SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk

Can social media boost your career? Jimmy Cricket joins Celebrate Variety 2017 Update from the Stop Arts Cuts campaign

The art of self-taping UNION LAUNCHES GUIDE TO HELP MEMBERS AUDITION First Act Insurance is delighted to introduce Contents 10 News 04 Training scheme agreed 06 Unknown funds Success stories 14 10 Equity wins award 12 PMPP signs another A range of insurances that complement the established Cover star 18> Equity cover: 14 Self-taping tips 24 Features • Employers’/Public Liability (when employing others and distinct from the Equity members PLI cover). 18 Social media guide • Sets, scenery, props and costumes. 24 TUC round-up • Portable, technical equipment and instruments. • Hired in equipment cover. Campaigns 26 Stop Arts Cuts • Buildings and contents. 28 Celebrate Variety 2017 • Business interruption. 08> Key features include Plus 08 Meet the membership Competitive online quote and buy cover provided by HISCOX. • 30 Letters

• Annual or short period cover available. 32 Branch update 32>

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Christine Payne EQUITY AND SPOTLIGHT AGREE NI contributions General Secretary NEW TRAINING STRUCTURE set to increase THERE WAS GOOD NEWS following the FOLLOWING THE DEMISE government’s U-turn on the Class 4 National As the daughter of a club performer, the 50-year OF DRAMA UK, EQUITY AND Insurance hike; however, the abolition of Class 2 celebrations of the Variety Artistes’ Federation SPOTLIGHT STEP IN TO HELP National Insurance is still in the pipeline. This is joining Equity is particularly special to me STUDENTS PROGRESS CAREERS alongside increases in the cost of voluntary national insurance payments for those who are below the Small Profits Threshold (SPT), THIS YEAR WE CELEBRATE 50 years position in theatre and defending those FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS Equity has currently £6,025. These changes are due from since the Variety Artistes’ Federation rights except through, and by, one single recognised that graduates from a number of April 2018 and would mean that members who (VAF) and Equity became one union. At powerful organisation.” performing arts courses can join Equity as full wish to make voluntary contributions would pay the London Palladium on Tuesday 16 May, A brief history of the VAF and Equity is members without the need for evidence of Class 3s at £14.25 per week rather than Class Jimmy Cricket and Amy Lamé will host an being prepared by Louise Grainger, Equity’s paid professional work. 2s at £2.85 per week (based on current rates), event that will bring variety branches and marketing, events and training officer, and This recognition has largely been made a huge increase which the union has strongly members, former VAF members and will be launched at the event at the London on the basis of external accreditation by opposed and continues to lobby on. stalwarts of variety entertainment together Palladium. However, what is perfectly clear other bodies such as Drama UK, the Council From 2018 benefit entitlement will accrue to reminisce and rejoice that variety is still for Dance Education & Training (CDET) and mainly through Class 4 contributions for the very much alive and kicking in Equity. Conservatoires UK. self-employed. We will be posting a briefing on The VAF and Equity were trade unions However, the demise of Drama UK in national insurance on Equity’s website soon. started by the leading performers – the 2016 removed that external accreditation stars – of the day. In 1907 the VAF Music from most UK drama courses, and while Hall strike sought to get improvements to The VAF and Equity continued to recognise the historical basic terms and conditions. These included list of courses, the situation facing students improvements to barring clauses, matinee Equity were trade created a good deal of uncertainty. payments, transferring performers to In addition to Equity, Spotlight also relied different music halls and towns and to stop unions started by on Drama UK accreditation to define the the practice of commission being taken courses whose graduates are eligible for when no agent was involved in the booking leading performers” their graduate and professional directories. – the managers deducted the 5% and kept In order to remove the uncertainty for it themselves. is that a strong trade union for performers students and to create a clear universal Marie Lloyd, a huge star who demanded is as necessary now as it ever was and that standard, Equity and Spotlight have been major fees supported the strike, performed for it to be the single organisation working together to define an agreed set of on picket lines and took part in fundraising performers need it must involve and be led criteria that will be used to identify the activities for which she donated her entire by its members. courses whose graduates will be eligible for fee to strike funds. She said: “We the stars I believe the pioneers of the VAF and both Equity and Spotlight membership. The can dictate our own terms. We are fighting Equity would be proud that the following following criteria were endorsed by the rather than theoretical Course offers Professional Development not for ourselves but for the poorer generations of performers have worked Council and will define Equivalent to NQF level 4 / SQF level 6 programme with industry engagement members of the profession earning 30 together to build the union we now have the recognised Qualification issued by a ‘recognised body’ Access to professional facilities Referendum result shillings to £3 a week. For this they have to and the agreements and benefits of courses: Contact hours in excess of 30 hours per week Clear commitments on safeguarding, do double turns, and now matinees have membership we are able to provide. Vocational No more than 35 students in a class, bullying/harassment and diversity THE RESULTS OF THE REFERENDUM been added as well. These poor things have I have a very personal interest in training courses 30 weeks in a year of instruction Equity and Spotlight will now jointly write to to determine whether three of Equity’s rules should been compelled to submit to unfair terms celebrating variety because this was my for performers, Course offers a professional showcase other industry partners, including the BBC, ITV be changed has been announced. of employment and I mean to back the first experience of live performance. My practical opportunity – attended by industry and UK Theatre/SOLT, to endorse the criteria. The first proposed change dealt with Equity’s Federation in whatever steps are taken.” dad was a welder who at night sang in the election processes and will allow Equity branches The strike lasted two weeks and ended clubs in the north west of England. He to nominate candidates for election to the Council; in arbitration that satisfied most of the had a great voice and got lots of bookings. 69% of voters were in favour of this. VAF’s main demands. I remember sitting with him while he The second change allows the Equity Council to In September 1929 a musical comedy, rehearsed with his drummer and pianist. determine the upper age limit for a member wanting Open your Eyes, collapsed on tour in When I got good enough I would play the Union appoints new Scotland to stand for election to the Young Members seat on Glasgow with the promoter ‘doing a runner’ piano and he would sing. He later became Council; 81% of voters were in favour of this. with the takings and leaving the actors a trade union official and I know that his & Northern Ireland organiser The third change is the rule governing the penniless and stranded. In October, leading years on the club circuit were one of the EQUITY HAS APPOINTED Adam Adnyana (pictured) as the new Scotland & retirement of the Equity General Secretary. The rule actress Marie Burke, who had been in the drivers that motivated him to want to Northern Ireland organiser. He will replace Drew McFarlane, who will retire change was needed because the previous rule cast, organised a meeting at the Duke of improve the lives of working people. after 25 years’ service with Equity. Adam’s previous employment includes as regarding retirement age was no longer legal; 91% York’s Theatre at which more than 1,500 So at the event on the 16 May I will be a case worker for Unison and regional officer/assistant secretary for of voters were in favour of this. actors attended and the foundations of reminiscing as both a trade unionist and as Accord. Adam will work alongside his fellow organiser Lorne Boswell and The number of members who voted was 2314; Equity were set. The meeting was also the daughter of a club act. I know it will Marlene Curran, recruitment and retention organiser, in the union’s 6% of the total who were eligible. Download the attended by John Emerson from American recharge my determination to work to Glasgow office, which you can reach on 0141 248 2472. full results of the Referendum from Equity’s website: Actors’ Equity, who said that: “There is no improve the professional working lives of www.equity.org.uk/referendum2017 chance whatever of maintaining an actors’ our members – all 42,000 of you!

