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JUNE “I’ve missed more than 2012 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. I’ve Volume 97 failed over and over and over again in my life and that Number 5 is why I succeed.” EQUITYNEWS —Michael Jordan A Publication of ’ Equity Association • NEWS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL • www.actorsequity.org • Periodicals Postage Paid at , NY and Additional Mailing Offices Congratulations All Officers Reelected; to Equity and Our 17 Elected to Council To n y A w a r d ® resident Nick Wyman led (incumbent) David Sitler the slate of Officers Second Vice President: Rebecca Ira Denmark (incumbent) Pelected to three-year Kim Jordan (incumbent) Margot Moreland (incumbent) Nominated Members terms in Equity’s 2012 National Third Vice President: Ira Mont James Moye (incumbent) Election. In addition, 17 (incumbent) Not elected: Paul V. Ames, n 2012, there is even more to BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN members—10 from the Eastern Secretary/Treasurer: Sandra Douglas Leland, Barbara cheer about when the annual ACTRESS IN A LEADING Region, one from the Central Karas (incumbent) Callander, Matt DeAngelis. ® are ROLE IN A MUSICAL I Region and six from the Western Eastern Regional Vice President: presented. Equity has received a Principal One-Year Term , Region—have been elected to Melissa Robinette Special Tony acknowledging the Kristen Beth Williams Audra McDonald, The Council. Not elected: Kate Shindle Union’s Centennial and the Chorus Five-Year Term Gershwins’ Ballots were tabulated on May Central Regional Vice President: contributions of Equity Members , Al Bundonis to the American theatre. Kelli O’Hara, Nice Work If You Roger Preston Smith (incumbent) Congratulations, too, to all of the Can Get Members who have been Not elected: Stas’ Kmiec’ , Bonnie & Clyde recognized this year. Stage Manager Five-Year Term BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN Lisa Dawn Cave ACTORINAFEATUREDROLE IN A LEADING ROLE John M. Atherlay (incumbent) IN A PLAY IN A PLAY Not elected: Dan Zittel, Bernita , Peter and the , One Man, Two Robinson, Erin Maureen Starcatcher Guvnors Koster Michael Cumpsty, Endofthe , CENTRAL REGION Rainbow Principal Five-Year Term Tom Edden, One Man, Two Centennial Begins , Gore Vidal’s Messages from our President, Executive Director and David C. Girolmo (incumbent) The Best Man Guvnors three former Presidents. WESTERN REGION , Deathofa , (See pages 4 and 5.) , The Columnist Salesman Principal Five-Year Term (incumbent) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN Jeremy Shamos, Clybourne Stephen Pawley ACTRESS IN A LEADING Park 24, 2012. There were 5,827 total Dev Kennedy (incumbent) Heather Lee ROLE IN A PLAY BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN valid ballots cast, of which 2,181 Western Regional Vice Vernon Willet (incumbent) , VenusinFur ACTRESS IN A FEATURED were cast electronically. President: Doug Carfrae Not elected: Barbara N. Roberts , Endofthe ROLE IN A PLAY Following are the results: (incumbent) Principal Three-Year Term Rainbow Linda Emond, Death of a OFFICERS EASTERN REGION , Other Joseph Ruskin (incumbent) Salesman President: Nick Wyman Principal Five-Year Term Desert Cities Chorus Five-Year Term Spencer Kayden, Don’t Dress (incumbent) Christine Toy Johnson , Michael Dotson (incumbent) for Dinner First Vice President: Paige Price (incumbent) , Celia Keenan-Bolger, Peter and BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN the Starcatcher ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE , services would be so generously IN A MUSICAL Condola Rashad, Stick Fly , Follies and expertly provided, so the BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN VITA Has Big Season Jeremy Jordan, biggest thanks should go out to ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE , Once t’s a wrap! The Volunteer for members in and them.” IN A MUSICAL , The Gershwins’ Income Tax Assistance (VITA) over 50 returns each for Ms. Karas also notes: “All of Phillip Lamar Boykin, The Porgy and Bess Iprogram had a banner 2011 members in Seattle and Orlando. our VITA sites need volunteers to Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess , Follies tax season, which wrapped on “With the support of our continue the services to , Evita Friday, April 27, 2012 at VITA’s unions and the AEA, AFTRA and members. If you are interested in , The New York headquarters. AEA’s SAG Foundations, our combined committing time during tax Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess Secretary-Treasurer/VITA VITA programs save members season as a tax preparer or a Michael McGrath, Nice Work If Director Sandra Karas reported hundreds of thousands of dollars desk receptionist, contact the site YouCanGetIt near you (NY – Equity Building; Josh Young, Jesus Christ LA – The Actors Fund; Orlando – Actors’ Equity; Seattle – SAG- Superstar AFTRA at the AFTRA Building). BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN The time to start is now to begin ACTRESS IN A FEATURED to prepare for next season.Your ROLE IN A MUSICAL fellow members will thank you.” Elizabeth A. Davis, Once Volunteers not pictured: , Follies Sandra Berrios, Tobias Blackwell, , Nice Work If You Can Iris Delgado, Magie Dominic, Get It Scott Gordon, Brian Hargrove, , On A Clear Day Darrie Lawrence, Patricia Mas- ters, Michael McKenzie, Geoffrey You Can See Forever VITA volunteers: (back row, l to r) John LaGioia, Linda Carol Young, Mergele, Jody Prusan, Susan Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Ghost Yvette Heyliger, Tony Paccione, Nneoma Nkuku, Mark Irish; (middle Sigrist, David Sitler, Mary J. the Musical row) Betsy DiLellio (Elizebeth Failla), Sandra M. Bloom, Carol Emshoff, Betty Hudson, Carla Torgrimson (seated), Marchand Odette, Laurel Slusser, Nancy Slusser, Gordon REGIONAL THEATRE AWARD Lockhart, Elizabeth Flax, Bernadette Cancelliere; (front) Joanna Stanley, Mary Lou Westerfield, Myers, Sandra Karas, Leonard Garbin, Mohamed Abbassi. The Shakespeare Theatre Joe Zaloom. ,Washington, DC that the New York volunteers everyyearthattheywouldhave

