MAY 2010 “Our life is frittered Volume 95 away by detail. Number 4 Simplify. Simplify.” EQUITYNEWS — Henry David Thoreau A Publication of Actors’ Equity Association • NEWS FOR THE THEATRE PROFESSIONAL • www.actorsequity.org • Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY and Additional Mailing Offices America’s New Health Care Equity Reviewing Options System Impacts Equity to Close Budget Gap Members, Families By Steven DiPaola a projected deficit of its own, However, many of the budget By Rachel Laforest insurance application. Most times Assistant Executive though a much smaller one of restraints put in place last year Public Policy Director it is an ailment that developed Director for Finance and $285,000. A number of budget were necessarily short-term over time or was unknown to the Administration restraints were put in place last because continuing them would he new health care plan holder and their doctor. year to keep that deficit low, and result in a decreased ability to reform legislation passed n March 16, 2010, the • Insurers with unusually high they worked very well. As a maintain member services and by Congress will have Equity Council T administrative costs have to offer matter of fact, those restraints, provide responsible stewardship immediate and long term approved the budget for rebates to their customers, and O combined with better than of Equity’s resources. In addition, impacts on Equity members and every insurance company will the 2010-2011 fiscal year that expected working dues income some unusual costs will occur their families. have to reveal how much it began on April 1. This budget from the Production contract (a during this fiscal year, such as It will create stronger spends on overhead. Insurers projects an operating deficit of common trend during economic those associated with the search accountability mechanisms for will be required to spend $1.9 million. Fortunately, Equity downturns because the for a new Executive Director. insurance companies, make it between 80 to 85 cents of every has a healthy reserve fund that prevalence of star-driven shows Finally, costs that are outside of law for most Americans to carry dollar of their premium revenues can cover a deficit of this size, on Broadway drives earnings Equity’s control continue to rise health insurance, try to keep on medical claims. The largest but many may be wondering, up), actually resulted in a small and the impact of the recession premium costs down and for-profit insurance companies “How did we get here?” surplus of about $300,000 by the lingers in various ways. subsidize many who cannot currently spend about 74 cents For one thing, the budget for time last fiscal year came to an Consequently, all of this has afford coverage. It is far from a out of every dollar on medical the 2009-2010 fiscal year carried end on March 31, 2009. (continued on page 3) perfect solution but it represents care. a significant step towards • Those insurers who raise affordable health insurance for prices excessively could be the thousands of Equity Los Angeles barred from State insurance members and all Americans who exchanges and premiums for cannot presently afford it. older people cannot be more Equity Joins Rally Protesting Anti-Union What kicks in this year? than three times the premium for • Insurance companies will no young adults. Activities at L.A. Film School longer be able to put a lifetime • Children will be considered quity, AFTRA, the Angeles Film School protesting sympathizer and disciplined cap on their costs. Annual caps “dependent” until the age of 26 Directors Guild, Writers efforts by the school to block another since the California will be severely reduced and and therefore eligible for cover - Guild, AFM and several union organizing by 125 faculty Federation of Teachers had totally eliminated in 2014. E age on a parent’s health plan. locals of IATSE rallied on March members. begun organizing activities. The • Insurance companies will not Within six months, all health 24, 2010 outside the Sunset Union supporters alleged the school also required faculty to be allowed to deny coverage to plans, including employer-spon - Boulevard offices of the Los school had fired one union attend anti-union meetings. children because of a preexisting sored plans, must cover children Eastern Regional Vice condition. A special program will of policyholders. President Kate Shindle spoke at help adults with preexisting con - • Over three million Medicare the rally, saying: “It is time for ditions find coverage, until 2014 recipients will get a one-time the employer to stop denying when insurers will be required to rebate of $250 towards closing the Los Angeles Film School cover everyone , regardless of the Medicare D “donut hole” in and Los Angeles Recording preexisting conditions. their prescription drug coverage. School faculty their democratic • Rescission - the technical Next year, 50% of the donut hole right to form a union… It is a term for canceling coverage on will be covered and the entire violation of the National Labor grounds that the insurance com - gap will be eliminated by 2020. Relations Act for an employer to pany was “misled,” will end. • Medicare will now provide a intimidate, harass or interfere Rescission has been found to be free visit to primary care physi - with employees who seek union practiced when plan holders find cians every year to plan out pre - representation. Those who want themselves sick with something vention services. it are legally protected in their they had not mentioned on their • Small businesses will get tax efforts, and must be able to do credits - up to 50% of premium so without implicit or explicit costs - for offering health insur - Eastern Regional Vice President Kate Shindle speaks at the threats about their job security ance to their workers. protest rally in Los Angeles. • Employer plans that cover (continued on page 3) early retirees ages 55 to 64 will receive a subsidy. • Beginning in 2011 a volun - All of Ohio Now in Central Region tary federal program will be established to provide long-term or more than 15 years, “Responsibility for each theatre non-Councillor CRB members care insurance and cash benefits the State of Ohio has in the area is being transferred are elected by the membership to people with severe disabilities. Fbeen divided in half by to the Central Region when they living in the Central Region to The amount of benefits will vary, Equity—the western portion of begin their next season. All serve on the Board. All depending on the degree of a the state belonged to Equity’s Guest Artist and Special members resident in the Central person’s disability, but could not Central Region and the eastern Appearance theatres are being Region are entitled to seek average less than $50 a day. portion of the state was part of transferred when they seek new election to these non-Councillor Starting in 2014, Equity’s Eastern Region. That’s contracts.” positions as well as to vote in the bill will provide: all been changed now as All members in the Central the election. Council has approved the Region, including the members Insurance Exchanges transfer of administration of the in eastern Ohio, are eligible to These on-line insurance Index eastern portion of Ohio from participate in a separate S marketplaces will help individuals Equity’s Eastern Region to the election held each summer to Equity reviewing options to
