this term, before which I served as Vice Chair; I also member, I am fortunate to work alongside brilliant women whose currently sit on Council. This term, I organised a graduate symposium support and dedication to making our industry a safer and more for the Federation of Drama Schools and was part of the working party inclusive space has been an inspiration. Wheels have been set in which drafted Equity’s Agenda for Change. I’ve also been privileged to motion to work towards a better industry and I believe this is the time lead on work around emergency childcare, aesthetic labour, and our to unite and raise each other up together. I am currently the workshop new campaign #Equity4Women, which aims to build better regional coordinator for North and East London Branch and would love to sit on links and give our female members easy access to important resources the Women’s Committee to champion and support our womxn such as sexual harassment support, nudity guidelines, and childcare members. There is a lot of work to be done, but there is also a lot of

© KIM HARDY and mental health resources. My twin passions are making members LANE ©CAT good will at the moment. It is a matter of joining the dots and working aware of our rights, and achieving meaningful, equal and inclusive representation on stage/ alongside our sister organisations and male allies to create better work spaces and screen and off. I am continually learning how to approach the work with more efficiency and conditions for everyone. Equality and Equity go hand in hand. creativity, and would love to build on this by serving for another term.

Sedhar Chozam Sian Eleanor Green Proposed by Allan Webb, seconded by Paul Mead Proposed by Cassandra Hercules, seconded by Alice De-Warrenne I have been a member of Equity since 1986 and although I have not worked as extensively It’s an interesting time to be a woman in the entertainment industry. as before I had my family. Those relevant experiences that would enhance my ability #MeToo, the ERA 50:50 campaign, Emilia on the west end – fantastic, to contribute and inform my work on the Committee are a genuine appreciation of the encouraging, ground-breaking things are happening all over the place. experience of women in diverse range of cultures and some understanding of their status But there’s still a long way to go. We still see the casting calls that within such disparity. This was achieved through motherhood (three children) extensive reduce women to impossible, shallow contradictions (“Relatable and foreign travel and an open house to folk from U.K and abroad. This is in part achieved attractive. Not a model, but a curvy size 0. Unicorn horn essential.”) through supporting my husband in his work as a renowned international academic. I Women across the board still battle to earn the same levels of respect, have previously served on two Committees, Ruskin Mill Trust and Dr Graham’s Homes opportunity and pay as their male counterparts. And intersectionality UK Committee. I am currently founder and a trustee of Bridge the Gap Charitable Trust. I all too rarely takes its rightful place at the core of these discussions. I passionately believe in strengthening the voice and status of older women within the acting YIU © DAVID care deeply about all of these issues and would embrace the chance to profession. contribute to their eventual eradication. As part of the Women’s Committee, I would do everything possible to listen, to speak out, and to enact change.

64 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Rose Collis Proposed by Kailing Fu, seconded by Colleen Prendergast Having served an instructive two years as the only ‘L’ member of the LGBT+ Committee, I now want to devote my energies and skills to the many issues around women’s equality championed by the Women’s Committee and the union. These include PiPA, ERA50:50 and ageism experienced by women throughout the creative industries, as well as intersecting issues, including social mobility and discrimination against women writers. Committee experience has included drafting motions; writing/delivering speeches for TUC/ARC conferences; creating and delivering the successful Player Kings and Queens event

© for LGBT History Month; providing material for the WC display about women founders at ARC 2018; liaising with the WC about the ‘WASPI’ campaign and participating in the WC ‘Equaliteas’ play-reading. As an actor, writer and producer, I have a comprehensive overview and experience of inequality faced by women in creative industries and therefore able to make positive contributions to the Women’s Committee work.

Victoria Emslie Self-proposed, seconded by Shenagh Govan As an active member of Time’s Up UK and core ERA 5050 committee member, I am fortunate to work alongside brilliant women whose support and dedication to making our industry a safer and more inclusive space has been an inspiration. Wheels have been set in motion to work towards a better industry and I believe this is the time to unite and raise each other up together. I am currently the workshop coordinator for North and East London Branch and would love to sit on the Women’s Committee to champion and support our womxn members. There is a lot of work to be done, but there is also a lot of

©CAT LANE ©CAT good will at the moment. It is a matter of joining the dots and working alongside our sister organisations and male allies to create better work spaces and conditions for everyone. Equality and Equity go hand in hand.

Sian Eleanor Green Proposed by Cassandra Hercules, seconded by Alice De-Warrenne It’s an interesting time to be a woman in the entertainment industry. #MeToo, the ERA 50:50 campaign, Emilia on the west end – fantastic, encouraging, ground-breaking things are happening all over the place. But there’s still a long way to go. We still see the casting calls that reduce women to impossible, shallow contradictions (“Relatable and attractive. Not a model, but a curvy size 0. Unicorn horn essential.”) Women across the board still battle to earn the same levels of respect, opportunity and pay as their male counterparts. And intersectionality all too rarely takes its rightful place at the core of these discussions. I

© DAVID YIU © DAVID care deeply about all of these issues and would embrace the chance to contribute to their eventual eradication. As part of the Women’s Committee, I would do everything possible to listen, to speak out, and to enact change.

