Like any industry, the theater is subject to the pressures of commercialism. As a response to abuse from producers and theater management, unions have formed in the performing arts as in other industries. The main union for live theater performers is called the Actor's Equity Association, or simply Equity.
What is Actor’s Equity?
The Actor’s Equity Association, or AEA, is a labor union that represents over 45,000 stage actors and stage managers in the United States. Founded in 1913, the union provides a variety of benefits and protections for members, including health insurance, a minimum salary, and many others.
What are some of the rules of Actor’s Equity?
Rules for members of Actor’s Equity include:
• Do not rehearse or perform without a signed Equity contract
• Give your best possible performance
• Maintain your performance as directed or choreographed
• Make no unauthorized changes to costume, make-up, or hairstyle.
• Take proper care of costumes
• Appear at all curtain calls as directed
• Be on time for rehearsals and the scheduled half-hour (actors are required to arrive at the theater at least half an hour before a performance); notify the Stage Manager before half-hour if you are ill or unable to reach the theater on time.
• Observe the rules as posted on the callboard and fully cooperate with the Stage Manager
• Consult the Deputy (all Equity productions are required to have a cast member who is elected as “Equity Deputy” and who must make sure all Equity rules are followed) and Stage Manager in case of disputes. If disagreements cannot be resolved by the Deputy and/or the Stage Manager, you have recourse to appeal to the staff, Equity executives, the Regional Boards and, ultimately, to the Council.
Equity rules also prohibit members from working, with or without pay, without an Equity contract without express permission. This rule is so important that violation will subject the actor in question to serious disciplinary actions, as violation weakens the entire Equity structure and undercuts all union agreements. Equity also requires members to honor the equivalent rules of its sister unions (SAG, AFTRA, AGMA, and AGVA). ("About Equity" PDF file, 15-16)
What is the history of Actor’s Equity?
According to “About Equity”, a handbook published by the AEA,
“Actors’ Equity was formed in New York City on May 26, 1913. For many years, exploitation had been a permanent condition of actors’ employment. Theatrical producers set their own work conditions, there was no required minimum level of compensation, no payments for rehearsal, and rehearsals were unlimited. Actors in a failed company were often left stranded in a town miles from home, costumes were furnished by the actor, holiday matinees were numerous and performed without pay, productions closed during lean weeks, and dismissal took place without any notice to the actors.
“Previous attempts by individual actors to organize in order to rectify these abuses had been unsuccessful. However, by May 1913, a committee of actors drafted a constitution for what was to become Actors’ Equity Association. Equity’s beginnings were shaky, but it gained strength and, on July 18, 1919, the American Federation of Labor (later to be the AFL-CIO) granted a charter to the newly formed 4As.
“In 1919, Equity called the first strike in the history of the American theatre. The main issue was recognition of Equity as the actors’ representative. The strike lasted 30 days, spread to eight cities, closed 37 plays, prevented the opening of 16 others, and cost all concerned millions of dollars. Members of the chorus joined the fight along with actors, and five days after the strike began Chorus Equity was formed. When it ended, the employers signed a five-year agreement that included most of Equity’s demands. (Actors’ Equity and Chorus Equity merged in 1955.)
“Equity has consistently been a leader in the area of civil rights. In 1947, the National Theatre in Washington, DC barred black audience members, and Equity ruled that its members would not perform on that stage. The theatre closed, reopening five years later with a non-discrimination policy. Employers agreed in 1961 that no actor would be required to perform in any theatre where discrimination is practiced against any actor or patron because of race, creed or color. This policy has since been extended to prohibit discrimination based on gender, political belief or sexual orientation.
“Equity has made historic strides to better the lot of those who embrace theatre as their calling. It also champions the preservation of historic theatres as a vital component of our cultural heritage. Adopted over 85 years ago, Equity’s Constitution states that the goal of the Association is “to advance, promote, foster, and benefit all those
connected with the art of the theatre.” This straightforward directive still remains the finest statement of Equity’s mission.” ("About Equity" PDF file, 26-28)
What are some of the benefits that Actor’s Equity provides?
Actor’s Equity provides a host of benefits and protections to its member actors and stage managers. These benefits and protections are divided into two sections, contract benefits and membership benefits. Contract benefits include:
• Minimum salaries (negotiated rates, overtime, extra pay for additional duties, free housing or per diem on tour)
• Work rules (length of day, breaks, days off, safe and sanitary conditions)
• Health, pension and 401(k) benefits
• Dispute resolution (including recourse to impartial and binding arbitration)
• Just cause (penalties for improper dismissal)
• Bonding (guaranteeing payments to the Actors if the producer becomes insolvent or defaults)
• Supplemental Workers' Comp insurance, which provides additional compensation over-and-above Workers' Comp if you're injured on the job.
Membership benefits include:
• Equity-only auditions via casting call and Equity hotlines
• Agency regulations
• Member discounts, the Equity News and website
• Seminars and special events
• Professional name protection
• Tax assistance through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
• Voting privileges
• Unemployment assistance
These are not the only benefits available. Members have access to a host of resources and assistance from the Equity staff and associated organizations, such as the Actor’s Fund, Career Transition for Dancers, the Actors Federal Credit Union (AFCU) and the AFL-CIO. (Actor’s Equity Association Benefits)
Interview with Chip Philips, Equity Deputy for "Beauty and the Beast"
Click here to watch the interview.