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U.S.Postage Letters to The Editor 44 Letters received from paid up members on subjects of concern to Equity member s will be considered and to Labor Relations Board published as soon as possible. The Editor reserves the right to limit letters to 150 words and to select one or two representative letters when many similar letters are received. Letters must be signed, but names ver the holiday recess, lawyer for his entire career and will be withheld on request for those letters which may affect members’ employment. Signatures will not President Obama filled practices in the State of New be withheld on letters antagonistic or accusatory, either implied or expressed, against other members. Opinions Otwo vacancies on the York. In 2008, he was appointed expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of Actors’ Equity Association. National Labor Relations Board by the New York State Governor (NLRB) with Mark Pearce and to serve as a Board member on Craig Becker, individuals who, the New York State Industrial GOOD ADVICE I will tell you that I had attorneys who considered themselves throughout their careers, have Board of Appeals. Craig Becker Dear Editor: get in my face and tell me I was belters to respond to a been strong advocates for currently serves as Associate a washed up, hack actor looking questionnaire that would be I have been a member of workers’ rights and unions. The General Counsel to both the for a way out of my career. I kept used to help establish the Actors’ Equity since 1991. I write NLRB is the federal body that Service Employees reminding myself that I had been scientific and scholarly basis for to try to protect fellow members enforces the National Labor International Union (SEIU) and offered the Evita national tour by evaluation of belters. The from what I have endured. If you Relations Act and protects the the AFL-CIO. He has practiced Hal Prince and that I had worked information was also to be the use your body for your livelihood, rights of workers. and taught labor law for the constantly for years. And that I foundation for future research you need to read on. Pearce has been a labor past 27 years. I was hired for an industrial also had reviews in The New on vocal production and health. contract by ADM productons in York Times. However, that did A paper based on that survey 1999. I had to promise to be not help too much after my life is currently in progress and available for two contracts that had been turned up-side-down. preliminary results were were one month apart. Both jobs I am going to fast forward to presented at The Voice “The Fantasticks” is 50 [November 2009]. I was sitting in Foundation Symposium in would take place in Las Vegas. n May 3, 2010, The on January 13, 2002 after the Workers’ Compenstion office Philadelphia in June 2007 and We were doing a 15-minute Fantasticks marks its 17,162 performances, making it in Manhattan listening to these again in January 2009 at the show about Philips Electronics 50th Anniversary. The the world’s longest-running people quantify my injuries. My Physiology and Acoustics of the O (continued on page
the split-week and one-week teed number of Equity members The Short Engagement Touring market. One year into Equity’s employed. In order to capture as newest national agreement, there much of the touring landscape as Agreement – — Recapturing Lost has been broad interest by possible for our membership, Producers to use the Agreement there are six categories of tour Equity Employment in the very areas where Equity size with their own financial terms By Russell Lehrer of money the Producer is developed for the Production members had previously been appropriate to the different levels Senior Business assured weekly – under Tiered Tours which were negoti - denied access. of touring. Representative $220,000, while most Equity ated in 2004 and effectively By the fall of 2010, the Short In each category, though, national tours were asking over drove out the non-Equity compe - Engagement Touring Agreement when the Actor is more than 50 hen the 2008 $350,000 or $400,000 in weekly tition in the one-week and multi- will have been used by Producers miles away from home, the Production Contract guarantees. This left Presenters week market. in all three regions of the country, Producer must provide free hous - on a wide spectrum of shows: ing to the Actor, in addition to a Wnegotiations dis - to book non-Equity tours into Using our extensive historical, small-cast dramas in the one- per diem to help defray the cost cussed touring, it became clear their seasons, and Equity mem - economic, and anecdotal knowl - night market, long-running musi - of life on the road. The scheduling that both sides were looking for bers began to lose access to edge about touring, Equity and cal tours which historically would rules for both performances and changes in the lower-cost one- touring opportunities aside from the League met for six months have closed and re-opened as travel itself have been eased to a week and split-week markets. the blockbuster road shows. Both and negotiated terms for the non-Equity tours, even large-cast small degree in order to accom - Presenters across the country sides wanted to capture these Short Engagement Touring tours of less-successful titles modate split-week realities. The were opting to book shows with lost opportunities, and decided to Agreement, an attempt to similar - which, without this Agreement in added flexibility allows the tours weekly guarantees – the amount build on the working model ly recapture lost employment in place, would have gone out non- to play in some venues that have Equity from day one, if at all. not booked Equity productions in The minimum terms and the many years. Members are are both examples of these efforts Agreement itself (labeled as reminded that these tours may be BUDGET GAP EQUITY JOINS RALLY “Language Not Finalized” while under working conditions that are Continued from page 1 that have already occurred. These Continued from page 1 two capital investments will help the parties agree upon final word - different from Production resulted in the large projected trim hundreds of thousands of or longevity. There may also be ing for the Media Rule) can be Contract tours that have been out deficit for the new fiscal year. dollars from Equity’s operating no efforts at intimidation of found online in the Document in the last several years, so they In the face of such a deficit, budget for years to come. In employees who may be Library at www.actorsequity.org . should evaluate the itineraries neither the Council nor staff of addition, we continue to examine considering signing a card to Here you can read the qualifica - and financial offers carefully Equity will stand idle, for our all of our internal processes and allow them to vote on whether to tion requirements as well, which before accepting a SET reserves cannot continue to be practices so as to recognize new join a union. This protection is include well-documented Agreement tour to assess their tapped to account for short-falls of efficiencies, eliminate the cornerstone of United States expense and budget information, individual touring and financial this magnitude. For, even though redundancies, and to take labor law, and we cannot stand detailed itineraries, and guaran - concerns. the reserves have now recovered advantage of newer technologies. by and watch as our colleagues most of the losses sustained These efforts and the choices and are deterred from the legal during the worst days of the solutions they will yield are process they have initiated.” recession, continuing to use the necessary because at the rate at ActorsFCU Wins Award reserves would over time which expenses are increasing, significantly weaken our ability to dues increases alone will not be Correction for “Website of the Year” withstand crises such as the sufficient to keep the budget in Member Delphine T. Mantz ctors Federal recent downturn, and other balance. was the Stage Manager of New Credit Union’s unexpected events. So, during All of this work is already under York’s Black History Month AWebsite was this year, we will be reviewing a way, and I am confident that by celebration, Harlem On My honored as “Website of variety of options both on the next year at this time, a plan will Mind , at New World Stages on the Year” by the income and expense side of the have been developed to enable February 8, 2010. Her name National Association of budget to close this gap for future Equity to meet its financial was inadvertently omitted from Federal Credit Unions fiscal years. Equity’s investment in obligations while continuing to the report of the event that (NAFCU) on March 11, both a new core database system deliver on its responsibilities to appeared in the March issue of 2010. Competing and its own building in Chicago our members. Equity News. against 26 Credit Unions across the nation, ActorsFCU’s site ten workers and average payroll earning more than $200,000 a won top honors in all HEALTH CARE five categories: Content, Continued from page 1 of less than $25,000 per year and families earning more employee will automatically get than $250,000. In addition, a Design, Effectiveness, Functionality and plan in the new legislation, the the tax credits. 