NEWS Index ISABELLE STEVENSON prepared over 5,000 federal, had to spend in additional taxes AWARD state and city tax returns for more and in preparing their own 2012 Election results ...... 1 than 1,500 AEA and SAG- returns” says Ms. Karas. “Our From the President...... 2

UITY AFTRA members in a 12-week dedicated volunteers are the National News ...... 3

Q period. In other locations, VITA heart and soul of this program, Actors’ Equity Association Centennial countdown ...... 4 165 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036 Address Service Requested Second Class Postage Paid in New York, NY E prepared more than 100 returns without whom none of these 2 / EQUITY news JUNE 2012

From the plan, we will be taking a look at Area Liaison whether we should level it. Hotline system RESIDENT As Actors and as a Union, P the ultimate power we have is the ability to say “No.” Saying Call 877-AEA-1913 “No” risks losing us the job or Equity has a National toll-free Work, Art and “Work” the contract, but we won’t get hotline system for members who more money if we say “Yes” to President, chose this vocation go around — not even close to live in Area Liaison and office By Nick Wyman less money — or no money. because we thought it was a enough. So how can we/AEA cities. The number is 877-AEA- irst of all, thank you for re- Sometimes we have to say “No” surefire way to financial comfort. allow Actors the freedom to do 1913 (honoring the year of Eq- electing me President . I to “work” in order to get real We do it for ourselves, for Art – what they love to do – for uity’s founding). Each Area am proud of you for work, work for pay. That little F for Love, as Morales sings in A basically no money —without Liaison city has its own exten- resisting the siren lure of None card in your wallet says you are Chorus Line. We do it because undercutting the marketplace? sion, where members can ac- of the Above, the blandishments a professional. Professional, we are junkies and we need our AEA currently strives to of What Election, and Empty according to my dictionary, cess news and information in fix. Many of us would do it for accommodate our members by Chair’s cynical campaign means “following an occupation their region. free. That attitude is lousy allowing them to volunteer their promise to provide every as a means of livelihood or for (1) Dial 877-AEA-1913 leverage when it comes to services, to work for Creativity, member with work. I only wish I gain.” We may not all be able to negotiating contracts. And that’s Career or Community even (2) Dial your city extension: could provide every member secure “a means of livelihood” where a Union comes in handy. when there is little hope for 811 with work. I not only can’t from acting or stage managing, AEA’s job is to allow us to do Cash or (Health) Coverage. We provide good-paying work to but I think we all want to do it 812 Austin/San Antonio what we do for Love without have disparate rules across the every member, I can’t provide “for gain.”Your re-elected and 813 turning ourselves into floozies. country to allow members to low-paying or even non-paying newly elected leadership is 814 Buffalo/Rochester AEA says “No” on behalf of work for free or all but free: work to every member. And striving to maximize both the 815 49,000 Ado Annies. Our job is Showcase Code, 99-Seat thereby hangs a column. amount of gain from the work 816 Cincinnati/Louisville frequently not to protect Actors Theatre, Members’ Project What is work? In Sondheim’s and the number of opportunities 817 Cleveland from unscrupulous producers Code, Staged Reading, Bay Sunday in the Park with George, to do the work. And although we but to protect Actors from Area Project Policy, NYMF, 818 Dallas/Fort Worth Franz says “Work is what you do are not being paid for it, we are themselves. And yet…. And yet Fringe Festival. It is not a level 819 Denver for others, liebchen. Art is what proud and happy to do Actors want to act. There aren’t playing field, and as the Council 820 you do for yourself.” None of us, this “work.” enough decent-paying jobs to develops a long-range strategic 821 – Central not even your jaded, mercenary 822 Florida – South 823 Houston 824 Kansas City meeting in where 825 CRB to Fill Six A LOOK BACK there is heated debate on the 826 Los Angeles Hollywood Area Contract. 827 Milwaukee/Madison Non-Councillor Seats 75 Years Ago 828 /St Paul 25 Years Ago 829 Nashville June 1937 June 1987 s per Equity’s By-Laws, the Central Region will be 830 New Orleans • Equity and other theatrical • Council approves a electing six non-Councillors for seats on the Central 831 New York unions fight to save the Federal recommendation from the Regional Board for the 2012 election. Only members 832 A Theatre Project of the Works Committee to Fight AIDS that living in the Central Region are eligible to run and to vote for Progress Administration (WPA). 833 Phoenix/Tucson Thanksgiving week of each year these positions. Representatives meet with 834 be designated as Equity Fights The following two-year terms are available: four Principal, members of the Senate 835 AIDS Week. one Chorus, and one Stage Manager. Appropriations Committee to 836 San Francisco • The minimum weekly salary All candidates must meet the same eligibility requirements protest cuts in funding, saying: for Actors under the Production 837 Seattle as the Councillors in their category. The Nominating Committee “The purpose of WPA is to Contract is $740; for Stage 838 St. Louis that was seated for the Council election also serves as the provide jobs for those willing and Managers (Dramatic), $1030 839 Washington DC/Baltimore Nominating Committee for these Central Regional Board able to work and needing and SMs (Musical), $1200. The positions. If you wish to be considered for any of the seats, employment just so long as health insurance contribution is submit your candidacy according to the following schedule: private industry does not provide $55.15 per Actor per week. for them. The responsibility of providing employment for Monday, July 2, 2012 Deadline for Nominating millions of unemployed rests with 10 Years Ago Committee report to the Congress and Congress must, June 2002 Central Regional Board. therefore, make available • Sixty-two percent of Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Deadline for nominations by adequate appropriations for WPA members voting in a national Independent Petition. especially so for those who are mail referendum approve an Materials due in Chicago trained in the various branches increase ( in 12 years) in Office by 3 PM (CDT). of the theatrical profession.” Basic Dues from $78 to $98, and EQUITYNEWS Monday, July 16, 2012 Deadline for all candidate • A suggestion is advanced at to $118 in 2002. Working dues Editor: DICK MOORE statements and photos to be a session of the American increase from 2% to 2.25%. Associate Editor: HELAINE FELDMAN received in the Chicago Office Theatre Council, and supported • Council approves a new five Equity News Advisory Committee is 3 PM (CDT). by Equity, that unsold theatre year contract for Small Christine Toy Johnson, Chair Monday, August 6, 2012 Deadline for mailing of seats (and even standing room) Professional with (Eastern) ballots.* should be made available at no higher salaries, clearer language Nancy Daly (Western) Diane Dorsey (Central) Tuesday, September 4, 2012 Deadline for return of ballots charge to Equity members. and improved non-traditional Nicole Flender (Eastern) to Chicago Office by 2:30 PM casting and non-discrimination Bruce Alan Johnson (Eastern) (CDT). provisions. Stas’ Kmiec’ (Eastern) 50 Years Ago Kevin McMahon (Western) Wednesday, September 5, 2012 Tellers’ Committee picks up June 1962 Liz Pazik (Central) or Thursday, September 6, 2012 ballots and tabulates results. Barbara Roberts (Western) • Meetings with AGMA Monday, September 10, 2012 Report of Tellers’ Committee Melissa Robinette (Eastern) regarding merger resume. Alien Buzz Roddy (Eastern) to the Central Regional Board • A committee is formed to EQUITY NEWS (ISSN: 00924520) is and seating of new Board explore ways of commemorating Committee published monthly except for com- members. bined issues in Jan./Feb., July/Aug., Equity’s Golden Anniversary, * In accordance with the Equity By-Laws, should there be no Renamed Oct.,/Nov., by Actors' Equity May 1963. Association, 165 West 46th Street, independent nominations for these non-Councillor Central • The Board of At its meeting on May 15, New York, NY 10036. Telephone: Regional Board seats, and therefore no contest, there shall be Estimate approves a $25,000 2012, Council approved a (212) 869-8530. Periodicals no balloting. Those uncontested members chosen by the appropriation to help bring free recommendation of the Alien postage paid at New York, NY. and Nominating Committee will be deemed elected and will be Committee that the name of the additional mailing offices. Copyright performances of Shakespeare to 2003, Actors' Equity Association. seated at the September 10, 2012 meeting of the Central Prospect Park in . Committee be changed to Subscription price for non-members Regional Board. • A membership meeting at International Actors Committee. of Actors' Equity Association: $25 For a submission form, contact Christine Provost in the NY’s Edison Hotel draws 398 The Committee felt the new per year. Postmaster: Send address members. Discrimination in name embraces and reflects the changes to Equity News, 165 West Chicago Office at [email protected] 312-641-0393, 46th St., New York, NY 10036. ext. 232. casting is a hot topic. Two growing global theatre hundred members attend a community. Council agreed. JUNE 2012 EQUITY news / 3

