DECEMBER “Under the greenwood tree 2011 who loves to lie with me… Here shall he see no enemy Volume 96 but winter and rough weather.” Number 9 — William Shakespeare EQUITYNEWS AsYou Like It,Act II, scene 5 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

Membership Meetings in All Regions New Production Contract Ratified Will Select Nominating Committees Equity’s 2012 National Election gets underway at upcoming Financial Package Retroactive to September 26, 2011 Membership Meetings in each Region. The agenda for each he new four-year September 26, 2011. The the usage and negotiated extra Meeting includes a Special Order of Business to nominate and Production Contract has financial package also includes select the membership portion of the Regional Nominating time off with restrictions on Committee. Tbeen ratified with 75% of increases to the Chorus rider publicity and rehearsal calls the valid returned ballots (which hasn’t been increased when the rule is employed. The EASTERN REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING will be approving the agreement, and is held on since 1983), the Principal term Equity’s staff will be aggressive Friday, January 6, 2012 at 2 pm effective immediately. The increment (which hasn’t been in enforcing the restrictions in the Council Room (14th Floor) of the Equity Building contract, which will expire in increased since 1989), Per placed on this rule to ensure the 165 West 46th Street, New York September 2015, affects those Diems for both full production safety of Equity members. The agenda includes: members who work on and tiered tours, and a salary “Our members saw that, • Presentation of the St. Clair Bayfield Award. Broadway, national and tiered bump for ASMs on tiered tours. taken as a whole, this is a • Presentation of the Joe A. Callaway Award. tours. Other gains in the new strong contract,” said Executive • Special Order of Business to nominate and select the “This is a very good contract contract include the Director Mary McColl. “It has membership portion of the 2012 Eastern Regional Nominating that has a number of big gains classification of “extraordinary Committee. financial gains that are for our members,” said risk” for work on raked stages. • Membership Discussion Period in accordance with the extraordinary in this economic Negotiating Team Co-Chairs This is an important win By-Laws. climate, and that start to level First Vice-President Paige Price because it impacts Workers’ (A Sign Interpreter will be present on request.) the playing field in regard to and Third Vice-President Ira Compensation for our members. The CENTRAL REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING will be increment payments that impact Mont. “We achieved a significant In addition, risk payments will be held on a broad number of working Monday, January 9, 2012 at 7 pm financial package and important made to those members who in the Member Center on the 1st Floor of the Equity Building changes to safety and dance on raked stages. members. It also has much- 557 W. Randolph Street, Chicago extraordinary risk, to name just The new language allowing needed improvements to The agenda includes: a few.” for six performances over three language that hasn’t changed in • Special Order of Business to nominate and select the A primary focus of the days has raised concerns decades. We will work hard to membership portion of the 2012 Central Regional Nominating negotiations was to achieve a among the members. This ensure that the restrictions Committee. substantial financial package flexible scheduling can be negotiated into the six in three • Report of the Central Regional Vice President. that would benefit the broadest implemented up to a maximum performance schedule will be • Report of the Central Regional Director. followed.” • Membership Discussion Period in accordance with the number of members. The of 12 times in a year and By-Laws. package, which includes a 3% Equity’s Negotiating Team, Ms. Price and Mr. Mont • Reception for the new Central Regional Director, Christine A. annual increase for the life of cognizant of the members’ concurred: “Overall, this contract Provost. the contract, is retroactive to needs, has placed limitations on is a win for our members.” The WESTERN REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING will be held on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11 am of members and hear in the Bellamy Room (5th Floor) at the Equity Office everyone’s stories. It was clear 6755 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA Christine Provost to Lead to me that while every place is The agenda includes: Central Regional Office unique, our members share • Special Order of Business to nominate and select the common concerns and membership portion of the 2012 Western Regional ong-time employee including bonding procedures, challenges. I am committed to Nominating Committee. Christine Provost has budgets and other activities doing the very best I can for our • Report of the Western Regional Director. been promoted to the relevant to the region. “One of L members.” • Report of the Western Regional Vice President. position of Central Regional my goals,” said Ms. Provost, “is • Membership Discussion Period in accordance with the “Chris was my first hire as Director/Assistant Executive to create a positive working By-Laws. Regional Director in 1996,” said Director, effective January 1, The Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, Ms. Lamkey. “Over the last 15 2012. She succeeds Kathryn V. April 13, 2012. The Regions will be connected by telephonic years she has proven vital to the Lamkey, who retired from the hook-up in order that members in all Regions may hear the operation of this office and the Union after 25 years. statements of candidates running for election to Office and work we have accomplished for Council. “We are delighted to have the membership. There is no Christine Provost as our Central doubt Chris will work tirelessly Regional Director,” said Equity’s to serve the members and the 2012 Annual Executive Director Mary McColl. Association and that her efforts “Throughout her tenure with will help lead Equity to new Election Gets Equity, she has demonstrated heights. The work of the Union she is a knowledgeable leader Underway and our Central Region couldn’t and advocate for our members be in better hands.” 17 Council, Eight and our staff.” Ms. Provost began her career Central Regional Vice with Equity as a Business Officer Seats Open President Dev Kennedy agreed: Representative in the Central he 2012 Equity elections “Chris is a valuable asset to Christine Provost. Region. As such, she was are just around the this Union. Her institutional responsible for the corner, and now is your knowledge, intelligence and environment for the staff that T administration and negotiation chance to step up and be a part integrity will continue to serve encourages professional of a number of contracts and of the action. Even if you don’t our membership and our staff development and productivity.” helped to educate members see yourself actually running for well.” She will also serve as the about the negotiating process office, you can still make your In her new position, Chris will Staff Representative to the (continued on page 3) mark on the 2012 Elections by oversee the administration of all Central Regional Board and serving on your Regional collectively bargained attend all meetings of the Index Nominating Committee! agreements for the Central National Council. As an Nominating Committees Region, serving as Chief Assistant Executive Director, New Production Contract ratified...1 Negotiator for several of these Christine Provost to lead Central The Nom Com (as it’s Chris will be an integral part of contracts. In addition, she will the Executive Team to develop Regional Office ...... 1 NEWS affectionately called) acts as a participate in national 2012 Election gets underway ...... 1 filter to help inform the election strategies and standards negotiations. She will supervise Pension & Health Trustees report ..3 process. It interviews consistent with Equity’s vision, a staff of 20, and be responsible Letters...... 8 prospective candidates and mission and goals. UITY for the overall operational and National News...... 9 selects a slate of nominees for “I just returned from Detroit,”

Q administrative aspects of the the various Council positions said Ms. Provost recently. “I had Annual Report on employment, 165 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036 Address Service Requested Second Class Postage Paid in New York, NY E Central Regional office, earnings, membership, finance ..12 (continued on page 2) the opportunity to speak to a lot 2 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

Area Liaison 2012 Annual Election Hotline system continued from page 1 2012 Annual Election Calendar available in this year’s election. Friday, January 6, 2012 Eastern Regional Membership Meeting Call 877-AEA-1913 Serving on the Nom Com is a Monday, January 9, 2012 Central Regional Membership Meeting great way to delve into the inner Western Regional Membership Meeting Equity has a National toll-free workings of Equity’s leadership, No later than Counting of ballots for Eastern Regional hotline system for members who understand the issues we face, Monday, January 9, 2012 Nominating Committee, if necessary live in Area Liaison and office and hear firsthand from the cities. The number is 877-AEA- people who want to lead Equity No later than Counting of ballots for Central/Western 1913 (honoring the year of Eq- for the next three (Officers) or Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Regional Nominating Committees, if necessary five (Councillors) years. uity’s founding). Each Area Thursday, January 19, 2012 Deadline for seating of Regional Nominating Committees The member-at-large Liaison city has its own exten- portions of the Regional Nom Monday, February 6, 2012 Final day for submission to all Nominating Committees (Materials sion, where members can ac- Coms are selected at the due in Regional Offices by 5 pm Eastern Time, 4 pm Central, 2 pm cess news and information in January 2012 Membership Pacific) their region. Meetings: Eastern–January 6; Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Deadline for reports of Joint Officers Nominating Committees (1) Dial 877-AEA-1913 Central and Western–January 9. Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Deadline for reports of all Regional Nominating Committees (2) Dial your city extension: To serve, you need to be a paid up member in good standing Friday, March 2, 2012 Deadline for nominations by Independent Petition (Materials due in 811 Atlanta and eligible under one of the Regional Offices by 2 pm Eastern Time, 1 pm Central, 11 am 812 Austin/San Antonio three employment categories: Pacific) 813 Boston Principal, Chorus or Stage Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Deadline for Candidates Statements for Equity News, Equity Website 814 Buffalo/Rochester Manager.You don’t even have to and Ballot Brochure (due in Regional Offices by 2 pm Eastern Time, 815 Chicago be at the Membership Meeting if 1 pm Central, 11 am Pacific) Lottery for ballot placement (National 816 Cincinnati/Louisville you send a letter or email of Office) 817 Cleveland acceptance to the election staff Thursday, March 22, 2012 Deadline for registration to vote electronically 818 Dallas/Fort Worth in your region’s office city before Friday, April 13, 2012 Annual National Membership Meeting (all Regions via 819 Denver the meeting and have someone teleconference) Candidate speeches 820 Detroit nominate you at the meeting. 821 Florida – Central Don’t worry if you haven’t Monday, April 16, 2012 Distribution of ballots (from balloting company) 822 Florida – South served on a committee before– Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Deadline for receipt of ballots this is a terrific way to get your 823 Houston Thursday, May 24, 2012 Tabulation Day feet wet, learn a lot and put your 824 Kansas City experience to work for your 825 Las Vegas Union. Principals, one Chorus and one three are members-at-large. available this year.) 826 Los Angeles The time commitment is Stage Manager). This year, in addition to the 827 Milwaukee/Madison Seats Available short–just a few weeks of The Joint Officers Council seats, the eight Officer 828 Minneapolis/St Paul There are a total of 17 interviews and deliberations Nominating Committee has seats are also open. There are Council seats open in this year’s 829 Nashville from late January through late 17 members: ten members five National Officers: President, election. In the Eastern Region 830 New Orleans February, so Nom Com is great representing the Eastern First-Vice President (a member Principal category there are six 831 New York for members who can’t commit Regional Nominating qualifying in the Principal seats: one one-year term and 832 Philadelphia long term but who still want to Committee (six Principals, category), Second Vice- five five-year terms. Also in the 833 Phoenix/Tucson get involved. This year’s three Chorus and one Stage President (a member qualifying East under the Chorus category deadline for the first meeting of Manager) of whom four are in the Chorus category), Third 834 Pittsburgh there are two seats for five-year the Regional Nominating Regional Board members and Vice-President (a member 835 San Diego terms. Additionally, there are Committees is January 19, six are members-at large, two qualifying in the Stage Manager 836 San Francisco two five-year seats for Eastern 2012 and the deadline for the members representing the category) and 837 Seattle Stage Managers. In the Central Committees’ reports is Tuesday, Central Regional Nominating Secretary/Treasurer. There are 838 St. Louis Region, there is one five-year February 21, 2012.The number Committee (both Principals) of also three Regional Officers, 839 Washington DC/Baltimore Principal seat available. (There of meetings depends on the whom one is a Regional Board one Regional Vice- President for are no Chorus or Stage number of potential candidates member and one is a member- each of Equity’s geographic Manager seats available this who submit themselves to be at-large and five members regions (Eastern, Central and year.) In the Western Region, interviewed. representing the Western Western). All Officers serve for a there are four five-year and one The Eastern Regional Regional Nominating term of three years. Nominating Committee has three-year Principal seats, and Committee (three Principals, Candidate (and Nom Com) 17 members: six members in the Chorus category there is one Chorus and one Stage Qualifications selected from the Eastern one seat available for a five- Manager) of whom two are General Criteria: Only a Regional Board, Councillors year term. (There are no Regional Board members and member who is in good and Officers resident in the Western Stage Manager seats standing, who has attained the Eastern Region (three age of 18 and has been in good Principals, two Chorus, and standing for the two-years prior EQUITYNEWS one Stage Manager) and 11 What Region Are You In? to nomination, shall be eligible Editor: DICK MOORE members-at-large (seven Eastern Region Central Region Western Region to be an Officer, Councillor or Associate Editor: HELAINE FELDMAN Principals, three Chorus and Alabama – AL Arkansas – AR Alaska – AK Regional Board member. Equity News Advisory Committee one Stage Manager). Connecticut – CT Illinois – IL Arizona – AZ Candidates must also meet the Christine Toy Johnson, Chair The Central Regional Delaware – DE Indiana – IN California – CA qualifications for the applicable (Eastern) Nominating Committee has Nancy Daly (Western) District of Columbia – DC Iowa – IA Colorado – CO employment category (Principal, ten members: four members Diane Dorsey (Central) Florida – FL Kansas – KS Hawaii – HI Chorus or Stage Manager) as Nicole Flender (Eastern) selected from the Central Georgia – GA Kentucky – KY Idaho – ID defined below. Bruce Alan Johnson (Eastern) Regional Board, Councillors Principal Councillor Criteria: Kevin McMahon (Western) and Officers resident in the Maine – ME Louisiana – LA Montana – MT In addition to meeting the Liz Pazik (Central) Central Region (two Principals, Massachusetts – MA Michigan – MI New Mexico – NM Barbara Roberts (Western) general criteria, a candidate one Chorus, and one Stage Maryland – MD Minnesota – MN Nevada – NV Melissa Robinette (Eastern) Mississippi – MS Missouri – MO Oregon – OR running in the Principal category Buzz Roddy (Eastern) Manager) and six members-at- New Hampshire – NH Nebraska – NE Texas – TX must be a member in good EQUITY NEWS (ISSN: 00924520) is large (four Principals, one New Jersey – NJ North Dakota – ND Utah – UT standing who has performed published monthly except for com- Chorus and one Stage Principal work under no less bined issues in Jan./Feb., July/Aug., Manager). New York – NY Ohio – OH Washington – WA than two Equity contracts or Oct.,/Nov., by Actors' Equity The Western Regional North Carolina – NC South Dakota – SD Wyoming – WY Association, 165 West 46th Street, Oklahoma – OK Wisconsin – WI who has worked no less than New York, NY 10036. Telephone: Nominating Committee has Pennsylvania – PA one Equity contract performing (212) 869-8530. Periodicals 13 members: four members Principal work for no less than postage paid at New York, NY. and selected from the Western Rhode Island – RI ten weeks. additional mailing offices. Copyright Regional Board, Councillors South Carolina – SC Chorus Councillor Criteria: In 2003, Actors' Equity Association. and Officers resident in the Tennessee – TN Subscription price for non-members Virginia – VA addition to meeting the general of Actors' Equity Association: $25 Western Region (two Vermont – VT criteria, a candidate running in per year. Postmaster: Send address Principals, one Chorus, and the Chorus category must be a changes to Equity News, 165 West one Stage Manager) and nine West Virginia – WV member in good standing who 46th St., New York, NY 10036. members-at-large (seven Canada has performed Chorus work DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 3 within five years preceding the held in person, or by telephonic From the nomination or appointment to hook-up for Members living office (for the 2012 election this and/or working outside their PRESIDENT date is June 1, 2007) provided Equity office city. the member has not worked as You must submit your a Principal performer for a total completed Election Packet Can I Get Some Service Here? of 52 weeks within two years forms to the applicable Equity By Nick Wyman about old men and heart attacks types of Councillors are: prior to such nomination or office by the deadline and prior so I’ll probably start hiring the recognizable working actors — appointment to office (for the to your interview day. This n Veteran’s Day, I was kid across the street. Each so producers know we have 2012 election, this date is June year’s deadline for thinking of service. I week, I make — consciously or “skin in the game,” and scuffling, 1, 2010). submission to a Nominating thought with O not — hundreds of decisions Stage Manager Councillor Committee is Monday, appreciation and gratitude of trying-to-get-work, trying-to-get- about what I will do myself and Criteria: In addition to meeting February 6, 2012 (by 5 pm those in our armed services 12-weeks members — because what I will have someone do for the general criteria, a candidate EST, 4 pm CST and 2 pm who have fought and who that is the bulk of our me. I also make decisions about running in the Stage Manager PST). continue to fight to keep us and membership. We also need whether or not to do things for category must be a member in young members (and my Nomination by our way of life safe. I am very other people, about what good standing who has worked definition of “young” is laughably Independent Petition grateful to the men and women service I might do for others. as a Stage Manager five years elastic: someone under 40.) So Members may also be in uniform whose protection There is satisfaction and preceding the nomination or nominated to run for the Council allows me to spend my time in even joy in service — whether if you don’t remember Chevy appointment to office (for the by Independent Petition. the critical pursuit of making it’s letting my wife sleep in while Chase’s impression of Gerald 2012 election this date is June Seventeen members in good funny faces to amuse people - I get our son off to school or Ford on Saturday Night Live, 1, 2007): (1) under Equity standing, from the applicable and those are not just the overseeing the effective please run for Council. contract for at least 30 weeks Region, must sign this petition. uniforms of soldiers and sailors investment of the Equity-League Equity is now beginning the solely as a Stage Manager or Candidates nominated by but also of police and Pension and Health Funds. process of electing all of its Assistant Stage Manager; or (2) Independent Petition must meet firefighters. Fighting wars and Speaking of the Funds, AEA just officers and over 20% of its under no less than five Equity the same criteria as those crimes and fires is important, held a little ceremony to honor Councillors. The opportunity for contracts solely as a Stage nominated by a Nominating but I am very happy to have Jeanna Belkin (about whom I service is there: as Samuel Manager or Assistant Stage Committee. Any eligible member someone else do it for me. wrote two months ago) for her Jackson’s Martin Luther King Manager. That’s what service is: doing is free to run for office by 47 years of service to the says in The Mountaintop, “Pick Becoming a Councillor Independent Petition rather than something for someone else so Funds. Jeanna’s entire adult life up the baton.” Is this something by the Nominating Committee they don’t have to do it To run for Council, you must was one of service, and she you are willing to do for others first be nominated, either by the process, and by doing so themselves. continues to serve as an or is this something you are Nominating Committee or by ensures the membership will There are lots of things in my Emeritus Councillor and as a willing to have others do for Independent Petition. have real choices when they life that I farm out to someone Special Advisor to the Fund’s you? Either choice is okay, but receive their ballots. Candidates else, either because he/she can Trustees. Jeanna’s hard-won Nomination by the thinking of my talented fellow Nominating Committee who are not selected by a do it better or because I would wisdom and long institutional Nominating Committee are also members, I am reminded of the If you wish to be nominated rather spend my time doing memory make her the poster free to run by Independent parable of the talents: to the one for a Council seat by a something else. I have an agent child for one of the three types Petition. who increased his talents by Nominating Committee, you negotiate my contracts. I have of Councillors I have often said If you would like to run by putting them to use, the master must submit a letter of intent, someone cut my hair. I have AEA needs: veteran Councillors Independent Petition, you must said, “Well done, thou good and requesting such consideration, (when I’m flush enough to afford — so this year’s brainstorm submit a letter of intent stating to the Equity office in your it) someone clean my house. I doesn’t undo the progress of ten faithful servant.” Are you willing that: (1) you are a member in geographic Region. Your letter of shovel my own walk, but my wife years ago. to put your talents to work for good standing resident in the intent should state (1) you are a keeps muttering rude things The other two necessary others? Will you serve? applicable region; (2) you are member in good standing eligible to run in accordance to resident in the applicable region; the Constitution and By-Laws; (2) you are eligible to run in (3) you are willing to be accordance to the Constitution Equity Pension & Health Trustees nominated and placed on the and By-Laws; (3) if nominated ballot and (4) if elected you will by a Nominating Committee you Report to Council serve. Upon receipt of your agree to run for a designated letter, you will be sent an term and (4) if elected you will Election Packet, which includes Pension Fund Sound; Health Fund Stable serve. Upon receipt of your the same forms and letter, an Election Packet will be Administrative Processes Streamlined; Efficiency Increased documentation to be completed sent to you, and the appropriate and submitted as described in (Madeleine Fallon, Chair of the terms, all foreseeable pensions 2010 reports to the Council, Nominating Committee Chair or the Nomination by Nominating Equity portion of the Equity- are funded. The continued there has been significant Equity Staff will contact you to Committee section above, as League Pension & Health Trust vigilance of the Investment activity in the past several years. set up an interview with the well as the Independent Petition Funds, made the following report Committee and the investment In 2006 we hired Art Drechsler Committee. The Election Packet Nomination Form. You must to Council on November 15, professionals from Segal as the Executive Director of the contains forms on which you submit your Independent 2011.) Advisors is to be commended. Equity-League Funds and must indicate the employment Petition, signed by at least 17 he Equity Trustees are And, while the Trustees are charged him with streamlining category (Principal, Chorus, members in good standing relieved to report that the pleased to report the positive administrative processes and Stage Manager) for which you resident in the applicable region, Pension Plan remains status of the Pension Fund, we costs. Under his direction, the wish to run and written T along with the other Election sound despite the buffeting of remain mindful of the volatility of satellite Fund Offices in Los documentation of your eligibility Packet forms by Friday, March the markets in recent years. Our the current global economic Angeles and Chicago were to run for that seat as defined in 2, 2012 (by 2 pm EST, 1 pm actuarial consultants at Segal forces and do not feel it would closed and all operations were the Candidate Qualifications CST, 11 am PST). Co. show that as of the current be prudent to consider consolidated in New York. The section above. Interviews are plan year, which began June 1, improvements at this time. current fund office staff has 2011, our pensions are 124.6% The Health Fund is currently received professional funded based on an actuarial stable. We began the current development resulting in national, regional and local value of assets of plan year of June 1 with assets increased efficiencies. Today’s Christine Provost negotiations. continued from page 1 $1,378,000,000. This represents of slightly more than $65 million staff of 37 provides enhanced Currently, Ms. Provost serves an increase of $67 million since and with 12 months of reserves. service compared to that through short presentations at as the Secretary/Treasurer of the same period last year. These reserves meet our target provided a few years ago by 57 first rehearsals. In 2000, she the Chicago Entertainment According to the standards of and are needed in case of a people. As the Fund Office’s was promoted to Senior Industry Labor Council and the Pension Protection Plan of significant spike in claims or lease neared expiration earlier Business Representative and guest lectures at Columbia 2006 our Pension Plan remains other unforeseen financial this year, Art successfully assumed the additional College. firmly positioned in the “Green developments which may negotiated a reduction in rent as responsibilities of supervising Prior to joining the Equity Zone.” The actuarial calculations negatively impact the Fund. well as a reduction in square and advising on all contractual staff, Ms. Provost, who received are based on recognition of footage by redesigning the matters in the Region. She was Cost Containment Efforts her Bachelor of Arts from the pensions which are currently layout of the office space. We the Chief Negotiator for the As you know, the cost of University of Pennsylvania and being paid, the pension amounts anticipate that in early 2012 the most recent U/RTA contract. health care in the U.S. continues her Juris Doctor from the earned to date by members who transition from an outside vendor She assisted Ms. Lamkey in the to spiral upward. In order for the Northwestern University School are vested but not yet collecting to our own state-of-the-art IT management of the office, Plan to remain solvent it is of Law, was a Litigation and by the pension credits system will be completed. We trained new hires on Equity necessary for the Trustees to Associate at a large Chicago earned by members who have applaud Vince Cinelli, Director of policies and procedures and pursue cost containment efforts. law firm. not yet become vested. So in lay served as Second Chair in As outlined in the 2009 and (continued on page 5) 4 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