3.8% tax on capital gains, Originality. Federal government will be Medicaid dividends, interest and other “Our current Website, entering the insurance market Expanded Medicaid will cover “unearned income” will also be AFCU’s Steven Sobotta accepts the launched in 2008, was indirectly. There will be at least an estimated additional 16 applied. website award from NAFCU’s Jessa the culmination of many Foor. two national health plans to million low income and impaired There are obviously many months of work and the individuals, families and small people, including parents and more details of the new system efforts of the entire Credit Union Marketing Steven Sobotta businesses. At least one of the childless adults who are not that are not covered in this staff,” said President Jeff accepted the crystal award on plans will have to operate on a eligible under current rules. article. Future issues of Equity Rodman. “It continues to be the behalf of ActorsFCU from nonprofit basis. Benefit Requirements News will provide in-depth coverage of all that is mentioned pride and joy of our Marketing NAFCU Associate Director of Individual Mandate Insurance plans will be here as well as any new Department.” Marketing Jessa Foor at Bally’s It will require most Americans required to offer a federally- developments in the law. ActorsFCU Director of Las Vegas. to have a minimum level of defined minimum package of health insurance or else pay a health insurance benefits. penalty. Paying for the bill Individual Subsidies The Equity-League Low and middle-income In order to cover the cost of Pension, Health and 401(k) No AEA Contract: Do Not people will receive tax credits to the legislation new fees and Trust Funds are Work at New Candlelight offset premium costs, co- taxes will be imposed and administered by a Board of payments and deductibles. Medicare payments to hospitals Trustees made up of an Dinner Theatre Employer Mandate and many other health care equal number of Most employers having more providers will be curbed. representatives from Actors’ EA, AFTRA, AGMA, contract. than 100 workers will either have Starting in 2014 a 40% Equity Association, and the AGVA and SAG Equity Franchised Agents are to offer coverage or pay a “excise tax” will be leveraged on Producers. The Funds are Amembers are advised reminded that it is a violation of penalty of $2,000 for each full employer-sponsored group legal entities separate from that as of April 24, 2010 Actors’ the Agency Regulations to time worker forced to receive health plans with premiums over the Union and from any Equity Association no longer submit Equity members for non- federal subsidies to buy $10,200 for individual coverage Producer. If you are currently has a contract for New Equity work. insurance on their own. and $27,500 for family coverage. a plan participant, please Candlelight Dinner Theatre If you are approached about Employer Subsidies Beginning in 2020, the tax direct your questions to the (producers: Chris Alberts and employment at this theatre, Employers with less than 25 thresholds will rise by the Funds office at 212-869- Robert Miller) in Ardentown, DE. contact Flora Stamatiades, workers and annual average inflation rate. 9380 in New York City; if you AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA National Director, Organizing payroll of less than $50,000 per Starting in 2013 the Medicare are outside of New York, and SAG members may NOT and Special Projects, at (212) employee could qualify for tax payroll tax rate will increase by please call 1-800-344-5220. accept employment at this 869-8530, or by email at credits. Employers with less than just under 1% for individuals theatre without an Equity [email protected] . 4 / EQUITY news MAY 2010 ACCA Implements Leveling the Playing Field New Policy for Production By Anita Hollander non-disabled actors in disabled in the past few years has roles. expanded his vision to embrace ass For Picasso is a wild But there is even more about actors with disabilities of all Contract Six-Month ride of a play by Kate this production which is unusual kinds, as well as non-disabled Moira Ryan, a playwright Replacement Calls B in our business: two other roles and ethnically diverse actors. with a wonderful track record. in the play which are non-specific Performers with disabilities he Advisory Committee had its initial six month This spring, Kate’s work gains with regard to disability are being are in the midst of a three-year on Chorus Affairs replacement calls, subsequent even greater significance as this portrayed by actors with tri-union national campaign (ACCA) has replacement calls for the particular play is produced by T disabilities. A lesbian playwright called I AM PWD (Inclusion in implemented a new policy for Broadway production and Tour Theatre Breaking Through with a five-year-old son and a the Arts & Media of People With Production Contract Chorus Call production may be combined. Barriers on Theatre Row in New gay playwright and bartender at Disabilities), which seeks to Replacement Auditions. This For example: Once the York. The play is about a rather Splash are both played by actors transform people with policy will apply only to Broadway production of Wicked unusual dinner party hosted by whose disabilities will not disabilities into people with Production Contract Chorus has held its initial six month Francesca Danieli, head food necessarily be detected by the visibility . AEA, SAG and AFTRA Musicals. Chorus replacement call and actors are working to gain the The Production Contract the National tour of Wicked has two goals that Bass For Picasso requires that “at least every six held its initial six month Chorus months after the first paid public replacement call, then is meeting: (1) characters with performance” Chorus subsequent replacement calls disabilities portrayed replacement calls be held. for the Wicked Broadway authentically and accurately by The new policy allows production and the Wicked 1st actors with disabilities; (2) actors Producers the option of National tour may be combined. with disabilities play roles where combining replacement Chorus If a third production runs disability is irrelevant. So while calls for two companies of the concurrently with the first two, you may see Richard III played same show after their initial six then the third production must by an actor with a disability, you month replacement calls are have its own, separate may also see a disabled held separately. Specifically, replacement ECCs. Romeo. While you may see a once a Broadway Chorus This policy will be reviewed blind and/or deaf Helen Keller, Musical or National Tour has periodically by the ACCA. you may also see a three- legged Grizabella. All of the above have occurred in various theatre companies (TBTB, Nicu’s Spoon, Ivoryton Equity’s Bonding Policy Playhouse, Cleveland Signstage Felice Neals (l), a new Equity member, holds Anita Hollander’s and Surflight Theatre), but they And How it Works prosthesis at a rehearsal of Bass For Picasso. are more the exception than the he Equity Bond is one of to the extent contracts have norm. When the playing field is the Union’s cornerstone been filed with Equity . A single writer for The New York Times, audience, but just in case you’re finally leveled, then all actors Tprovisions to protect its unit production is one that is who also happens to be a one- keeping score, one uses a may finally be able to be members. It has been in place in individually produced (whether legged lesbian. Yes, the central prosthetic limb and the