65 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Jennifer Greenwood Rebecca Humphries Proposed by Emily Berrington, seconded by Jean Rogers Proposed by Sinéad Matthews, seconded by Justine Mitchell It has been my privilege to serve as Vice Chair on the Women’s I am an actor, writer and director who has worked primarily in theatre Committee and manage our social media during my first term. In and television, both in large scale BBC/NT style projects and those of response to the outrageous sexual harassment scandal in our industry, my own making. I’d consider it an honour be a mouthpiece for other we have made ground-breaking progress in our battle to aid women’s artistic, brazen women that nourish our industry yet are still struggling rights, helping shape Equity’s Agenda for Change. I personally brought to be heard. My passion lies in implementing actual change. Speaking the concept of intimacy direction to the committee’s attention, directly with those in power - knocking on their doors if I have to - to enabling Equity to work towards helping actors feel safe during scenes ensure that the XX-chromosomed half of the industry are represented of an intimate nature on stage and screen. I am a new mother (my baby fairly, and not only where we can see them. For me, era 50/50 means has been attending committee meetings!) and have been involved in half of the stories being told, being presented to the world coming from

©SAM IRONS the committee’s partnering with Parents in the Performing Arts and My © a female experience and perspective. The fact that they’re not is Family Care to help our members with caring responsibilities gain access to emergency care baffling. But the idea gives me a lot of hope. for auditions and performances. I would love the chance to continue this wonderful work and prove that mothers can be working actors too.

Maureen Hibbert Abigail Matthews Proposed by Tom Burke, seconded by Lucy Briers Proposed by Jennifer Greenwood, seconded by Sarah Agha Equity member:1987, Patron: Oily Cart: 1990-date, Equity Women’s It’s been a privilege serving on the Committee and I want to continue Committee 2015-2017, ARC 2017, Equity Council 2018-date. doing all I can to support the campaigns and initiatives launched by I am dedicated to raising profile on issues affecting women this wonderful group. I’ve attended several events on behalf of the personally and professionally to be wholly endorsed by Equity; Committee including: a visit to Parliament for the Performers Alliance specifically: All Party Parliamentary Group discussion around mental health in the 1. Pay parity for women, and arts, the ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ rally in Hyde Park, the Women’s March 2. Establishing a forum for female artistes to be enabled to remove through Central London and the ‘Women Centre Stage’ Symposium at all forms of discrimination; without fear of repercussion or negative Hampstead Theatre. I’ve participated in the ‘Equalitea’ event at Guild impact on their professional reputation. House marking the centenary of some women gaining the vote. At the

© DAVID YIU © DAVID It is gratifying therefore to be in a West End production during a time BISHOP © BRANDON beginning of this year I began running the committee’s social media, of key negotiations for improving working and pay conditions in this sector. which I really enjoy. I want to continue working with the Committee to develop the Due diligence is crucial for improving the rights of all members throughout the industry, ‘Equity4Women’ toolkit, providing all female identifying members with information, support and the importance of the work of the committees is one I fully endorse; in support of my and resources regarding the specific issues women face in the industry. intention to stand for election. #KeepingItReal #BeTheChangeYouWantToSee

Rosie Hilal Susan McGoun Proposed by Jean Rogers, seconded by Jennifer Greenwood Proposed by Nuala Walsh, seconded by Ruth Peel After representing Equity on national news post the Weinstein scandal, I have Last year I helped organise an ‘Equalitea’ for Equity members to found an industry, and a Union, finally willing to listen. celebrate the achievements of the suffragettes and the Actresses I connected Equity with EqualRepresentationforActresses and have put through Franchise League who used their professional skills to promote votes motions on body image and childcare at women’s trade union conference. for women. What a legacy! We worked with leading campaign group PIPA (Parents In Performing Arts) to How can we make things better for the women who come after us? integrate job shares into Equity contracts and fund a trial into a national childcare We would all love whole-life careers but caring for children and network. family, the decreasing number of parts as we age, inequality of pay and We plan to create a women’s resources section on the Equity website including the depressing sexism that still exists, means it is a hazardous journey. information on forbidden questions at auditions, maternity rights, and childcare But together we can make staging posts along the way.