From Pensions and Health Coverage To Cots and Contracts, Jeanna Belkin Champions AEA Members

By Michael Sommers Ms. Belkin dryly. “The singers too hindered to attend to her would die in two days. That kind material deals with her projects believed they would become Trustee responsibilities. She of money we ain’t got.” with AEA and the Equity-League “It’s very easy to be active in stars and dancers thought they now serves as Special Advisor Chris Brockmeyer, the Trust Funds. Equity,” observes Jeanna Belkin, were going to live forever.” to its Board. Broadway League co-chair of Born in Brooklyn, the an AEA Councillor for more than In 1964 Equity’s Council “Jeanna is tireless and is a the Funds, recalls how well Ms. diminutive, bright-eyed Ms. half a century. “All you have to appointed Ms. Belkin an Equity steel-trap stickler for details,” Belkin teamed for many years Belkin studied with George do is open your mouth about an Trustee of the Funds. Her observes Madeleine Fallon, with the late Irving Cheskin, the Balanchine and Martha Graham issue that means something to accomplishments include currently co-chair of the Equity League’s representative when before embarking on a career you, work to carry it through and helping to devise a system Trustees for the Funds, who has the Funds were established. that includes appearances in have it become part of the whereby members could be worked with Ms. Belkin for more “Enough cannot be said for the half a dozen Broadway shows Equity way of thinking.” vested for working during the than 30 years and fondly thinks beneficial impact of the way they such as the Pulitzer-winning That’s what Ms. Belkin did in 1945- 62 period before the of her as a mentor. “She has shepherded the Funds to where musical Fiorello! The widow of the middle 1940s. “I got mad Funds were created. Many of always been very passionate they are today,” says Mr. Sidney Klein, she proudly notes and went to an Equity meeting,” her responsibilities in the unpaid about serving the AEA Brockmeyer. “The pragmatic, that her daughter Karen is a she says with a short laugh and Trustee position were day-to-day membership.” positive working relationship pediatrician and her two a shrug. matters involving members as Ms. Belkin is keenly aware that the Equity and League grandchildren, Ezra and Riva, In those days that meant well as business related to how members wish that health Trustees share today stems are pursing advanced degrees Chorus Equity a decade before maintaining the Funds. “It was benefits could be extended to largely from the manner in at Ivy League schools. “So a it merged with AEA. On tour as often minutiae,” says Ms. Belkin. their families but also believes which Jeanna and Irving worked gypsy made a doctor and two a dancer with One Touch of “But it always has to do with that to be impossible. “We are together.” graduate students,” she Venus—Agnes de Mille gave human beings.” one of the few pension and Still avidly reading the remarks. “That’s pretty good, her her Equity card—Ms. Belkin This summer Ms. Belkin health funds that is still minutes of Equity’s Council and don’t you think?” became troubled when another reluctantly relinquished her functioning and doing well,” she the Regional Boards, Ms. Belkin A former AEA staff member, chorus member suffered long-held Trustee seat on the asserts. “That’s because the lately has been assembling a Michael Sommers writes about menstrual cramps and had no Equity-League Pension and Trustees said – and I was one of personal cache of documents theatre for New Jersey place in the theatre to lie down. Health Trust Funds. After a 20- them – that we simply can’t give dating back to the late 1930s, Newsroom, Variety and The The result of Ms. Belkin’s year battle with gout and carpel family coverage. Period. If we which she plans to donate to the New York Times. concerns, which still can be tunnel ailments, Ms. Belkin feels tried to give family coverage we Union’s archives. Much of this found in every theatre today, is the Equity cot. A Councillor since the 1955 merger, Ms. Belkin chose not to seek re-election in 2004 and is Jeanna Belkin Feted; Named Special Advisor now honored as a Councillor Emerita. Her influence is to Equity’s P&H Trustees legendary. Securing a day off for actors, initiating additional pay ouncil, staff, colleagues, friends Eisenberg, who had and insurance for Extraordinary and family attended a reception served as a Trustee Risk activities, and similar Chonoring Jeanna Belkin with Ms. Belkin for matters concerning safe and following the Council meeting on many years, praised sanitary conditions are among November 15, 2011. The occasion was her “absolute Ms. Belkin’s lasting Ms. Belkin’s retirement as an Equity dedication, absolute achievements as a Councillor. Trustee on the Equity portion of the sincerity, absolute Regarding the Extraordinary Equity-League Pension and Health Trust honesty.” Risk negotiations, Ms. Belkin Funds and her designation as Special Paul Libin, recalls, “So I said, wait a minute, Advisor to the Trustees. another League if you are going to allow this Equity President Nick Wyman was the Trustee, said, “You kind of extra acrobatic stuff then first of several speakers who spoke will never have a the membership should be paid. glowingly of Ms. Belkin and her Trustee with the I used the argument of the truck accomplishments. Mr. Wyman thanked ferocity, the loyalty driver who is carrying dynamite. her “for being my personal angel and for and the dedication Isn’t he less safe than the driver being a guiding angel to both the Funds that she always carting vegetables?” and to the Association.” Chris projected,” adding Elected a Second or Third Brockmeyer, a League Trustee, noted: “It that for Ms. Belkin Dr. Karen Klein, Jeanna’s daughter; Anita Ross, daughter of former Councillor Bill Ross; Jeanna Belkin and Riva Lencer, is largely because of you and your 47 “the actor was the Vice-President for numerous Jeanna’s granddaughter. (Photos: Stephanie Masucci) terms, Ms. Belkin’s pragmatic years on the Fund, your stewardship, most important nature has shaped AEA. She your guidance and your leadership for all thing and she was her Special Advisor to the Trustees, so helped to enforce and clarify those years, that, through thick and thin, always committed to that.” Harry that she’ll still continue to get the Robert’s Rules of Order through the 2008 financial crisis that we Weintraub, an Employee Trustee was documents and she has the ability to call procedures to ease previously stayed in the green zone—one of only unable to attend, but sent a letter which and voice her opinion and I will certainly unruly Council sessions. “That’s 20% of all multi-employee plans.” Former was read by Mr. Wyman: “It’s been an continue to call her and ask her opinion.” how you run an efficient meeting Equity Executive Director Alan honor to serve as a Trustee with Jeanna, She then presented Ms. Belkin with a and get things done,” Ms. Belkin an honor, and an plaque, reading: “To Jeanna Belkin, who asserts. “Otherwise it’s blood on education and an for 52 years on the Council of Actors’ the floor.” Ms. Belkin worked to inspiration.” Equity and 47 years on the Board of keep AEA from endorsing Madeleine Fallon, Trustees of the Equity League Pension political candidates while Chair of the Equity and Health Fund, over 40 of those years speaking exclusively to arts- portion of the as Chair of the Equity Caucus, has given related issues of public policy. A Trustees, said: of her remarkable talent, her sincere member of various contract “Jeanna has been understanding and generosity to the negotiating teams over the my mentor; she has members of Actors’ Equity Association, years, Ms. Belkin was especially become my very we dedicate this day, November 15, active with membership dear friend, and 2011, a day on which we extend our education and regional though she has deep appreciation and our affection to representation matters. decided to retire as our dear friend and colleague. From the Active in the 13-day a Trustee, it doesn’t Council, staff and members of Actors’ Broadway strike of 1960 that led mean that she won’t Equity Association.” to the establishment of the continue to be my Ms. Belkin, visibly moved, spoke of Funds, Ms. Belkin recalls that mentor. At the last “fairness, fervor and commitment,” and chorus performers were more Jeanna Belkin (r) with Madeleine Fallon, Chair of the Trustee meeting, the said, “I will continue to work for and with impressed at the time by their Equity portion of the P&H Trustees, and Eastern Board voted to name Councillor Judy Rice. Actors’ Equity for as long as I live.” $5 weekly raise. “They could care less about a pension,” says DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 5

Equity Pension & Health Trustees Report employers submit health However, the number of Gratitude for Jeanna Belkin payments. The cost of those participants we cover falls continued from page 3 We would be remiss if we did payments is significant to most roughly in the large company not acknowledge a seismic shift Operations, with shepherding adjusted to favor in-network employers and onerous to some. category.) While the various in the Equity-League Fund’s this transition. providers. The Trustees are concerned that changes and efficiencies landscape. Jeanna Belkin, who While these cost containment Recent Health Plan we are nearing the point where instituted by our Fund has served as the chair of the Equity Changes efforts have contributed to the somewhat slowed the rate of we will not be able to negotiate Caucus for decades, retired in stability of the Health Plan, the increase, the costs are still In recent years, it has also sufficient health dollars to meet July after 47 years of service as demands of the marketplace heading in the wrong direction. been the unfortunate necessity rising costs. An additional a Trustee. Jeanna’s contributions to introduce plan changes that continue to challenge us. Our Clearly, these are difficult concern is that the workweeks to the Benefit Funds can not be require sacrifices by our plan became self-insured in times. The Trustees remain have declined by 9.7% over the overstated. Her attention to members. A $100 quarterly 2006, which means that claims committed to the core principal past three theatrical seasons. detail and formidable memory premium was introduced. are paid out of our assets. Our of providing quality benefits to Challenges for the Future set a bar that few of us can Eligibility was raised to the relationship with CIGNA is what as many working members as reach. She showed her devotion current standard of a minimum is known as ASO – The challenge we face as possible. The 11 Equity to her fellow members with the of 12 workweeks to gain six Administrative Services Only. In Trustees is to make every effort appointed Trustees are joined months of coverage and 20 other words, we pay CIGNA a to avoid raising eligibility and/or by an equal number of feisty, tireless zeal that is so weeks for 12 months. The out-of- fee for each participant, which premiums as well as avoiding Employer or League Trustees uniquely hers. We owe her pocket maximum and co-pay allows us to access their cuts in benefits. Our Fund is who are appointed by the endless gratitude. And we know rates were raised. Free dental network of doctors, and CIGNA currently covering 7,752 people Broadway League. Together we that the way she wants us to coverage was eliminated. The administers the paying of the at an average annual cost of constitute the Equity-League show that gratitude is to reasonable and customary rate claims. This arrangement saves approximately $8,500 per Board of Trustees. We are continue the good fight for the for out-of-network somewhere between 2% and participant. (By way of grateful that the Employer Equity-League Funds. reimbursement was changed 4% on the cost of paying CIGNA comparison, AON Hewitt, an HR Trustees are active partners in On behalf of my fellow Equity from 80/20% to 70/30%. More to be the insurer or consulting firm, shows the our quest to keep the Funds Trustees – Doug Carfrae, Brian recently, we have instituted approximately $1 million to $2.1 average cost per year for viable. (Note: although the Meyers Cooper, Alan Hall, mandatory generics for certain million per year. employees of large firms is Equity-League Fund Office also Thomas Joyce, Francis Jue, classes of pharmaceuticals and The major source of our running $9,800. This is not a administers the 410k Plan, that Kathryn Lamkey, Mary McColl, mail order for maintenance assets comes from employer perfect comparison, as their plan is governed by a separate Ira Mont, Carol Waaser and Nick drugs. The reimbursement rate contributions. During the course figures are for single-employer Board of Trustees. This report Wyman – I submit the 2011 for Chiro/PT practitioners was of a year approximately 1,800 funds and ours is multi-employer. covers Pension & Health only.) report.