other considered for all roles, and the Equity’s contracts for decades, by one or more producers) that character of this new play is an uses hearing aids. truth of the human experience and has been used on is not part of a regular season of amputee. And in this world Unlike our industry in may finally triumph on stage and numerous occasions to rescue plays presented by a specific premiere, the role will be general, this type of casting is in our media. members from defaulting theatre. Production Contract, originated by an actress who is nothing new to Theatre Breaking Anita Hollander is National producers or theatres. Cabaret, HAT, BAT, Off- also an amputee. Through Barriers (formerly Co-Chair of the tri-union PWD Almost all producers are Broadway and Mini-Contract Why this should be anything known as Theatre By The Blind). Committee and the IAMPWD required to post a bond with shows are examples of single more than a no-brainer is a TBTB has been producing work (www.iampwd.org ) campaign. Equity. (There are a few unit productions. mystery to most performers with performed by actors with She will be participating in AIDS exceptions, where producers Seasonal Theatres disabilities, but sadly, our disabilities for some 30 years in Walk New York, walking ten “pre-pay” salaries and benefits, industry more often than not New York City. Artistic Director Seasonal theatres post a kilometers on one leg, before a e.g. under the Guest Artist refuses to see the no-brainer and Ike Schambelan began the bond for the largest number of matinee performance of Bass for agreement.) This bond ensures continually accepts the casting of company with blind actors, and active contracts in a two-week Picasso. that if an employer defaults in period. Seasonal theatres his/her obligations to Equity, you include all Stock, LORT, Dinner will receive the minimum salary, June 3, 2010 Deadline to reconvene Central Regional Theatres, Letters of Agreement Central Region pension and health credits Nominating Committee and Small Professional guaranteed by the agreement Theatres. Central Regional (generally two weeks June 10, 2010 Deadline for Candidate submission to the When Equity receives more contractual salary and benefits). Nominating Committee. Letters of Intent contracts than are protected by Board to fill Six However, your guarantee is due in Chicago office by 3 p.m. (CDT) the bond, the Union demands contingent upon the proper filing Non-Councillor that additional bond monies be June 23, 2010 Deadline for all Candidate material for the of your contract. immediately posted (except in Seats Nominating Committee by 3 p.m. (CDT) If you are working under any summer stock where the season Equity agreement, you must file As per Equity’s By-Laws, the is too limited and the run of the July 12, 2010 Deadline for Nominating Committee report a signed copy of your contract Central Region will be filling six shows too short for this to be to the Central Regional Board with Equity no later than first non-Councillor seats on the administratively possible). rehearsal. This helps the Union Central Regional Board for the July 19, 2010 Deadline for Independent nominations. Should the producer fail to to enforce your contract, 2010 election. Only members Petitions and all Candidate material due in increase the bond, the member assuring that your production is living in the Central Region are Chicago Office by 3 p.m. (CDT) will have the option of canceling properly bonded. Filing eligible to run and to vote for the contract without any further August 2, 2010 Deadline for mailing of ballots* contracts in a timely manner these positions. obligation to the employer. takes on even greater The following two-year terms Therefore, filing your contract August 20, 2010 Deadline for return of ballots to Chicago significance since Equity has are available: four Principal, one may make the difference in Office by 2:30 p.m. (EDT) introduced electronic Chorus and one Stage Equity’s ability to obtain a bond employment contracts, which Manager. August 23, 2010 Tellers’ Committee picks up ballots and increase that will protect your may be released to producers All candidates must meet the tabulates results contractual guarantees. via email after a bond is same eligibility requirements as If you are employed at a secured. the Councillors in their category. September 13, 2010 Report of Tellers’ Committee to the seasonal theatre that defaults, Here’s how it works: The The Nominating Committee that Central Regional Board; Seating of new you may receive only the portion amount of the bond is was seated for the Council Board members of the contract guarantee that is determined by whether or not election will also serve as the available in the bond. Equity you are employed by a “single Nominating Committee for these * In accordance with the Equity By-Laws, should there be no can’t make up any difference, unit” producer or a seasonal CRB positions. If you wish to be independent nominations for these non-Councillor Central Regional but will pursue the defaulting theatre. considered for any of the seats, Board seats, and therefore no contest, there shall be no balloting. employer legally in an effort to Single Unit Productions submit your candidacy Those uncontested members chosen by the Nominating Committee secure the full obligation due to Only single unit productions according to the following will be deemed elected and will be seated at the September 2010 the members. are fully protected by a bond— schedule: meeting of the Central Regional Board. MAY 2010 EQUITY news / 5
Chicago New York Diversity Honored for Second VP, Staff Black History Month in Albany For Arts Central Region independent Goodman, the event also Advocacy Day directors William “Bill” Brown, recognized the following Second Vice President Frank Galati, Ron “OJ” Parson theatres: About Face Theatre, New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano, Chair of the Senate’s Rebecca Kim Jordan, Eastern Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, is and Russ Tutterow received the Black Ensemble Theatre, Regional Director Rick Berg and flanked by Eastern Regional Director Rick Berg and Second Vice Central Regional Equal Chicago Dramatists, President Rebecca Kim Jordan. National Public Policy Director Employment Opportunity Collaboraction, Court Theatre, Rachel Laforest were in Albany Committee’s 2010 Spirit Congo Square Theatre Savino and Senator Liz Kruger, education, transportation and on February 24, 2010 for NY Recognition Award at Equity’s Company, Detroit Repertory, none of whom sits on the fire fighters. Equity stressed that Arts Advocacy Day. annual observation of Black Goodman Theatre, Hansberry- Senate’s Committee on Cultural cuts to the arts mean a loss of History Month at the Goodman Sands, Mixed Blood, Penumbra, The annual event, sponsored Affairs, Tourism, Parks and jobs in more areas than the arts Theatre on Monday, March 15, St. Louis Black Repertory by NYS Arts, brought together Recreation. Equity’s strategy in alone. In the theatre specifically, members, leaders and staff from 2010. The presentation was part Company, Teatro Vista, Unicorn speaking with these the loss of a job has a ripple arts-related organizations across representatives was not to effect on the ancillary services the state. The message of the preach to the choir, but rather to supported by the industry: day was “Hold the Line,” keep begin a dialogue and to help restaurants, hotels, cabs, funding for the New York State other legislators understand the convenience stores and other Council on the Arts (NYSCA) at economic impact of the arts in businesses. $41.6 million in the upcoming the state. “Equity will continue to Executive Budget. The Equity delegation was monitor the situation and fight to The Equity trio met with staff well received, but ultimately told protect and grow the arts budget from the offices of Senator that budget cuts would be felt in New York State and Pedro Espada Jr., Senator across the board, including throughout the country,” said Jeffrey Klein, Senator Diane “essential services,” such as Rick Berg.