© MICHAEL WHARLEY resources. JAMIE © MATT I would continue to campaign with ERA 50/50 and PIPA, lobby arts I next want Equity to work on the health&safety of women in auditions and intimate scenes, for example organisations and commissioning editors. through working with Intimacy Directors UK. Let’s find the new plays about and by women of all ages and backgrounds and enliven the Equal pay and ageism continue to be two of the biggest hurdles to intersectional gender equality, and I stages and screens with our stories and ideas. As the plays staged by the AFL helped shape want to work with drama schools to eradicate sexual harassment there, too. our lives lets shape the future.

66 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Rebecca Humphries Proposed by Sinéad Matthews, seconded by Justine Mitchell I am an actor, writer and director who has worked primarily in theatre and television, both in large scale BBC/NT style projects and those of my own making. I’d consider it an honour be a mouthpiece for other artistic, brazen women that nourish our industry yet are still struggling to be heard. My passion lies in implementing actual change. Speaking directly with those in power - knocking on their doors if I have to - to ensure that the XX-chromosomed half of the industry are represented fairly, and not only where we can see them. For me, era 50/50 means half of the stories being told, being presented to the world coming from

Abigail Matthews Proposed by Jennifer Greenwood, seconded by Sarah Agha It’s been a privilege serving on the Committee and I want to continue doing all I can to support the campaigns and initiatives launched by this wonderful group. I’ve attended several events on behalf of the Committee including: a visit to Parliament for the Performers Alliance All Party Parliamentary Group discussion around mental health in the arts, the ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ rally in Hyde Park, the Women’s March through Central London and the ‘Women Centre Stage’ Symposium at Hampstead Theatre. I’ve participated in the ‘Equalitea’ event at Guild House marking the centenary of some women gaining the vote. At the

© BRANDON BISHOP © BRANDON beginning of this year I began running the committee’s social media, which I really enjoy. I want to continue working with the Committee to develop the ‘Equity4Women’ toolkit, providing all female identifying members with information, support and resources regarding the specific issues women face in the industry.

Susan McGoun Proposed by Nuala Walsh, seconded by Ruth Peel Last year I helped organise an ‘Equalitea’ for Equity members to celebrate the achievements of the suffragettes and the Actresses Franchise League who used their professional skills to promote votes for women. What a legacy! How can we make things better for the women who come after us? We would all love whole-life careers but caring for children and family, the decreasing number of parts as we age, inequality of pay and the depressing sexism that still exists, means it is a hazardous journey. But together we can make staging posts along the way.

© MATT JAMIE © MATT I would continue to campaign with ERA 50/50 and PIPA, lobby arts organisations and commissioning editors. Let’s find the new plays about and by women of all ages and backgrounds and enliven the stages and screens with our stories and ideas. As the plays staged by the AFL helped shape our lives lets shape the future.

67 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Louise McNulty Frances Rifkin Self-proposed, seconded by Jacqueline Pilton Proposed by Di Christian, seconded by Jean Rogers After attending the Equity class network session in Liverpool, I am I am a long-standing Equity member and activist, a director and workshop leader. I helped to inspired and moved to get more actively involved rather than an organise and recruit the developing Independent Field and to formulate industrial contracts occasional participant. As an actor I proudly wear my Era 50:50 badge and guidelines. The issues affecting women as performers and also directors, especially for and can’t believe these campaigns for equality are still necessary. BAME members, are shocking and with my colleagues on the committee I have been working I also manage a community arts venue. Through that role I organise to identify and progressively resolve them. I am also concerned with the ethics and practices a ‘Women Shall Overcome’ annual celebration event and am a member of directing: equalities, creativity and employment, with special reference to bullying and of the Fortuna Female Society based at the venue. harassment. I work in the Independent Theatre Sector in performance and social and I feel passionately that the committee can develop: community-based work with both professionals and community groups. I am a joint-author The mentoring of women by women, especially working-class of “Performance for All – Equity’s manifesto for a balanced and sustainable arts and culture © JOANNA HIGSON © JOANNA women. industry” and, as chair of the TUC Culture Committee, also of “Show Culture Some Love”, the Financial and emotional support through pregnancy and when returning to the industry. parallel TUC document. I am on Equity’s Complaints Working Party. Equal representation for actresses, directors and all crew. I am a mother, an actor, a manager and an active community member and I feel I must now support more people in my profession and share the experiences of 24 years as a working- class female actor.

