Jack Goldstein
photo by David Lotz

Jack Goldstein, a noted public policy, urban affairs and arts consultant, has been retained by Actors' Equity Association to advise and advocate for the Association in areas of health care reform, public policy and local, state and federal legislative matters, and public opinion. Actors' Equity is the union for professional actors and stage managers in the live theatre, with over 45,000 members nationwide. Mr. Goldstein will also develop resources and funding for the Actors' Equity Foundation.

The announcement was made by Equity Executive Director Alan Eisenberg following the Equity Council meeting October 21, 2003. "We are very fortunate to have Jack Goldstein back with us, to advocate for the Association in these important areas. His expertise as well as vast experience in our industry will benefit our entire membership," emphasized Eisenberg

Equity President, Patrick Quinn, added "I am elated that Jack will be working with us at Equity again, especially with regards to the health care crisis that is crippling our nation, and affecting so many members of our union. I have total faith in his talents and look forward to his expert guidance."

Goldstein has worked with Actors' Equity in a variety of capacities for over twenty years, first as the Executive Director for Save The Theatres, Inc (1983-1988); then as Equity's Government Affairs Advisor and Coordinator of the Broadway Initiative (1993 to 1998). He served as the Executive Director of the Theater Development Fund from 1998 to 2001, and three years ago, established a consulting practice specializing in public policy, urban affairs and the arts.

Mr. Goldstein's responsibilities will fall into three areas:

1. Develop and promote a public policy strategy centered on heath care reform, working in concert with other entertainment unions, organizations, coalitions and committees to win greater insurance coverage for performers. As part of his duties, Goldstein will act as Equity's liaison with government officials at the local, state and national level, representing Equity's concerns and positions, participating in coalition meetings, and reporting to Equity's National Heath Care Committee, co-chaired by First Vice President Mark Zimmerman and Eastern Regional Vice President Arne Gundersen. "Equity's membership has to be kept informed and mobilized to support enlightened health care policies," he said. "While health care is the focus, I will also be tracking the Unions' s interests in tax reform for performers and other public policies that will serve the interests of the Equity's membership."
2. To work with the Board of the Actors' Equity Foundation to examine ways that projects of the Foundation can support the immediate and future needs of the membership, and suggest ways to increase the Foundation's resources and funding. The Foundation's President is Councillor Emeritus Carl Harms.
3. To advise the President and the Executive Director concerning public opinion about Actors' Equity, evaluating the impact of the union's actions and policies in order to improve its ability to serve its membership effectively.

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