San Francisco Chicago
(From l): Ron OJ Parson, Frank Galati, Chicago Contract Equity Member Recounts History of Asian- Networking Event Associate Lacey Holmes as the Spirit of Equity, William “Bill” Brown, Russ Tutterow and Central Regional Director Kathryn V. for Stage Lamkey. American Theatre Artists in Bay Area Lily Tung Crystal, a San and classical theatre. Some of Managers Set of the Committee’s Spirit, a Theatre, Urban Theatre Francisco AEA member, has her award will also go toward The second annual Chicago- Celebration of Diversity program Company and Victory Gardens. written an in-depth feature about studio space for workshops and Area Stage Managers honoring Members of Color and National EEO Coordinator the struggles of Asian-American seminars for an Asian-American Networking Event will be held Central Region theatres whose Luther Goins introduced the new actors in the Bay Area for the Actors group she is creating with on Monday, May 17, 2010 from mission is to present work that brand, EEO: Once Voice. March 2010 issue of American Asian-American Theatre 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the is by, for and about diverse “Agreed upon in January 2010 at Theatre Magazine (online at Company. Steppenwolf Garage space, racial and ethnic groups as well the first National EEO Summit, www.tcg.org, ) The article, entitled 1624 Halsted Street in Chicago. as women, seniors, the disabled EEO: One Voice quickly and Opening the Golden Gate , Based on feedback from and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual easily states the mission of profiles actors aged 18-92 theatres and members following and Transgender (LGBT) Equity’s EEO Committees and winding through the 1930s’ Chop the first event in October 2009, communities. Wydetta Carter the ongoing work that needs to Suey Circuit of all-Asian cabarets, this will be an annual happening and Ron Keaton made the be done,” said Mr. Goins. to the founding of the Asian to take place each spring as presentation in the absence of “Nationally, it gives Equity a American Theatre Company in theatres gear up for their fall Committee Co-Chairs Cheryl stronger and more powerful the 1970s, to the hopeful yet seasons. It will also provide an Lynn Bruce and E. Faye Butler, presence in the performing arts challenging environment of opportunity for Equity Stage who were both working out-of- industry.” multiethnic casting today. Managers to meet with town. For a complete report visit the Ms. Crystal is one of this producers and production Now co-sponsored by the website, www.actorsequity.org. year’s grant recipients of Theatre Lily Tung Crystal. managers from Chicago Communications Group’s Bay theatres to exchange resumes Area Commissioning Fund. The and get a few minutes of face New York grant is designed to bring Bay “Growing as an actor is all time as a precursor to having an Area theatres and artists to about opportunity, but getting interview when positions Equity Sponsors Team In national attention by expanding work as an Asian-American become available. American Theatre Magazine’s performer can be challenging,” Annual AIDS Walk Similar to the October coverage of the region. She also says Ms. Crystal. “I hope my session, this one will have a article in American Theatre Are you interested in joining the nation’s oldest and most is a recipient of the 2009 Theatre “speed dating” format. Stage Magazine will help raise team Actors’ Equity for this comprehensive AIDS service Bay Area Titan Award. Created Managers will sign up for a consciousness and create year’s AIDS Walk New York on organization, serving by ATLAS (Advanced Training “rotation hour” during which they opportunity. I hope artistic and Sunday, May 16, 2010? approximately 15,000 people Leading Actors to Success), this will be guaranteed to meet for a casting directors will consider, not Register for the team today. living with HIV and AIDS and award addresses the problems of few minutes with all of the necessarily diversity, but rather Visit www.aidswalk.net/newyork their families each year, and actors struggling to earn a living theatres in attendance. reality—the reality that the world and click “Register to Walk” and countless more through its in the Bay Area and provides a Participants should plan to bring around us comprises people of “Join a Team.” Then select the prevention and advocacy work $2,500 grant to support career at least ten resumes to all races and genders—and if team name, Actors’ Equity – locally and nationally. projects and training, plus a exchange. theatre is to survive, it must 1989 from the drop-down menu. To learn more about Equity’s yearlong mentorship with a To sign up for the rotation reflect that reality. And finally, I AIDS Walk New York, the involvement, contact Chris professional. Ms. Crystal’s mentor hour (10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12 hope the stories of the pioneers world’s largest AIDS fundraising Williams at is Equity member Velina Brown. p.m.) or for more information, before us will inspire Asian- event, benefits Gay Men’s [email protected] or Ms. Crystal plans to use her call Margie Cangelosi at (312) American actors today to work Health Crisis (GMHC) and over call (212) 869-8530 x 355. grant to continue her acting and 641-0393 between 12 Noon and hard and commit themselves to 30 other tri-state area AIDS Everyone is welcome to singing training and to diversify 5 p.m. Slots will be available on the theatre.” service organizations. GMHC is participate. her skills into on-camera work a first-come, first-served basis. 6 / EQUITY news MAY 2010 Chicago Los Angeles From One Conversation a Workshop Grows East West Players Hosts
By Diane Dorsey Benefit for BC/EFA Member Central Regional The Los Angeles theatre Events and Promotions at Board Chair, Central community raised $10,143 for Center Theatre Group. “Jason Membership Education Committee Broadway Cares/Equity Fights not only waived the rights, he AIDS at East West’s home base, wanted to participate.” Kim Because actors usually rely the David Henry Hwang adds: “The night of the benefit, on general auditions or agent Theatre, with a production of we realized we forgot to get submissions, and forever hope The Last Five Years. “I ran the buckets to collect, so we past employers will call, they idea by composer Jason Robert emptied a couple of cookie don’t usually think about creating Brown, specifically to see if he containers. At the end of the their own work. So when several would waive the rights,” said Kim night, we had quite a few of us on our Membership Varhola, Associate Manager of chocolate covered bills.” Education Committee learned they were each into the solo process, two questions got asked: “Who else is?” and “Who else wants to know how?” The seed was planted and five months later on February 27, 2010 the first AEA- sponsored Solo Performance Central Membership Education Committee members (l to r) Ron Keaton, Carrie Lee Patterson, Diane Dorsey, and Alma Workshop/Seminar was held at Washington with Central Regional Director Kathryn V. Lamkey. The Theatre Building in (Not pictured: Committee member David Kaplan) Chicago. Moderator Ron Keaton guided a professional panel how to stay committed, using types of contracts or agreements comprising