July/August 2013
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JULY/ AUGUST “Creativity is 2013 intelligence having fun.” Volume 98 Number 6 EQUITYNEWS — Albert Einstein 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 Set International Actors’ Group for 2013-2014 Season Celebrates Equity, Solidarity The following dates have been set for Equity Membership n June, Equity, with Meetings in 2013-2014: sister union SAG- Eastern Region IAFTRA, hosted the Friday, October 11, 2013 annual International Friday, January 10, 2014 Federation of Actors Central Region (FIA) Executive (Photo: Stephanie Masucci) Committee meeting. Monday, October 7, 2013 Gathered in Equity’s Monday, January 13, 2014 National Council Room, Western Region two dozen unions and Monday, October 7, 2013 guilds from around the Monday, January 13, 2014 world met to discuss members insight into the important of UK Equity and Sue McCreadie, All Regions topics of mutual work FIA does, Equity News asked Director, Australian Equity, to share The Annual Membership Meeting is Friday, April 11, 2014 at interest. To give Equity Christine Payne, General Secretary their perspectives. 2 pm Eastern Time, l pm Central Time and 11 am Pacific Time. The Regions will be connected by telephonic hook-up in order By Christine Payne, By Sue McCreadie, Director, that members in all Regions may hear the statements of General Secretary, Australian Equity (Media Entertainment candidates running for election. UK Equity & Arts Alliance) olidarity is the bedrock of our movement. As ew York was an inspired choice as the TomViola Receives you celebrate your centenary you will of location for this year’s Federation of In- Scourse be thinking of the generations of Nternational Actors FIANA-ESG (FIA Patrick Quinn Award men and women who have come before you and North America and English Speaking Group) and their struggles. Back in 1913 working practices in Executive meetings, coinciding as they did with BC/EFA Exec Recognized for US theatres were extremely exploitative and the American Equity’s centennial. How wonderful to balance of power was tipped firmly in favour of open Playbill and find an affirmative article about Distinguished Service to Actors employers. The collective action and solidarity of Equity’s past and future and to see the union’s the men and women of the labour movement that formidable achievements acknowledged with a om Viola, Executive anything that will improve not arose out of these conditions ultimately led to the Tony. Director of Broadway only the lives of actors, but creation of Actors’ Equity, one of the strongest and Australian Equity turns a mere 75 next year. Cares/Equity Fights people everywhere,” said Marty T most influential performers’ unions in the world Although we amalgamated with journalist and AIDS since 1997, has received Casella, Patrick Quinn’s partner today. crew unions 20 years ago as the Media the 2013 Patrick Quinn Award and a member of the award Through working together with sister unions Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the Equity brand for Distinguished Service to selection committee. “Patrick around the globe as part of the International and history remain paramount. Performers Actors presented by the Actors’ adored, admired and respected Federation of Actors (FIA), members of Actors’ identify with Equity not just as a union but as a Equity Foundation. Tom and his dedication to a Equity should feel very proud that they continue to community. That FIA is a similar community at the “Through his singular great cause. We are pleased to honour this principle of solidarity and indeed global level was apparent from the welcoming dedication to Broadway honor Tom for that dedication extend it beyond national borders. drinks on the terrace of the splendid Cary Grant Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Tom’s and salute him for a job well The International Federation of Actors was suite [at the Warwick Hotel] to the closing panel life for the past 25 years has done.” formed by British Actors’ Equity and the Syndicat on international co-productions. been focused on raising and The presentation was made Français des Artistes-Interprètes just over 50 Like their American counterparts, Australian distributing money worldwide to by Councillor Judy Rice, a years ago. Today FIA’s global network comprises performers are fortunate to have long-standing help stop and treat not only Board member of BC/EFA and a 85 performers’ organisations representing collective agreements covering the main areas of HIV/AIDS, but also to support member of the award selection hundreds of thousands of workers in 65 countries. work from live theatre, ballet and opera to film women’s health issues, committee, at the June 18, 2013 It is a place to share and learn from the and television. But performers in a number of important social concerns, Council meeting. She spoke experience of other unions, to campaign and countries are still fighting for these protections. emergency relief efforts and emotionally of Tom’s organise