www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 05 FRONT OF HOUSE

In brief... AnnualChannel Conference 4 future The governmentunion’s 2015 hasAnnual launched a public This truly consultationRepresentative focused Conference on Increasing will be the Regionalin London Impact on 17 andof Channel 18 May. 4. The tremendous Responsesdeadline for are motions sought is by noon 5 July on and the details12 March of how and tofor respond amendments are on the donation DCMSnoon on website 17 April. via The this 2016 link: ARC www.equity.org.uk/Channel4futurewill take place in Bristol on 21, 22 will help so Theand 23consultation May. rules out the privatisation of Channel 4 at this time many in the but is seeking views on how the industry in BBCchannel candeal make an even greater Thecontribution union has to reached the nations an and their hour regions,interim agreementfocusing on with three the core BBC questions:Minimum thefees extent for main to which artists C4 are of need ” shouldup by 2.5% be based and supportingoutside London; artists whetherand walk-ons more feesprogrammes have also shownbeen on C4increased should bybe 1%.made The outside agreement London; andalso whetherincludes C4a pre-purchase should be able of to takecertain larger rights. investments The deal inis effectiveproduction companiesfrom 1 October to support 2014. the development of emerging talent. Exhibit B show UNKNOWN FUNDS ALLOCATED MakingEquity strongly Tax opposes Digital FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL HIGH COURT RULING ON UNKNOWN FUNDS, censorshipThanks to Equity’s and is extremely effective lobbying, EQUITY’S COUNCIL AGREES THE PROJECTS THAT WILL BENEFIT MEMBERS concernedthe contentious that thisMaking show Tax Digital planwas forced has been to close.dropped. The The union’s proposals forconsistent digital reporting position is and that record it THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION for Performing discovered. A high court judgment settled the keepingsupports including artistic freedom the requirement to Arts Medicine, new work on industrial and issue which concluded that £800,333 would makeof expression. quarterly submissions of income, equalities campaigns, and branch and committee go to the general benefit of members and Listen to the magazine expenditure and net profit have been projects will all benefit from Equity’s Council £177,851.86 would each be given to Denville removed from the Finance Bill 2017. decision on the allocation of the ‘unknown funds’. Hall, the Royal Theatrical Fund (RTF) and the Pobol y Cwm award In 2005, £1.3m was discovered in Equity’s Royal Variety Charity. Robert Lindsay, president Welsh soap opera Pobol y Cwm accounts and despite extensive research, which of the RTF said: “This truly tremendous donation Conferencehas received a special accessBafta included a team of forensic accountants, the will help so many in the industry in their hour of honouringEquity’s Deaf the & show’s Disabled 40th Members source of the money has never been accurately need, both now and in the future.” anniversary.Committee and The Equity award staff was have presentedworked together at an event to improve at Roath access at Lockthis year’s Studios Annual in Cardiff Conference. Bay. Equity’s HannahCouncil also Raybould, approved director a modest of Baftaincrease Cymru, to the presented conference the budget accoladeto provide to ramps actor Garethand handrails, Lewis, digitalwho accepted signing, it bigger on behalf staging of the and ancast extra and lecturn.crew.

FreeUS network training FollowingEquity’s West a tough Coast bidding network round, in the EquityUS is having and the an Federation event to connect of Entertainmentwith fellow members Unions living have or secured If you, or a fellow member, has difficulty in reading printed material the ongoingworking governmentin Los Angeles funding or nearby. via UnionLearnIt will take place to continue on 5 November, free Equity magazine is also available as an audio file on CD or data stick. workshops,7.30pm – 10.30pm e-courses, and resources the venue and webinarsis Timmy forNolan’s members bar on for Riverside another To receive it, contact the RNIB via: year.Drive, Information CA 91602. and booking at: www.feutraining.org Donna Gordon, [email protected]

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06 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 07 MEET THE MEMBERSHIP

“When you start And there’s it’s one of the goals to get little gimmicks that more... generate interest” Comedian Jimmy Cricket is a variety star. He worked as a Butlin’s Redcoat, honed his craft on the northern club circuit before breaking through to TV. And he’s not finished yet

When did you know you wanted to be a comedian? me an amazing thing when the season ended. I was heading for Since I was a young child. My folks had a shop in London, but he said: “What are you going to London for? Q Belfast and part of the layout went into our living That’s for West End stars, you’re a stand-up, get up north, all quarters. So I used to appear and entertain the customers from the clubs are there.” He was right, as they were in the late 1960s. when I was a toddler and moved on to doing impersonations to amuse them. My dad also took me to the Variety shows, which How did you develop your character’s look such as gave me a taste for show business. The top of the bill, such as the evening trousers, the dinner jacket and the hat? Max Bygraves, Dickie Valentine or Lonnie Donegan, only did Q It was a slow evolution. I started out just hitting about half an hour. The whole show was packed with jugglers, the audience with gags and one-liners. It was really trial and acrobats, comedians etc. As my friend Roy Hudd says, it was error. I realised that it goes easier if you can get a laugh at the two and a quarter hours of pure escapism. start and that it often works visually. You can see it in many acts such as Bobby Ball and his braces. The wellingtons were Did you enjoy your early days as a Redcoat? inspired by a famous music-hall comedian called Billy I really did. The big thing about all the Butlin’s was Bennett. He would dress immaculately and then wear a pair Q that there was a custom-built theatre, with an of big brown boots. My first TV break was Search for a Star, orchestra! My first break was in the ‘gang shows’, where the where I wore a white dress jacket. However, when I did The Redcoats took over from the main act for one show a week. In Good Old Days, from the City Varieties, they wanted me to some ways you had an advantage over the headline act as you dress a bit Edwardian. So I wore the tailcoat and hat for the were on a first-name basis with most of the audience because first time there. you had been talking to them all week. Looking back, I think about what a visionary Billy Butlin was. Remember, Is having a recognised look and popular this all started in the late 1930s. He sees a family getting catchphrases a blessing or a curse? thrown out of a guesthouse at 10am in the morning in the Q I’m lucky that the public know me for a few pouring rain to walk the streets and he thinks: “Let’s create a things. The outfit for instance, I’m often asked “Where’s your place where they can have entertainment all day.” wellingtons?” and talking about my “mommy” and her letters. I don’t have a hang-up about it. When you start off it’s one of the How did you develop your comedy style? goals to get little gimmicks that help generate interest and After working at Butlin’s in Ireland I got transferred work. The other day I was with my wife and we were dropping Q to Clacton-on-Sea and met Bill Martin, the some rubbish off at the local tip. The guy working there saw me entertainment manager. He saw something in me and said: carrying the stuff and he looked desperate to say something. “You’re a character comedian, Jimmy, you’ve got to listen and “Don’t worry, you can say it,” I said. He looked back at the car learn while you’re here.” He put me into the shows and he told and said: “Is there more?” We both laughed. Celebrating Variety 2017

EQUITY IS CELEBRATIING VARIETY throughout 2017 and Jimmy will be hosting an event for Equity in May to honour the Variety Artistes’ Federation (VAF). It will be the 50th anniversary of the VAF being incorporated into Equity, which happened on 16 May 1967. Find out more about the events taking place in the campaigns on page 28 Interview: Phil Pemberton

08 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk / 09 SUCCESS STORIES

Legal victory

Injured singer Martin Jarvis and Rosalind Ayres hosted the LA network event and wins damages there will further North America networking A MEMBER HAS received a significant opportunities later this year settlement following an accident on stage. Natalie Hainon and The performer was injured when part of a Tracey Booth job share spotlight hit his head during rehearsals. as ASMs Although the responsibility for the accident was clear, the case became difficult because of a dispute over damages. The performer suffered post-concussion NEW VIC THEATRE PROVES symptoms, developed long-term headaches and facial pain. This pain could be aggravated JOB SHARING CAN WORK by his main livelihood, which is singing. He UNION NEGOTIATED WITH MANAGEMENT TO ENABLE ASM JOB SHARE was off work for three months and, while he EQUITY’S Equity wins comedy award was then able to return to his original role, he was physically unable to take up additional THE NEW VIC THEATRE in members with caring responsibilities return NETWORK The Leicester Comedy Festival freelance work. Newcastle-under-Lyme has demonstrated to work and this is an example of Equity’s award for Lifetime Contribution Plans to expand his teaching practice were that the principle of job sharing can work Play Fair equalities campaign in action. has been given to Equity in also made uncertain because of his accident. in the entertainment industry. Natalie loves her job and is pleased IN LA & recognition of the work the Working with Equity’s lawyers, the singer Natalie Hainon and Tracey Booth have with the new arrangement. She said: “I am union does to support sought a claim for his considerable lost young families and are sharing the role of absolutely over the moon to be one of the comedians. During the earnings, but he was dismissively accused of assistant stage manager. first ASMs to be successfully part of a NYC presentation, made in April, exaggerating the effects of his injury. The Equity’s north west organiser, Jamie flexible working job share with another festival director Geoff Rowe union’s lawyers employed a neurology expert, Briers, negotiated the deal. He said: young mum. I love my job because of the IF YOU ARE THINKING OF said the judges thought the who gave evidence that the singer’s condition “Managers often argue that the nature of unpredictability of the shows and the WORKING OR LIVING IN NORTH contribution made by Equity during was related to the accident. Psychological the entertainment business means that wide range of jobs we do, which differ AMERICA, WHY NOT JOIN THE the festival over the past 12 years evidence was also obtained to prove the flexible working is not an option. But it can from show-to-show. One production I will EQUITY NETWORKS? along with the difference the Janice Connolly connection between the incident and the be a possibility as long as there is a be learning how to dress a coffin and the union makes to the comedy hosted the awards member’s longstanding pain. The employer’s willingness to understand both sides. next I’ll be learning how to pick a lock!” scene should be recognised. and was the subject past few years with insurance firm tried to question whether the I would like to congratulate the New Vic Find out more about the Play Fair Equity members on the West and Since 2005 Equity has run of the union’s I the annual I Say falling spotlight caused the singer’s symptoms, for their open-minded approach to the campaign from: www.equity.org.uk/playfair East coast of the US met to celebrate workshops and advice sessions Say event event. This is a chance and even suggested they were not as serious flexible working request and to Natalie the annual awards season and share for emerging and established for a well-established as he claimed. Equity’s experts maintained their and Tracey who have shown information about their working lives in comedians, visited all the venues, comedian to discuss with stance and ultimately won the case, resulting in their determination to make it North America. Martin Jarvis and Rosalind talked to comedians and promoters an audience their view of comedy and a doubling of the initial settlement offer. work for everyone.” Ayres hosted the LA event and they about the union and, for many Equity their experiences of the industry. www.equity.org.uk/legal-support The union is committed to helping remain regular members of the West comedians, this has been the first The first to do this was Alexei Sayle Coast Network. time they have had direct contact with followed by Nicholas Parsons and this Equity’s member-led networks in the their union. More active engagement year it was Janice Connolly (aka Mrs US and Canada are designed to bring among comedians has resulted in the Barbara Nice), who also compèred the Malcolm presents MTA prize members together who are living or setting up of the Equity Comedians awards event. The award was presented working outside the UK. There will be Network, which is doing great work on to Louise Grainger who has lead the further events later this year in LA, NYC pay transparency and contracts. union’s work with the festival. A further Equity President Malcolm Sinclair attended the 2016 Manchester Theatre and Toronto. If you are not already Equity has particularly been ten awards were given out with the Awards to announce the prize for the best actress in a studio production. registered with the local network, or if you associated with the Leicester Mercury Legend of Comedy given posthumously This was given to Erin Doherty, for her performance in Katherine Soper’s are thinking of moving or working abroad, Comedian of the Year event and in the to Victoria Wood. Wish List, which premiered at the Royal Exchange. Erin could not attend the please contact [email protected], ceremony, so the award was accepted by her director, Matthew Xia.