performer/educators developmental support. (2) and procedures for members to Tom Mula, Stephanie Shaw, Choosing the Genre — source follow. A lively Q & A stimulated Arlene Malinowski; A Red materials such as autobiographi - even more topics. Participants in the benefit for BC/EFA are (l to r): Michael Bulger, Kim Varhola, Jennifer Paz, Jason Robert Brown, Michael K. Lee, Orchid Theatre Artistic Director cal, historical personas, literary So what happens now? John Lawrence Rivera, Skypp Cananas. Kirsten Fitzgerald; adaptation. (3) The Collaborators Maybe a follow-up workshop, or director/writer/ producer Kevin – hiring the right director, design - weekly writing group, or monthly Theis; marketing maven Noreen ers, musicians, and (if needed) Open Mic, or In-Home Salon? Denver Heron; and AEA Business an editor. (4) Producing Issues — Not to worry. I think our Representative Luther Goins. the best venue, finding the mon - members will let us know what VA Idol and AEA Helps This eclectic group covered ey, marketing, whether or not to they want next. And that’s as By Betsey Cassell competitions. AEA members five basic categories: (1) The Idea self-produce. And most impor - good as it gets! work with the veterans in a series and Process — getting started, tantly, (5) “Doing it Equity” — Denver members continue of three two-hour coaching volunteering to help contestants sessions, ending in a local talent participating in the annual show/taping held at the VA Los Angeles National Veterans Creative Arts Auditorium. This year’s show and Festival sponsored by the taping, held on March 13, Veterans Administration. Black History Month Celebrates, Honors brought a wonderful group of For over 15 years, the VA has African American Women Playwrights vets with a wide variety of talent and range of experience. By Barbara Roberts thought-provoking experiences Shoulders was directed by L. Denver AEA Liaison member Chair, Western Equal and dynamic characterizations Scott Caldwell and Mirron and Mistress of Ceremonies, Employment Opportunity and speaking to the issues of Willis; cast members were: April Valerie Hill presided over the Committee their time. Included in the Adams, Ryan Anderson, taping, while AEA members Betsey Cassell, Marilyn Standing on My Sisters’ program were: Georgia Douglas Tyreese Burnett, Doug Cox, Feinstein, Susan Long, James Shoulders: A Celebration of Johnson’s Safe, Alice Dunbar’s Kim Estes, Babe Evans, Ray Nantz, Rob Reynolds and Erin Classical Works of African My Eyes Have Seen, Eulalie Ford, April Grace, Tijuana Gray, Joy Swank helped with American Women Playwrights , Spence’s Fool’s Errand, Marita Simbi Kali, Joyce Lee, Jeris backstage duties, the taping, and the Western Region Equal O. Bonner’s Purple Flower, Poindexter, Clarinda Ross and aided veterans on and off the Employment Opportunity Alice Childress’ Wedding Band, Musical Director Deborah stage. Along with these Committee’s 2010 Black History Zora Neale Hurston’s Spunk, Sharpe Taylor. Shine Mawushi - volunteers, other AEA members Month event, was presented on Adrienne Kennedy’s Funny Women’s Drum Corps and Stuart Barr, Candy Brown, Chaz February 22, 2010 at the Nate House of a Negro, Lorraine Maia, provided music. Orlinda Marque a VA performer. Grundy, Karen LaMoureaux, Holden Performing Arts Center Hansberry’s A Raisin in the The EEO Committee was Susan Ann Lee and Billie in Los Angeles. Sun, Ntozake Shange’s For proud to celebrate and pay encouraged veterans from every McBride shared their expertise Colored Girls, Pearl Cleage’s homage to the contributions The evening brought era and geographic location to during coaching sessions. The Blues for An Alabama Sky, Judi made by these African together the profound and bring their talents, in whatever response of the veterans to the Ann Mason’s Livin’ Fat, Anna American women playwrights, innovative voices of these genre, to a series of workshops coaching sessions was Deveare Smith’s Fires in the who in some cases have been pioneering women whose preparing them for participation wonderful and greatly Mirror, and Cheryl West’s overlooked and left to works covered a wide range of in a national competition. appreciated. Before It Hits Home. “yesterday.” This event bought subject matters, style, topics The annual Festival is the AEA members interested in and themes, each expressing Standing On My Sisters’ about an awareness and culmination of these local talent helping their local VA with the appreciation of these amazing competitions in art, creative competition should contact either women who, through their writing, dance, drama and music the U.S. Department of Veterans words, bring to life the human for veterans treated in the VA’s Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, condition that reflects the national health care system. NW, Washington, DC 20420, or African-American experience, From the thousands of entries, Elizabeth Mackey, National & but also speaks to everyone. approximately 130 veterans are Event Director (320) 255-6351 or The power of these voices is invited to exhibit their artwork or via email at timeless. to perform in a gala variety show, [email protected] , or Special thanks to EEO accompanied by a professional contact your local VA facility. Committee members Ivy orchestra. This year’s Festival For a complete report visit Bethune, Annette Young, Kim Gala will be held October 18-24, the website, Estes, Harrison White, Kelsey 2010 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. www.actorsequity.org. Scott, Ann Stocking, Felecia E. Since the addition of AEA Betsey Cassell is an AEA Taylor, Kelly Ground, Mirron members’ support, member formerly from Chicago Willis, Deborah Sharpe Taylor, encouragement and expertise, and now in Denver and a Western EEO Chair Barbara Roberts (c) with Clarence Williams Pat Loeb, Linda Tross and the Denver VA members have member of the Denver Liaison (l) and Wren T. Brown. Clarinda Ross. been winning many of the Committee. MAY 2010 EQUITY news / 7 Washington/Baltimore There was a very touching guts of Americans. He has and poignant moment during always been a brave writer and Kennedy Center Takes Seven Helen Hayes Awards the evening. After receiving the always supports the next award for Outstanding generations behind him.” A short Edward Albee Honored Choreography in a Resident film, narrated by McNally, Production for his work with the showed many of the amazing Washington’s John F. MetroStage production of Cool moments, including three Kennedy Center for the Papa’s Party , Maurice Hines Pulitzer Prizes, and theatrical Performing Arts led all thanked the many people brilliance in the lifetime and contenders with 20 nominations involved with the show and then works of Edward Albee, as well for the 26th annual Helen Hayes told the audience, “Remember, as his creation of the Albee Awards presented on April 5, when you see me, you see my Foundation. 2010. brother, Gregory.” As the standing ovation As the final chords of the The Washington Post Award receded, Mr. Albee, a native orchestra played and the house for Innovative Leadership in the Washingtonian, told the lights came on, The Kennedy Theatre Community was audience, “ When I was six Center had won the night with presented to restaurateur, years old I was taken to New seven awards including (L to r): Terrence McNally, Edward Albee and Stacy Keach. (Photo: activist, arts supporter and York to see my first play. It Outstanding Resident Musical Gregory Gorton) theatre angel Andy Shallal. hooked me on the absurdity and Ragtime , and Outstanding Non- Mr. Shallal encouraged wonder of theatre.”