around terms and conditions in the Accordingly, the continuing challenges posed accomplishments, first with (continued on page 2) (continued on page 2) Equity and then with BC/EFA, noting that he was “expertly fulfilling a job he never sought Fund’s] Human hired by Equity for what was to and never thought he would Services be a temporary assignment. need to do for so long.” She Committee and Temporary became permanent, spoke of his loyalty, generosity, member of the with Tom eventually being kindness, incredible wit and “his Executive assigned to work with the perpetual motion. Tom is always Committee, you Union’s 75th Anniversary on the way to someplace else; are at the center Committee, then as a Special there is always work that needs in determining Projects Coordinator and to be done, an appearance how The Fund Assistant to then-President elsewhere that has to be made, helps.” Colleen Dewhurst. In 1988, the usually on behalf of actors.” She Visibly moved Equity Fights AIDS Committee spoke, too, of how fitting it was by the was founded and Tom became that Tom receive this award Tom Viola is flanked by Judy Rice and Marty presentation, because of his work and his Casella. (Photo: Adriana Douzos) (continued on page 2) Tom spoke of long relationship with Patrick. inspiring leader, and are loved. his love and respect for both Joe Benincasa, President Index Your astounding leadership of Patrick and former AEA and CEO of The Actors Fund, BC/EFA and its miraculous President Colleen Dewhurst, FIA Executive Committee added: “Recognizing you with success is measured, for me, in and praised the hardworking meets at Equity ......................1 this award is so right. Right two ways. At The Actors Fund, staff and volunteers at BC/EFA. NEWS because it’s named for a good, From the President..................3 the fundraising success has Tom Viola has had a long and good man, an inspiring leader translated into meaningful exceptional relationship with Centennial feature: Equity who was loved and whose services for actors, stage Equity since receiving his Equity celebrates ............................4 memory is cherished: Patrick UITY managers and all our card in 1978. He performed in Quinn. And you, Tom, like National news........................6 Q colleagues in the creative dinner theatres and regional 165 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036 Address Service Requested Second Class Postage Paid in New York, NY E Patrick, are a good man, community… As chair of [The theatres until 1987 when he was Letters.................................8 2 / EQUITY news JULY/AUGUST 2013 Christine Payne Sue McCreadie which gives a voice to Area Liaison performers’ organizations in the Hotline system continued from page 1 continued from page 1 international arena on a day-to- rapidly globalising entertainment by globalisation were high on day basis. Call 877-AEA-1913 market and it is an effective the FIA agenda. A panel on After the historic passing of vehicle for supporting and international co-productions the Performers Copyright Treaty Equity has a national toll-free encouraging activists in those addressed the problem of low in Beijing last year the push to hotline system for members who countries where unions struggle flying international productions get the ratification by thirty live in Area Liaison and office to exist. taking advantage of jurisdictions countries necessary to bring the cities. The number is 877-AEA- FIA’s Secretariat coordinates such as Ireland and New treaty into force remains top of 1913 (honoring the year of Eq- efforts to improve the social and Zealand, where they can avoid the agenda. At the same time uity’s founding). Each Area professional protection of paying residuals, and resolved the Secretariat reported Liaison city has its own exten- performers, including intellectual to get these productions on the evidence of a growing assault sion, where members can ac- property rights, taxation, social FIA radar early. In live on intellectual property rights, evidenced most recently by a cess news and information in security and health and safety. Christine Payne performance discussion push to abolish private copying their region. They do this through lobbying a centered on cruise ships and With FIA’s support actors levies. (1) Dial 877-AEA-1913 number of trans-national the growing phenomenon of organisations. In June 2012 FIA have formed new and stronger world arena tours, both of which Much FIA work takes place (2) Dial your city extension: delegates in Beijing were out in unions in countries such as have been sidestepping the 811 Atlanta force campaigning to finally Ghana and Turkey. These jurisdiction of individual unions. 812 Austin/San Antonio achieve a Treaty for Audiovisual unions have taken their first In addition to co-ordinating steps towards achieving better 813 Boston Performers at the World action at a global level, FIA contracts and legal protection 814 Buffalo/Rochester Intellectual Property meetings allow members to for performers despite difficult 815 Chicago Organisation.