You’d be amazed at what you HEALTH can do with just a coffee pot. Nominations Due for 2012 You can cook pasta and whole WELL- grains by brewing the water and Rosetta LeNoire Award putting them in a container with quity’s National Equal Em- —- and her work with Equity’s RosettaLeNoire@actorsequity. a lid and letting it sit for about ployment Opportunity then-titled Ethnic Minorities org. To obtain a hard copy of the NESS seven minutes. If it’s still a little Committee is accepting Committee —- but also for found- al dente throw it in the E Nomination Submission Form, nominations for the 2012 Rosetta ing the AMAS Repertory Theatre & microwave for a minute or two. contact Mr. Goins at 312-641- LeNoire Award. Created in 1988, Company, an organization dedi- My favorite snack: brown 0393 x237 or at the above e-mail the award recognizes outstand- cated to maintaining an “interra- Staying paper lunch bag and popcorn address. The deadline for receipt ing “artistic contributions to the cial company” of actors. kernels. Throw a handful of corn of all nomination materials is Fri- universality of the human experi- For a Nomination Submission Healthy on kernels in the paper bag, roll the day, February 10, 2012. ence in American theatre” by ei- Form go to www.actorsequity.org top of the bag down a bit and Hard copy material should be the Road ther an individual, theatre or and click on the Rosetta LeNoire microwave for about one minute submitted to: Actors’ Equity As- producing organization. Inherent Award link. The Nomination Sub- By Melissa Robinette and 30 seconds. Flavor however sociation, 557 W. Randolph, in the award is acknowledge- mission Form must be utilized for Eastern Councillor you want.You can find the bags Chicago, IL 60661, Rosetta ment that the recipient has an all nominations. All nominations in any store for about 50 bags LeNoire Award Nominations, At- e all do it. We all exemplary record in the hiring or must be accompanied by articles for $1. The kernels range from tention: Luther Goins, National struggle with it. And promotion of ethnic minorities, or testimonials that will help doc- $3-$10 but those will last you for EEO Coordinator. we all want it female actors and actors with ument how the nominee meets W a while. without breaking the bank. I’m disabilities through multi-racial the guidelines for the award, cit- The award will be presented Equity member and Holistic talking about keeping your and non-traditional casting. ing background and any perti- at the Equity Annual Member- Nutrition Counsellor Farah Alvin health and your “Broadway The award was named in nent information in as much ship Meeting in April. For more suggests thick skin fruits like Body” while working out-of-town. honor of the actress Rosetta detail as possible. Submit all information contact Luther Goins, avocados, oranges and I asked fellow members their LeNoire, who was also the first nomination and support materi- National EEO Coordinator 312- bananas are great for travel advice about staying healthy recipient, not only because of als electronically via e-mail to 641-0393, x237 or by email at days because they have their while not going over the budget. her body of work in the theatre Luther Goins at [email protected]. own “container.” She also highly Overwhelmingly everybody’s recommends, “If you are in a first words were “farmers’ hotel with a continental markets!!!” breakfast, GO! You can get a The first thing Equity member very well-rounded meal with Applications Being Accepted for Christianne Tisdale gets when only hard boiled eggs and fruit; working out-of- town is the local it’s not glamorous but it’s Roger Sturtevant Award supermarket’s discount card nutritious and free.” Another because there are great pplications are available administers the award) and award was begun by the family great idea she had was “while bargains to be had. She also at www.actorsequity.org members of the Casting Society of noted casting director Roger everyone is going out to the bar, checks out the local massage (Document Library/ of America. The panel adheres Sturtevant, who died in 2003. get thee to a grocery or health A schools. EMC) from January 1-March 15, strictly to the principles of non- For information, contact Anne food store! If you can’t find I have gotten into the habit of 2012 for the 2012 Roger traditional casting and actively Fortuno at Equity, 212-869- fresh, find frozen. Aim for five to using the shipping to and from Sturtevant Musical Theatre encourages actors of all cultural 8530, ext. 409 or via email at nine servings a day of veggies. theatres that we negotiate into Award for Equity Membership backgrounds, as well as actors [email protected]. It’s better for your budget and the contracts for including all the Candidates (EMCs). with disabilities, to apply. The health. We need to take care of kitchen things that I always The $1,000 award is given to ourselves first.” Farah works out- need, always forget and cost too current EMCs (one male, one of-town frequently and has much to replace. I’m talking female) who demonstrate clients on tour with Wicked and about shipping things like salt outstanding abilities in the Office Closings 9 to 5 who carry a hot plate with and pepper, spices, olive oil, a musical theatre field. Selection pot and pan. All Equity offices will close early on Friday, December 23, 2011 and baking pan, my good knives, is based on a videotaped Equity Councillor James will be closed on Monday, December 26 in observance of Christmas. kitchen towel, my good cutting audition, written Ludwig recommends “taking The New York office will be closed on Friday, December 30 and all board, plastic containers with recommendations and a dried fruit from health food other offices will close early on December 30, New Year’s Eve and lids, wine and can opener. I take completed application. stores. It’s pretty bomb-proof but remain closed on Monday, January 2, 2012 in celebration of New along some of my favorite The panel of judges includes you need to be careful with what Year’s Day. (Check with your local office for the early closing time.) kitchen items to help me feel at actor/members of the Actors’ it’s treated with.” All offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012 for Martin home. Equity Foundation (which Luther King Jr’s birthday. 6 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

Central Region Western Region Professionalism Austin’s Penfold is Paramount Theatre Welcomed to at Chicagoland Equity Theatre n an enthusiastic email, ew and exciting things Penfold Theatre’s Producing happened in 2011 at IArtistic Director Ryan Nthe historic Paramount Crowder said: “Our company is Theatre in Aurora, Illinois. First, producing our first show with Equity member Jim Corti, a Equity actors, and our contract Chicago director and member for over 40 years, I more than 40 years. The theatre requires us to include in our choreographer was appointed experienced firsthand the was closed from 1976 to 1978 program ‘the short biographical as the first Artistic Director in artistry, the discipline and the for a $1.5 million renovation history of Actors’ Equity the theatre’s 80-year history. standard of excellence raised in following its sale to the Aurora Association that shall be Then the theatre announced the Civic Center provided by Equity.’” Michael Stuart in Ghosts. launch of a four-play self- Authority. In Equity was happy to respond, produced Broadway 1986, it was offering congratulations for will continue to direct those Subscription Series. recognized as a joining the Equity family. funds into the quality of their According to Tim Rater, who Historic Place by Penfold Theatre Company is experience.” was tapped as the Paramount’s the United States a 501(c)(3) non-profit Babs George and Michael Executive Director in the National Park organization founded in the Stuart are two of the Equity summer of 2010, “People want Service, and a summer of 2007 and dedicated actors in the company who to see quality, top-notch new lobby was to opening and operating a recently appeared in a Broadway productions. added in 2006. professional theatre for the production of Ghosts, co- Therefore, we will be offering Throughout, the north Austin-Round Rock, Texas produced with Breaking String Paramount patrons fresh new Paramount metro area. Its mission is to Theatre, a professional takes on beloved plays and presented a wide empower artists to create work company dedicated to exploring musicals built from the ground- variety of shows, of the highest caliber and to Russian drama. “I have been a up by the amazing Jim Corti in including engage diverse audiences member of Actors’ Equity for collaboration with the nation’s concerts, through stories that inspire and over 30 years and recently had most sought-after professional comedians and impact the community. The the extreme pleasure of working theatre artists. We plan to touring theatrical theatre also hopes to defy the with Penfold Theatre,” says Babs achieve the highest quality productions, until tradition that America’s best George. “My experience was Broadway theatre in the Lara Filip in Joseph and the Amazing Mr. Rater’s arrival theatre begins in New York. The positive on all fronts. Both Ryan Chicagoland area at the most Technicolor Dreamcoat. and the shift vision of the creators is to Crowder, Producing Artistic affordable pricing.” Mr. Rater began to self- “provide an opportunity for Director, and Nathan Jerkins, theatres from Regionals to goes on to say, “Jim and I production in 2010. The 2011 Texas’ best artists to stay here, Associate Artistic Director, were Broadway. AEA is synonymous always knew if we were to do Broadway season is just the have families, and practice the always accessible to the cast’s with commitment, the very best theatre in Chicago, latest of many changes for this art they love for the communities needs. Everyone was treated professionalism and quality and we would need the very best venerable venue, which has they care about.” with the utmost respect, and the been named one of the Top 10 “We believe our community atmosphere was open and attended theatres in Chicago by deserves the best,” says Ryan conducive to the creative the League of Chicago Crowder. “Whether it’s in process. As the theatre’s Theatres. administration, planning or Mission Statement so beautifully “It is exciting to be a part of customer service, our states: ‘Theatre is a place for the the inaugural Broadway Season organization spends its powers audience and performers to at The Paramount,” says Equity dream together, member George Keating. “I feel question together, like I am participating in more seek together, and than just a production of a play. change together.’ This is a great example of how That was indeed art can bring a community my experience together and, hopefully revitalize with this lovely a somewhat forsaken downtown company, which strip. Tim Rater and Jim Corti has a strong team have created an environment at the helm who where I feel respected and understand the appreciated. There is a true value of Equity spirit of collaboration. And you actors. I am can feel the presence of history grateful for the in the venue itself. The beauty very positive and legend of this theatre experience I had compel me to honor it with my with them, and of best work. It is very fulfilling to course, hope there play before 1,400 cheering Babs George in Ghosts. will be more.” patrons and then be able to go Michael Stuart home to my dog and my own to make sure our residents and also was grateful couch.” patrons receive only what is first to work with the Penfold “The Paramount is a stunning class. After spending such effort Theatre. “Austin does not have theatre,” adds Equity member and expense on what happens an abundance of opportunities Brian Bohr (l) as Joseph and George Keating as Jacob in Joseph Lara Filip. “The pride that has backstage, it only follows that for Equity members,” he says, and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (Photos: Liz Lauren) been taken in its restoration and we should do that and more for “and it is great to have a new upkeep are absolutely what happens onstage. As a company hiring professional talent. It was never a question that is precisely what we want to remarkable. It is such a positive theatre company, we’re young. actors. The production staff, whether we would ‘go Equity.’ bring to our audience.” thing for the theatre community Hiring our first Equity actors is a crew and everyone involved was This is a critical factor in the The Paramount Theatre, to have a ‘new’ venue that is landmark achievement for us organized and efficient and development of our new located in the heart of self-producing with such because it affirms to our patrons wonderful to work with. And I program.” downtown Aurora, Illinois, passion and integrity. The entire that even though our means are think we put on a terrific show. Mr. Corti agrees: “Upon opened on September 3, 1931 team at The Paramount has smaller than some of our older My experience with Penfold Executive Director Tim Rater and displays the art deco been an absolute joy to work Austin contemporaries, we are (and Breaking String) is bringing me on board as influence of the 1930s. The with and, the icing on the cake dedicated to pouring our best encouraging and will, hopefully, Paramount’s first Artistic theatre presented a variety of is that they are producing into the work we make. We want be an example to other small Director, we knew from the start entertainment, including “talking outstanding work and Chicago our patrons to have the theatres that hiring Equity actors this would be an Equity pictures,” vaudeville, concerts Equity actors have another expectations and confidence is not a difficult or scary Company. As an active union and circus performances for venue in which to work.” that as our means increase, we process.” DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 7

and collecting points and then one day I looked up and realized How I I had enough points. So I ALook Back decided to join. Of course what Got My do they do on my first Equity Company and the design of the show? Make me the Deputy. But 75 Years Ago theatre being built to house it Equity Card what made this year sweeter, December 1936 revealed by Elia Kazan and was I just won an award for a • The Equity quarterly Robert Whitehead, producing role in Superior Donuts, which Membership Meeting in New directors of the company. Ticket was also one of my first shows York draws a crowd of 518. prices for the main theatre are Eric J. Little as an Equity actor. And it was • The Equity Magazine to range from $2-$5. By Eric J. Little about the Union and its benefits. presented to me by a National applauds Alfred Drake, a • The new Off-Broadway So eventually I got that $100 to Director of Equity. So once I finally joined Equity this Chorus Equity member and contract increases rehearsal pay start my EMC process and I again, finally, I can say I am year. I say finally because I’ve understudy in White Horse Inn, from $20 a week to $45. was off. I continued to work and proud to be a member.” been working in professional for distinguishing himself when Minimum salary remains at $45 collect points. Then I started Eric J. Little received a 2011 theatre for close to ten years stepping in for the star of that per week for the first two years having conversations with other Suzi Award as Lead Actor in a now. The process started for me show with only 15 minutes’ and increases to $50 in the third. actors and casting directors Play for his performance in when I was in grad school notice. (Mr. Drake went on to about when to join, what would Superior Donuts at the Horizon studying acting at Louisiana receive a Tony Award in 1954 for be the right time, etc. So I think Theatre in Atlanta. The award 25 Years Ago State University. We worked on his role in Kismet and a Tony that slowed down the process of was presented by National a professional stage with Equity Honor for Excellence in Theatre December 1986 joining for me. I knew I wanted Communications Director David actors all the time and that’s in 1990.) • Equity’s annual employment to join, but I just didn’t know Lotz and Area Liaison Karen when I started really learning • Council adopts a resolution report shows that total earnings when. But I still kept working Howell. stating “that no Equity and or for members are at an all-time Chorus Equity member may high: $128,019,277. work in any company where Nevertheless, the Production recordings are used to supply Contract is continuing a University of Missouri Survey dialogue, singing and chanting, downturn from the 1981-82 high or business where living actors point of 84,496 workweeks to Extended to December 3l might be employed, unless the 53,823 workweeks. LORT manager shall have first workweeks continue to overtake linical researchers in the well-established that overuse minutes to complete. The survey obtained permission” from those of the Production Department of Physical injuries commonly occur, there may be accessed at Equity. Contract. CMedicine and Rehabili- has been little research regard- www.surveymonkey.com/s/ tation at the University of ing the prevention of such mizzouperformingartsmed. 50 Years Ago 10 Years Ago Missouri are currently conduct- njuries. Interested members are For more information, contact: December 1961 ing a study investigating ways to asked to participate in this on- Jarron I. Tilghman, MD at December 2001 prevent overuse injuries in pro- line performing arts medicine Jarrontilghmanmd1906@ • Council discusses the plans • Equity and Canadian Equity fessional stage performers. Al- research project. It is anony- gmail.com. for the Lincoln Center Repertory agree to pension reciprocity. though it has been mous and will take about five