. Upon everyone to contact their accepting the Helen Hayes Resident Production A Streetcar Resident Play also resulted in a Jim Brochu, Outstanding Named Desire. representatives in Washington Tribute award, Mr Albee tie: Karl Miller for his Lead Actor in a Non-Resident The Shakespeare Theatre and urge them to increase commented that he was, performance in The Forum Production for Zero Hour at garnered four awards including funding for the arts, noting, “surprised that someone would Theatre’s Angels in America: Theater J, expanded on this Outstanding Resident Play King “Without the arts you cannot give me an award for something Millennium Approaches and feeling. “I have played in many Lear. have business.” I’ve so enjoyed doing all of my Stacy Keach for the title theatres in our country. I have The Wooly Mammoth Theatre A highlight of the evening life.” performance of King Lear at the never seen any with the passion Company tied with itself. was The Helen Hayes Tribute For a complete list of the Antebellum by Robert O’Hara Shakespeare Theatre. for theatre that I see in Award, sponsored by Jaylee recipients go to and Eclipsed by Danai Gurira Upon accepting his Lead Washington D.C.” Mead, to playwright Edward www.helenhayes.org and click each received the Charles Actor award, Mr. Keach Eric Hissan, taking the Albee. Ms. Mead called upon on the Washington/Baltimore MacArthur Award for remarked, “I began my career in Outstanding Supporting Actor in Terrence McNally (the 2004 link. Outstanding New Play or Washington. I’ve spent most of a Resident Play for Arcadia at recipient of this award) to assist Musical. my theatrical career in Folger Theatre summed up the her with the presentation. Mr. Equity member Gregory The Robert Prosky Award for Washington and have felt these feelings; “ I have worked McNally said of Mr. Albee, Gorton is a regular contributor Outstanding Lead Actor in a blessed to do so.” in a lot of towns. DC is the best!” “Edward reminded us of the to Equity News.
safety and health of New York Staff in Equity the many members Offices and employees who Dancers Explore Hope, Change at are in our offices Receive CPR every day is one of Career Development Seminar our top concerns.” Career Transition For Executive for the American Training Certified staff Dancers sponsored a free day- Guild of Musical Artists and members in New n Friday, February 26, long seminar on April 8, 2010 to Karen Giombetti, former York include: Chris 2010, Equity staff from address the changing economic Broadway dancer who now Williams, Associate ONew York, Chicago and climate and current career owns her own public relations for Finance and Los Angeles became certified by First Aid training in Los Angeles. needs of dancers. The event at firm and has extensive teaching the American Red Cross in Administration; Ms. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation McManus; Russell (CPR), First Aid and Automated Lehrer, Senior Business Membership Associate; Alice External Defibrillators (AED). The Representative; Jeffrey Bateman, Smith, Business Representative; certification class taught the skills Business Representative; Karen Bethany Umbach, Business necessary to prevent, recognize, Nothmann, Business Systems Representative; Erica Gowland, Analyst; John Fasulo, Receptionist; Jason Palmer, National Director of Contract Associate; Joseph Membership; Keith Voves, IT Administrator; Kathey Howard, Director of Wilson, Bonding Director, and Auditions, and Angel Richard Ostlund, Western Wuellner, Auditions Regional Board Secretary and Associate. Assistant to the Regional In Chicago, eight Director. staff members Orlando staffers certified are: participated in the Jennie Davis, Business training and all passed Representative; Pam Galbraith, Participants in the Career Transition For Dancers seminar. Craig Merriman and Pam Spitzner in the certification test. Assistant Business Chicago. They are: Craig Representative; Jackie Dames, Merriman, Office Administrative Assistant, and the Equity Building included experience. and provide basic care for injuries Manager; Luther Goins, Business Joyce Vinzani, Council Secretary. guests, panels and break-out Breakout sessions, led by and sudden illness until Representative; Tim Bruns, sessions. professionals in the field, advanced medical personnel Business Representative; Speakers were James explored survival work, hot arrive. Staff in the Orlando office Cynthia Hanks, Fayette, former Principal dancer careers, going from dancing into was certified on April 6. The Membership Associate; with New York City Ballet and a second passion-based career, project was initiated by Steven Pam Spitzner, Member current New York Area Dance and networking. DiPaola, Assistant Executive Services Coordinator; Director for Finance and Ashley Dawe, Business Administration. Representative; Chris New York “In the event that a fellow Provost, Senior Business employee, member, or guest Representative, and Dancers to Celebrate Michael Bennett suddenly became ill or suffered Elizabeth Oropeza, Bonding an injury, we wanted our Director. Dancers Over 40 will present Luke’s Theatre, 308 West 46th employees to have the skills and In Los Angeles, ten Michael Bennett: A Joyful Noise , Street. Bob Avian will be a confidence to respond quickly people were certified: a panel/performance event special guest. For more and responsibly,” said Megann Maura Murphy-Barrosse, celebrating the career of information call the DO40 McManus, Staff Development Office Manager; Lawrencia Michael Bennett from A Joyful Hotline, (212) 330-7016 or visit Noise to Ballroom on Monday, the website Director, who organized the Colding-Souza, Contract Practicing CPR in New York. training. Mr. DiPaola added: “The Associate; Carlos Dardon, May 17, 2010 at 8 p.m. at St. [email protected] . 8 / EQUITY news MAY 2010 Dallas-Fort Worth New York Equity Actors Honored By Theatre Community Human Resources Team Obtains The Column Awards, a Yslas said, “The Column Manager of a Musical, Spelling Certification 501(c)3 non-profit honoring Awards has a proud history of Bee ; Wendy Welch, Supporting excellence in theatre in the honoring Equity productions and Actress in a Play, The History Equity congratulates the mem - a rigorous course in March 2010 Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, members in their own division, Boys ; Liz Mikel, Actress in a Play, bers of its Human Resources sponsored by the Council on presented its 11th annual awards and we are pleased that so A Midsummer Night’s Dream , team—Marie Gottschall, Megann Management Education and on March 8, 2010. Seventeen many members received awards Dallas Theater Center ; Bradley McManus, Craig Merriman, George Washington University’s theatre companies shared 62 this year. We also are grateful Campbell , Actor in a Play, The Maura Murphy-Barrosse and Business School. With this certifi - awards, divided between Equity for the