Christina Nelson Jean Rogers Proposed by Louis Rolston, seconded by Maureen Beattie Proposed by Miriam Margolyes, seconded by Ayvianna Snow Northern Ireland stands apart in lots of ways from the rest of the UK ERA/PIPA supporter. and the Republic. Too many women’s talents are wasted through parenting There’s no government at the moment. commitments followed by ageism. As a mother, trying to balance a No arts policy. successful career in Theatre, Radio and Television, but struggling High levels of deprivation. after fifty to maintain it, I have fought as VP since 2004 for equality of Our mental health is poor and suicide levels the highest in Europe opportunity, and against bullying and harassment. Gender equality laws are weaker than in the rest of the UK. We have the Now, through the committee, I’ve been able to bring important harshest laws governing abortion on both these islands and the LGBT + initiatives - to the BFI - NEROPA - a formula for better and fairer gender community faces more discrimination, including same sex marriage . balanced casting in Film and TV; to Council - WASPI - a campaign for © SIMON FALLAHA I have many years’ experience as a performer and creative . I am ©CLAIRE GROGAN 1950’s born women, scandalously denied pension rights. an active union member in Northern Ireland. Like countless women, I am a parent and At last, the on-going work of my committee sisters has been properly recognised, sadly understand the challenges of caring for dependents, bringing up a family and trying to work. brought into startling focus by the Weinstein revelations and I’m proud, as 2017 winner of There has never been a representative from Northern Ireland on the women’s committee. I the TUC Women’s Gold Badge, to represent Equity and TUC’s progress on the worrying use of hope to contribute and make a connection between us and all our important work. non-disclosure agreements at the March Women’s Conference.

Abiola Ogunbiyi Lisa Rose Proposed by Alix Wilton Regan, seconded by Claire Cox Proposed by Francine Brody, seconded by Victoria Taylor Roberts Women, amongst all artists, must be able to enter a professional I have been a member of equity since 1984 and have seen the union grow environment with unshakable belief that equality, safety and respect and develop, helping members in various cases. have, and will serve as unbending prerequisites. This belief serves as I’ve come across bullying and bias in many areas of the different work the root of my campaign. I have been proud to work in the Equity I’ve done, affecting men and women and think it’s important to expose Council, as a Deputy, and on the Sexual Harassment Working Party; the bad practice. I also feel it’s important for mothers to still be able to work chance to continue this work with knowledge gathered both as a as professional actresses. As a single parent in the industry I’m aware of working artist and through previous activism, specifically in the the need to highlight the particular challenges that it entails. context of this identity, would not be taken for granted. I aim to discuss I spoke out about my experiences of working for Weinstein and how and implement means through which this identity can be leveraged exploitation affects so many. I’ve also felt the double edged sword of © CSABA AKANY © CSABA with vigour and pride, making empowerment and support - given and © CARL PROCTOR those who speak up. received - a stance of permanence, collective ownership, and mutual trust in its power to be Women have striven to find a more equal place and we need to fight to keep it that way. I want seen, heard, and distinctly valued. I believe it is possible and I would like to do my part to to make visible any bullying or unfair bias and give all women an equal voice. make it so.

68 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Frances Rifkin Proposed by Di Christian, seconded by Jean Rogers I am a long-standing Equity member and activist, a director and workshop leader. I helped to organise and recruit the developing Independent Field and to formulate industrial contracts and guidelines. The issues affecting women as performers and also directors, especially for BAME members, are shocking and with my colleagues on the committee I have been working to identify and progressively resolve them. I am also concerned with the ethics and practices of directing: equalities, creativity and employment, with special reference to bullying and harassment. I work in the Independent Theatre Sector in performance and social and community-based work with both professionals and community groups. I am a joint-author of “Performance for All – Equity’s manifesto for a balanced and sustainable arts and culture industry” and, as chair of the TUC Culture Committee, also of “Show Culture Some Love”, the parallel TUC document. I am on Equity’s Complaints Working Party.

Jean Rogers Proposed by Miriam Margolyes, seconded by Ayvianna Snow ERA/PIPA supporter. Too many women’s talents are wasted through parenting commitments followed by ageism. As a mother, trying to balance a successful career in Theatre, Radio and Television, but struggling after fifty to maintain it, I have fought as VP since 2004 for equality of opportunity, and against bullying and harassment. Now, through the committee, I’ve been able to bring important initiatives - to the BFI - NEROPA - a formula for better and fairer gender balanced casting in Film and TV; to Council - WASPI - a campaign for

©CLAIRE GROGAN 1950’s born women, scandalously denied pension rights. At last, the on-going work of my committee sisters has been properly recognised, sadly brought into startling focus by the Weinstein revelations and I’m proud, as 2017 winner of the TUC Women’s Gold Badge, to represent Equity and TUC’s progress on the worrying use of non-disclosure agreements at the March Women’s Conference.

Lisa Rose Proposed by Francine Brody, seconded by Victoria Taylor Roberts I have been a member of equity since 1984 and have seen the union grow and develop, helping members in various cases. I’ve come across bullying and bias in many areas of the different work I’ve done, affecting men and women and think it’s important to expose bad practice. I also feel it’s important for mothers to still be able to work as professional actresses. As a single parent in the industry I’m aware of the need to highlight the particular challenges that it entails. I spoke out about my experiences of working for Weinstein and how exploitation affects so many. I’ve also felt the double edged sword of

© CARL PROCTOR those who speak up. Women have striven to find a more equal place and we need to fight to keep it that way. I want to make visible any bullying or unfair bias and give all women an equal voice.