Excellence in Diversity Award. and SAG members, to join in 2011: Equity’s Year in Review The award is presented on June the National Walk to End 7, which the Mayor has Alzheimer’s sponsored by the Actors Federal Credit Union in January May designated as Diversity on Alzheimer’s Association. New York. Mary McColl steps into post Equity leaders and staff meet Broadway Day. Equity announces plans to of Executive Director as the March with Canadian Actors’ Equity July relocate (to another space in the seventh Executive Director in Association in New York to Equity joins union members A new three-year Chicago Equity Building) and to renovate Equity’s almost 100 year history review the Reciprocal throughout the country on Area Theatre (CAT) contract is the Audition Center located in (There were also three Acting Agreement and other issues of March 25, 2011 remembering approved by the Central the Union’s New York office. This Executive Directors.) mutual concern. the 100th anniversary of the Regional Board. It features project is estimated to be Central Regional Vice Council approves a new Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in New salary increases in each year in completed in 2013. President Dev Kennedy and Larry Leon Hamlin/Actors’ York. The fire, which killed 146 all Tiers, increases in health Equity and the Broadway Central Regional Director Equity Code for the exclusive young, mostly immigrant contributions each year in most League reach a tentative Kathryn V. Lamkey attend the use of the National Black women, led to legislation Tiers and significant increases agreement for a new, four-year inauguration of Illinois Governor Theatre Festival. Held requiring improved safety in other areas as well. Production Contract, which Pat Quinn. The occasion is an biannually in August in Winston- standards and impacted the Central Regional Director Council votes unanimously to opportunity for Equity leaders to entire labor movement. Salem, North Carolina, the Kathryn V. Lamkey announces recommend for ratification. speak to the Governor and A Plenary/National Festival attracts more than her plans to retire at the end of Equity and David E. Talbert others about Equity. Conference, bringing together 65,000 people during six days of the year. Presents successfully negotiate Council approves changes to Officers, Councillors, non- performances and events. Negotiations get underway the Urban Broadway Series the Small Professional Theatre Councillor Central Regional June for a new Production Contract. Contract to be used for Talbert- (SPT) Contract. Highlights of the Board members, Area Liaisons Equity salutes 12 chorus The contract is due to expire on produced tours on what has agreement include a 3% and staff convenes in New York. members who have received the September 25. been traditionally termed, “the increase in salaries in each year The agenda includes discussion Gypsy Robe during the 2010- of the agreement, improvements August urban circuit.” This is the first of: organizing/developing work; 2011 season . in housing, and establishment of Equity signs a newly-created contract of its kind in this supporting the non-office city As part of its plans to a minimum number of Chorus groundbreaking national important, influential and actor; communication; role and celebrate the union’s centennial contracts in musicals. agreement with RWS and growing theatre market. support of liaisons; public policy; in 2013, Equity launches The Associates Entertainment November February committees; governance/ Narrative Project, a multimedia allowing the company to employ A new Musical Stock/Unit relationship of staff, Council and history of AEA seen through the Christine Provost is named Equity members for Attraction (MSUA) agreement membership; and eyes of members across the Central Regional entertainment produced for featuring salary increases and a services/member education. country. Members are urged to Director/Assistant Executive amusement parks. media package is approved by A new disability rights video share their stories via Facebook Director, succeeding Kathryn V. Council. is launched by Inclusion in the or the website: aea100.org. September Lamkey, who retires after 25 Equity members join rallies Arts and Media of People with A new three-year Theatre for Jeanna Belkin steps down as years in the post. in Wisconsin demonstrating Disabilities (I AM PWD), a tri- Young Audiences (TYA) contract a Trustee of the Equity-League The Production Contract is support for the collective union organization of Equity, is approved, including Pension and Health Plans after ratified by a large majority of the bargaining rights of public AFTRA and SAG. improvements in salaries and 47 years. membership eligible to vote. sector workers and their legal April health rates. October December right to be represented by a Equity cheers passage of Equity joins the AFL-CIO’s Equity joins a team formed The Council, Officers and Union. New York State’s Marriage pro-union “We Are One” by former Councillor Nancy Staff extend to members There is a ribbon-cutting Equality bill. campaign and in a show of Daly, “We Take Care of Our Own everywhere best wishes for a ceremony for the newly The Merchant of Venice solidarity participates in rallies in – Actors United to End peaceful and healthy holiday refurbished offices of The receives Equity’s Extraordinary several cities. Alzheimer’s” including AFTRA season and a Happy New Year. 8 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

tors dream of the day they “get If you have questions, con- To Work or Not To Work their card.” It is not a commod- tact Equity before committing to ity to be traded for financial a project. Call or e-mail Flora (Without an Equity Contract) gain or convenience. Unfortu- Stamatiades, National Direc- nately, some actors do make tor, Organizing and Special When is it okay for me to work without an Equity contract? the choice to leave Equity to Projects, at (212) 869-8530, ex- take non-union work. Often, tension 419 or flora@actorse- he best (and shortest) dition notice doesn’t state the constitution to uphold these those actors wish to rejoin the quity.org. answer is “never.” There type of Equity contract that will provisions. If you do not do so, union later. In that event, their is never a reason for an apply. These notices can be you can be disciplined under T case must go before the Presi- Equity member to work without found through the link on the the 4As charter, which specifi- dent’s Planning Committee. a contract. Accepting such work News Index page titled “Equity, cally calls for the discipline of Sometimes the actor is allowed BBRRIIEEFF NNOOTTEESS undermines the union’s consid- 4As “Do Not Work” Notices”. members of one union who are to rejoin (after paying any fines erable efforts to maintain stan- working without contract in the • Sarasota’s Florida Studio But this is a benefit per- and/or fees—including initia- dards for professional actors formance… jurisdiction of another union. Theatre has announced plans tion—that may be exacted), to renovate the 6,000 square and stage managers. Often, by Benefit performances using And that’s not what anyone and sometimes not. foot Gompertz Theatre and involving Equity, terms can be Equity members must be ap- wants! reached with even the most re- What if my agent sends construct an 18,000 square foot proved by the Theatre Authority. I live in a “right-to-work” addition with two new theatre luctant producers to bring the me for non-Equity work? Jeffrey Morris (New York) or state. Doesn’t that mean stages. The $5.6 million show under contract. Equity’s agency regulations Peter Bailey (California) can I have the right to campaign is the largest capital state that an agent who know- But this theatre is really help producers through the work without an Equity program in the 37-year old ingly advises a member to seek small-time… But this gig process and can answer any Contract? theatre’s history and will double non-union employment is sub- is really short… But I’m questions members may have. No. It does not. “Right-to- the number of renovated stages just doing it as a favor… ject to a fine of $5,000 for a first What about shows not in work” does not impact upon on the theatre’s campus located offense and additional penal- Equity has endeavored to Equity’s jurisdiction? your obligations as an Equity in Sarasota’s historic downtown. be flexible by creating contracts ties, including loss of franchise, Career Transition For You should call Equity and member. Once you have joined, • that cover all levels of work. for subsequent offenses. Dancers’ 26th Anniversary ask if the benefit has Theatre you have agreed never to work Agreements such as Special Jubilee at New York’s recently Authority approval. Sometimes without an Equity contract. But I still have more Appearance, Guest Artist, Busi- questions… renovated City Center on the producer will say it is cov- What could happen if I am ness Theatre and Staged Halloween raised $1.1 million for ered by Equity, but it is not. discovered working with- Not surprising. Even long- Reading can often be utilized to its counseling, scholarship and Sometimes the work is in an out benefit of contract? time members have admitted to bring the work onto Equity con- other services. area we are attempting to or- First of all, there is the us that these can be tricky tract. If you’re wondering, call • New York’s Public Theater ganize. Sometimes it is in the moral penalty of knowing you questions. Call your union(s)! Equity! has received a $2 million grant jurisdiction of a sister union. In have betrayed your fellow union And one last thought… from The Ford Foundation for a Shouldn’t Equity let me any case, you may not accept members. But there are steep An important point to re- renovation expected to be know if a show is non- the employment. tangible liabilities as well. In ac- completed by summer 2012 with union? member is that while this article Actors’ Equity, AFTRA, cordance with Equity’s Consti- is mainly about working without a grand opening in fall 2012. On our website, we will post AGMA, AGVA, SAG and the tution and By-Laws, a Charges an Equity contract, there’s more notices of shows that are cast- Italian Actors’ Union are all part Hearing Committee is con- to your Equity membership. ing non-union, especially those of the Associated Actors and vened. It hears the case and Today’s professional per- we have tried to get on Equity Artistes of America (the “4As”), decides on the remedy. Penal- formers must be able to work in contract. Similar notices are On the Web: and as such, we recognize, re- ties can include fines, letters of every medium: theatre, televi- www.actorsequity.org also often posted on SAG and spect and support each others’ apology to the membership, sion, radio, film, the internet • Kwei-Armah, Baltimore AFTRA’s websites. It’s worth efforts to organize and negoti- and even mean expulsion from and other new media platforms. CenterStage’s new Artistic checking at least our website ate fair and equitable contracts. the union. To protect the wages and work- Director, attends (www.actorsequity.org) before As a member of any 4A’s union, Can I resign to work non- ing conditions that everyone Washington/Baltimore auditioning, especially if the au- you are bound by your union’s Equity, then rejoin? deserves, members of one Membership Meeting Equity membership is a union must not undermine an- • Stage Managers’ New hard-won honor and something other union’s efforts to organize Member reception Francis Jue Joins P&H Trustees of which to be proud. Many ac- professional work opportunities.

Francis Jue, who has served on Council since 2003 in both U.S.Postage Letters to The Editor Chorus and Principal 44 Letters received from paid up members on subjects of concern to Equity members will be considered and categories, has been appointed published as soon as possible. The Editor reserves the right to limit letters to 175 words and to select one by Chair Madeleine Fallon to or two representative letters when many similar letters are received. Letters must be signed, but names serve as an Equity Trustee of will be withheld on request for those letters which may affect members’ employment. Signatures will not the Equity-League Pension and be withheld on letters antagonistic or accusatory, either implied or expressed, against other members. Health Funds. Mr. Jue has Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of Actors’ Equity Association. worked under many Equity contracts, including: Production, EXCEPTIONAL MEMBER a performance of the play. number “Molasses to Rum.” LORT, Off-Broadway, various SERVICES I was so inspired by the Fast-forwarding about 15 Stock agreements, Dinner Dear Editor: outing that I am writing to years, I was on the other side of Theatre, Theatre for Young I spent April, May and June encourage all artists working in the stage, called in to sub as the Audiences, and Small 2011 in Chicago performing the the Chicago area to do Assistant Stage Manager for Professional Theatre, since titular role in the Victory Gardens themselves a favor, and eschew Missouri Rep’s production of Our joining Equity in 1984. Francis Jue. production of Charles Smith’s the admittedly fast but Town. Gary played Editor Webb. The Gospel According to James. impersonal mode of banking and We became immediate fast While there, I accepted an doing Union business via the friends. invitation from Luther Goins, Internet, but rather, visit both Gary spent years on It’s Time to Apply for a AEA’s National EEO Equity and the Credit Union and Broadway and on tour, finally Coordinator, to tour Equity’s new allow yourselves to be embraced settling with his wife Donna Union Plus Scholarship offices—which are spacious, by their refreshing personal Thomason in Kansas City where visitor-friendly and touch. he became entrenched in the or 2012, $150,000 in awarded more than $3.2 million environmentally green. André De Shields city’s theatre scene. He was scholarships is available to students of working families The tour also included a visit boisterous, funny and politically incorrect; he was sensitive, Ffrom Union Plus. The who want to begin or continue to the Midwest office of Actors IN MEMORIAM deadline to apply is January 31, their post-secondary education. Federal Credit Union. This office brooding and generous. An Dear Editor: 2012. Amounts range from $500 For the past six years, Equity is overseen by two of the most insightful director dubbed him My first introduction to Gary to $4,000. This year’s members or their children have graciously efficient individuals I Gary Paradox.” Gary shot guns, Holcombe was when I was a girl application is entirely online— been Union Plus Scholarship have ever had the pleasure to loved motorcycles and his bird in the audience for a national allowing students to complete recipients. meet: Branch Manager Leo dogs. He had a brilliant Falstaff in tour of 1776; he played the role the application over time and For information on the Union Castillo, Jr. and Member Service him, which was never tapped. of Edward Rutledge. I had been save their responses. Plus Scholarship Program and Representative Cathy Gary Holcombe died on to the theatre one other time in Since 1992, the Union Plus eligibility, visit Valenzuela, who even took time October 10, at the age of 66. my life; I was utterly transfixed by Scholarship Program has www.unionplus.org. from her busy schedule to attend Rebecca C. Monroe his show-stopping bad boy DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 9

NATIONALNATIONALNEWSNEWS

Atlanta Forty members were on hand at Manuel’s Tavern for the annual Atlanta Membership Meeting on November 14. Special guests Eastern Regional Director Rick Berg and Senior Business Rep Russell Lehrer spoke to the group about national and local issues; local tax accountant Sallie Lawrence shared tax tips; and Jeff Carrico from Open Hand Atlanta spoke about the areas’s upcoming Chicago holiday fundraiser. Jackie Prucha was reelected to the Liaison Meetings, Meetings, Meetings Committee, along with alternates Jon Goldstein and Clifton Labor Federation Guterman. Offers Scholar- ships to Students San Francisco The Chicago Federation of Labor is offering William A. Lee Bay Area Memorial Scholarship Awards to Draws Crowd eligible high school seniors who are members, or whose parents to Membership are members, of a union affiliated with the Chicago Federation of Meeting Labor. There are five academic- The Bay Area Kelly Houston (l) and Martin Rojas based scholarships and five Advisory Committee Dietricht at the Bay Area random-drawing scholarships in Minneapolis (BAAC) hosted its Fall Membership Meeting. the amount of $2,000 for More than 30 Equity members, including several new members 2011 General students graduating from a (pictured), gathered for the 2011 Minneapolis Membership Meeting Membership Meeting on October 24, 2011 at the newly Chicago or suburban high school. at Park Square Theatre on November 14. reopened Lorraine Hansberry Theatre (aka Post St./Theatre on Students may apply in only one the Square) in San Francisco. For the fourth consecutive year category.The period for San Diego the San Francisco Bay Area exceeded attendance expectation submitting applications is and had over 55 members present. January 1 through March 1, A San Diego Guests included Western Regional Director Mary Lou 2012. For applications and Membership Westerfield and San Francisco Business Rep Bethany Umbach instructions, visit the website Meeting and Mixer who announced the achievements in the Production Contract www.chicagolabor.org/ was held at the negotiations and the recent reopening of the Lorraine union-resources/ San Diego Hansberry Theatre as a BAT Seasonal Company. scholarship-information. Repertory Theatre Prior to the meeting BAAC hosted a lively Equity on November 14. Membership Candidate informational session with 30 EMCs At the outset, who then joined the membership for a pre-meeting mixer. Western Business BAAC thanks Stephen Anthony Jones, Artistic Director (and Dallas/Fort Worth Representative AEA member), and Shirley Howard Johnson, General Ivan Rivas hosted Manager, of the Lorraine Hansberry for the generous donation Local Performers an informational of the lobby and theatre space for the reception and meeting. meeting for Equity Libations were donated by Sebastiani Wineries via member Give Back to Membership Thank you to San Diego Repertory Theatre Teressa Byrne and 21st Amendment Brewery thanks to the Candidates, for hosting the event. (Photo: Cherry Fizz Photos) Community hard work of member Marie Shell. Reception food was speaking about Members of the Dallas/Fort coordinated by Hospitality Chair Michael Gaffney and his what a union is and specifically about Equity’s primary function. Equity Worth theatre community have National Secretary/ Treasurer and VITA Director Sandra Karas subcommittee of AEA volunteers. lent their talents and time to presented “Take It Off!,” a tax workshop designed for entertainment The BAAC Outreach Committee has designated the Fall and HOLIDAZZLE ACT II, a new CD professionals. Afterwards, Western Regional Director Mary Lou Spring membership meetings as a Biennial Food Drive for the of holiday music, proceeds of Westerfield was the guest speaker at the membership meeting portion San Francisco/Marin Community Food Bank. Donations will be which benefit local children’s of the evening. Coordinated by the San Diego Area Liaison Committee, forwarded by Outreach Committee Chair Phoebe Moyer. charity, Jonathan’s Place. A the event “was a huge success and a testament to a rich, diverse and Save the date: The Spring General Membership Meeting is release party was held on productive year in the San Diego market,” reports Mr. Rivas. set for April 23, 2012, location TBA. November 7, 2011. (To order the CD visit the website: dfwactorsgiveback.org). Jonathan’s Place has been Los Angeles providing residential care and Shirley Jo Finney, S. Marc specialized services to the EEO Committee Presents “We’re In This Together” Jordan, Lupe Ontiveres, Jeanne abused and neglected children of Sakata, Adolphus Ward, Takayo North Texas for more than 15 “We’re In This Together” perspective,” said Fischer, Harrison White, Shyla years through an Emergency (WITT), an assortment of Committee Chair La’Shae and Kelsey Scott. Shelter, a Foster and Adoptive workshops and panels to Barbara N. Keynote speaker was Gordon Family Program and a Residential enhance equal access to casting Roberts. Davidson. The Actors Fund and Therapeutic Program. and employment in theatre for Workshop leaders the Employment Development DFW Actors Give Back, a ethnic actors, women, seniors and panelists Department were on deck to registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and performers with disabilities included Fran provide services, information and organization, was created in 2008 was presented by the Western Bennett, Florence assistance. to provide theatrical artists and Region Equal Employment Riggs, Charlayne “Let’s do this once a month,” technicians of the Dallas/Fort Opportunity Committee on Woodward, shouted a member. Barbara N. Worth Metroplex with an September 24, 2011 at the Los Michelle Baron, Roberts, DeBorah Sharpe- opportunity to give back to the Angeles Theatre Center. “Equity Jaime Ferrar, Tim Taylor and Felicia Taylor, event community by offering their members seized the opportunity Dang, Jessica Members at the “We’re In This Together” organizers, smiled at the creative talents and time to to work on their craft from a skills Kubzansky, Luis workshop. prospect. benefit local children’s charities. and technique and occupational Jose Valenzuela, 10 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011 AWARDS

