Theater News

Equity and League Trade Statements But Talks Have Not Yet Resumed

At approximately 7:30pm this evening, Actors’ Equity Association issued a statement that “The Equity Council, the governing body of Actors’ Equity Association, has
determined that [Broadway] actors will report to the theaters on Wednesday for both performances and will continue to do so until further notice. The Council continues to meet at press time. No further information is available.”

In response, at about 8pm, the League of American Theatres and Producers released the following statement: “We are pleased that Equity has decided that Broadway will continue to perform, but it is imperative for Equity to get back to the bargaining table with us so that we can perform in the negotiations.”

Both sides have been involved in contract negotiations that largely revolve around two hot-button issues: (1) the proliferation of non-Equity touring productions and (2) health care benefits for AEA members. Negotiations broke down on Sunday night and did not resume today. The actors governed by Equity’s Production Contract are continuing to perform until further notice but a strike remains a possibility.

If Equity does strike, the vast majority of Broadway shows would cease performances. The only exceptions would be the Roundabout’s After the Fall and Assassins, Lincoln Center Theater’s The Frogs, and Manhattan Theatre Club’s Sight Unseen. The actors in these shows are covered by special LORT contracts for limited-run productions by not-for-profit companies rather than under the Production Contract that normally applies to Broadway shows.