69 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE Elaine Stirrat Ruby Ablett Proposed by Maureen Beattie, seconded by Dawn Sievewright Self-proposed, seconded by Erika Poole “Each time a woman stands up for herself…she stands up for all women” I I graduated a few years ago, and have since experienced some very have recently become the Chair of the Glasgow Branch. Just over a year different parts of the industry, such as regional theatre, London ago I co-founded Persistent and Nasty, an initiative for women and theatre and commercials. Like other young members, I am still gender minorities within our industry. I believe we are on the threshold of finding my feet, and still learning how to manage the challenges of change for women. I feel I would be a valuable addition to The Women’s our industry. Entering this industry, whatever your background, is Committee. I would bring determination and drive for change with a extremely difficult, and I think young actors are especially strong, fair and optimistic voice. My hope is to build on the already great vulnerable to all sorts of issues. In particular, I want to work with work of the committee. For too long the scales have been tipped in favour Equity on the issues of Low-Or-No Pay jobs, the lack of mental of the few. I wish to be part of redressing the balance. I will support our health support in and after drama school, bullying and harassment, ©MICHAEL WHARLEY © SIDEY CLARK female and female identifying members with all the vigour I have. I am and the lack of Yes or No responses from auditions. I want young motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about our union. I want equality for all our members. actors to feel that what we have to say matters, and that, through Equity, we have a voice in the industry. I am excited to engage with Equity and help improve this wonderful industry for us all.

Mia Tizzano Michelle Ashton Proposed by Mary Lane, seconded by Claire Platt Proposed by William Teller, seconded by Elise Harris I am commonly known as Mimi. I am passionate about the fantastic work I joined Equity as a student member during my first term at drama that Equity does. What I love about the Women’s Committee is that they school. It was important to me to be part of a union that I knew cover so many areas of the industry needing to be addressed. would be there for me in times of need. I have been working Having heard some horror stories of sexual harassment, I am consistently as an actor since graduating in 2010 and I am currently determined to do something about it. I have a proposition that could the treasurer for the North-West London General Branch of Equity. benefit anyone who finds themselves in compromising situations. Like many of our young members, I began my career working in I am equally passionate about raising awareness of the distressing Theatre in Education. As a young mother from a working-class impact of bullying. My personal experience recalls how painful, confusing background, I feel very strongly that all children should have access and isolating it feels to be ostracised, not knowing where to go for help. to theatre and that the performers providing that experience should ©MESSY DRESS MEDIA DRESS ©MESSY ©PAUL BARRASS ©PAUL Many feel powerless to tackle it, I want to encourage members to speak be treated like the highly trained professionals that they are. If I am out, whatever the circumstances and don’t sit in silence. elected to the Young Members’ Committee, I will campaign to improve pay and conditions My passion has been described, by others, as inspirational and that is why I believe I would when working in TIE. You can find out more about me on my website: www.michelleashton. make a significant addition to the wonderful team of women. co.uk. Thank you.

Helen Vine Dian Cathal Self-proposed, seconded by Maureen Beattie Proposed by Joan Iyiola, seconded by Jessica Bastick-Vines Since 2017 I have campaigned against harassment and bullying in our Society is changing, fast. Faster than any time in history. The new industry; I have been published, appeared on National TV and Radio and generation of performers are political, diverse and ready to set the assisted Maureen Beattie with her investigations into creating ‘Safe world on fire. A lack of faith in the establishment has led to the Spaces’ and ‘Agenda for Change’ and spoke at 2019’s anniversary event. creation of amazing experimental new work but now it’s time for Over the next two years it is essential we grow this committee’s them to be welcomed to the table. With Brexit looming (maybe), we presence, ensuring our collective voices are heard as one. 2019’s IWD need now more than ever to solidify our rights and policies for the slogan, ‘Balance for Better’ will be built on, continuing to improve 21st century. Millennials and Gen X are shaping the way forward and women’s place within our industry, empowering us, achieving parity they need a strong union behind them. Working at the MonoBox has in all areas and eliminating sexual discrimination. Barriers mothers shown me that young creatives are hungry for the opportunity to ©PAUL STUART ©PAUL face as working artists must be removed, and mental health in the arts make a lasting impact. I’m a queer creative and I want to be part of addressed. the team that listen to the things young members need and work to show the old guard I will bring courage, clarity and compassion to the committee and am committed to speaking the future they see. up and speaking out to improve things for us all. The only chance we have of affecting change is through united, concerted effort via the union.