NATIONALNATIONALNENEWSWS

(From l) Bill Murphey, Jeff Carrico of Open Hand Atlanta, and Karen Howell.

Atlanta

Denver Liaison Committee Helps Equity Theatres Local Home Meal Provider By Karen Howell, It is the only non-profit Saluted Liaison Committee Chair organization providing Comprehensive Nutrition By Shelly Gaza The Atlanta Liaison Care™, which combines Chair Denver Liaison Committee recently partnered nutritious, medically Committee with The Alliance Theatre, appropriate meals with The New American The Denver Liaison Committee nutrition education, therapy Shakespeare Tavern, The salutes the following theatre and coaching for homebound Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Aurora companies that have expressed seniors and underserved Theatre, ART Station, interest in using Equity contracts in individuals struggling with Ensemble Theatre, their 2012-2013 seasons: Vintage chronic, critical or terminal Stage Door Players, and the Theatre Company, LOCAL Theatre illness. Atlanta Ballet to raise funds Company, Theatre Works, Lake Bill Murphey, Liaison for Open Hand Atlanta. Open Dillon Theatre Company, Toto Too Participants in Stirring the Pot are (l to r) Lynn Manning, Robert Committee member, David Hall, Bruce Beatty, Tené Carter, Debra Armani, Jennifer Hand, which recently Theatre Company, Cherry Creek coordinated the drive. Chang, Francisco Garcia, Keiana Richard, Eric B. Anthony and commemorated its 24th year Theatre Company, Abster (c) Vanessa Sapien. Committee members, Atlanta of service and the delivery of Productions, Vision Box, and Lone members, and the casts and its twenty millionth meal, has Tree Arts Center. These theatres crew of the running Los Angeles grown to become the nation’s are all part of the Liaison productions, collected money largest community-based Committee’s Ambassador after shows. The generous Diversity Program Stirs the Pot provider of home-delivered Program, which has the mission patrons of these theatres meals. Open Hand prepares, of fostering communication On April 30, 2012, the “bar fly” regulars feel under contributed an amazing packs and delivers more than between the Union and theatres Western Region Equal siege by an ever-expanding $11,029.39 for this wonderful 5,000 meals every day across that are new to, or newly Employment Opportunity (EEO) Korean community, which leads and deserving organization. 17 north Georgia counties. interested in, exploring the use Committee presented Stirring to both unexpected alliances of Equity contracts. the Pot, a mixed abilities reading and unsettling confrontations. In addition to our contract with of selected scenes from original Neither play was written emerging theatres, the works by blind playwright and containing a character with a Ambassador Program also serves actor Lynn Manning at the disability, but a performer with a New York as a supportive presence for the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood. disability can easily play certain theatres in our area that have The two plays represented characters in both plays. This Derwent, Seff Awards Presented already been using Equity were Ochre & Onyx (The reading demonstrated how that Equity’s Clarence Derwent 1952, is the oldest award on contracts for some time. These Langston Hughes Project) and is successfully done and the Award for most promising , having been given include: The Denver Center The Last Outpost. Both plays plays themselves also provided female and male performers first in 1945. Theatre Company, The Arvada had premiere productions by the opportunity for showcasing a on the New York metropolitan The Richard Seff Award Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, Watts Village Theater Company truly diverse cast of characters. scene, and the Richard Seff has gone to Laila Robins and The Colorado Shakespeare and The Last Outpost was The cast included: Robert Award honoring a veteran . Ms. Robins was Festival, Curious Theatre, Aurora commissioned by The New York David Hall, Bruce Beatty, Eric B. female and male character cited for her performance in Fox, Theatre Aspen, and The Shakespeare Festival. Anthony, Keiana Richard, actor for the best performance the Signature Theatre Little Theatre of the Rockies—all Both plays are set in Los Francisco Garcia, Debra Armani, in a supporting role in a production of ’s of which remain steadfast Angeles and speak to the Vanessa Sapien, Tené Carter Broadway or Off-Broadway The Lady From Dubuque. Mr. supporters of our Members. diversity of the city. Ochre & and Jennifer Chang. Barbara production, have been Page was acknowledged for Thanks to all these wonderful Onyx, circa 2008, examines Roberts directed the reading, presented. Both awards are his role as Norman companies—old and new—for Black and Latino relations. In the with stage management administered by the Actors’ Osborn/Green Goblin in their commitment to producing Last Outpost cocktail lounge in provided by John Freeland Jr. Equity Foundation and Spider-Man: Turn Off the professional theatre in Colorado. LA’s Wilshire District, circa 1998, include a check and a crystal Dark. plaque. Named for Equity member The Derwent Award has Richard Seff, who has funded gone to Susan Pourfar for her it since 2003, this award New York role in the Off-Broadway recognizes veteran character production Tribes, at the actors and long-time Broadway Show League Barrow Street Theatre, and to Members of Equity. Finn Wittrock for his The Judges’ panel for both Kicks Off Broadway debut as Happy awards includes Joe Equity, the reigning champs of the Loman in the Broadway Dziemianowicz, Daily News; 2011 Broadway Show League season, is revival of Death of a Adam Feldman, Time Out trying to repeat its success this year. Salesman. New York; Susan Haskins, Cheering on the team are (l to r) Sam The Derwent Award, Theater Talk; Harry Haun, Robards, Brooke Martino, Angel Wuellner, named in honor of Clarence ; and David Rebecca Stavis, Councillor Joanne Borts, Derwent, who served as Rosenberg, Back Stage. Equity President from 1946- Erin Holms and Jimmy Burke! Yea, team!! (National News continued on page 7) 4 / EQUITY news JUNE 2012 EQUITY news / 5 CENTENNIAL COUNTDOWN CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL AMERICAN THEATRE 1913-2013