continued partnership History Boys ; and Diana Chris Williams—for having cation, they have achieved a and non-Equity productions. Pam with AEA, which graciously pur - Sheehan, Actress in a Musical, achieved their Certifications in higher level of proficiency in their Dougherty, Equity’s Dallas-Fort chases an ad in our program Grey Gardens . Human Resource Management skill area than any previous HR Worth Liaison Chair, was among and sponsors the Liaison Equity contract theatres as a result of their attendance at team at Equity. those honored, and was cited as Committee to attend the gala.” receiving awards were: Uptown The Players (ten awards), Theatre evening’s top Three (nine awards), Flower Equity hon - Mound Performing Arts Theatre ors were tak - (three awards), Dallas Theater en in the Center (two awards), Water Best Play Tower Theatre (two awards) and category by Contemporary Theatre of Dallas The History (one award). (L to r): Dennis Yslas, Connie Colt-Kitchens, Boys , pro - Nominees and winners are Column Awards nominee Ron Bohmer, Pam duced by selected by readers of “The Showing off their certificates in Human Resource Management Dougherty, Sharon Garrison and John Garcia at Uptown Column,” a national entertain - are (l to r): Maura Murphy-Barrosse (LA), Marie Gottschall (NY), the Column Awards. Players, and, ment newsletter distributed via Sue Walaszek (instructor), Megann McManus (NY), Craig Merriman (Chicago) and Chris Williams (NY). in the Best the Internet. Featured Actress in a Musical for Musical category , The 25th More than an awards show, her performance in Grey Annual Putnam County Spelling the organization is the only New York Gardens at the Water Tower Bee , produced by Theatre Three. awards organization in the Theatre. AEA members taking home United States to be a major Executive Vice-President of awards in addition to Pam fundraiser for Broadway Binder Recycling Brings Benefits The Column Awards, and Equity Dougherty were: Jeffrey Schmidt, Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, with As a member of the Broadway business hours (Monday-Friday, Dallas-Fort Worth Liaison Scenic Design of a Musical, all money raised (after operating Green Alliance (BGA), Equity 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Committee member Dennis Spelling Bee ; Doug Miller, Stage costs) going to BC/EFA. has started a binder recycling Also, you may pick up binders program for script binders that free of charge, provided that you are used by Actors, Stage agree to return them after use. New York and the cast was eager to use Managers and other For further information, call the momentum to push the entertainment industry Louise Foisy, (212) 869-8530, The Wedding’s Back On issue. A meeting of the Equity personnel. We are collecting ext. 344, or email cast and staff resulted in plans binders from all sources and [email protected]. Producer of Off Broadway’s Tony ‘n Tina’s for handbilling that Saturday encourage everyone to drop off Visit the BGA website for Wedding Keeps Equity Actors After night. Word of the plans went out binders at the Equity Building, more information: via Facebook and Twitter, and 165 West 46th Street, 15th Floor www.broadwaygreen.com . Threatening to Go Non-Union many people posted or tweeted Reception during regular Become a Facebook friend. Members of the cast of New Restaurant when they first got their support. York’s long-running Tony ‘n Tina’s word that the show would shut While all the behind-the- Wedding were sure they were down until further notice. Then scenes work was being planned, headed towards divorce when came the communication about the producers reached out to the producers sent a notice that the non-union venue. While they Eastern Regional Director Rick the company would be moving to were left scratching their heads, Berg, and agreed to utilize the a “non-union” venue and offered Equity’s staff received word from Equity contract, with the them their roles if they “resign the producer that the show would understanding that a meeting from Actors’ Equity Union.” reopen non-union. would be held later to discuss It had already been a Because a series of email non-economic changes to the rollercoaster ride for the cast, exchanges with the producer contract. Kudos to Business Rep many of whom had been with the yielded nothing, Equity filed an Kathy Mercado and Senior show for seven or more years. Unfair Labor Practice on Business Rep Russell Lehrer for Members had been performing Thursday, April 8, 2010. Media their efforts in the Tony ‘n Tina’s under AEA contract at Sofia’s was quick to pick up on the rift Wedding success story. Supporting Equity’s binder program are (l to r) Bret Shuford, Mulch, John Tartaglia and Kate Wetherhead. Chanhassen, MN New York Actors Don Hair O-B Stage Managers to Nets, Donate Time Meet-and-Greet to Charity Equity and the League of Off Manhattan Theatre Club and Equity Actors and design staff Broadway Theatres and Primary Stages. from the company of Footloose at Producers are sponsoring the The informal, speed-dating the Chanhassen (Minnesota) annual Off Broadway Stage format will allow Stage Dinner Theatres took time on Actors in their hair nets are (front, l to r) Quinn Berger, Janet Hayes Managers networking event on Managers to learn about the Trow, Sue Ellen Berger, Maureen Sherman-Mendez, Lisa Bartholomew- Wednesday, April 7, 2010 to pack Thursday, May 27, 2010 in the theatres’ upcoming seasons, 23,616 meals—between Given, Nickie Kromminga; (back) Robb McKindles, Tinia Moulder, John Trow, Ben Bakken, Chad M. Anderson and Mark King. Council Room on the 14th Floor schedules and hiring practices, shows—to benefit Feed My at the AEA office. Equity Stage and present their resumes for Starving Children (FMSC). building environment where transport, simple to make with Managers will have the future consideration. Those Participants included Quinn people of all ages come together only boiling water and culturally opportunity to meet-and-greet planning to attend should bring Berger, Sue Ellen Berger, Janet for a common cause: packing acceptable worldwide. A single producers and general at least 20 copies of their Hayes Trow, John Trow, Maureen nutritious, life-saving meals for bag of food—which provides managers from both Equity resumes and be able to commit Sherman-Mendez, Ben Bakken, starving children. These meals meals for six children—costs commercial ventures as well as to a “rotation hour” during which Lisa Bartholomew-Given, Nickie are then shipped to nearly 70 around $1.15 to produce, and institutional not-for-profits. Last they will be guaranteed to meet Kromminga, Robb McKindles, countries around the world, 94% of all donations go directly year’s event included with each Off Broadway League Tinia Moulder, Chad M. Anderson offering hope to the hungry. From toward the food program. representatives from participant. To RSVP (by May and Mark King. The entire its beginnings, FMSC has worked To donate, or learn more Playwrights Horizons, NY 21) or for more information, call process took just 90 minutes. to develop a food mixture that about FMSC, go to Theatre Workshop, Women’s Joanna Spencer, (212) 869- FMSC provides a team- would be easy and safe to www.fmsc.org. Project & Productions, 8530, ext. 377.