Phil Adams [email protected] or [email protected]

10 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk 11 SUCCESS STORIES

Lamphouse is the first company in East Anglia to sign Union boost the PMPP for students agreement Develop and comms your Equity has recently appointed two new members of staff to help its work with students and communications. passion! Amy Dawson (pictured below left) is • Entertainment the new student scheme and events industry specialists Apply now for: co-ordinator. From May this year the • MA/MFA Actor and Performer Training* union will introduce a Graduate • New client discount • MA/MFA** Ensemble Theatre • MA/MFA** Theatre for Young Audiences Membership Scheme, which unlike the for Equity members current student membership will entitle • MPhil/PhD Research Degree Programme • Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and graduates to the same benefits as full • Free initial chat Teaching in HE: Theatre and Performing Equity members. This is part of a Arts (PGCLTHE) concerted effort to attract and retain • 2017 Summer Masterclasses student members and Amy will be leading on the majority of this work. This will include the creation of a #TaxMadeSimple student network and the development of student deputies. The network is a 01905 706050 forum for students to meet fellow bruford.ac.uk [email protected] Equity members, to talk to each other Rose Bruford College, Burnt Oak Lane, Sidcup, DA15 9DF Rose Bruford College MA Ensemble Theatre with about any issues they are facing and to www.theataccounts.co.uk Rose Bruford College MA Ensemble Theatre with Bral SchoolSchool of of Acting. Acting. Photo: Photo: [email protected] [email protected] *Subject to validation **MFA subject to validation create better links between Equity and courses. The new student deputies will reflect Equity’s ‘Dep’ structure that currently exists in workplaces, with The Evelyn Norris Trust LAMPHOUSE THEATRE SIGNS members acting as a liaison between Was established in 1968 to students on courses and the union. provide financial support PROFESSIONALLY MADE DEAL Laura Gilbert (right) will be leading for members of the on the union’s social media work A NEW FRINGE agreement between they work, including rehearsals and and will be an integral part of the theatrical and concert Equity and Lamphouse Theatre’s artistic performances. The agreement also covers communications team as Equity professions who are in director Tom Fox has been signed using hours of work, breaks and health and develops its new website and need of rest, recovery or the terms of the union’s Professionally safety conditions. relaunches its publications. a recuperative holiday. Made Professionally Paid campaign. Will Holmes, Equity’s south east regional Lamphouse Theatre receives no public organiser, said: “It’s great news we have If you’ve recently suffered subsidy and it is the first theatre company signed this agreement because many actors an illness, or needed medical in Peterborough and East Anglia to sign working in UK fringe theatre are not paid the treatment and think a short this kind of deal. minimum wage, or protected by any kind convalescent break Under the terms of the agreement of employment contract. Director Tom Fox would aid recovery, or if you’ve actors and stage managers are has demonstrated a genuine passion been suffering from ill health guaranteed at least the minimum wage for providing better working conditions and need to ‘recharge your and statutory holiday pay for every hour throughout the process of making this deal.” batteries’ then you should apply for funding.

For information on Backing Midlands’ culture how to apply you can either contact [email protected]. EQUITY HAS CONTRIBUTED to TUC’s ring us on 0207 831 1926 Midlands region Cultural Manifesto. It argues that: or visit our website “The arts and culture are a crucial part of the www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk Midlands region’s physical and civic infrastructure where you can follow the link to the and as such cannot be sustained by a precarious, Evelyn Norris Trust and download semi-professional workforce. In order for our cultural an application. infrastructure to thrive, local government, national portfolio organisations and commercial companies www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk must recognise the interests of cultural workers.”

12 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 13 SELF-TAPING If you are comfortable using a stand-alone camera with external lights then do so, but a modern smartphone will work fine

Secrets of SELF-TAPING Casting director Manuel Puro outlines the best approaches to self-tape auditions as Equity launches an online video to help guide members through the basics

Photography David Cotter

elf-taping has become an 2 Light – natural light is great but never The chances are that your mobile phone essential part of an actor’s sit in front of a window otherwise you or tablet will be able to take care of both Stoolkit. So how do you get will appear as a silhouette. Artificial of these tasks perfectly well. The picture good at it? It’s all about preparation: lights are fine too but do a short test to and sound quality is generally excellent, preparing your home studio, preparing see what you look like on camera and you will always have it with you and your filming equipment and uploading if it feels too harsh or too dark make there are free apps that make editing and workflow, and preparing for the role. adjustments. Clever placing of lamps uploading as simple as possible. It’s a can work wonders. studio in your pocket. Preparing your studio If you are self-taping from home spend a 3 Sound – you need a quiet spot, If you are comfortable using a stand- little time figuring out the best place for hopefully away from external sounds and alone camera, external lights, your make-shift studio and then you can with reasonably good acoustics – beware microphone equipment and a computer- use it again and again. If you are on of echoes. Remember to test the sound based editing system then by all means location or in a hotel room you will have before recording. do so, but it’s not at all essential. to think on your feet a little but the same principles apply. Preparing your When setting up your camera: filming equipment and 1 Always use landscape mode if using a There are three main factors you uploading workflow phone or tablet. have to consider: Next up you will have to think about 1 Background – as plain as possible, grey how you are going to film and then 2 Steady your device by using some kind is best but any neutral colour will do. share your self-tape. of tripod or by leaning it against

14 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 15 SELF-TAPING

Top five self-tape tips Unless otherwise requested, jump straight

If it takes more than 10 or 15 minutes into your scene as the character” 1 Have your filming set-up ready and tested before an audition comes in. to actually film your self-tape you probably have not prepared well 2 Keep practising the technological side – editing, compressing, uploading – and be familiar enough – take a break, do a little more with how long each step takes. work, and then revisit it.

3 Schedule your audition, including prep, filming and post-production time – so that you Finally, once you have finished, please complete and submit successfully well before any deadline. take a moment to quickly check that everything worked - that the sound and 4 Learn your lines – resist the temptation to read them just off-screen. It’s very obvious image are in sync, that there are no and looks terrible on camera. glitches.