Nick Wyman OUR UNION IS BORN PRESIDENT Actors’ Equity came into being on May 26, 1913, when 112 Actors The first 100 years are met at the Pabst Grand Circle Hotel in New York City, and decided the hardest (or so action had to be taken to protect Actors from often appalling work my agent keeps telling conditions. me), so I am looking forward to the cushy The early defining moment of AEA, however, took place in August times ahead for Actors’ 1919, when Equity members resolved not to work for producers Equity after May 26, 2013. Yet, whatever rough patches we may have had over the past unless they recognized AEA and used a standard contract cover- ten decades, like a show with a rocky dress ing wages and work rules. This dispute led to a month-long strike, rehearsal, Equity always pulls through. which captured the public’s imagination and galvanized the Union, CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 growing the membership from 2,777 to 14,000 when the strike ended. Theodore Bikel PRESIDENT 1973–1982 The Standard Minimum Contract was adopted, and professional Mark I am an Actor; I am a labor union member; theatre became a reality. Zimmerman and I have a commitment to both. Some people PRESIDENT 2006–2009 choose to see a contradiction between these two commitments. I do not. In the 20 plus years I CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 served as a Councillor and Officer at Equity “COME I NOT TO SPEAK AT EQUITY’S FUNERAL, I was able to see many BUT AT HIS BIRTH” times how appropri- Brandon Tynan, performing a customized version of ate our motto, “All Marc Antony’s funeral oration from Julius Caesar for one, and one for during the benefit for the strike, August 18, 1919 all”, is.

PHOTO COURTESY CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Equity thanks the and the PRESIDENT 1982–1985 THE NARRATIVE BEHIND THE Mary McColl Broadway League for awarding it a Special I was elected President of Equity in 1982, a EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tony in honor of PROJECT: LET YOUR CURTAIN MOBILE our Centennial. single mother with some acting awards on the What a remarkable run! mantle, a rambling old house with a meditation VOICE BE HEARD EXHIBIT Who would have expect- room, a hefty mortgage and still fighting every ed a Union representing day for a career. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Join a personal and lasting multimedia Behind The Curtain is a 53-foot cargo Actors to make it to 100? history of professional American theatre trailer converted into a state-of-the-art Looking back we see 100 seen through the eyes of Equity Members travelling theatre exhibition. This digital years of American theatre history. But at our core, AEA is a labor union and others across the country. Share your theatre experience will visit cities across with a mission of ensuring safe working condi- personal story as an Actor or St age Manager the country with memorabilia, interactive tions with pay and benefits to protect and serve by posting on www..com/aea100 technology and activities for audiences of our membership. all ages. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NCE RMA FO ER of the Announcing… P entury F TION ccentury OF CIAT O ERICAN THEAT RS SS NAL AME TER A Y A SSIO E ITY OFE Y QU PR PERFORMANCE OF THE CENTURY FIND YOUR STAGE, PLAY YOUR PART 0 Q F 00 ’ E E O LOGOS IN PMS 293 OR REVERSED WHITE 10 S ISE OR R WITH CALL LETTERS UNLESS APPROVED OTHERWISE TO HE C TH BY STATION MANAGERS A D N A A fascinating story of when Actors grabbed the headlines and kick-started professional theatre in To keep up with everything surrounding the Actors’ Equity Association Centennial Celebration, visit www.facebook.com/aea100 America told in a 200+ page photo-filled book with behind the curtain stories and a history you won’t ...... robert simonson believe. Due out in September. Keep reading Equity News and visit actorsequity.org soon to learn how to order with a Member discount...... 6 / EQUITY news JUNE 2012