70 YOUNG MEMBERS COMMITTEE Ruby Ablett Self-proposed, seconded by Erika Poole I graduated a few years ago, and have since experienced some very different parts of the industry, such as regional theatre, London theatre and commercials. Like other young members, I am still finding my feet, and still learning how to manage the challenges of our industry. Entering this industry, whatever your background, is extremely difficult, and I think young actors are especially vulnerable to all sorts of issues. In particular, I want to work with Equity on the issues of Low-Or-No Pay jobs, the lack of mental health support in and after drama school, bullying and harassment, ©MICHAEL WHARLEY and the lack of Yes or No responses from auditions. I want young actors to feel that what we have to say matters, and that, through Equity, we have a voice in the industry. I am excited to engage with Equity and help improve this wonderful industry for us all.

Michelle Ashton Proposed by William Teller, seconded by Elise Harris I joined Equity as a student member during my first term at drama school. It was important to me to be part of a union that I knew would be there for me in times of need. I have been working consistently as an actor since graduating in 2010 and I am currently the treasurer for the North-West London General Branch of Equity. Like many of our young members, I began my career working in Theatre in Education. As a young mother from a working-class background, I feel very strongly that all children should have access to theatre and that the performers providing that experience should ©MESSY DRESS MEDIA DRESS ©MESSY be treated like the highly trained professionals that they are. If I am elected to the Young Members’ Committee, I will campaign to improve pay and conditions when working in TIE. You can find out more about me on my website: www.michelleashton. co.uk. Thank you.

Dian Cathal Proposed by Joan Iyiola, seconded by Jessica Bastick-Vines Society is changing, fast. Faster than any time in history. The new generation of performers are political, diverse and ready to set the world on fire. A lack of faith in the establishment has led to the creation of amazing experimental new work but now it’s time for them to be welcomed to the table. With Brexit looming (maybe), we need now more than ever to solidify our rights and policies for the 21st century. Millennials and Gen X are shaping the way forward and they need a strong union behind them. Working at the MonoBox has shown me that young creatives are hungry for the opportunity to

make a lasting impact. I’m a queer creative and I want to be part of the team that listen to the things young members need and work to show the old guard the future they see.

71 YOUNG MEMBERS COMMITTEE Sam Coleman Sanjay Lago Proposed by Adam Pettigrew, seconded by Paul Valentine Proposed by Paul Valentine, seconded by Adam Pettigrew As a screen actor and mentalist from a working class background, I My name is Sanjay Lago. I am a multidisciplinary performance artist have witnessed the perils of being poor in this industry. I was and theatre maker. I am interested in themes of Race, Identity and co-opted onto the young members committee half way through last Dyslexia to name a few. I have been an officer for NUS and a Young year and was honoured to be part of the first All Party Parliamentary Member for Unite the Union. I am passionate about Group meeting on ‘breaking the class ceiling’ as an Equity YMC Diversity,Equality & Inclusion. I graduate from the Royal representative. I am really excited to continue the work we’ve Conservatoire of Scotland in BA Hons Contemporary Performance started if elected. As well as championing the working class cause, I Practice. I am interested in creating socially engaged work. I’ve been am also keen to see more arts education in schools and facilitate a a Student Deputy for Equity and also a member of the Diversity paradigm shift in the way drama and other arts subjects are viewed School Initiative. I wish to be apart of the Young Members © NICK ARTHUR DANIELS © NICK ARTHUR DUNCAN ©TOM by education bodies. In May I was elected as a local councillor in committee to make the campaigns felt in Scotland, create more Bexhill, East Sussex and as a YMC member I will be able to best represent our union’s diversity in the arts and work with Equity to make members across the UK heard. I’m a interests on a local level. I will work hard. Please consider voting for me. dedicated and hardworking individual who enjoys the political discussions within the arts industry and wishes to make a path for future generations. Thank you.

Tom Cuthbertson Francis Mezza Proposed by Paul Valentine, seconded by Adam Pettigrew Proposed by Shenagh Govan, seconded by Fra Fee I threw my hat in the ring last time around just to bulk up numbers, I’m a young actor from Belfast, living in London, and I’ve recently and ended up getting co-opted in to the committee halfway through been lucky enough to work in TV (Derry Girls) and theatre (The the term, so have spent most of this year just figuring out what’s Ferryman). I want to get more young members involved in our union what. I attended the TUC Young Workers Forum this March as a and I want to increase our membership among young performers. delegate and proposed our motion on Arts Funding After Brexit. We’re a strong union but our young members are our future and not Basically everyone else currently on the committee is getting too old enough young performers know who we are or what we do. Every to be re-elected so I’ve had my arm twisted into standing in order to young member’s experience is different but we need to let young provide some continuity. Vote for me if you think that’s a good idea. performers know that we’re here to support them. If you’re thirty or under - there’s a committee that represents your interests and every

©NICHOLAS DAWKES ©NEIL HARRISON young performer needs to know that. I will contribute my time, energy and enthusiasm to the Young Members’ Committee. I have been an Equity member for several years, I’ve been an Equity Dep on the West End and I’ve attended our ARC as an observer.