5 Do not cut your scene halfway through filming – it might be better than you think. And that’s it - do not fret over endless tiny differences - do the scene a couple of times, pick the best one and move on. something solid (a stack of books is face-to-face audition. Do the same If you have been asked to label the common) – you want to eliminate amount of script and character self-tape in a particular way then camera shake. preparation that you would do if you please follow those instructions, were meeting the director. otherwise please do label your file with 3 Do not shoot with maximum something logical - you cannot go resolution – your file will be too big. Schedule a time for you to do your wrong if you label it with your name, self-tape – this will keep you focused and the role name and the project. Editing-wise there are only a few give you something to aim for. procedures that you need to be able to do: And then all you have to do is submit 1 Trim the beginning and end of a take. When it comes to filming it’s crucial that your file – make sure you follow any Join different takes together if you have you follow whatever instructions you submission instructions. been asked to tape multiple scenes. have been given. If you have not been given any directions then these general If there are no instructions use Vimeo 2 Add a simple title card if requested. tips might be useful: – it is compatible with phones, tablets or computers, and it allows the 3 Export your taped file in a compressed Framing – quite close in, with your recipient to download your material in format, ideally MP4. This can save time head and shoulders central or just off a variety of formats and sizes. Do not and stress especially if a hard submission centre – try not to have too much forget to enable downloads in your deadline is looming. ‘dead space’ on each side of the frame. account settings. Make sure your whole face including There are free, easy-to-use programmes the top of your head are in shot. And that’s it – I hope you have found available for all devices and computers, this useful and are ready to embrace the and countless YouTube videos that will Unless otherwise requested it is fine opportunities presented by self-taping. show you how to perform these steps. to jump straight into your scene as the character. Find out more about Manuel Puro at Conduct a test run uploading different www.purocasting.com length audition files and keep a record of Ideally, you will find someone to how long each takes – factor time in if read in the other roles, but if that there is a submission deadline. is not possible then you can either record those lines yourself or leave Equity’s video guide Spend a little time familiarising yourself gaps where another character’s line with your system and practise, practise goes. But remember to react to to self-taping and practise again so it become second whatever is being said by the other nature. Try to do this without the added character in the scene. Casting pressure of having an actual self-taped directors do make allowances for SELF-TAPING SHOULD NOT BE AN audition to deliver. Once you have your these situations. AUTOMATIC SUBSTITUTE for face-to-face casting. workflow perfected either write down However, it is becoming a more widespread the steps or just keep doing them every Only send one take of any scene - technique and it can provide the opportunity to few days so the steps remain fresh. that is the entire scene from start widen access to the casting process. Equity has to finish with no edits. created a video with casting director Manuel Puro Preparing your audition and actress Emily Burnett to help members with The actual acting preparation for the Look just off-camera, not into the lens, self-taping, see: www.equity.org.uk/self-taping self-tape should be no different from a and not too much in profile.

16 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 17 SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL standıng “Can your career get a boost through posting your musings to social media?”, asks communications coach Matt Guarente as Equity agrees guidelines for social media use for members working in the theatre

Illustration Tim Bradford

nyone who has ever had quarter were logged into more than repeated by various people in the any kind of development once a month. course of researching this article. – as opposed to skills – Samantha Baines is an actor and Counterintuitively, performers are coaching is probably comedian who also manages social quite often backwards about putting Avery familiar with a question that media for performers, and teaches themselves forward. coaches like to ask: “What do you them how to use it effectively through “Curiously, I think actors suffer want to happen?” her company, Penguin in the Room. from a fear of self-promotion,” says It’s a way of getting people to When asked what people should think Ward. As an example, he cites himself, cut through noise, argument, or about when they are setting out to recalling how he was prompted by a uncertainty to enable you to focus on build their social media presence, her course on digital marketing to sort out the outcome you want to achieve from answer was pretty much like that a web page. “My name has been a situation. And it is a good place to question coaches ask: “What do you registered as a web domain for three start if you are thinking about what want to do?” years. But there’s still no web page.” to do with your digital self – your In fact, it’s just the first in a series of So, if performers struggle to personal brand, your skills or your questions she thinks people should ask self-promote, aside of a listing on achievements, and representing those themselves, including: what do you Spotlight and, perhaps, some kind of things on social media. want to promote (your self, your skills, representation, does social media offer Why do you need to think about an your activity in the industry), who do a way of finding exposure without too outcome? One reason is that without you want to connect with (audience, much risk? any kind of vision of what success looks promoters, an agent) and how much Samantha Baines is a convert whose like, or a plan to get there, people tend effort are you willing to put into it? early experiments in social media to fail. I should know, I have started Malcolm Ward is an actor and also resulted in a direct hit. “Four years ago and abandoned at least four Twitter chairman of the West & South West I decided that I needed to be on social accounts. And I’m not alone. Before London branch of Equity and sees media,” she says. “It was a lot of trial Twitter stopped releasing data, it was social media as a perfect way to and error but it did lead to me getting estimated that of the almost 1bn promote yourself. However, there is a a BBC part. registered Twitter accounts, less than a serious caveat and it’s one that was “I tweeted some work I was doing

www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 19 SOCIAL MEDIA

and used the hashtag #VirginMediaShorts and a producer, who I had met and who started following my Twitter feed, saw it and recommended me to the casting director.” However, Baines thought about how other performers use social media and realised that all the courses and advice out there is aimed at users who have businesses or financial goals. “It’s really hard to promote yourself – as opposed to promoting a product. Obviously, companies such as CocaCola do marketing on social media, but it is something that performers need to think about too – because in a particular way they are a business too. I always say you can be a brilliant actor in your bedroom, but if noone knows about it then the bedroom is where you stay being a brilliant actor. You need to spread the word and social media can absolutely help with that.” What specifically, though, can social media help with? Kevin Brady, an agent with AHA, is sceptical that it will make it’s a challenge to get that onto Twitter Both Logan and Samantha Baines a lot of difference in terms of getting in 140 characters.” think that Facebook works well for roles. “The industry obviously uses Logan says, though, that Twitter offers comedy and stand-up, especially for a Twitter and the like to help it promote the chance to really target audiences. “I regular event night. shows and productions but it’s not was doing Wilde Without the Boy in Dave Rothnie promotes a successful going to make that much difference to Chichester and sales could have been comedy spot in North Wales, and he how agents or casting directors think better. So I decided to get in touch with recently decided to shift venue to about individuals,” he says. the LGBT community, and used the accommodate more people. He got the “We’re not more likely to represent appropriate, localised hashtags and in the message out to his group on Facebook someone because of their social media end we had 20 blokes turn up for the and the result was impressive – direct status. The business in large part show. They had picked up on the specific sales, connection with hundreds of revolves around relationships between targeting and shared it with friends. followers, and dozens of likes and shares. agents and casting directors.” “Facebook is really useful for And what, I asked Rothnie, had he But he admits that there can be a informing groups [Logan has separate wanted to happen with his Facebook use for performers, and indeed groups for his shows] and letting them activity? “Get the word out to people to producers, to help generate interest know what’s going on – and they feel like come to the new venue.” Easy when you and engagement with productions or they belong, which is supportive.” just put fingers to keyboard, really. shows. “If someone is in a show,” says Brady, “then of course there would be encouragement to use social media to Social media policies at work promote it, obviously within particluar guidelines, and people need to think about promoting themselves.” Members have asked Equity for advice regarding social media use relating to their work, How does that work in practice? particularly in the area of theatre productions. The union has subsequently worked with UK Gerard Logan is an Olivier-nominated Theatre and the Society of London Theatre to produce guidelines for social media use. Every actor who tours two productions – Wilde show will have its own set of considerations that go towards shaping its individual policy. It Without the Boy, a dramatisation of Oscar is reasonable that one production might actively encourage company members’ own use of Wilde’s De Profundis, and Shakespeare’s social media about what is happening with the show, but another might have good reasons You can be a brilliant actor in your bedroom, but if noone The Rape of Lucrece. for needing to strictly limit it, or for there to be none at all. Whether or not company “I use Twitter and Facebook a lot,” says members’ own use of social media is encouraged, members should not feel under any knows about it then the bedroom is where you are staying. Logan, “but they have different uses. I obligation to use their social media activity to promote a show they are in. Download the see Facebook as a little more cerebral agreed approach here: www.equity.org.uk/theatre-social-media-use Download questions You need to spread the word and social media can help” and probably for an older audience. If for company managers: www.equity.org.uk/social-media-questions-for-theatre-mgrs I’m doing a Lucrece show then I think

20 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 21 Member offers

Equity membership entitles you to a wide variety of discounts, from photos to the Phoenix club; see below for a selection. Go online for a full list: www.equity.org.uk/discounts