Los Angeles Equity Honors Mo`olelo at Tri-Union Diversity Awards John Kander (c) with members of the chorus of The Scottsboro telling powerful stories that are as Boys flanked by (far l) Jennifer Garvey Blackwell (Vineyard diverse as the islands of Hawaii Theatre), Larry Hochman and (far r) Douglas Aibel (Vineyard Theatre). (Photo: John Quilty) (mo`olelo means story in Hawaiian) and providing a voice for diverse and underrepresented New York populations. Mo`olelo company members performed a scene “The Scottsboro Boys” Named ACCA’s from David Henry Hwang’s Outstanding Broadway Chorus Yellow Face. Mark Valdez, Executive Director of the Network The Scottsboro Boys has outstanding in a Broadway of Ensemble Theatres, presented received the Fifth Annual ACCA musical.” the award and read Award for Outstanding Broadway In reviewing the chorus of each congratulatory letters from Mr. Chorus presented by Equity’s Broadway musical, the ACCA Hwang and Pasadena Playhouse Advisory Committee on Chorus considered the requirements Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. Affairs. The honor is the only made on the chorus by the Equity was well represented industry accolade of its kind and director, choreographer and by Principal Councillors Joshua recognizes the distinctive talents musical director; the caliber of Mo`olelo cast members (Greg Watanabe, Brian Bielawski, Jacob Bott, John Herzog, Michele Lee, and contributions made by the technical skill used to execute Bruce, Maggie Carney, Michelle Wong, Albert Park) perform a and Barbara N. Roberts; San original chorus members of a those requirements; and the scene from David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face. (Photo: Ed Krieger) Diego Liaison Abner Genece; Broadway musical.The award and the event’s co-originator and contributions made by the entire was presented at the Equity office The Equal Employment named for former Equity perennial producer, Stage chorus to the overall production. on November 18, 2011. Opportunity Committees of Councillor and Western Advisory Manager Councillor Pat Loeb. All 12 Broadway chorus musicals Equity, AFTRA and SAG Board member Ivy Bethune, a Western staff member Michael The recipients, all of whom that opened in the 2010-2011 presented the 9th Annual Ivy tireless member of all three Van Duzer lent invaluable were part of The Scottsboro Boys season were eligible for the Bethune Tri-Union Diversity performer unions, who has support, as always. chorus on opening night, October award. Awards in Los Angeles on devoted more than 80 years of Also honored at the event 31, 2010, are: Josh Breckenridge, The Scottsboro Boys, which November 7, 2011. The awards her life to civil rights activism. were J.R. Martinez (AFTRA Derrick Cobey, E. Clayton received 12 Tony Award celebrate individuals and Four awards are presented— honoree), Bill Cosby (SAG Cornelious, Jeremy C. Gumbs, nominations, was the final organizations in the performing one selected by each Union and honoree) and Zina Bethune (Tri- Rodney Hicks, Kendrick Jones, collaboration by John Kander and arts that have taken an active the fourth, a Tri-Union selection. Union honoree). Ms. Bethune, a James T. Lane, J.C. Montgomery, Fred Ebb, and was directed and stand to make a difference Equity’s honoree was San member of all three unions and Clinton Roane, Julius B. Thomas choreographed by five-time Tony toward a more representational, Diego’s Mo`olelo Performing Arts the daughter of Ivy Bethune, and Christian Dante White. recipient Susan Stroman. It was multicultural community by Company, a socially-conscious received Equity’s Rosetta “This award acknowledges and based on the notorious helping build a foundation for theatre organization dedicated to LeNoire Award in 2009 for her honors the enormous talent and “Scottsboro” case in the 1930s, in diversity within the industry.The broadening the scope of San promotion of multi-racial and contributions members of a which nine African American men awards, known as the Ivys, are Diego’s cultural environment by non-traditional casting. chorus make to a Broadway were unjustly accused of a terrible production,” said Equity Second crime. Vice-President and ACCA Chair Mr. Kander, who surprised the Rebecca Kim Jordan. “The chorus cast by attending the ceremony, members of The Scottsboro Boys called the cast “brilliant” and said are gifted professionals who they have given him “the best SAVE THE exemplify the hard work, experience in the theatre I have DATE dedication and talent it takes to be ever had.” Eastern Region New Member Los Angeles Reception Lee Represents AEA at Ovation Awards Monday The LA STAGE January 23, Alliance Ovation Awards, 2012 celebrating theatrical excellence and Watch the achievement during the Susan Haimes congratulates Kathryn V. Lamkey. website 2010-2011 season, were presented at the Orpheum for more Chicago of the significant contribution Theatre on November 14, information made to the lives of Equity 2011. On the Red Carpet, Western Region “The Actors’ Equity Jeffs Salute Lamkey Actors and Stage Managers who have benefited from her Councillor Michele Lee Association told the press that she At the 2011 Jeff Awards, leadership as Assistant new-member reception was honored and proud to Susan Haimes, immediate Executive Director/Central is one of be representing Equity at AEA staffer Richard Ostlund and past Chair of the Jeff Regional Director of Actors’ Michele Lee. this event and to be the great unsung Committee, surprised retiring Equity Association, the Jeff celebrating the Los Ebony Repertory Theatre’s A rituals of the Central Regional Director Awards Committee hereby Angeles and Southern Raisin in the Sun and Best New York theater Kathryn V. Lamkey by presents this honor to Kathryn California theatre community. Production of a Musical in a world.” presenting a plaque to her on V. Lamkey November 7, 2011.” Ms. Lee presented the Ovation Large Theatre to Reprise behalf of the Joseph Jefferson Ms. Lamkey received a —- Dan Holloway, BACKSTAGE Blog Award for Best Production of a Theatre Company’s production Awards Committee: “In standing ovation. Play in a Large Theatre to of Kiss Me Kate. recognition and appreciation DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 11

Twin Cities Phoenix/Tucson Ivey Awards Theatre Service Award Presented Presented to Journalist Kyle Lawson By Ryan B. Hastings Central Region Business Representative Love was in the air at the Ivey Awards, presented on September 19, 2011 at the historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. The much- anticipated event has removed Bain Boehlke flanked by Terry Lynn Carlson (Twin Cities Liaison the competitive element found Chair), Central Regional Director Kathryn Lamkey, Wendy Lehr in most award shows, with the and Business Rep Ryan Hastings at the Ivey Awards. evening focusing instead on the extraordinary who pay to see the show.” She 2011.” The other two awards achievements of the theatrical continued, “Working with Ten were given to Peter Christian community from the past year Thousand Things is like Hansen for his fiery Phoenix/Tucson Liaison Committee members Elaine “E.E.” Moe, getting your batteries performance as Pale in Burn Maren MacLean, Cathy Dresbach, Theatre Service Award by honoring those special few recipient Kyle Lawson, Committee Chair Tony Hodges and who rose above and beyond recharged. It reminds us why This at Gremlin Theater and members David Vining and Larry Soller. (Photo: Laura Durant their extremely talented peers. we wanted to do theatre in the Ben Bakken for his Communications) Hosts for the evening were first place. The connection performance as Jesus in the father and son team, with audiences is so raw. And Jesus Christ Superstar at At a reception prior to the dedication to the underdogs Charles Numrich, a Twin performing becomes not about Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Equity General Meeting at made it safe for artists, Cities actor and storyteller, a review or a career, but it is The Lifetime Achievement Phoenix Theatre on November producers and presenters to and Seth Numrich, currently about something much bigger Award went to Bain Boehlke 7, 2011, the Phoenix/Tucson set up camp in the Valley and Albert Narracott in the 2011 than you.” for his profound effect on the Equity Liaison Committee to take risks.” Equity member Twin Cities theatre community Tony-Award winning War Three Equity actors were presented the 2011 Arizona and Theater Works Artistic honored with individual over the past half century. Mr. Horse. Theatre Service Award to Kyle Director Robyn Allen added, awards for their performances Boehlke is the founder and The Equity theatre Lawson, former Theatre and “Valley theatre wouldn’t be during the past season. artistic director of the company, Ten Thousand Entertainment Reporter and what it is today without Kyle. Dennis Spears received an renowned Jungle Theatre. His Things, was recognized for its Critic for The Arizona His amazing support was the production of Doubt. As an Ivey for his performance as efforts created one of the Twin Republic. key to growth.” indispensable part of the Twin Nat King Cole in I Wish You Cities’ best theatres and also For more than 30 years, Though now seeing less Cities community, Ten Love at Penumbra Theatre helped to revitalize a Kyle Lawson wrote about arts theatre than in the past, Mr. Thousand Things performs in Company. Playwright Dominic struggling neighborhood. Mr. and entertainment in Arizona, Lawson’s role as champion for homeless shelters, prisons, Taylor said, “Dennis was Boehlke was also an actor first at the Scottsdale Arizona theatre remains low-income housing, absolutely marvelous in the and Associate Artistic Director Progress, then The Phoenix unchanged. “I have seen and community centers and other role of Nat Cole. This role is at the Children’s Theatre Gazette, and finally The been affected by good theatre,” areas where access to art is challenging as it requires Company for more than 13 Arizona Republic. As a he says. “I might have seen extremely limited. Artistic singing and acting. The text years. Actress Wendy Lehr, passionate theatre advocate, more in New York or London or Director Michelle Hensley requires the actor to go deep who hosted the Ivey Awards he encouraged, inspired and Chicago. But for the great said, “I think what made this and then take that complexity with Mr. Boehlke last year and nurtured local actors, directors moments, they were just as production of Doubt into song. I am hard pressed was last year’s recipient of the and playwrights in a manner great here as anywhere.” exceptional was a to think of any other performer Lifetime Achievement Award, that helped create careers and combination of an incredible who can sing and act at the said, “Bain is a unique theatre stabilize theatres throughout The Arizona Theatre cast, our bare-bones intimate level Dennis can. I was thrilled artist. He is authentic. I love the state. “Theatre is a Service Award is presented staging and then, of course, with the way he made this role the word authentic because it constant teacher,” said Mr. annually by Arizona’s Equity what we as artists learn from his own and the way he comes from him. He is one of Lawson. “If you commit members to recognize our non-traditional audiences. brought Nat to life. Dennis the hardest working people I yourself to it, it will teach you significant contribution and We were so informed by their truly deserves to be have ever met. His work has and change you. And it will service to the Arizona theatre response to the play, which, in recognized and I am so glad changed Minneapolis for the make demands of you.” community. “Kyle had been at he received the Ivey better. He helped to create the turn, we communicated to our Liaison Committee member the top of our list for years,” recognition as best actor of theatre scene.” traditional audiences—those Charles St. Clair said of Mr. said Tony Hodges, Chair of the Lawson, “He tirelessly Phoenix/Tucson Liaison discovered and promoted Committee. “But, typical of small, unknown performing Kyle, he always felt others Atlanta arts productions of were more deserving and was extraordinary artistry that reluctant to accept the award. Suzi Awards Spotlight might never have found an We were finally able to audience if not for his convince him it was his turn to Equity Theatres, Actors enthusiastic coverage. His be recognized.”

Atlanta’s seventh annual Suzi production of Awards honored 20 Equity Avenue Q, theatres and dozens of AEA which is - Play award. Before announcing Several Equity Membership Actors and Stage Managers at a being the winner, National Candidates also garnered gala event on November 7, 2011 remounted in Communications Director David awards, including: Nick at the Conant Center on the Suzi Award recipient Eric J. Little with Atlanta Lotz gave a shout-out to the Arapoglou (Lead Actor – 2012. The Liaison Committee Chair Karen Howell and campus of Oglethorpe University. Alliance National Communications Director David Lotz. Atlanta AEA Liaison Committee Musical) and Leslie W. Bellair Suzi Bass, an Equity member Theatre (Photo: John A. Delves) (chaired by Karen Howell) and (Featured Actress-Musical), both and member of the Atlanta Area followed with told the audience that Equity was for Avenue Q, Horizon Theatre; Liaison Committee, was one of seven Suzis Amanda Green and Jeff Whitty) deeply committed to keeping and Jeremy Wood (Featured Atlanta’s most beloved for August, Osage County, in the World Premiere category. theatre alive in the current Actor – Musical) Singin’ in the performers. She died in 2002 at including Best Play, Best Director AEA member Andy economic climate. Mr. Lotz Rain, Aurora Theatre. the age of 56. (Susan V. Booth) and Best Blankenbuehler took home the presented the Suzi to Eric J. A special “Bravo” goes to Suzi With over 400 in attendance, Actress (AEA member Tess Malis Choreography Suzi for his wildly Little for his performance as the Awards Executive Director the show began as each of the Kincaid). Ms. Booth attributed the inventive mash-up of dance and cocky, confident young writer in Deadra Moore, Master of casts nominated for Ensemble - production’s success to the cheerleading acrobatics, and Superior Donuts at Horizon Ceremonies Rob Cleveland and Musical performed a medley of breadth of talent and close Brian Ronan impressed Suzi Theatre (see Eric Little’s “How I Awards Director Paul Holly for numbers from their shows. By the relationships among the cast. judges with his full-on sound Got My Equity Card” on page 7). their hard work. end of the evening, the Horizon The Broadway-bound Bring It design for the show. The Featured Actress – Play For a complete list of Theatre took home ten star- On: The Musical won for the In the nominated performer Suzi went to AEA member Mary nominees and winners, visit shaped trophies, including six Alliance and its creators (Lin- categories, AEA proudly Lynn Owen for The Little Foxes www.suziawards.org. Suzis for its puppet-infused Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt, sponsored this year’s Lead Actor at the Horizon Theatre. (More National News on page19) 12 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011 The 2010–2011 Theatrical Season Report An Analysis of Employment, Earnings, Membership and Finance By Steven DiPaola Assistant Executive Director for Finance and Administration