continue the struggle tomorrow, knees. Instead, under the CENTENNIAL COUNTDOWN continued from center as we must, but today WE leadership of our Executive CELEBRATE. Director, Alan Eisenberg, and Nick Wyman communities as as our salaried employees. But what our President, Patrick Quinn, we industry. From Broadway to Los distinguishes us from workers in worked together with producers It is brutally difficult Ellen Burstyn Angeles, from Las Vegas to other walks of life is that we are and our sister Unions to find (sometimes seemingly In retrospect, I don’t think I was Minneapolis, Actors live and passionate about what we solutions to keep theatres open impossible) to earn a living in this prepared for the workload and, work, creating art and economic produce and about the and to secure the welfare of our business; and logic would dictate truth be told, the drama of what growth. If there is a lit theatre in institutions that make our work industry. that an Actor’s approach would I had been told was largely a town the heart and the soul (the possible, for reasons far beyond My fondest and saddest be one of cut-throat, dog-eat-dog ceremonial position. art) and the infrastructure (tax self-interest. To be sure, all memory was when I became self-interest. Instead, Actors Being President of Equity put revenue) of the community is workers take pride in what they President. I had just been band togmer for the common me at the table with zoning enriched. Jobs are created, do. reelected to a third term as First good, with a motto of “One for all lawyers, theatre owners, parking lots are full, restaurants But I know of no factory Vice President when our and all for one.” architects and community are cooking and audiences worker who worships the President, Patrick Quinn, died of Not content with looking out activists, all vying over whether dream. automobile he or she produces, a heart attack. Patrick was about for our fellow Actors and Stage the historic Broadway theatres Our first 100 years have or the computer chip, or the to become the new Executive Managers, we have taken stands would survive for the next created a firm foundation and railroad ties. We, on the other Director of Equity and his death to help those oppressed by generation of Actors and now it is time to look ahead. We hand, are hopelessly devoted to left the Union without both a racism (in our efforts to audiences. face challenges, some of which the art of theatre, to text, to President and an Executive desegregate the National I recall standing on the empty have been seen before. Labor music and to dance. Because of Director. The first thing the Theatre in Washington, DC), by stage of the unions are under attack and this we are also Council did was to appoint me political witch-hunts (in our stand Theatre, where I had done American workers are suffering. vulnerable to exploitation. Actors as President. Then we had to against McCarthyism and the Same Time, Next Year years There is a need for better (and would rather act than eat. That navigate through the next six blacklist), by disease (in the before, trying to identify the more accessible) health care; a attitude, while admirable, is also months as we searched for a heroic efforts of Equity Fights dead spot in the orchestra that I demand for equality; an outcry frustrating in the extreme. Time new Executive Director. The AIDS), and by discrimination (in knew existed and thinking: this for education and a hope for a and again, as President of staff, Officers and Council were our ongoing battle for marriage fight over the Broadway theatres commitment to the brighter Actors’ Equity, I had to stress to remarkable at that time. Egos equality). isn’t about architecture. It’s future that the arts bring to employers and Actors alike that were set aside as all worked Reflecting on our 100 year about people understanding every community. following a noble calling and together to make sure we got history fills me with pride. I am what we as Actors and Stage As we have throughout our insisting on adequate through the crisis. It’s a moment proud to be a Union member and Managers do, our hearts, our history, AEA intends to play a compensation is no in my service to Equity that I will very proud to be a member of minds, our voices. Telling the role in that bright future. Our contradiction. Clearly, we had to always remember proudly. this particular Union. I hope you truth about that was really my next 100 years will be spent protect Union members not only Whenever our Union has are proud of AEA as well. We are job as President and it was a being responsive to the from exploitation by employers faced a challenge, we have determined to use the next year privilege to serve. changing needs of our diverse but often from themselves as stood together in finding ways to to burnish that pride by membership and the changing well. solve the problems confronting spreading the word about Actors’ Mark environment of ‘show business.’ But, make no mistake, even us through innovative solutions Equity and raising its profile. AEA is the membership and though we came together almost Zimmerman and compromise. That is what Help us celebrate the past 100 working together we can face 100 years ago to improve the I was a newly-elected makes me most proud to belong years; but more importantly – the challenges ahead. conditions in the workplace and Councillor when the Miss to AEA—that over the last 100 just as when a show closes, we ensure that artists are Saigon incident happened. I years, we’ve given Actors and turn to look for the next job – Theodore Bikel adequately paid for what they consider that to be the most Stage Managers an help us plan for an even more Yes, we are in the first do, we are still first and foremost important moment in our Union’s environment that instills glorious next 100 years. instance artists; the quality of men and women the fruit of push towards color blind casting. creativity while ensuring the our work is of paramount whose labor is made of the I was serving as First Vice welfare and safety of our Mary McColl importance to us. And yes, we gossamer fabric of dreams, of President on 9/11/01 when members. We do, indeed, live up Our history is rich and varied, do work for hire and we are — poetry, of dance and of melody. Equity faced a moment that to our motto, “One for all, and all making contributions to our not nearly often enough — There is joy in that. We will could have brought us to our for one.”