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Join at rac.co.uk/join/benefits or assist taxation services HCK Photography is offering Equity call0800 096 6836 quoting EBS001 Lost your voice, stage fright, Assistance with the preparation and members headshots/publicity shots for £95, submission of self-assessment tax returns for a saving of £155. . For more information rex restaurants bad back – or any health Equity members who are required by HM contact Kit at: 020 7112 8499. Chris Corbin and Jeremy King are keen problem arising from your Revenue & Customs to submit a return. Equity www.hckphotography.co.uk/equityoffer supporters of the theatre and they have arranged job or studies as a performer members receive an exclusive 20% discount Scotland-based photographer Aly Wight is for all members to receive 10% off any bill at off the normal fixed fee of £250. A further offering a 10% discount off headshots and their London restaurants. These are: Go to BAPAM - a free medical support service part-funded by Equity 10% discount is available to members for location shots to members, see www.alywight.com The Wolseley, The Delaunay, The Counter at The *assessment clinics for professional and student performers referrals. We also offer self-employed Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and Colbert. with performance–related health problems accounts preparation and tax advisory and See the Rex Restaurant website: *directory of practitioners and clinicians planning services. For further details please Special offer www.rexra.com. for details of the different *fact sheets with health and fitness advice contact Nasir Majeed on 07775 691009, eateries. The offer is for an Equity member and For help phone Dan or Clare at email [email protected] up to five guests (i.e. six people in total). 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Claim in person with and licensed bar for professionals in the Equity and Q-Park have teamed up to your Equity card at Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 entertainment industry and their guests, open provide Equity members with discounted Langley Street, London WC2H 9JA. Tel 020 Mon-Sat 10.30am-2.30am (last entry 1am). parking in London and other major cities. . 7836 4004. www.pineapple.uk.com Hot food served in the brasserie until 9.30pm. The rates represent a 15% discount across Sunday open 12 noon – 1.30 am. the day with a special flat rate of £6.00 for hair removal Entertaining entertainers since the eighties, London parking from 6pm to 2am. To take Pulsar-permanent hair removal and skin this “jewel in the ground”. Annual membership advantage of the Equity discount you need treatments. Pigmentation, spots, photo- is £200 reduced to £100 on presentation of to pre-book your parking. Follow this link to rejuvenation and more. IPL-intense pulsed light your paid-up Equity card. 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22 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SPUMMER 2017 / 23 TUC ROUND-UP

WOMENS’ CONFERENCE Taking place in March, Equity’s delegates were (main picture, left to right): Hamida Ali (Equity’s Equalities Officer), Fiona Whitelaw, Kelly Burke and Jean Rogers

YOUNG MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE The TUC Young Workers Conference took place on 25-26 March. Members representing Equity were Paul Valentine, Abigail Poulton and Jessica Bastick-Vines

of Arts Emergency across TUC affiliate BAME actors on stage and screen. unions, and to encourage members of However, that change has not kept pace affiliate unions to support The with the times or the diversity of the Democracy in action Alternative Old Boys Network.” nation. Last year Equity launched its Play The motion was seconded by sister Fair campaign – calling on employers to Equity is a member of the Trades Union Congress and benefits from joining other workers union PCS, who stressed the need for do just that on diversity. Our members across the employment sector to share ideas and support each other’s working lives these schemes and mechanisms across are increasingly dissatisfied by the all industries. Paul Valentine from the endless strategies, plans and targets YMC seconded the latter Musicians’ which produce little visible difference… Union’s motion regarding freelance Conference calls on the TUC to join Equity workers, calling on other industries to in its campaign to challenge the industry acknowledge freelance artists as to Play Fair.” The motion was agreed. quity is affiliated to the Trades and Innovating Young Workers. Guest organisation’s mentoring service, ‘The professionals, not hobbyists. Both The TUC Women’s conference took Union Congress (TUC), a UK speaker David O’Brien from Edinburgh Alternative Old Boys Network’. The motions were passed unanimously. place in March and TUC general organisation that represents University explained how Brexit will motion said: “Arts Emergency offer a The TUC Black Workers’ conference secretary Frances O’Grady spoke to the E5.8 million workers in 52 affect the arts industries and argued mentoring service called ‘The took place in April and the delegates conference. Equity’s motions concerned unions. Equity sends representatives to a that trade unions must be resolute in Alternative Old Boys Network’ that representing Equity were Daniel York firstly, working conditions for actors in number of conferences the TUC hosts campaigning to protect free movement gives emerging creatives from lower and Nana St Bartholomew-Brown. The companies booked into local authority each year where pressing issues facing within the EU for artists. socio-economic backgrounds access to a motion proposed was about inclusive venues and, secondly, the mental health workers are discussed. Motions are put Equity’s Young Members’ Committee network of established professionals, casting and said: “Half a century ago needs of the young with particular forward by delegates in the aim of getting (YMC) have championed the work of encouraging them to develop the kinds Equity coined the term ‘integrated relevance to young women in the BLACK WORKERS’ CONFERENCE the backing of their fellow trade unionists. Arts Emergency over the past few years, of personal networks and contacts so casting’ (now inclusive casting). Since entertainment profession. Both Taking place in April, the Equity delegates to the Black The TUC Young Workers’ Conference and at this year’s conference YMC vital in industries where success can be then we have seen changes in the law and motions were passed unanimously. Workers’ Conference were: Daniel York and Nana St took place in March and began with two member Abigail Poulton subsequently determined by who you know. public attitudes – and of course we have Bartholomew-Brown Jean Rogers was also voted back on to workshops on Young People and Brexit put forward a motion on supporting the Conference resolves to raise the profile seen changes in the representation of the WTUC Committee.

24 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 25 CAMPAIGNS

Members in the South West came out to protest Number 10 told to put creativity EBacc the arts cuts imposed by the local councils in UNION JOINS ARTISTS FROM ACROSS Bristol and Bath THE CULTURAL SPECTRUM TO DEMAND CREATIVE SUBJECTS ARE PUT INTO THE EBACC

EQUITY’S GENERAL SECRETARY Christine Payne has joined more than one hundred artists and cultural organisations in signing a letter to the prime minister asking the government to reverse its EBacc policy. Equity members including Arlene Phillips (right) joined the Bacc for the Future campaign in a letter drop to 10 Downing Street on 15 March. The letter insisted the government addressed the problems of its secondary school policy. The Department for Education’s 2010 decision to implement a new English Baccalaureate (the EBacc) has been criticised by arts and education professionals. The EBacc outlines a rigid core curriculum that would make at least seven GCSEs effectively obligatory for English schoolchildren. None of these compulsory subjects are in the creative arts. MEMBERS FIGHT LOCAL COUNCIL On average, pupils take 8.1 GCSEs. Industry professionals are concerned that the EBacc leaves little academic space DECISIONS TO CUT ARTS for creativity. The letter cites the government’s EQUITY’S DEPUTY FOR THE GENERAL SECRETARY STEPHEN SPENCE REPORTS ON THE LATEST ACTIVITY commitment to the creative sector, explaining BY MEMBERS PROTESTING AGAINST LOCAL COUNCILS’ SHORT-SIGHTED MOVE TO AXE THE ARTS how this is at odds with a dedication to the EBacc, which “is damaging the quality of the education offered to pupils in England.” EQUITY’S STOP ARTS CUTS arts and entertainment sectors are the kind made the same mistake, again with Equity Describing a decline in the uptake of the CAMPAIGNERS have been protesting in of economic generators local areas need members protesting at their folly. Timothy arts and Design Technology, and in students Bath and Bristol against decisions by local to help them trade their way out of the West, Tony Robinson, Derek Fowlds, Les taking even one arts subject, the letter also authorities to cut the arts budgets by 100% problems caused by reduced income from Dennis and Lynda Rooke added their names to points out that “teacher numbers and hours and approximately 30% respectively. In central government cuts. More income is public statements calling on the councils to are declining almost twice as fast in creative addition, Equity campaigners argued for two generated as more people are involved in think again, but to no avail. A letter from Marvin subjects as they are overall.” theatres in North Devon to be kept open the arts than in Premier League football. Rees, Bristol Mayor, to Equity outlined his following concerns that they would close. What sensible local authority would seek desire “to maintain Bristol’s international The Conservative-led council in Bath and to threaten the activity of a Premier League reputation as a centre for culture and the arts”. North East Somerset made its decision at the football club on its doorstep? How that will be achieved by cutting nearly a February meeting, as Equity members In Bristol, the Labour-led administration third of the budget is a moot point. Equity calls for drama school in Northern Ireland protested outside the Council Chamber, Equity continues to seek meetings with the despite the UK Chancellor and Treasury in council leader in Bath and the Bristol Mayor 2015 pledging to maintain the Westminster and has called on the Culture Secretary EQUITY IS ASKING MEMBERS to sign a petition to support a Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK and Ireland with no arts spend until 2020, once the economic Karen Bradley to intervene on the situation in publicly funded independent drama school to redress the deficit publicly funded independent drama school or accredited arguments in favour of arts spending became the way central government appears to have in arts education in Northern Ireland. institution for actors, stage management and directors. clear. For every £1 invested by government, The arts sector is in Surrey on the crisis in social care. The cuts The union believes the Northern Ireland Executive should As a union, Equity is behind the campaign to put that deficit to the creative industries, now worth £84 billion to arts funding at the local level is a crisis of address this as a matter of urgency. rights by asking members to sign up to a petition for a fully or 5% of UK GDP, generate a further £2 to the economic no less proportions. Why is this important? funded drama school, financed by the Department for Education £7 in economic activity. In the one piece of good news, the council Northern Ireland has always been treated as second class in and Learning through the Stormont Assembly and other It makes no sense whatsoever therefore generator local in North Devon has taken the two theatres terms of funding to the arts in comparison with the other nations sources, to create a centre of excellence for performers and for local authorities, which have had their back under its wing and their future appears in these Islands. others working in theatre, film and television. Please sign the central government funding reduced under areas need” more secure. That treatment extends to drama school education in that petition at: www.equity.org.uk/drama-school-for-NI austerity measures, to cut in this area. The www.equity.org.uk/stop-arts-cuts