s the previous season drew to a close and the Table 1 A Employment Summary 2010-2011 theatrical season opened, there were lingering Season 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2000-2001 1990-91 concerns about whether the US economy had truly SEASONAL TOTALS: recovered from its worst recession in decades and Members Working, per season 17,089 16,959 20,181 17,708 14,582 whether a feared “double- dip” recession was on the Average Weeks Worked 17.0 17.0 15.2 16.4 16.7 horizon. Last year, this report suggested that there % Employed 41.7% 41.4% 50.1% 52.6% 42.0% were lingering questions that couldn’t be answered at 243,503 that time concerning when Total Work Weeks 290,410 288,075 306,310 290,145 the recession would truly Eastern Weeks187,962 64.7% 187,216 65.0% 193,720 63.2% 191,609 66.0% 150,007 61.6% be behind us, how strong a Central Weeks45,567 15.7% 44,410 15.4% 51,071 16.7% 43,884 15.1% 38,223 15.7% recovery could be anticipated, Western Weeks56,881 19.6% 56,449 19.6% 61,519 20.1% 54,652 18.8% 55,273 22.7% whether or not theatres on the brink would survive, and Principal Weeks174,304 60.0% 171,675 59.6% 189,922 62.0% 186,804 64.4% 167,820 68.9% whether stronger theatres Chorus Weeks 70,272 24.2% 71,165 24.7% 68,881 22.5% 62,371 21.5% 40,476 16.6% would again expand their Stage Manager Weeks 45,834 15.8% 45,235 15.7% 47,507 15.5% 40,970 14.1% 35,207 14.5% seasons and provide greater employment and earnings to AVERAGE WEEKLY TOTALS: Equity’s members. Now, a year later, those Members Working 5,585 5,540 5,891 5,580 4,683 same questions could still be posed and there are still no % Employed 13.6% 13.5% 14.6% 16.6% 13.5% ready answers. Further, the Eastern 3,615 3,600 3,725 3,685 2,885 past year has seen the US Central 876 854 982 844 735 economic future become even Western 1,094 1,086 1,183 1,051 1,063 more uncertain as the effects of the European debt crisis Principals 3,352 3,301 3,652 3,592 3,227 have found their way here in Chorus 1,351 1,369 1,325 1,199 778 this age of globalization. Stage Managers 881 870 914 788 677 The response of the theatre industry, as this Open Companies, per week 638 637 643 469 N/A report will show, seemed to be that it went into a East 352 353 348 266 N/A holding pattern of sorts. Central 142 135 139 102 N/A Employment and earnings, West 144 149 156 101 N/A which had both decreased during the long recession of Table 2 Seasonal Earnings Summary the previous two seasons, stabilized and even grew Season 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2000-01 1990-91 very slightly. Some elements of the theatre industry even Total Seasonal Earnings $334,559,463 $334,207,326 $341,393,159 $256,070,569 $155,589,785 found a way to thrive in the Median Member Earnings $7,382 $7,475 $7,340 $6,138 $4,935 current environment. The resilience of this industry Eastern Earnings $247,095,465 $240,472,898 $242,316,719 $189,176,122 $104,435,139 and the many people who 73.9% 72.0% 71.0% 73.9% 67.1% work in all its components Central Earnings $35,858,429 $39,731,626 $45,709,539 $28,125,567 $18,491,909 was demonstrated once 10.7% 11.9% 13.4% 11.0% 11.9% again, and while the future is fraught with questions Western Earnings $51,605,569 $54,002,802 $53,366,901 $38,768,880 $32,562,737 of all kinds, this report 15.4% 16.2% 15.6% 15.1% 20.9% will provide an analysis of member employment and Chart 4, Total Seasonal Earnings earnings during the most Chart 3, Total Work Weeks (in thousands of $) recent theatrical season. 310,000 $350,000 Taken in context, the season 285,000 $300,000 260,000 had a number of positive $250,000 235,000 $200,000 points and some recovery 210,000 $150,000 from the recession occurred, 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 11 while Equity’s overall health 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 remained good. Table 1 and Table 2 the country, employment and work week is defined as Only 130 additional members worked was 17 – present a broad look at earnings did not drop again one week of work for one members worked at least unchanged from last season, employment and earnings, as they had last season, but member.) So, statistically one week during the season, and an increase of less than respectively, for the current remained remarkably similar. speaking, earnings remained raising the number to 17,089, one week from 20 years ago. season, the past two seasons, There were 2,335 additional virtually unchanged and as or 40% of the members in While work weeks and the seasons 10 and 20 work weeks – growth of less Table 2 indicates, median good standing – defined as increased in both the Central years ago. than 1% -- and earnings annual earnings per member those who are paid up in their and Western regions during Despite the economic increased by $352,137 – or actually decreased by $93, or dues. The average number the past season, Table 2 uncertainty that persists in about one-tenth of 1%. (A slightly more than 1%. of weeks that each of those shows that member earnings DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 13 in those regions moved in the opposing direction, Chart 5A, Eastern Region Work Weeks Chart 6A, Principal Weeks falling by 9.7% and 4.4%, 200,000 200,000 185,000 respectively. This would 180,000 indicate that while work weeks 170,000 160,000 lost in the previous season 155,000 140,000 140,000 were recovered, they were 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 at lower rates of pay than in 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 the previous season. On the other hand, Eastern earnings rose by 2.8%, bettering the virtually flat growth in member Chart 5B, Central Region Work Weeks Chart 6B, Chorus Weeks employment in that region, 55,000 70,000 indicating that individual 50,000 65,000 member salaries were higher. 45,000 60,000 40,000 55,000 Historically, you can see Chart 6C, Stage Manager Weeks that the regional distribution of 35,000 50,0050,0000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 0 10 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 9- 45,000 -0 -0 -04 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 10 -1 work has remained remarkably 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 1 similar over the past 20 years, 40,000 though there has been a small 35,000 increase in the East and a 30,000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 0 09 10 8- small decrease in the West. -0 -0 Chart-0 6C,-0 Stage-0 Manager-0 Weeks-0 09 -1 -1 Chart 5C, Western Region Work Weeks 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 1 Conversely, the earnings 70,000 50,000 distribution has shifted more 62,500 45,000 noticeably to the East and 55,000 40,000 away from the West. As in 47,500 35,000 employment, Central regional 40,000 30,000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 1 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 0- -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 11 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 earnings have remained more 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 static. Regional distributions aside, it’s important to note that total earnings across all regions have more than they are still markedly off of production or large production, Developing Theatre contracts, its earnings over the same doubled over the past 20 their 2008-2009 results. more or less complex. It is and in the Western region, period. years, far outpacing the 19% Charts 5A, 5B and 5C interesting to note, however, to the LORT contract. So, As Chart 9 shows, when growth in employment over graphically depict employment that while shows, especially while important in the Eastern the Point of Organization the same period. To illustrate across the regions in greater on Broadway, have generally region as well, these two and Touring work weeks are that point further, while the detail over the past 10 years. trended smaller since the most contracts are much more vital combined, Production contract average number of weeks The employment highs for recent recession, Chorus work for providing employment employment had a protracted worked by each member has all three regions occurred weeks have remained stable opportunities in other regions and significant period of Chart 5C, Western Region Work Weeks in the two seasons between over that period, indicating of the country. growth from the 2004-2005 remained virtually unchanged 70,000 2006 and 2008. However, that trend may not be as As noted earlier, the season through the 2009- over the 20 year period, the 62,500 as you can see, work weeks pronounced on some of the overall number of work weeks 2010 season, increasing by annual median earnings per 55,000 other contract types. remained remarkably stable 21%. However, with Point of member have increased by in the Eastern47,500 region moved from last season to the current Organization having generally about 50%. between40,000 a much narrower Table 7 provides a much Charts 3 and 4 drill a range than the other01 two02 03 04 more05 expansive06 07 view08 of work09 10 season; however, Production plateaued over the past three -0 -03 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 bit deeper and illustrate the regions, its high and2 low points4 weeks,5 6 showing7 results8 9 across0 1contract work weeks dropped seasons, the huge drop-off movement of employment differing by only 8%. The all contract areas for the by about 10%. Looking to in Touring weeks brought and earnings over the past Central and Western regions, current season, the 2008-2009 the Production contract total Production back down 10 years. You will note that on the other hand, saw their and 2009-2010 seasons, and components, we can see why. to a level not seen in several the middle years of the work highs and lows separated by the for the seasons 10 and 20 While Point of Organization years. week chart show a sustained 23% and 27%, respectively. years ago. The Production, weeks (shows that originate As Chart 10 shows, period of growth during which In all three regions, drop-offs LORT, Developing Theatre, and “sit down” on Broadway, the earnings pattern for work weeks increased by occurred at the end of the and Stock contracts have in Chicago or Los Angeles) Production contract is identical 9%, but those growth years 10-year period that brought their work weeks shown both were virtually identical from to its work week pattern. are bordered on both ends work weeks back fairly close in their components and in one season to another, touring However, the growth period by the two recessions that to where they had been at the aggregate. Depicted in – both tiered tours (formerly brought about an even larger occurred during the last the beginning of the decade. this manner, it’s clear that called “experimental tours” increase of 31%, and this decade. Despite those two This isn’t entirely surprising the Production contract is and introduced in 2004) and season’s drop off of 5% is less downturns and the extended given the recessions that responsible for the largest Other tours – or full Production stark than the 10% decrease growth period, work weeks occurred at the beginning and percentage of work weeks contract tours – decreased in employment. This less have remained within a rather the end of the period, but it – 25.3% of the overall total – significantly. significant drop off in earnings narrow range, as the high would appear that the Eastern and the producers using this Looking back over the last is probably caused by the fact and the low over the 10-year region experienced greater contract remain, as they have 10 years, as Chart 8 shows, that work weeks on Broadway period are only separated by employment stability than the for some time, the largest Point of Organization work – which increased by 1,315 about 37,000 work weeks. other two regions throughout, employer of Equity’s members. weeks have mostly been this season – typically carry Looking to the earnings table, and was less susceptible to However, it’s interesting to very strong, having grown higher salaries. while following a virtually a big drop-off with the later note that in the 1990-1991 by 31.5% over the period. The LORT and Developing identical pattern over the recession. season, the LORT contract Touring weeks, however, Theatre contracts managed past 10 years, the increase In terms of the distribution had the largest number of have been much more volatile – despite the challenges in earnings during the growth of employment across job work weeks. While no longer and subject to a number of that face not-for-profits of all period was a considerably categories, Table 1 showed at the top, LORT work weeks negative variables. After kinds – to generate a greater more robust 29% with the that this remained virtually still remain strong; in fact, having been strong for the number of work weeks this end-of decade retreat far more unchanged over last season; Production and LORT combine past five years, with the season. subtle, and the highs and lows however, over the 20-year for 46% of the work weeks, significant drop this season, LORT work weeks reflect a much broader range. period, there has been a and when combined with they have retreated to nearly increased by 11% and Referring back to the broad noticeable decrease of Developing Theatre, these their 2001-2002 level, when Developing Theatre was up overview of employment in Principal weeks offset by three contract types – of the this segment of the contract by nearly 6.5%; however, Table 1, in terms of regional increases in Chorus and dozens that you see in the was buffeted by a proliferation as Chart 11 shows, both distribution, employment Stage Manager weeks, which table – are responsible for in non-union tours. The recent contracts are off their highs of grew by less than 1% in have grown by 74% and 30%, nearly 62% of the employment decline is more likely an effect the past 10 years, and both the East and West, while respectively. on Equity contracts. In of the lingering economic suffered very large drops increasing by about 2.6% in Charts 6A, B and C depict fact, unlike in the Eastern difficulties of the recession, last season. So, this season the Central region. Given that the evolution of this shift in region, where the Production especially in many of the cities represented something of a all three regions experienced more detail over the past 10 contract – the contract used where tours play. recovery, though not complete. significant work week loss in seasons. In some measure, on Broadway – generates Now, however, let’s look at Chart 12 shows that the previous season, at least these numbers are dictated by the highest number of work the Production contract as a earnings for each contract some recovery occurred, but the types of shows produced – weeks, in the Central region whole over the past 10 years, mostly tracked work weeks. musical or non-musical, small that distinction belongs to the and let’s also take a look at LORT earnings were up 14 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

Table 7, 2010 - 2011 Season

Work Weeks By Region, Contract Type and Job Category

2010-11 Change in 2009-10 2008-09 2000-01 1990-91 EasternCentral WesternTotal % of Total% of TotalTotal TotalTotal Total Production 65,6693,783 4,05373,505 25.3%0.1%82,10779,88964,285 51,000 Point of Organization 44,7961,443 4,00450,243 17.3%0.4%50,77551,46540,991 24,691 Tiered Tours8,207 8,207 2.8% 1.2% 12,572 6,861 Other Tours 12,6662,340 49 15,055 5.2% -1.5%18,76021,56323,294 26,309 Resident Theatre (LORT) 31,0798,622 20,281 59,982 20.7%1.5%53,82761,98860,153 58,369 LORT Rep2,945 2773,771 6,993 2.4% 0.1% 6,9087,833 6,784 LORT Non-Rep 28,1348,345 16,510 52,989 18.2%1.3%46,91954,15553,369 Developing Theatre 21,7419,182 15,193 46,116 15.9%-0.4% 43,325 49,223 45,308 42,217 Letter of Agreement9,603 2,8128,011 20,426 7.0% 0.0% 18,832 20,850 22,118 20,618 Small Professional Theatre 12,1386,370 7,18225,690 8.8% -0.4%24,49328,37323,190 21,599 Stock5,865 1,902721 8,488 2.9% -0.1%6,920 8,7439,530 11,583 COST 1,682250 2882,220 0.8% -0.1%1,796 2,7913,023 COST Special1,413 1,413 0.5% 0.1% 838 891 582 CORST1,659 7762,435 0.8% -0.1%2,553 2,7222,714 MSUA 692833 1,525 0.5% 0.0% 9951,416 2,319 RMTA 419433 852 0.3% 0.0% 733 873 671 Outdoor Drama43430.0%0.0%550 221 Special Agreements 5,1086,681 23912,028 4.1% -1.2%13,56914,91413,600 5,234 Young Audiences (TYA)5,808 1,5641,774 9,146 3.1% -1.2%9,393 12,317 12,746 15,314 Cabaret2,757 76 4643,297 1.1% 0.0% 3,4984,304 3,4566,288 Guest Artist 3,6031,111 2,0476,761 2.3% 0.0% 6,2576,897 7,9805,681 Special Appearance 3,2331,717 1,9116,861 2.4% 0.5% 6,0075,932 4,189 University Theatre (URTA) 1,021714 4602,195 0.8% 0.1% 2,2802,522 2,2031,340 SETA4,283 9775,260 1.8% 1.8% 2,766 Dinner Theatre1,344 2,366174 3,884 1.3% -0.7%4,939 6,05910,973 15,396 Dinner Theatre Artist 30 76 106 0.0% 0.0% 12564 Casino 24 5,1155,139 1.8% -0.6%5,096 5,330 Midsize353 353 0.1% -0.1%399 247 22 Special Production 227 227 0.1% 0.0% 220 603 2,1762,960 Business Theatre 1962610 232 0.1% 0.0% 213 255 814 1,125 Workshop 140 140 0.0% -0.1%207 296 334 Off Broadway (NYC)9,420 9,420 3.2% 1.0% 8,7816,127 12,031 10,766 NYC/LOA3,205 3,205 1.1% 0.1% 3,0222,425 4,802 Mini (NYC)1,066 1,066 0.4% -0.1%1,790 1,7902,814 2,332 ANTC 1,9551,955 0.7% -0.3%2,025 3,257 Transition 621 621 0.2% -0.2%550 865 New England Area Theatre (NEAT)2,668 2,668 0.9% 0.1% 2,3522,844 957 Disney World 16,27816,278 5.6% 0.8% 16,740 16,547 16,556 5,087 Orlando Area Theatre (OAT)268 268 0.1% 0.0% 186 194 103 New Orleans Area (NOLA) 385 385 0.1% 0.0% 519 326 237 Chicago Area (CAT)7,438 7,438 2.6% 0.2% 6,3487,758 7,5015,226 Western Light Opera (WCLO) 1,3241,324 0.5% -0.8%2,385 2,4483,029 Hollywood Area (HAT)370 370 0.1% -0.1%460 399 609 969 San Francisco Bay Area (BAT)1,290 1,290 0.4% -0.2%1,272 1,7121,603 2,282 Modified Bay Area Theatre402 402 0.1% 0.0% 497 331 372 TOTAL 187,96245,56756,881290,410 288,075 306,310 290,145 243,503 By Job Category Principal106,437 31,308 36,559 174,30460.0% -2.6%171,675 189,922 186,804 167,820 Chorus 54,1155,586 10,571 70,272 24.2%2.5%71,16568,88162,371 40,476 Stage Manager 27,4108,673 9,75145,834 15.8%0.2%45,23547,50740,970 35,207 % of Total64.7% 15.7%19.6%

13%, and though not having returned to their levels prior Chart 10, Total Production Earnings Chart 8, Production (in thousands of $) to last season, the increase is $195,000 Point of Organization vs. Touring $175,000 substantial and represents the 60,000 $155,000 50,000 Point of 40,000 $135,000 third highest total in the past Organization 30,000 $115,000 20,000 10 years. Developing Theatre 10,000 Touring $95,000 earnings were up about 5.5%, 0 $75,000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -11 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 and while still a bit off their 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 levels for most of the past five seasons, they made a nice recovery. So, while this Chart 9, Total Production Weeks Chart 11, was a good season all around 82,500 Resident Theatre (LORT) vs. for LORT and Developing 77,000 Developing Theatre Weeks 70,000 Theatre, given continuing 71,500 60,000 66,000 50,000 LORT economic uncertainty, difficult 40,000 60,500 30,000 20,000 DevT days and fewer work weeks on 55,000 10,000 0 these two important contracts 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 -1 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 may lay ahead. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11 Looking beyond these three major contracts and once again using Table 7 and Agreement (SETA), Off total work weeks are off Chart 12, also Table 13, how did the Broadway, Orlando Area their highs between 2006 Theatre and Chicago Area and 2009. Given that, like Resident Theatre (LORT) vs. rest of Equity’s contracts fair? Developing Theatre Earnings Theatre – had increases, work weeks, earnings stayed $70,000 With regard to employment, $60,000 others – like Special very consistent with last $50,000 LORT there are certainly mixed $40,000 $30,000 Agreement, Theatre for season, it’s not surprising that $20,000 DevT results. While some areas $10,000 – like Stock, Guest Artist, Young Audiences, Cabaret contracts that had greater $0 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 Special Appearance, the and Dinner Theatre – had employment largely had stable -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11 Short Engagement Touring drops in employment, and or slightly greater earnings. DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 15 Table 13 Seasonal Earnings, 2010-11 Tableby Region 13 & Contract Type Seasonal Earnings, 2010-11, by Region & Contract Type