resident company members Used by: Barnstormers (NH), Events @ North Shore Music these theatres produce their own (Actors or Stage Managers Flat Rock (NC), State Theatre (MA), McCoy –Rigby shows which they may present at *EQ i Y performing one show while Music Theatre (ME), Mountain (CA), Ogunquit Playhouse (ME), their own theatres and/or tour on U T rehearsing the next). Playhouse (PA), Old Log Theater Olney Theatre (MD), Ordway a Unit Attraction Agreement or E U S Equity has five contracts that (MN), Peninsula Players (WI), Center for the Performing Arts consecutive stock jobbing QQ INYm cover this type of work, which is Peterborough Players (NJ), St (MN), (NJ) contracts; sometimes they serve not always limited to the summer Michael’s Playhouse (VT), Totem RMTA as stops on Stock or Production *Equity Equinyms – some theatres operate Pole Playhouse (PA), tours. Because outdoor Resident throughout the year. The Williamstown Theatre Festival amphitheatres can present only Association “Summer Stock” or “Stock following information was culled (MA) evening performances, such N a t i o n a l A g r e e m e n t Theatre” brings to mind musty from AEA’s website outdoor theatres are permitted to COST The RMTA (Resident Musical barns, moonlit nights and straw (www.actorsequity.org), so be perform seven nights per week. Council of Stock Theatres Theatre Association) Agreement hats, immortalized on the silver sure to check out these contracts With only minor exceptions, the N a t i o n a l A g r e e m e n t is used by both commercial and screen by and online in our Document Library. entire company must be on The COST (Council of Stock not-for-profit stock theatres for Gene Kelly. It used to describe Equity contracts. CORST Theatres) Agreement covers musical seasons. A resident the kinds of shows that were Used by: (MO), Council of Resident Stock Non-Resident Dramatic or company of no fewer than four done in summer resorts near the Kansas City Starlight (KS), Theatres Musical Stock and contains five principal Actors and one Stage shore, lakes or mountains away Theatre of the Stars (GA) N a t i o n a l A g r e e m e n t tiers with different salary Manager and one Assistant from New York City, Chicago or The CORST (Council of minimums (Actor minimums Stage Manager must be WCLO other cities: chestnut musicals, Resident Stock Theatres) range from $632 -$905). It may maintained for all but two Western Civic Light Opera boulevard comedies, or favorite Agreement covers Resident be used by commercial or not- productions. The entire Chorus W e s t e r n A g r e e m e n t titles with sets and costumes Dramatic Stock and is used by for-profit theatres, and must have must be on Equity contracts. The WCLO agreement is pulled from “stock.” commercial and not for-profit a season of not fewer than two Actor minimum is $983.00 used in Western Region Now, with many Stock producers. Four salary consecutive productions, or, in Used by: Music community non-profit musical Theatres presenting world categories (Actor Minimums, the case of a unit tour, perform at Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light theatres. Touring is permitted premieres, it defines a way of $545 - $849) are based on two or more Stock Theatres for Opera. between WCLO theatres and, producing, not what they potential weekly box office gross. not fewer than two consecutive under certain circumstances, into produce. Stock theatres have MSUA A resident company of five weeks. There may be up to four theatres that are not signatories limited rehearsal periods and Musical Stock/Unit principal Actors and one Stage weeks of rehearsal and up to to the WCLO agreement. Per must operate in continuous Attraction Manager must be maintained in eight weeks of performances per diem is required when the actor production — unlike LORT N a t i o n a l A g r e e m e n t all but two productions. Except in production in one location. performs overnight tours away theatres — so with few The MSUA (Musical the highest category, no more Touring is permitted either on from the theatre. Actor minimum exceptions, they must always Stock/Unit Attraction) Agreement than 50% of the performance consecutive stock jobbing or unit is $983. either have a production in was originally designed for use in weeks may be for musical contracts. Used by: Fifth Avenue Theatre rehearsal or performance very large outdoor amphitheatres productions. Touring is not Used by: Cape Playhouse (Seattle, WA), Theatre Under the throughout their season. Stock but now also includes some permitted. (MA), Casa Manana (TX), Live Stars (Houston, TX) theatres all have provisions for indoor operations. Sometimes JUNE 2012 EQUITY news / 7