26 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 27 CAMPAIGNS oyTheal Theatrical Branch events will Celebrate Variety 2017 Fund Equity’s variety branches are THE UNION IS CELEBRATING THE VARIETY SECTOR THROUGHOUT putting on events to celebrate The RTF helps people from ALL areas of 2017, SO WHY NOT GO ALONG TO YOUR LOCAL BRANCH EVENT? the sector. Here is selection. Find Rthe entertainment industry – not just actors London out more from: www.equity. org.uk/celebrate-variety-2017 and singers – but dancers, stage Brighton North & West Yorkshire: management, directors, front of house Pool Tournament, Tuesday 13 and backstage staff. June 2017, Variety Show on leading 20 July, both at Jubilee Club If you have worked professionally for a Leeds LS6 2LZ. Contact: showbusiness reasonable period of time and are accountants [email protected] - The Stage East Midlands: variety experiencing financial hardship due to night at the Beeston Cabaret sickness or injury, we may be able to help. Club in Beeston, Nottingham Over 50 years of excellence on Friday, 20 October. Contact: [email protected] Contact us on 020 7836 3322 Breckman & Company Northern Ireland: Showcase, All applications for help are treated in Chartered Certified Accountants, . Saturday 13 May, Variety Dinner, the strictest confidence Registered Auditors Monday 27 November at Dockers Club, Belfast. Contact: 11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR 49 South Molton Street, London. 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton. [email protected] Email: [email protected] W1K 5LH BN1 4ST Birmingham: Showcase, 17 Tel: 020 7499 2292 Tel: 01273 929 350 October, 7pm, Austin Sports www.trtf.com and Social Club, Birmingham Reg Charity No. 222080 www.breckmanandcompany.co.uk B31 2SF. Contact: Alec Powell 07831 115448 Manchester & District:

entertainment at Monroe’s 134 x 92 flyer.indd 1 12/09/2012 11:50 Hotel, M1 1PE, 31 July. Contact: T HE Notice from Equity [email protected] ROYAL VARIETY CHARITY F O R M E R L Y THE ENTERTAINMENT ARTISTE S ' BENEVOLENT FUND

CELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARS OF CARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSION Royal Variety Charity, Brinsworth House, 72 Staines Road, Twickenham, Middx. TW2 5AL MIGHT THE UNION BE HOLDING Equity is requesting your equalities data 020 8898 8164 / www.royalvarietycharity.org / www.royalvarietyperformance.org MONIES FOR YOU FROM THE 1990s? We are delighted to have reached an amicable resolution of the COMPLETING THE FORM ON OUR WEBSITE WILL HELP THE UNION IMPROVE SERVICES AND INFORM OUR CAMPAIGNS longstanding problem of how to use the monies received by the union around 1995 and, known as the “Unknown Funds.” Equity is asking members to complete a form on the union’s website take to support our collective aims to change our industry The Royal Variety Charity assists those who’ve worked professionally in asking for their equalities data. for the better. the entertainment industry and are in need of help. The charity strives to support all those, both young and old, who’ve worked on the stage, in An important part of the resolution is that Equity undertakes to meet the wings, in front of a camera, or behind it, as well as all those who have Why does Equity want this information? How will Equity use this information? spent their lives working in the numerous support industries dedicated the claim of any members or non-members who believe and can to entertainment. Tackling discrimination and promoting equality for all our members The data you provide will be treated confidentially, securely stored produce evidence to show that the Union received residual are key priorities for the union. and will only be accessible to a small number of Equity staff. If you The Royal Variety Charity owns and manages its own residential and Equity has successfully campaigned for employers to would prefer not to answer a particular question, each of them nursing care home for entertainers, Brinsworth House in Twickenham, payments due to them in respect of their performance in and also offers a nationwide grant scheme to assist those living in their start monitoring the diversity of actors and performers has a ‘prefer not to say’ option. own homes wherever they reside in the UK. The Royal Variety Charity not independent TV productions retransmitted before about 1998 and on stage and screen. This information will be crucial We will use this information to improve our only offers support to those who have found themselves struggling as a to understanding whether or not the industry is services, inform our campaigns, recruitment result of ill health, financial hardship or old age, but also to the dependants that those residuals were not passed on to them. of all those who have served the entertainment industries. making any progress. and retention work and identify barriers to It is no less important for Equity to participation and progression. To request a brochure or to arrange a visit to Brinsworth House, or Therefore, if you or your agent understand our own diversity. simply to be added to our Admissions waiting-list, please contact Sheila Without this information it is much harder Problems with logging into website Powell on 020 8898 8164 ext 207 · [email protected] wish to make a claim you should contact the for us to understand the extent of under- You need to be a registered user of the website General Secretary of Equity on representation in our membership and to enter the information. If you have any The Royal Variety Charity are the organisers and beneficiaries of the annual Royal Variety Performance... now viewed by over 152 million whether our hard work is making the problems logging in to the members area, you television viewers worldwide. 0207 379 6000

differences we seek to bring about. can contact the membership department via 020 Patron HM The Queen · Life-President Laurie Mansfield · Chairman Giles Cooper · Est 1908 · Reg Charity No. 206451 This is one small step that all members can 7670 0207 or email [email protected]