Alex Forman Helen Monks Self-proposed, seconded by Jason Davies Self-proposed, seconded by Alexa Davies My name is Alex Forman and I’m standing for a committee member I have been acting professionally since I was 11 but it is only for the young members of Equity, I have experience as a young recently (I’m now 26) that I’ve realised the positive impact equity member as for the past five years I have fallen under that category, has had on my career. The work you do is fantastic and I am now a after starting drama school I began to develop mental health issues strong believer in unions and union action. I’m always persuading and was struggling with the training due to my learning difficulty my peer group to join the union but would love to have even more conditions Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger’s, mental health impact in representing young people. In the next two years I would issues still continued to affect my career as an actor. Over the next 2 love to see a significant increase in young membership and youth years I want to find better ways to support young actors with involvement in Equity. I would like to raise awareness of equity’s disabilities and mental health issues. Being a Disabled actor and role for young people. I think young people can be uninformed and

© KAZIMIR BIELECKI © KAZIMIR suffering mental health issues, I have still managed to do over 30 ©PHIL SHARP misinformed about their workers rights and I am keen to be a small jobs and carve a professional career I can be proud of. My experience in Equity is that I part in changing this. I’m very committed to giving time and energy to equity - I’m have closely worked with representatives in the past when I have been treated unfairly as reliable and efficient but often think outside the box. a disabled actor.

72 YOUNG MEMBERS COMMITTEE Sanjay Lago Proposed by Paul Valentine, seconded by Adam Pettigrew My name is Sanjay Lago. I am a multidisciplinary performance artist and theatre maker. I am interested in themes of Race, Identity and Dyslexia to name a few. I have been an officer for NUS and a Young Member for Unite the Union. I am passionate about Diversity,Equality & Inclusion. I graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in BA Hons Contemporary Performance Practice. I am interested in creating socially engaged work. I’ve been a Student Deputy for Equity and also a member of the Diversity School Initiative. I wish to be apart of the Young Members ©TOM DUNCAN ©TOM committee to make the campaigns felt in Scotland, create more diversity in the arts and work with Equity to make members across the UK heard. I’m a dedicated and hardworking individual who enjoys the political discussions within the arts industry and wishes to make a path for future generations. Thank you.

Francis Mezza Proposed by Shenagh Govan, seconded by Fra Fee I’m a young actor from Belfast, living in London, and I’ve recently been lucky enough to work in TV (Derry Girls) and theatre (The Ferryman). I want to get more young members involved in our union and I want to increase our membership among young performers. We’re a strong union but our young members are our future and not enough young performers know who we are or what we do. Every young member’s experience is different but we need to let young performers know that we’re here to support them. If you’re thirty or under - there’s a committee that represents your interests and every

©NEIL HARRISON young performer needs to know that. I will contribute my time, energy and enthusiasm to the Young Members’ Committee. I have been an Equity member for several years, I’ve been an Equity Dep on the West End and I’ve attended our ARC as an observer.

Helen Monks Self-proposed, seconded by Alexa Davies I have been acting professionally since I was 11 but it is only recently (I’m now 26) that I’ve realised the positive impact equity has had on my career. The work you do is fantastic and I am now a strong believer in unions and union action. I’m always persuading my peer group to join the union but would love to have even more impact in representing young people. In the next two years I would love to see a significant increase in young membership and youth involvement in Equity. I would like to raise awareness of equity’s role for young people. I think young people can be uninformed and

©PHIL SHARP misinformed about their workers rights and I am keen to be a small part in changing this. I’m very committed to giving time and energy to equity - I’m reliable and efficient but often think outside the box.

73 YOUNG MEMBERS COMMITTEE Rebecca Rahman-Gonzalez Euan Wilson Proposed by Jessica Bastick-Vines, seconded by Adam Pettigrew Proposed by Robert Ginty, seconded by Kate Malyon After training at Italia Conti and BRIT School, my experience has ranged Hello, I’m Euan. This is my first time standing for one of the Equity from Edinburgh Fringe to music videos. It is difficult adjusting to Committees! I joined as a Student member of Equity in my third year independent work after structured, daily training, so I want to help of drama school and through the first two years of working make the transition easier for others through Equity; creating professionally have felt the benefits of the crucial support given to opportunities to network so they can create their own communities to actors beginning their careers in a variety of different fields no support their development, as leaving training can feel isolating. matter the contract, Equity or otherwise. With my particular I am confident in public speaking, so my strengths lie in active experience and interest in Touring theatre and Actor Musician work, participation in meetings, ensuring that points are raised and I would always be sensitive to the variety of conditions that actors challenged so members feel represented. I have severe brain injuries; work under. If I were to be elected to the Young Members Committee © JOHN CLARK © BRANDON BISHOP © BRANDON I have had to learn how to navigate the acting world as a disabled I would use this to keep working towards ensuring fair pay and person. As I know how difficult this can be, I am passionate about advocating for other conditions for all actors. I’m a strong advocate for the great work that Equity do; disabled members needs and rights. Theatre’s starting to make changes, but still has a way to however, there’s always room to grow and I would love to be part of that. go - I want to be part of that change.

