Theater News

Happy 100th Birthday Actors’ Equity!

The oldest performing arts labor union celebrates its centennial.

New York City

Actors' Equity logo, courtesy of Actors' Equity.
Actors’ Equity logo, courtesy of Actors’ Equity.

Sunday, May 26, 2013 marks the 100th birthday of Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union that represents over 49,000 professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States.

AEA was established in 1913 by a group of 112 actors who wanted to improve the unsuitable wages and working conditions commonly endured by professional actors and stage managers at that time. For the past century, the union has fought on behalf of several other political and social causes including civil rights, marriage equality, and the battle against AIDS with its “Equity Fights AIDS” campaign.

“On this defining centenary anniversary, we thank our founding brothers and sisters who fought tirelessly for fair wages and safe working conditions for our members,” said AEA President Nick Wyman. “We have triumphed, and together we have brought dignity, respect, and professionalism to our trade. We have made the Equity card a badge of honor and career achievement…We have created a legacy not only for ourselves, but for new generations of members.”

Click here to read TheaterMania’s recent Special Report commemorating 100 years of Actors’ Equity.