Weathervane family in New NATIONAL NEWS continued from page 3 York City,” said Artistic Director Jacques Stewart. “We typically hire our company of 11 actors from New York’s large pool of union talent. When our Alumni Association heard about the fire, the response was immediate.” Performing in the fundraiser were: , Bryonha Marie Parham, Anika Larsen, Charlie Alterman, Kelly McCreary, Josh Tower, Andrew Kober, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Nicole Lewis and Tally (Seated, l to r) Eileen Mary Butler, Debra Armani, Cathy Chang, Sessions. Dorothy J. Morrison, Robert Guidi, Ivy Bethune; (standing) Arnold Aftermath of the fire at the Weathervane Theatre. Weiss, Clyde Sacks, Brice Harris, Darryl Semira, Daniel Frick, (Photo: Mark Winter) The Weathervane Theatre Kathryn Mayer, Steve Keyes, Robert Trebor, Nicholas Lewis, premiered its first season in Maggie McCollester, Mel Hampton, Cynthia Marty and Karen Christie. Not pictured: Guerin Barry. New York 1966 and remains the nation’s only alternating repertory Los Angeles Weathervane Theatre Alums summer theatre—offering a different show every night. May Day Play Reading Event Hold Benefit to Rebuild To help the Weathervane The Weathervane Theatre the Weathervane Theatre, open its doors for a 47th Tests Cold Reading Skills Alumni Association presented whose historic 19th century summer season in 2012 and Justice was served in Los Boardroom table where they found a night of song entitled Raise barn located in Whitefield, New beyond, contributions to the Angeles on May 1, 2012 when a the Dramatic Publishing Company the Roof! Recover, Rebuild, Hampshire was destroyed in a Weathervane Theatre Alumni reading of Twelve Angry Jurors scripts and brief descriptions of Rejoice! at Joe’s Pub in New fire last season. “Losing the Association’s Raise the Roof! came to life in the Bellamy their character. Those waiting their York on April 30, 2012. The Old Barn was a great loss, both fundraising campaign can still Boardroom of the Equity offices. chance to read formed the gallery fundraising event was held to to our theatre in New be made at The Western Membership around the room. Names were benefit the rebuilding efforts of Hampshire and to our extended www.razoo.com/story/Wvaa. Education Committee issued a drawn for new jurors after each summons to local Members for a intermission. May Day Play Reading and Members presented convincing welcomed an eager and diverse evidence of their talent in each act, San Francisco group of Actors game to test their some who had performed the cold reading skills and hear a piece before and some who had Members Meet, Volunteer classic drama. The evening’s never encountered the play. docket began with a bit of Spirited conversations sprang up The San Francisco Bay Area Brown and Michael Patrick House focuses on the work of dramaturgy on the history of the during both intermissions, helping was busy this Spring. Members Gaffney for their time and women playwrights and aims to play and the context in which it was to strengthen community and welcomed AEA President Nick dedication to the San Francisco support female voices of all written—the McCarthy era. create new friendships among the Wyman to the Spring General membership. ages and viewpoints, including There was tension in the air as players. Scripts were raffled as Membership Meeting, Mark your calendars: The AEA Actresses, who were names were drawn for the casting door prizes at the end of the volunteered at the KQED Fall Membership Meeting is prominently featured in its of the Judge and Jury for Act One. evening. The verdict was pledge drive and Alameda Food scheduled for Monday, October productions and readings. If you Gender-neutral casting heightened unanimous: More readings! Bank, and attended the opening 22, 2012 at the Berkeley are interested in joining the the charged atmosphere of the Thanks to Committee Members of a new venue, 3 Girls Theatre. Repertory Theatre. Women’s subcommittee, Sherman L. Sergel stage Maggie McCollester, Robert Guidi, Members were also honored at KQED Pledge Night contact Chair Lauren Bloom at adaptation of Reginald Rose’s Ray Singh, Ned Schmidtke, Cindy the Bay Area Critics’ Circle AEA Members once again [email protected]. original teleplay (and later film), Marty, Chair Jennie Ford, and Awards and the Theatre Bay donated their services on Twelve Angry Men. The Actors staffers Maura Murphy-Barrosse Area 35 Faces Gala. Upcoming Theatre Bay Area camera and on the phones to were empanelled around the and Richard Ostlund. events include SF AIDS Walk In celebration of 35 years of assist TV station KQED during 2012 and a LaborFest staged Theatre Bay Area, TBA honored its annual pledge drive, which reading of the play, Mixed Relief local AEA members, including raised $64,008, with 403 to benefit The Actors Fund (see BAAC Chair and National pledges taken. TV cameras separate story, page 8). Councillor Kelly Ground at their panned the Equity volunteers “35 Faces” Anniversary Spring Membership proudly wearing their AEA T- Celebration. Kelly was honored Meeting shirts. for her contributions to On April 23, Members Alameda Food Bank community and professional convened at the Exit Theatre in Bay Area AEA Members development, as she not only San Francisco for the Spring again volunteered at the serves on behalf of AEA, but Membership Meeting. Over 50 Alameda County Food Bank. Members were on hand, also is vice-chair of the Participating were William Individual Services Committee including Western Regional Elsman, Julian Lopez-Morillas, of TBA. Other AEA Members Councillors Kelly Ground (Bay Jessica Powell, Wanda Area Advisory Committee honored were: Julia Brothers, McCaddon, Tiiu Eva Rebane The Gold Mountain curtain call with (l to r) Daniel J. Edwards, Chair), Cindy Marty and Greg Cassidy Brown, Velina Brown and Donna Davis. The AC Food Raymond J. Lee, Ali Ewoldt, Whitney Kam Lee, Andrew North and Western Regional Coleman Domingo, Lisa Bank’s mission is to alleviate Eisenman, Councillor Buzz Roddy and Musical Director Michael staff Mary Lou Westerfield and Mallette and Valerie Weak. Larsen. hunger by providing nutritious Bethany Umbach, along with food and nutrition education to AIDS Walk Coming Up special guest President Nick New York people in need, educating the The 2012 San Francisco Wyman. public, and promoting public AIDS Walk is Sunday, July 15 The election of new Eastern Region Observes policies that address hunger in Golden Gate Park. Equity members of BAAC topped the and its root causes. Members, Membership agenda. Candidates were Asian Heritage Month Candidates, family and friends nominated and given time to 3 Girls Theatre Company On Monday, May 21, 2012, in celebration of Asian Heritage are encouraged to participate. speak from the floor. Elected to Members of the BAAC’s Month, the Eastern Region Equal Employment Opportunity three-year terms were Brian Women’s subcommittee To join the AEA team, go to Committee presented a concert reading of Gold Mountain (book, Herndon, Aaron Wilton, Lauren attended the opening Gala of 3 www.aidswalk.net/sanfran music and lyrics by longtime AEA member Jason Ma), directed by Bloom and Kelly Ground, and to Girls Theatre Company at Thick and select Team #2435.The Christine Toy Johnson at Hunter College’s Lang Recital Hall. The one-year alternate terms, House in San Francisco. The team name is Actors’ Equity cast featured members Raymond J. Lee, Ali Ewoldt, Alan Ariano, Teressa Byrne and Megan new company’s opening season Association – SF Bay Area. For Marc DelaCruz, Steven Eng, Whitney Kam Lee, Paolo Montalban, Kilian Uttam. of two full productions, three questions or assistance, contact Councillor Buzz Roddy, David Shih, Joshua Dela Cruz, Daniel J. BAAC thanks outgoing staged readings and three team leader Stephen Pawley at Edwards, Andrew Eisenman, Brian Jose and Jake Manabat. Members Rod Gnapp, Cassidy developmental readings at Thick [email protected]. Production design was by Bruce Alan Johnson. 8 / EQUITY news JUNE 2012