Alexzandra Sarmiento Guy Woolf Proposed by Lisa Darnell, seconded by Phoebe Liberty Proposed by Adam Pettigrew, seconded by Paul Valentine I would love to educate our younger members on how to fully utilise I would like to be voted for again as I do not think that one term was their membership in addition to providing links and access to sufficient. There is a lot to get your head around and I believe that resources that will help them with the “administration” side of we need continuity to achieve more. I was at ARC in London for the performing. It would be great to show them, and potential first time and asked a question of Tracy Brabin MP about the EBacc newcomers, how Equity can help expand their own managerial and why the Labour party in their Acting Up report were seeking to knowledge. Most importantly I want to be able to empower our reform it rather than scrap it entirely. It wasn’t answered sufficiently younger members to confidently voice their ideas so as to make our – this is a major cause of concern for our next generation of union more inclusive of all members, regardless of their professional creatives. In addition, I’m working with the amazing Equity staff on background. I have worked as a dance captain and resident combatting anti-Semitism in our industry and heading up a sub- © © GABRIEL MOKAKE © GABRIEL choreographer on various shows and I think the people skills and committee on the issue of socioeconomic diversity. I don’t want this managerial skills that I’ve learned from these positions will well equip me for a position work to end just as it’s getting started so please do vote for me and others standing on the Young Members’ Committee. I’m excited to grow my own personal knowledge of again. Many thanks. our union, and I’m looking forward to strengthening it in whatever way I can.

Sam Swann Proposed by Giovanni Bienne, seconded by Rebecca Humphries I am an actor and I have mostly worked in theatre (fringe/regional/ NT/RSC), but also in TV and film, and I would love to amplify the concerns of young members. This industry is incredibly tough for our young members. With mental health crises, inevitable bouts of unemployment that comes with the industry, and the abuses of power that have come to the surface in recent years, we need to offer as much support as possible. I would like the committee to investigate the causes of the mental

© WOLF MARLOH © WOLF health crises and propose substantive solutions; and to ensure that as many members as possible to be aware of Equity’s Professionally Made Professionally Paid campaign so that we can try to end all-too-common exploitation in our industry. Please get in touch if you have any comments or questions @SamGSwann Solidarity!

74 YOUNG MEMBERS COMMITTEE Euan Wilson Proposed by Robert Ginty, seconded by Kate Malyon Hello, I’m Euan. This is my first time standing for one of the Equity Committees! I joined as a Student member of Equity in my third year of drama school and through the first two years of working professionally have felt the benefits of the crucial support given to actors beginning their careers in a variety of different fields no matter the contract, Equity or otherwise. With my particular experience and interest in Touring theatre and Actor Musician work, I would always be sensitive to the variety of conditions that actors work under. If I were to be elected to the Young Members Committee

© BRANDON BISHOP © BRANDON I would use this to keep working towards ensuring fair pay and conditions for all actors. I’m a strong advocate for the great work that Equity do; however, there’s always room to grow and I would love to be part of that.

Guy Woolf Proposed by Adam Pettigrew, seconded by Paul Valentine I would like to be voted for again as I do not think that one term was sufficient. There is a lot to get your head around and I believe that we need continuity to achieve more. I was at ARC in London for the first time and asked a question of Tracy Brabin MP about the EBacc and why the Labour party in their Acting Up report were seeking to reform it rather than scrap it entirely. It wasn’t answered sufficiently – this is a major cause of concern for our next generation of creatives. In addition, I’m working with the amazing Equity staff on combatting anti-Semitism in our industry and heading up a sub-

75 Samsara Self-proposed, seconded by Nick Putz Performer in dance and entertainment since a young age. I continue to work as an entertainer with other artists in Theatre and as a TV presenter in health, dance and fitness and fashion related issues on Hellenic TV and Sky TV channels. A passion for the Creative Arts. A Journalist in my subject areas of skills and knowledge that I acquired over the years as Lecturer and Assessor. Currently on the committee of the Thames Variety Branch. I feel I can contribute to Equity, a working guide of issues affecting many

Published by Equity, Guild House, Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9EG Printed by Priority May 2019