Earnings % Eastern %Central %Western % Total of Total Production $164,762,480 66.7% $8,704,66124.3% $9,717,423 18.8% $183,184,564 54.75% Point of Organization $120,210,890 48.6% $3,582,985 10.0% $9,594,154 18.6% $133,388,028 39.87% Tiered Tours $16,394,387 6.6% $16,394,387 4.90% Other Tours $28,157,203 11.4% $5,121,676 14.3% $123,2700.2% $33,402,148 9.98% Resident Theatres (LORT) $25,639,068 10.4% $7,931,55322.1% $19,012,554 36.8% $52,583,175 15.72% LORT Rep $1,923,5480.8% $857,0022.4% $4,376,917 8.5% $7,157,4682.14% LORT Non-Rep $23,715,520 9.6% $7,074,550 19.7% $14,635,637 28.4% $45,425,707 13.58% Developing Theatre $9,793,721 4.0% $4,101,397 11.4% $6,344,839 12.3% $20,239,957 6.05% Letter of Agreement (LOA) $5,019,6302.0% $1,587,3784.4% $3,679,804 7.1% $10,286,811 3.07% Small Professional Theatre (SPT) $4,774,0911.9% $2,514,0197.0% $2,665,036 5.2% $9,953,1462.98% Stock $5,452,398 2.2% $1,617,558 4.5% $722,7251.4% $7,792,6812.33% COST $1,523,866 0.6% $244,0450.7% $256,5830.5% $2,024,4940.61% COST Special $1,222,4170.5% $1,222,4170.37% CORST $1,218,2610.5% $541,9151.5% $1,760,1760.53% MSUA $862,403 0.3% $795,0442.2% $1,657,4470.50% RMTA $625,451 0.3% $466,1420.9% $1,091,5930.33% Outdoor Drama $36,553 0.1% $36,553 0.01% Special Agreements $2,537,370 1.0% $4,872,309 13.6% $73,894 0.1% $7,483,5732.24% Young Audiences (TYA) $2,990,8051.2% $696,4851.9% $815,8861.6% $4,503,1761.35% Cabaret $1,452,8710.6% $54,783 0.2% $332,3000.6% $1,839,9540.55% Guest Artist $1,789,816 0.7% $660,6111.8% $990,9131.9% $3,441,3401.03% Special Appearance $976,435 0.4% $456,4471.3% $517,8991.0% $1,950,7800.58% University Theatre (URTA) $394,874 0.2% $435,4451.2% $314,3220.6% $1,144,6410.34% SETA $6,505,8462.6% $1,416,578 2.7% $7,922,4232.37% Dinner Theatre $891,143 0.4% $1,973,051 5.5% $105,4600.2% $2,969,6550.89% Dinner Theatre Artist $26,2000.0% $47,430 0.1% $73,630 0.02% Casino $19,3530.0% $8,786,175 17.0% $8,805,5282.63% Midsize $262,457 0.1% $262,457 0.08% Special Production $345,007 0.1% $345,007 0.10% Business Theatre $133,893 0.1% $7,9320.0% $18,400 0.0% $160,225 0.05% Workshop $235,287 0.1% $235,287 0.07% Off Broadway (NYC) $6,223,0792.5% $6,223,0791.86% NYC-LOA $1,088,3840.4% $1,088,3840.33% Mini - NYC $341,041 0.1% $341,041 0.10% ANTC $846,186 0.3% $846,186 0.25% Transition $166,385 0.1% $166,385 0.05% New England Area (NEAT) $982,724 0.4% $982,724 0.29% Disney World $12,597,371 5.1% $12,597,371 3.77% Orlando Area (OAT) $60,0160.0% $60,016 0.02% Royalties $581,256 0.2% $581,256 0.17% New Orleans (NOLA) $93,461 0.3% $93,461 0.03% Chicago Area (CAT) $4,252,738 11.9% $4,252,7381.27% Western Light Opera (WCLO) $1,436,708 2.8% $1,436,7080.43% Hollywood Area (HAT) $228,9910.4% $228,991 0.07% San Francisco Bay Area (BAT) $644,7491.2% $644,749 0.19% Modified Bay Area Theatre (MBAT) $78,323 0.2% $78,323 0.02% Totals $247,095,465 $35,858,429 $51,605,569 $334,559,463 Regional % of Total 73.9% 10.7% 15.4%

Charts 14 and 15 are pie Chart 14, Chart 15, charts of the largest contracts Work Weeks, by Selected Contracts Annual Earnings by by work weeks and earnings. 2010-11 Season Selected Contract Types Perhaps as expected, the (in thousands of dollars) LORT Dinner Developing top eight contracts in both $52,583 Theatre categories are exactly the Theatre Production 16% $183,185 $16,139 Stock 1% TYA same. What may be a little Casino 55% 5% 3% 3% more surprising are the Disney World 2% percentage shares of work 6% All Other weeks relative to those of Disney World 23% earnings for each contract. For Developing $12,597 example, while the Production Theatre 4% Contract represents a bit more 16% Stock $7,793 than 25% of the work weeks, Dinner 2% it represents nearly 55% of All Other Casino TYA Theatre LORT $45,985 the earnings. Extending that Production $8,806 $4,503 $2,970 21% 25% 14% 3% 1% further, Production and LORT, 1% which are responsible for 46% of the work weeks, generate employment generator week information, resulting in average earnings per work earnings; the converse of that 71% of all the earnings in – Developing Theatres – average member earnings per week range from $350 to statement is likewise true. Equity’s jurisdiction. Clearly, responsible for 16% of the work week – an approximation $2,492. Contracts like Dinner Another example of the higher salaries on work weeks generates 5% of of the average weekly salaries Theatre have comparatively divergence can be observed these two most significant the earnings because of the on each contract. Just looking high average weekly earnings, in Table 17 which displays employment generators are comparatively low salaries on to Production, LORT and but a relatively small share the average number of responsible for this huge these contracts. Developing Theatres, you can of the employment. So, the open companies for each segment of overall earnings. The diversity in salaries see that while these three amount of work that a contract contract type in each region. To illustrate this point in can be seen in Table 16 which contracts generate the vast generates doesn’t always As previously noted, the contrast, the third highest combines earnings and work majority of employment, their translate into high member Production contract makes 16 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

Table 16, Average Earnings per Work Weeks by Region & Contract Type, 2010-11

Average Earnings/ WW All % of Total All % of Total Average Eastern Central Western Earnings Earnings WW's WW's Earnings/ WW Production $2,509 $2,301 $2,398 $183,184,564 54.8% 73,505 25.3% $2,492 Point of Organization $2,684 $2,483 $2,396 $133,388,028 39.9% 50,243 17.3% $2,655 Tiered Tours $1,998 $16,394,387 4.9% 8,207 2.8% $1,998 Other Tours $2,223 $2,189 $2,516 $33,402,148 10.0% 15,055 5.2% $2,219 Resident Theatres (LORT) $825 $920 $937 $52,583,175 15.7% 59,982 20.7% $877 LORT Rep $653 $1,161 $7,157,468 2.1% 6,993 2.4% $1,024 LORT Non-Rep $843 $848 $886 $45,425,707 13.6% 52,989 18.2% $857 Developing Theatre $450 $418 $16,138,560 4.8% 46,116 15.9% $350 Letter of Agreement (LOA) $523 $565 $459 $10,286,811 3.1% 20,426 7.0% $504 Small Professional Theatre (SPT) $393 $395 $371 $9,953,146 3.0% 25,690 8.8% $387 Stock $930 $850 $1,002 $7,792,681 2.3% 8,488 2.9% $918 COST $906 $976 $891 $2,024,494 0.6% 2,220 0.8% $912 COST Special $865 $1,222,417 0.4% 1,413 0.5% $865 CORST $734 $698 $1,760,176 0.5% 2,435 0.8% $723 MSUA $1,246 $954 $1,657,447 0.5% 1,525 0.5% $1,087 RMTA $1,493 $1,077 $1,091,593 0.3% 852 0.3% $1,281 Outdoor Drama $850 $36,553 0.0% 43 0.0% Special Agreements $497 $729 $309 $7,483,573 2.2% 12,028 4.1% $622 Young Audiences (TYA) $515 $445 $460 $4,503,176 1.3% 9,146 3.1% $492 Cabaret $527 $721 $716 $1,839,954 0.5% 3,297 1.1% $558 Guest Artist $497 $595 $484 $3,441,340 1.0% 6,761 2.3% $509 Special Appearance $302 $266 $271 $1,950,780 0.6% 6,861 2.4% $284 University Theatre (URTA) $387 $610 $683 $1,144,641 0.3% 2,195 0.8% $521 SETA $1,519 $7,922,423 2.4% 5,260 1.8% $1,506 Dinner Theatre $663 $834 $606 $2,969,655 0.9% 3,884 1.3% $765 Dinner Theatre Artist $873 $624 $73,630 0.0% 106 0.0% $695 Casino $806 $1,718 $8,805,528 2.6% 5,139 1.8% $1,713 Midsize $744 $262,457 0.1% 353 0.1% $744 Special Production $1,520 $345,007 0.1% 227 0.1% $1,520 Business Theatre $683 $305 $160,225 0.0% 232 0.1% $691 Workshop $1,681 $235,287 0.1% 140 0.0% Off Broadway (NYC) $661 $6,223,079 1.9% 9,420 3.2% $661 NYC-LOA $340 $1,088,384 0.3% 3,205 1.1% $340 Mini - NYC $320 $341,041 0.1% 1,066 0.4% $320 ANTC $433 $846,186 0.3% 1,955 0.7% $433 Transition $268 $166,385 0.0% 621 0.2% $268 New England Area (NEAT) $368 $982,724 0.3% 2,668 0.9% $368 Disney World $774 $12,597,371 3.8% 16,278 5.6% $774 Orlando Area (OAT) $224 $60,016 0.0% 268 0.1% $224 Royalties $581,256 0.2% New Orleans (NOLA) $243 $93,461 0.0% 385 0.1% $243 Chicago Area (CAT) $572 $4,252,738 1.3% 7,438 2.6% $572 Western Light Opera (WCLO) $1,085 $1,436,708 0.4% 1,324 0.5% $1,085 Hollywood Area (HAT) $619 $228,991 0.1% 370 0.1% $619 San Francisco Bay Area (BAT) $500 $644,749 0.2% 1,290 0.4% $500 Modified Bay Area Theatre (MBAT) $195 $78,323 0.0% 402 0.1% $195 up the largest share of work of Equity’s resources for proper region has decreased by almost Table 20 displays the gender of work weeks and earnings weeks, but as you can see administration. 5%, while the other two regions and ethnicity counts for the translate down to the individual those work weeks derive from Nevertheless, the more have experienced growth. The active members (those who are member. only about 50 open companies than $80 million in earnings number of new members this fully paid up in their dues or in Charts 22A and B begin per week – less than 8% of that comes from the contracts year was very similar to that the process of doing so) in the a brief overview of Equity’s the total open companies. other than Production, LORT of last year, and while down 2010-2011 season. Information own finances with a look at By contrast, the Guest Artist and Developing Theatre are from the numbers we were on ethnicity is voluntarily its income and expenses for agreement – responsible for significant to Equity’s members. seeing earlier in this decade provided by members and, as the fiscal year that concluded 2.3% of the work weeks, or Turning attention to those (remember that there were you can see, about 20% choose on March 31, 2011. Income 1/10 that of the Production members, Table 18 begins an more work weeks creating a not to do so. surpassed expenses by only contract – and just about 1% overview. greater opportunity for new Chart 21 displays member about $17,000, but the deficit of member earnings (about As of April 1, 2011 – the members to join Equity), it is earnings by selected dollar that was projected at the 1/55 of Production earnings) beginning of the fiscal year – still up by about 25% from 20 ranges. As reported earlier, beginning of the fiscal year was has about 17 more open there were 42,549 members years ago. there were over $300 million avoided. This was the result companies operating per week in good standing, up slightly Tables 19A, B and C give in total member earnings of several factors. For one, on average. These incongruities from last year. The regional a little more insight into where this season, but as you can working dues income surpassed play a large part in helping distributions of those members our members live by showing see in this chart, 69% of the projections. Remember that shape how Equity allocates remained relatively stable, the top 10 cities by population members who had earnings in working dues income is a its resources to administering but while there were slight for this year, last year and 10 our jurisdiction earned $15,000 function of member earnings. these various contract types, decreases in the Eastern and years ago. As you can see, the or less, with only 11% earning Second, steady effort has been as sometimes the contracts Western regions, the Central top 10 cities have not changed, $50,000 or more. While it is true in place for several years to that generate relatively little region grew by nearly 1%. but their place in the population that many of our members have control expenses in a variety in employment and earnings Looking back 20 years, you hierarchy has changed for earnings in other jurisdictions, of ways. The vast majority of necessitate a large commitment can see that the percentage of some, even since last year. this is a stark representation of Equity’s expenses go towards members living in the Western how the large overall numbers payroll and fringes for its staff, DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 17 but the services that Equity provides to its members derive Table 17, from these employees. So, Open Companies selectivity has been exercised Average Weekly Counts, 2010-11 with regard to where expenses by Contract Type and Region are controlled so as not to reduce member services. Charts 23 and 24 show the Total % of two largest sources of Equity’s Eastern Central Western Average Total income – basic and working Production 46.40 1.60 2.60 50.60 7.9% dues – over the past 10 years. Point of Organization 33.90 0.50 1.90 36.30 5.7% Bear in mind that the significant jumps seen around the 2002- Tiered Tours 5.50 5.50 0.9% 2003 season resulted from the Other Tours 7.00 1.10 0.70 8.80 1.4% last dues increase requested of Resident Theatre (LORT) 39.40 10.90 21.60 71.90 11.3% and approved by the members LORT Rep 3.30 0.40 1.40 5.10 0.8% at that time. For the past seven LORT Non-Rep 36.10 10.50 20.20 66.80 10.5% years, basic dues, which reflect the number of members who Developing Theatre 73.10 40.10 50.00 163.20 25.6% are paid up and active, have Letter of Agreement 32.00 13.80 24.70 70.50 11.0% remained quite stable. Working Small Professional Theatre 41.10 26.30 25.30 92.70 14.5% dues, while having retracted a Stock 8.40 2.00 1.00 11.40 1.8% bit over the past two seasons as member earnings fell, have Special Agreements 7.80 9.30 0.70 17.80 2.8% nevertheless remained strong Young Audiences (TYA) 14.00 8.10 6.90 29.00 4.5% and are 26% higher than they Cabaret 5.70 1.30 1.80 8.80 1.4% were in the 2004-2005 season. Guest Artist 35.00 12.50 19.30 66.80 10.5% The third component of member-driven income is Special Appearance 34.40 18.80 21.90 75.10 11.8% that of Initiation Fees paid Business Theatre 2.90 1.20 0.10 4.20 0.7% by new members who are University Theatre (URTA) 3.80 3.00 1.70 8.50 1.3% joining. As noted earlier, the SETA 3.10 0.80 3.90 0.6% number of new members has declined over the past several Dinner Theatre 6.40 3.70 0.70 10.80 1.7% years since the recession, Dinner Theatre Artist 0.70 1.40 2.10 0.3% and initiation fee income has Casino Agreement 0.10 3.00 3.10 0.5% declined accordingly. As stated Special Production 0.20 0.20 0.0% earlier, fewer work weeks Midsize 0.80 0.80 0.1% create fewer opportunities for members to join, but it should Workshop (NYC) 0.10 0.10 0.0% also be noted that joining Off Broadway (NYC) 19.80 19.80 3.1% opportunities can also be NYC/ LOA 6.50 6.50 1.0% affected by the types of shows Mini (NYC) 2.80 2.80 0.4% produced and who are likely to New England Area (NEAT) 7.70 7.70 1.2% audition for them. Another component of Disney World 25.00 25.00 3.9% income that has declined since Orlando Area (OAT) 2.30 2.30 0.4% the recession is that derived Transition 1.60 1.60 0.3% from Equity’s investments. ANTC 3.70 3.70 0.6% While Chart 27 shows that Chicago Area (CAT) 25.70 25.70 4.0% as of the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year, Equity had not only New Orleans Area (NOLA) 3.90 3.90 0.6% recovered all of the value of Western Light Opera (WCLO) 1.80 1.80 0.3% its investments lost during the Hollywood Area (HAT) 0.50 0.50 0.1% recession, but had surpassed Modified Bay Area Theatre 3.80 3.80 0.6% its pre-recession levels, income San Francisco Bay Area (BAT) 4.70 4.70 0.7% from those investments has not recovered, mostly driven TOTAL 351.70 142.10 144.30 638.10 by interest rates which have Regional % of Total 55.1% 22.3% 22.6% remained low. Nevertheless, the more than $29 million that Table 18 Membership Summary

Season 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2000-01 1990-91

Members in Good Standing 42,549 42,475 42,676 38,566 35,470

Eastern Region Members26,792 63.0% 26,960 63.5% 26,915 63.1% 24,220 62.8% 21,066 59.4%

Central Region Members3,982 9.4% 3,657 8.6% 3,657 8.6% 3,199 8.3% 2,888 8.1%

Western Region Members11,775 27.7% 11,858 27.9% 12,020 28.2% 11,147 28.9% 11,516 32.5%

New Members 2,079 2,100 2,565 2,951 1,620

Table 19A, Membership 2010-2011 Table 19B, Membership 2009-2010 Table 19C, Membership 2000-2001 by Major Cities by Major Cities by Major Cities New York 16,521 New York 16,552 New York 15,806 Los Angeles 7,476 Los Angeles7,238 Los Angeles 7,460 Chicago 1,433 Chicago 1,483 Chicago 1,360 San Francisco 902 San Francisco 940 San Francisco 859 Washington DC/Baltimore 851 Philadelphia 876 Boston 696 Boston 795 Washington DC/Baltimore 864 Orlando 510 Philadelphia 612 Boston 812 South Florida455 Orlando 558 Orlando 574 Philadelphia444 Minneapolis/St. Paul 452 Minneapolis/St. Paul 437 Seattle 421 Seattle 413 Seattle 388 Minneapolis/St. Paul 382 18 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

Table 20, Race, Ethnicity and Gender, 2010-11 Chart 21, Members with Earnings Active Membership Counts by Selected Dollar Ranges

$50,000 - Race or Ethnicity Male Female TOTALS 75,000 $25,000 - 723 No Record 4,755 4,272 9,027 20.0% $50,000 4% 1,963 $75,000+ African American 1,319 1,339 2,658 7.3% 11% 1,186 Asian American 349 471 820 2.3% $15,000 - 7% $25,000 Caucasian 15,195 15,444 30,639 84.6% 1,698 10% Hispanic American 566 467 1,033 2.9%