New York San Francisco Members Stephen Pawley, Bert van Aalsburg and Milt AFCU Cited Equity Supports LaborFest 2012 Commons. Celebrating of on 50th the WPA, this play is a way to Members of the Bay Area contemporary theatre artists, is remind the public that there was Advisory Committee (BAAC) will presented as a benefit for The Anniversary great artistic development when present a benefit performance Actors Fund. It is directed by Actors Federal Credit the Federal Government made of Mixed Relief, a play about Equity Member Phoebe Moyer Union is celebrating its 50th a commitment and investment women writers of the Works and the cast includes Equity anniversary in 2012. The in arts jobs in the 1930s, and Progress Administration (WPA), Members Lauren Bloom, occasion was marked by a that labor unions are critical in as part of LaborFest 2012 at Cassidy Brown, Teressa Byrne, proclamation from New York the U.S. today. 7:30 PM on Monday, July 23, Michael Patrick Gaffney, Kelly City Council Speaker NewShoe Theatre Group, 2012 at the Plumbers Union Ground, Brian Herndon, Nancy . ActorsFCU NYC, created this play for Hall, 1621 Market Street, San Madden, Jessica Powell, Ray Chairwoman Denise Nolin, Founded in 1962, ActorsFCU Support Women Artist Now Francisco. Renati, Cathleen Riddley, Marie flanked by CEO Jeff Rodman (r) now serves over 19,500 Day/SWANN Day 2010, a Mixed Relief, which contrasts Shell, Susan Soriano, Dawn L. and Marketing Director Steven members from 165 related program of Women Arts. © the stories of three women Troupe and Valerie Weak. Tech Sobotta show off the groups and has assets of $160 NewShoe 2010-All Rights writers of the WPA with those of support will be provided by proclamation. million. Reserved.

• Minnesota’s Chanhassen Letters to The Editor BRIEF NOTES Dinner Theatres, the nation’s largest professional dinner ARTICLE APPRECIATED many beautiful artworks, theatri- theatre company, and the • The Fantasticks, the President Eisenhower. It has Dear Editor: cal plays, music and spiritual dis- University of Minnesota-Duluth world’s longest-running also been translated into The article, “The Struggle for ciplines in acting, yet they cannot (UMD) have announced the musical, turned 52 on May 3, numerous languages, including Visibility is a Fight for Equal Op- be visible in American media and creation of The Chanhassen 2012. The original production, Pashto, Dari, Icelandic, Arabic, portunity,” in the March Equity theatre. If there were more media Dinner Theatres and the UMD which opened on May 3, 1960 Hebrew, Magyar and Mandarin. News was very appreciated. My and theatrical visibility of Asian Department of Theatre at New York’s Sullivan Street • Local residents and son is a Japanese American Eq- Americans, I believe we would Educational and Professional Playhouse, played 17,162 shopkeepers had an uity Actor. When he decided his not be perceived as alien. Alliance. This collaboration is performances. Since then there opportunity to perform with college major would be acting, The media and theatre have an effort to provide a have been over 11,000 Equity Actors in the inaugural there was a groan from my hus- the power to enlighten America professional training program productions in more than 3,000 “Shakespeare in the Streets” band and me. Would he ever to accept and include ethnicity by for UMD theatre students, to U.S. cities and towns and in 67 event in St. Louis this spring. land a part? For his college per- visibility for the acceptance and strengthen ties with Duluth and countries, from Afghanistan to The one-hour play, The New formance in Busy Body, as a tolerance one day. Keep up your the surrounding communities, Zimbabwe. The show has been World, was loosely based on main character, his photo was good work. and to preserve the art form of performed at The White House , and was not on the programs where other Karen Kido musical theatre in the state and and has survived 11 U.S. presented by Shakespeare white actors were featured. Taylorsville, Utah local communities. Presidents beginning with Festival St. Louis. The Asian has produced

“Easter Bonnet Competition” Brings in $3,677,855 for BC/EFA

oof-raising gospel 1 2 revivals, a dancing diva in Ra motorized scooter, and even a shipboard parade of pooches helped make the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 26th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition a memorable spectacle, raising $3,677,855 and celebrating the generosity and creativity of the theatre community. The grand total was 3 announced on April 24, 2012 at the second of two Easter Bonnet 6 Opera ($144,899); shows at the and Fourth featuring original presentations, Runner-up: How to songs, dances and 18 elaborate Succeed in custom-made bonnets from 51 Business Without Broadway, Off-Broadway and Really Trying national touring companies that ($144,179). The participated in six weeks of top national fundraising. touring show Since the Easter Bonnet award was Competition began in 1987, the presented to event has raised more than $49 – Emerald million for BC/EFA. City ($280,504); (1) Disney’s The Lion King 4 5 First Runner-up: took top presentation honors. Wicked – Munchkinland Runner-up for presentation Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark Harada, and The Awesome 80s possible by an army of ($166,434); Second Runner-up: was . (2) The taking aim at their own storied Prom. volunteers, including an Equity Les Miserables ($158,816); award for bonnet design was mishaps with “Kiss of the Ray Mercer’s presentation stage management team led by Third Runner-up: American Idiot given to Mamma Mia! Spider-Man”; a special parade representing Dancers Valerie Lau-Kee Lai. ($141,661); and Fourth Runner- An afternoon of highlights featuring an intricately designed Responding to AIDS and a This year’s top fundraising up: Mamma Mia! ($128,033). included (3) the company of trio of bonnets from Once, salute to the national tours award went to The Book of The top fundraising award for Chicago poking fun at their Death of a Salesman and The choreographed by David Mormon ($286,725). First a Broadway play went to Other reputation for employing older Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Marquez filled the stage with Broadway Runner-up was Desert Cities ($71,965), with dancers with a side-splitting Jersey Boys, , movement. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark special recognition to the top geriatric version of “All That The Book of Mormon and Off- This year’s Easter Bonnet ($231,997); Second Runner-up: Off-Broadway fundraiser, Rent Jazz;” (4) “Phantom Abbey” Broadway favorites Avenue Q, Competition was directed by Wicked ($204,777); Third ($38,265) and First Runner-up: from the company of The featuring (6) Q alumni Ann Kristin Newhouse and made Runner-up: The Phantom of the Phantom of the Opera; (5) Avenue Q ($30,094).