28 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 29 THE PRESIDENT WRITES Letters... with Spotlight, (acronym alert) the PMA (Personal Managers Association), the CPMA (Co-operative PMA) and the CDG #time4change Mental Health Charter for It’ll be right,” one actress said to me. What The Eve Appeal struck me was the cultural base from which (Casting Directors’ Guild). the Arts; and the Rt Revd Geoff Annas, As part of their tour of Dracula the Travesty he worked. He was well read. He loved We are producing a code of best practice, Get in touch Bishop of Stafford, a TCUK trustee with Northumberland Theatre Company (NTC) painting and music. in order to try to control the difficult 30 years’ first-hand experience as a took part in a fundraising evening on He knew what period he was in and how conditions of the present casting process, Have you got something to say about theatre chaplain. behalf of The Eve Appeal, which works people would have behaved then. He was a such as insufficient notice and too many your experience of Equity or the The lecture is free and open to all. We to protect women from the five types of talented gardener too. His garden was a recalls and lack of info, and how to self-tape, contents of the magazine? would also like to extend a warm invitation to gynaecological cancer. symphony of flowers. and on and on... This is one of the most We want to hear from you. Equity members to join us for our Party in the The evening of dinner-theatre was When his partner, Jeanette, lay speechless important pieces of work with which I’ve Garden on 6 June. Starting at 2.15pm. organised by Matthew and Zuzana Gibb at in a care home, he would read to her out been involved in my time here. Please email or write to the editor via the The afternoon will provide the opportunity their home Castletoon House in Greenlaw loud – Dickens, Trollope – and he thought he Why are we doing it? Because some contact information below: to relax with friends old and new in the and was in memory of Matthew’s late sister, noticed some flicker of acknowledgement. the actor Kathy Gibb, who herself died of members thought this needed doing and beautiful gardens of the Actors’ Church, He confided in me once that as a child he ovarian cancer and whom some members put a number of proposals through our The Editor enjoying sandwiches, cake and conversation had suffered a bout of polio. may well remember working with, particularly democratic channels. This included the W Guild House to the sublime strains of renowned musician He was markedly unassertive. If given half from her time at Durham Theatre Company. and SW London Branch, which sent a pretty Upper St Martin’s Lane Dave Gelly and his jazz band. Both events a chance to say something without being Apart from a balloon catching fire and detailed motion to the Council. The Council London WC2H 9EG are free and we look forward to welcoming interrupted, it was well worth hearing. He ascending briefly in flames to the ceiling. HOW DO WE DO STUFF? Or rather adopted the proposals, our General Secretary Tel: 020 7379 6000 Equity members. would hate me for saying he bore “the The night was a great success! The show how do we decide what stuff to do? Christine Payne made sure the resources Fax: 020 7379 7001 The Revd. Lindsay Meader, senior spurns that patient merit of the unworthy went down a storm as usual: nearly three When members look at the Council, were put in place to make it work, and we’re Email: [email protected] chaplain, Theatre Chaplaincy takes”. But I did feel that about him. and a half thousand pounds was raised for committees, branches, working parties, nearly there. None of this would have happened Web: www.equity.org.uk In the 1980s, working as a foot messenger the charity, and raising of the awareness of conferences, annual general meetings and if those members had not started it, even during the day, he gave for many months a the charity’s work, the cancers involved and blistering performance in the title role in so on and so on; when they look at the though we all knew the work needed doing. Colin Kaye the need for early diagnosis was achieved. Monsieur Artaud, written and directed by the website, and Facebook groups and Twitter Members are at the coal face, after all... Of the many who do not become well known Stewart Howson Heads Together late Michael Almaz, in a room above The threads, plus the various departments in “At the coal face of Thespis” as my friend in the theatre, one such was Colin Kaye. He On 12 April a short film was launched by Bear And Staff pub in London WC2. Guild House, Glasgow, Cardiff and Sarah Crowden says. died on the 19 February 2016 in Cumbria, the charity Heads Together, featuring Those who knew Colin outside the theatre Manchester... they might be forgiven if Another slightly different example: the after a long illness. VAF Celebration Stephen Fry discussing his mental health were amazed at his transformation from a they asked themselves: “How does the Ethical Equity Campaign, a group of young In the early sixties he was in Rep, Ipswich I wanted to say thank you so much for your problems with his psychiatrist. quiet man into this fiercely articulate among other theatres. Later, he worked kind invitation to the VAF Celebration on 16 We are delighted to let Equity members theatrical storm-trooper. briefly for the Prospect Theatre Company. May. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend know that on 18 May at 6.30pm in the If only the chance had come his way to do Then he spent a considerable time working as I have a long-standing family engagement Actors’ Church in Covent Garden, more directing, I do not think it fanciful to say on the Fringe, both as an actor and also as on that day. I first joined Equity in the 1960s, Stephen will be giving our annual Theatre he might have become a name. a director. being proposed initially by the late Arthur The union is here for you to use Chaplaincy UK Spring Lecture: Mind Out! He really did know his stuff. He was not I had the good fortune to be directed by Mullard and have been a fully paid-up This occasion is part of a growing the remotest bit showy. He started out as an him a couple of times. He inspired great member every year since. I am very proud to to make your working lives better, movement to break the taboo and stigma Acting/ASM in Manchester. His fellow ASM that still surrounds issues of mental health loyalty in the actors who could see in this receive my membership card each year and became a Hollywood star. So it goes! take delight in knowing I have an affinity with and even, on occasion, to make our in the theatre. diffident man a laser-like clarity about what Hugh Coleridge lovely people and a union second to none. Stephen’s keynote speech will be he was doing. “If Colin suggests you do something: do it. Ruth Rochelle world a bit better too” followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. Joining Stephen on the panel will be Doctor Deborah Charnock, Chief union decide what in hell to do – and in members keen to promote an ethical and Executive of BAPAM and lead advisor what order?” responsible investment policy for our on the ArtsMinds website; Annemarie In memoriam Now, for the important and ongoing pension fund. They came along to the Lewis Thomas, Principal of the Musical industrial matters, we have the Industrial London AGM at the Soho Theatre a couple Theatre Academy, who launched the With regret it is recorded that since the publication of the last edition of Equity Committees (Stage, Screen and New Media, of months ago, got a motion debated and magazine we have learned of the deaths of the following members: Variety, Circus & Entertainers) with Equity’s passed to promote this, it was sent to the industrial departments keeping an eye on Council, who supported it, and now both Doreen Andrew, William Armour, Lauriee Baty, A K Bennett- Jeppe, Michel Julian, Gorden Kaye, Gail Kendal, Jules our agreements, the changes in working these young members and union staff are Hunter, Chuck Berry, Freddie Boardley, Philip Bond, Filipa Mannheim, Peter Marsh, Alec McCowen, Michael Mistofsky, practices and so on. And if the committees talking to First Act and Aviva to see what Bragança, Dave Broadfoot, John Bromley, Steve Bryce, Desmond Vernon Nesbeth, Maria O’Brien (3), John O’Byrne, Brian are up to scratch, which they are at the can be done. First Act, who run our pension moment, the job gets done and done well. scheme, is keen to help not only because Carrington, Steve Clark, Sara Coward, Fred Davies (1), Brownie O’Keeffe, Les O’Neill, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Roberta Peters, But what about new initiatives? Where of the merits of the case, but also because Dene, Margaret Denyer, Liz Dixon, Robert William Egerton, Victor Platt, Louise Raphael, Stephen Rhodes, Rajan Sarin, does the impetus and energy for these come it might help persuade similar young Peter Farmer, Royston Farrell, Johnny Fender, Neil Fingleton, Philip Saville, Alan Simpson, Peter Skellern, James Sinclair Steel, from? And the answer is, my darlings, from members to sign up… which you all need Ben Forster (2), Althea Gaye, Tim Gebbels, Jefferson Graham, Ann Stutfield, Jeanne Williams, Alan Wilson you. All the above structures are there to to do, by the way! Mal Gray, Peter Hahlo, Tony Haygarth, John Hurt, Chris (1) not Fred Davis (2) not Ben E Forster (3) not Maria O’Brien of enable you to persuade the union that stuff So, lecture over. The moral is... the union is needs doing. here for you to use to make your working lives Hutchinson, Jemma Hyde, Al Jarreau, Suzanne Jefferies, Zelide Sutton Coldfield Two examples. better, and even, as my last example shows, to In some cases it may be possible that another member may have used the same or a similar name subsequent to the passing of the above members Manifesto for Casting. This is a huge make our world a bit better. Onward. initiative involving Equity in discussions Malcolm Sinclair

30 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 31 Equity branches are your local meeting place to discuss the industry, share insights and influence the direction of the union. BRANCH UPDATE Find your local branch at www.equity.org.uk/branches