Mutli-Racial 456 575 1,031 2.8%

American Indian 18 20 38 0.1% $1 - $5,000 6,924 Ethnic Counts Only, Sub-Total 17,903 18,316 36,219 $5,000 - 40% $15,000 % 49.4% 50.6% 5,010 Grand Total 22,658 22,588 45,246 29% % 50.1% 49.9%

Equity has invested places it in a very strong and enviable position. Chart 22A Chart 22B It should also be noted that Total Income: $17,372 Total Expenses: $17,356 the investments charted here FY 2010-11 FY 2010-11 do not include the value of the (in thousands of $) (in thousands of $) land on which Equity’s office Initiation Fees: Office building in Times Square sits $2,410 (Equity sold this building in Expenses: 14% $2,727 1981 but retained the land; as 16% previously noted in Chart 24B, All Other: $363 Working Dues: 2% income from the rent paid on $7,453 Payroll & that land was $840,000), or 43% Fringes: Member the value of the building which $10,967 Services: Investment 63% Equity purchased in Chicago $835 Income: $854 5% in 2009. 5% Given the many challenges and uncertainties that are Land Rent: Information reported on and dominate $840 Technology: the news every day with 5% $524 3% regard to the US and global Basic Dues: All Other: $2,303 economies, the continuing $5,453 31% 13% high rate of unemployment, state and city budget crises, and the difficulties for unions,

Chart 23, Basic Dues Income Chart 25, Initiation Fee Income (in thousands of $) (in thousands of $) $6,000 $3,000 $5,000 $2,500 $4,000 $2,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $1,000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11

Chart 24, Working Dues Income Chart 26, Investment Income (in thousands of $) (in thousands of $) $8,000 $1,200 $7,000 $1,000 $6,000 $5,000 $800 $4,000 $600 $3,000 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 $400 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11

the employment and earnings results for Many people make this report the 2010-2011 season can be viewed possible; most notable among them are as a positive outcome, essentially Karen Nothmann and Chris Williams. Chart 27, Portfolio Market Value holding in place from last season while Karen gathers the enormous amounts (in thousands of $) $30,000 the answers and solutions to many of data that are its basis, while Chris $25,000 fundamental questions and issues are keeps the process organized and $20,000 awaited. As noted, the theatre industry is a fabulous editor. Thanks also $15,000 is resilient, and it’s hoped that the are extended to Doug Beebe, Joe $10,000 $5,000 2011-2012 season – already underway DeMichele and John Fasulo, Equity’s 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 – will bring a return to solid growth in IT Director, Comptroller, and Director -01 -02 -03 -04 -05 -06 -07 -08 -09 -10 -11 employment and earnings for Equity’s of Membership for their contributions to members. various elements of this report. DECEMBER 2011 EQUITY news / 19

St Louis East Haddam, CT Members Celebrate Big Events Goodspeed Musicals Dedicates New Housing for Actors

By Kari Ely, Stages alums Zoe Vonder Haar, actors and technical staff, this Area Liaison Chair Ben Nordstrom, Casey Erin new initiative represents a boon Clark, managing director Jack to the local economy and to The Peabody Opera House Lane and Team Stages, the workers in the State. The project (formerly known as the Kiel multi-genre a capella troupe. had a total budget of $5.5 Opera House) reopened its The evening of silent and live million, all of which was spent doors on October 1, 2011 with a auctions and matching in-state. Eighteen contractors red carpet, sold-out Gala and 26 suppliers from the state performance starring of Connecticut were used for Aretha Franklin and this “green” project as 113 Jay Leno. The old construction jobs and eight Kiel, which was built At the dedication of the new Artists Village at Goodspeed administrative/managerial jobs in 1934 and Musicals are (l to r): East Haddam Selectman Mark Walter, were created. operated until 1991 Goodspeed Board President Francis G. Adams Jr., Executive Dedicated to the before closing for 20 Director of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism Christopher “Kip” Bergstrom, AEA President Nick Wyman and preservation and advancement years, was brought Goodspeed Executive Director Michael P. Price. (Photos: Diane of musical theatre since 1963, back to its full art- Sobolewski) Goodspeed Musicals produces deco splendor with a three musicals each season at 14-month, $78.8 Goodspeed Musicals in East behalf of those artists, I thank the Goodspeed Opera House million renovation. Haddam, CT, the nation’s first the State of Connecticut, the in East Haddam, and Now the resplendent two-time Tony Award winning Goodspeed Board, the donors additional productions at The Peabody Opera (From l) Kari Ely, Ben Nordstrom and Zoe theatre, has something new to and especially my old friend Vander Haar at the Stages St. Louis House with its 3,100- fundraiser. cheer about. Its dream of seat domed main building an Artists Village is theatre will be a donations raised $435,000 for finally a reality as 17 new second St. Louis venue for the programs and employment homes to be used for actor Equity tours, along with a of local artists. housing on the Goodspeed smaller side theatre seating On Halloween night the Campus were formally 250-350. Equity Liaison Committee dedicated on November 14, On 11/11/11, Stages St. hosted a membership meeting 2011. Equity President Nick Louis topped off its 25th season and farewell fete/birthday party Wyman was on hand with with the most successful for Central Regional Director Goodspeed Musicals’ Executive fundraiser in its history. The Kathryn Lamkey. The festivities Director Michael P. Price and black tie event raised money for were held at the New Jewish State dignitaries for this exciting Stages’ Education and Outreach Theatre and the party was event. Programs providing a wealth of open to local producers and “These elegant, classy A view of the new Artists Village at Goodspeed Musicals. classes for students of all ages their artistic staff. A good time apartments are exemplary of and scholarships so that no was had by all—with nothing Goodspeed’s dedication to and Michael Price,” said Mr. Wyman. Norma Terris Theatre in child will be turned away for lack scary in the mix. Happy appreciation of the artists who Along with providing Chester, CT, which was of funds. This year’s Birthday and a heartfelt thank make the American art form attractive, comfortable and opened in 1984 for the entertainment was supplied by you to Kathryn. Goodspeed celebrates; and on convenient housing for the development of new musicals.

Washington/ San Francisco Chicago Baltimore Cast of “Day of Absence” Raises Funds for BC/EFA Central Region Equity Auditions Holiday fundraising EEOC Focuses on Move to began early at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, San the Classics New Venue Francisco’s newest The Central Region Equal seasonal BAT, which has By Gregory Gorton and Employment Opportunity Emily Townley returned to the newly renovated Post Street Committee is presenting As actors, we work in a Theatre. The cast of Day of “Working with the Classics” on profession that is frequently Absence collected for Monday, January 23, 2012 from rewarding while simultaneously Broadway Cares/Equity 6:30-9 pm at the Mercury filled with many anxieties and Fights AIDS during its final Theater, 3745 N. Southport unknowns:“When is the check week of performances, Avenue in Chicago. The event coming?,” “Will I get the gig?,” and, November 16-20, 2011. will focus on learning how to most worrisome of all, “Will I ever Shown here are: standing, l prepare, audition and work again?” Fear not. to r: AEA members Rudy understand the classics and The Washington/Baltimore Guerrero, Carla Pantoja, classic theatre. All workshops Equity Liaison Committee is Carlos Aguirre (EMC), are free to Equity members and sponsoring its annual Equity Rajiv Shah, Kathryn Tkel, Punch; seated are Michael J. (Photo: Bert van Aalsburg, Equity Membership Candidates. Auditions for the 11th consecutive Rhonnie Washington and Carla Asberry and Wilma Bonet. Stage Manager for the show) year—with a few modest changes There is a $10 charge for non- and a new wrinkle or two. Equity actors and stage The auditions are moving to a managers. For more available and a wide variety of 877-AEA-1913. Please do not call their Equity cards.They will be new venue, The Woolly information, call Luther Goins, eateries. Many thanks to Woolly’s Woolly Mammoth for any reason checked. Please arrive at the Mammoth Theatre. The date has 312-641-0393, ext. 237. Managing Director, Jeffrey regarding the auditions. Additional theatre no later than one hour also been tweaked as the Herrmann, and the great staff at information can be obtained by before your scheduled audition auditions are scheduled earlier Woolly for their help and contacting the Chair of the Liaison time. And if you plan to sing, don’t this year, on Monday, January 16, cooperation in making these Committee, Laura Gianarelli, at forget your sheet music. prepare yourselves for a long day. 2012. We have streamlined the auditions a reality. [email protected]. Equity Membership Equity Stage Managers are auditions into just one day and Registration for time slots will Actors will have three Candidates are encouraged to encouraged to bring their resumes audition slots will be scheduled begin at 9 am on Tuesday, January minutes to utilize as they wish attend as there will be a stand-by to the auditions as well. from 10 am until 6:30 pm. 3, 2012. All audition time slots will for their audition: a monologue sheet for them and also for any So, help decrease your Woolly Mammoth Theatre is at once again be scheduled via or two, or a monologue and a Equity members who missed a possibilities of that awful “unknown” 641 D Street, NW in the heart of email. Registration information will song. The time is yours to make time slot. EMCs are reminded to that is unemployment and come to Washington, D.C. and is a quick be available toward the last week the most of. Be mindful though bring proof of their candidacy. the Washington/Baltimore Equity walk from both the Archives/Navy of December on the Equity website that you will be timed. Every effort will be made to Auditions.What better way to start Memorial and Galley Place Metro (www.actorsequity.org), Wash/Balt Auditionees must bring 40 accommodate all of the stand-by the year than with a brand new stations.There is ample parking link and also on our local hotline: pictures and resumes as well as actors with an audition time, but contract? 20 / EQUITY news DECEMBER 2011

Los Angeles New York, Los Angeles “Bring Your Actors Fund Sets Winter Workshops A-Game” In New York, The Actors email [email protected]. Fund has scheduled a Winter In Los Angeles, the Fund Peter Pamela Rose Reunion for members who have has scheduled an eight week Conducts Acting participated in past sessions of workshop for HIV+ professionals the “Money and the Performing working in the industry. This is a Business Bootcamp Artist” workshop. The event will free and confidential group to be Monday, January 9, 2012 discuss the ins-and-outs of By Maggie McCollester, from 5-7 pm in the 11th floor living with HIV, and sharing Vice Chair conference room at the Fund success stories and coping Western Region offices, 729 Seventh Avenue in strategies. An interview is Membership Education Manhattan. “Graduates” are required. For information, Committee invited to share their progress contact Joey Shanley, MSW at “What is the vision for your At Chicago’s Solo Workshop are (l to r): Ron Keaton, Debra and reconnect with fellow group 323-330-2418 or Watassek, John Green, Dale Calandra, Eileen Vorbach, Bernard life?” Peter Pamela Rose asked Rice, Kendall Zwillman and Scott Lee Heckman. members. RSVP is required: [email protected]. Equity members at a Career 212-221-7300, x 184 or The Actors Fund has a full Development Workshop at Equity Chicago [email protected]. schedule of workshops, groups on October 18, 2011. However A new six week group of and seminars in both New York one answers, Ms. Rose stresses Members Fly Solo at Regional Workshop “Money and the Performing and Los Angeles. For the importance of embracing Artist” will run on Mondays, information in New York, call change and always urges her By Diane Dorsey, Chair, Solo Workshop Committee January 30 to March 1, 2012 212-221-7300; in Los Angeles, clients to “keep your face towards (no class February 20, 323-933-9244. For information change and you will have “What I absolutely wanted and was very inspiring to be in a room Presidents’ Day) from 5-7 pm at on all Actors Fund activities, strength undefeatable.”The needed.” “Five out of five stars.” filled with such talented people The Fund office. For information, visit the website, Workshop was sponsored by the “Top notch.”“I am lifted to the next and the wealth of information and call 212-221,7300, x 113 or www.actorsfund.org. Western Region Membership step!” These were responses to resources provided…was Education Committee. the Central Region’s “Flying Solo” invaluable.” A certified career coach for Workshop held October 15, 2011 Valuable Information taken over ten years, Ms. Rose has at the Equity Building.Twenty- from the workshop included: “That worked with actors on every seven members gathered for I can do it. It’s not an impossible level. Despite her own struggles information and inspiration, as dream.” ”Gather the stories—the with severe panic attacks, she well as a chance to meet more theme may emerge later.”“Know has willed a successful career in like-minded artists. who my audience will be.”“Let the industry as an actor as well Facilitator Ron Keaton opened ideas flow without self-criticism as a coach. the event by asking each of us to destroying the process.”“Great describe our solo backgrounds tips on memorizing.” ”Don’t By dissecting her own mission and reasons for coming. A brilliant censure your impulses.” ”Let an statement with the group, she strategy that united the room, audience tell you what works.” discussed at length many airing hopes and frustrations while Out-of towners contributed valuable words actors can putting faces on a growing comments as well: From Ohio, “I ponder and put into practice: from community. saw it (workshop advertised) in integrity and confidence, to Five actors performed pieces the Newsletter. It was a very consistency and skill, to keeping from shows in development. valuable resource for me in this yourself inspired and having a Kendall Zwillman, Scott Lee instance.” From Michigan, good system with which to run The 45-member cast of this year’s Lend Me An Ear. (Photo: Equity SM Heckman, Bernard Rice, John “Hearing issues from people your acting business. Jon Goldstein) Green, and Debra Watassek already engaged in writing or Each topic shed light on the presented work ranging from producing their own many ways actors can either beginning explorations to material…seeing others’ work was Atlanta work for themselves or against audience-ready-material.This helpful.”New York, “My thanks to themselves. “If you compare, you then spun into discussions that Actors’ Equity Association for Radio Players Raise Money for despair,” Ms. Rose urged actors dovetailed with the program’s providing me with the tools to keep the focus on their own Community Food Bank topics: The Idea, Writing/Editing, needed to manifest my own show. progress, embrace who they are, Development/Collaborators, and Please know I would like to see Two nights of old-time radio participating in the glorious to compete only with themselves Pre-production. more workshops like this.” show recreations put on by a ‘Theater of the Imagination.’” and to always strive to better their After each performance, When asked about more group of local AEA, AFTRA and This eighth annual Lend Me An own best audition. professional coaches Dale workshops, members suggested: SAG members known as the Tri- Ear presentation on October 24 “You can never ever, ever, Calandra and Eileen Vorbach A producer panel discussing the Union Radio Players raised and 25, 2011 had a Halloween ever, ever underestimate how offered “generous” feedback. business side, Marketing and nearly $2,300 for the Atlanta theme, “Hi-Fi Sci-Fi and Horror!” good you need to be.You need While putting all at ease, they making money,Where’s the Community Food Bank. That’s and included programs from the to keep upping your level.” Her provided excellent insights, funding? Getting bookings—how $16,177.92 in buying power with Golden Age of Radio: Buck goal is to empower actors with their food partners. “They are specific tools, and individual and where? How to publish so Rogers in the 25th Century, the tools they need so that they extremely grateful for our efforts, directions for the soloists to others can perform our shows, Lights Out, Shirley Jackson’s may share their gifts fearlessly. especially during these tough explore. In a follow-up survey, Bringing projects into schools, The Lottery, and X Minus One. “The universe wants you to members noted both coaches Practicalities of showcasing, economic times in America “I’m so very proud…of our union expand. Failure is an option. offered “keen guidance,” that was Cabaret focus. All are excellent today,” said event producer and talent pool,” said Mr. Stoltze. “I’m Fear is not.” “safe for all levels,”“kind, but not ideas for several future events. Equity member Barry Stoltze. “It glad that everyone enjoys The Workshop was hosted by wimpy,” “challenging when Many thanks to Outreach and shows the true humanity of a ‘hanging out’ with one another, Equity staff member Ivan Rivas, necessary.”One observed, Education Committee members: community when it comes with assistance from Membership “almost all the wisdom shared Ron Keaton, Carrie Lee together for a great cause. not just once every Fall for Education Committee members centered around live Patterson, Mark David Kaplan, Ira Here’s a big ‘Thank You’ to the LMAE, but all throughout the Maggie McCollester, Cindy presentations and feedback. It Carol, Michelle Shupe, and Alma audience members and year. It’s a real tribute to the Marty, Robert Guidi and was very organic…like a Washington. Also to Chris volunteers who showed their spirit of unionism in a Right-to- Observer Joseph Corella. conversation.” Another wrote, “It Provost. support for the Food Bank by Work-for Less State.”

New York 14th Floor of the Equity to receive a packet of South Florida Building, 165 West 46th Street. worksheets and make an VITA to Open Telephone: 212-921-2548. appointment. Worksheets must Meeting Set for Hours are 10:30 am to 4 pm be completed prior to your February 6 Mondays, Wednesdays, appointment. Members without January 23, 2012 Thursdays and Fridays—never appointments may “walk-in” and The VITA (Volunteer Income Save the date: A South Florida Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesdays. will be seen on a first come, first Tax Assistance) office will open on Monday, January 23, 2012 at the Playground Theatre, 9806 NE You must come in person and served basis, provided its doors in New York on the first 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL. There will be a meet and greet show a paid-up union card worksheets have been Monday of February—February beginning at 6:30 pm, with the meeting set for 7 pm. (AEA, AFTRA or SAG) in order completed. 6, 2012. The office is on the