History and Awards

AEA 90th Anniversary Timeline

In 2003 Actors' Equity Association celebrated its 90th Anniversary and commissioned Peter Royston to create the AEA Timeline. The timeline is a great resource for understanding and appreciating the struggles and triumphs of Actors' Equity and the American Theatre.

Click here to view the timeline.

Click here for a brief Historical Overview.

Equity Awards

Clarence Derwent and Rosetta LeNoire

Actors' Equity and/or the Actors' Equity Foundation administer several prestigious awards, at the national and regional level, that acknowedge the accomplishments of our members. The awards were established to honor performers or individuals who have shown dedication to the American theatre and the mission of AEA, such as Clarence Derwent, Lucy Jordan, Rosetta LeNoire, Paul Robeson and others.

Click here to see all the awards.

Gypsy Robes

The ritual of the Gypsy Robe takes place on the stage of every Broadway musical on opening night, before the audience is admitted. It began in 1950 when Bill Bradley, in the chorus of GENTLEMAN PREFER BLONDES, persuaded a chorus girl...read more...