north lancashire [email protected] Sheila Payne, [email protected] & cumbria general Next meeting: TBC, contact below. west & sw london general east anglia variety Contact: Peter Rylands, [email protected] Next meeting: 31 May, 7.00pm. Seven Dials Next meeting: 8 May, 8-10pm. The Canary Club, 42 Earlham St, Covent Garden WC2H 9LA. Club, Norwich NR11RT Contact: Peachy Mead, ne of england general Contact: [email protected] [email protected] Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of the month (excl. Aug & Dec), 6.30pm. Northern liverpool & district general east midlands variety Stage, Newcastle NE1 7RH Contact: Steve Next meeting: 5 July, 6.30 pm. Everyman Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of the McGuire, [email protected] Theatre, Hope St. Contact: Sheila Jones, month (excl August). The Headstocks NG6 8SF [email protected] Contact: Clive Bumstead, 07815 951798, north & east london general [email protected] Next meeting: Second Saturday of the yorkshire ridings general month (excl. August),10:30am. The Park Next meeting: 24 June, 10am. West Yorkshire humberside variety branch Theatre, Finsbury Park Contact: Karen Playhouse (Meeting Room 1) Contact: Ben Addis, Date of next meeting: 8 May, 7.30pm. Henry Singer, [email protected] 07775 726868, [email protected] Vernone Court, Pier Street, Hull HU1 1UZ Contact: Christie Clifford, [email protected] north west london general birmingham variety Date of next meeting: 6 May, 11.30am. Date of next meeting: 24 May, 7.30pm. The manchester & district variety Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Date of next meeting: 20 June, 7.30pm. Monroe’s 62-64 Eton Avenue, London NW3 3HY Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2SF Hotel, Manchester M1 1PE Contact: Yvonne Brighton rocks Contact: Elise Harris, [email protected] Contact: Alec Powell, [email protected] Joseph, [email protected] oxfordshire general blackpool variety merseyside variety BRIGHTON & SUSSEX GENERAL is committed to fighting for the arts Date of next meeting: 7 June, 7.30pm. Friends Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of the Date of next meeting: 8 May, 7pm. Adelphi Meeting House, 42 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW month, 1pm. Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley Park Hotel, Ranelagh St, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 Contact: [email protected] FY3 9EQ Contact: Chris Cotton: 07941 550315 5UL Contact: Chris Dale (Chair), 0151 929 2280/07703 301621 south & se london general coventry & leicester variety ounded in 1994 by Sylvia Grade II listed building described as brighton & sussex Next meeting: 16 May, 7pm. The Actors Date of next meeting: 15 May. TheIvor Preece north east variety Alexander-Vine and Joan “probably the best surviving example of general Centre Contact: Paul Valentine, Centre, Rugby Road, Coventry CV3 2AY Contact: Date of meeting: TBC Contact: Steve FBeveridge, the Brighton and a circus-variety theatre in Britain” from Date of next meeting: Second McGuire, 0120 723 8258, Sussex General Branch is welcoming being converted into a cinema. Saturday of the month,10.30am. [email protected] and engaged with the issues effecting The branch will be out and about Friends Meeting House, Ship St, the region and beyond. throughout the Brighton Fringe Festival, Brighton Contact: Chris Webb, 07973 n&w yorkshire variety For many years its members have which takes place in May and June, 465154 Date of next meeting: Every third Monday, been involved in local campaigns such meeting performers, creative crews and 7.30pm. George IV pub, Birkenshaw as Save the Brighton Hippodrome, a seeking new Equity recruits. BD11 2AH Contact: Valerie Jean Mann, [email protected], 0113 285 3848

bristol & west general dorset general home counties west general scottish variety Date of next meeting: Third Tuesday of the Next meeting: Third Thursday of the month, Date of next meeting: TBC, usually Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: month (excl. August), 7.30pm. SPACE, 6 West 7pm. Wessex FM studios, Dorchester 7:30pm at South Hill Park Arts Centre, RG12 7PA Linda Rifkind, [email protected] Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0BH Contact: Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] [email protected] south yorkshire variety east of scotland general isle of man general Next meeting: TBC Contact: chuffinells@ cardiff & s wales general Date of next meeting: TBC Next meeting: TBC Contact: [email protected] hotmail.com Date of next meeting: First Thursday of Contact: Catriona Joss, month, 7.30pm. BBC Club, Cardiff CF5 2YQ [email protected] kent general thames variety branch Contact: Louisa, [email protected] Date of next meeting: 24 June, 11.30am. Celebrating Variety Date of next meeting: TBC. The Blue Posts, essex general The Alexander Centre, 15 Preston St., 81 Newman Street W1T 3E Contact: central england general Date of next meeting: TBC. Usually Trinity Faversham ME13 8NY SOUTH WALES VARIETY BRANCH Nick Putz, 020 8808 3802, [email protected] Date of next meeting: 8 May, 7.30pm. The Methodist, Chelmsford CM1 2XB Contact: Marie Kelly, 07703 207878, Wellington Pub, Birmingham B2 5SN Contact: [email protected] [email protected] The South Wales Variety Branch have joined in west of england variety Contact: David Edgar, [email protected] Equity’s Celebrate Variety festivities by putting south wales variety Date of meeting: Second Monday of the month gtr manchester & region northern ireland branch on a spectacular ‘Keeping Variety Alive’ Date of next meeting: first (excl. bank holidays, June, July, August and devon & cornwall general Next meeting: TBC Contact: Date of next meeting: 19 June, 7.30pm. fundraising show at the Savoy Theatre, Tuesday of every month, December), 7.45pm. Inn on the Green, 2 Filton Next meeting: Third Sunday of the month at [email protected] Lyric Cafe Bar Contact: Tonyrefail. The event was a great success that 7.30pm. Tyn y Twr Public Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0PA Contact Mary different venues around the two counties. Vicky Blades, [email protected] delighted audiences and raised much needed House, Baglan, SA12 8AU Lane, 07900 848003 [email protected] Contact: Nigel Howells, [email protected] funds for both the venue and the branch. Contact: Shelli Dawn, 01685 812779 32 / SUMMER 2017 www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2017 / 33 CONTACT EQUITY

SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES 020 7670 0207 ADVICE AND RIGHTS HELPLINE 020 7670 0223 LIVE PERFORMANCE HELP DESK BULLYING REPORTING LINE 020 7670 0237 020 7670 0268 RECORDED MEDIA HELP DESK BRITISH EQUITY COLLECTING SOCIETY 020 7670 0228 020 7670 0350

HEAD OFFICE: Guild house, Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9EG Tel: 020 7379 6000 Fax: 020 7379 7001 Email: [email protected] Web: www.equity.org.uk EQUITY OFFICERS: Malcolm Sinclair: President Ian Barritt: Vice President Maureen Beattie: Vice President Bryn Evans: Honorary Treasurer TRUSTEES: Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, Penelope Wilton, Johnny Worthy, Roy Hudd, Timothy West

EQUITY STAFF SOUTH EAST OFFICE Telephone: To call a member of Equity’s head office dial 020 7379 6000 and Will Holmes South East Organiser at the prompt press the asterix and dial the three figure extension in brackets Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG after the relevant name below. TEL: 020 7670 0229 EMAIL: [email protected] Email: To email a member of Equity’s head office type the initial and surname in lower case with no spaces followed by @equity.org.uk SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE Lorne Boswell Scotland and Northern Ireland GENERAL SECRETARY’S DEPT (fax 020 7379 6074) Adam Adnyana Organisers Equity, 114 Union Street, Glasgow G1 3QQ Christine Payne General Secretary (155) tel: 0141 248 2472 EMAIL: [email protected] Louise McMullan Department head, Policy Development Officer [email protected] & Assistant to General Secretary (160) Duncan Smith Head of Finance (130) NORTH WEST OFFICE: Jamie Briers North West Organiser Hamida Ali Equalities & Diversity Organiser (173) Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL TEL: 0161 244 5995 EMAIL: [email protected] Stephen Spence Deputy for the General Secretary, Industrial and Organising (133) NORTH EAST OFFICE: Max Beckmann North East Organiser Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL LIVE PERFORMANCE (fax 020 7670 0265) TEL: 0161 244 5995 EMAIL: [email protected] Hilary Hadley Department head, Opera & Dance Organiser (136) Mike Day Variety Organiser (135) WALES AND SOUTH WEST OFFICE Virginia Wilde West End Organiser (139) Simon Curtis Wales & South West Organiser Paul Fleming London Area Theatre Organiser (138) Equity, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD Emmanuel de Lange Independent theatre/Low Pay No Pay Organiser (137) TEL: 029 2039 7971 EMAIL: [email protected] [email protected]

RECORDED MEDIA (fax 020 7836 5313) MIDLANDS OFFICE: Ian Bayes Midlands Organiser John Barclay  Department head & PACT TV Organiser (146) Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG Claire Hood TV Organiser (152) TEL: 020 7670 0232 EMAIL: [email protected] Laura Messenger Films & Contract Enforcement Organiser (149) Cathy Sweet BBC & Radio Organiser (153) EQUITY MAGAZINE EDITORIAL Tim Gale TV Commercials Organiser (145) Phil Pemberton TEL: 020 7670 0211 EMAIL: [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERS SUPPORT (fax 020 7240 6341) EQUITY MAGAZINE PRINTING Matt Hood Assistant General Secretary (168) Jeremy Littlestone at TUInk TEL: 07810 825970 email: [email protected] Phil Pemberton Head of Communications, Department head (111) Louise Grainger Marketing and Training Officer (114) EQUITY MAGAZINE ADVERTISING: Lisa Ottway, Sales Manager, Ottway Alan Lean Tax and Welfare Rights Officer (157) Media Solutions TEL: 07958 046 147 EMAIL: [email protected] Emma Cotton Tax & Welfare Rights Organiser (151) Martin Kenny Legal Claims Referral Officer (125) Publication of an advertisement does not imply any form of recommendation. Organisations offering financial services or insurance are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and problems with such services should be taken up with the appropriate body. Equity cannot accept any liability for the quality of goods or services offered in advertisements.

SPECIAL ATTENTION LIST

The For Your Special Attention list is currently undergoing a review. For ongoing checks and information relating to the list please call 020 7670 0200 or email [email protected].

34 / SUMMER 2017 break a leg?

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