Equity in the News American Theatre

Here are five pieces of advice to help theatre in America look more like America today (and none of them include gratuitously changing a character’s race or ethnicity or claiming there “aren’t enough actors”).

Nothing is more important than the safety of our members. We can and do use every resource at our disposal to keep our members safe. In addition to the language in any specific contract, employers are obligated by law to maintain a workplace free from harassment and bullying. Equity takes that obligation seriously.

Actors’ Equity Association has announced that a new name has been chosen for the tradition formerly known as the “Gypsy Robe.” Moving forward, the Robe and tradition, in which the longest-performing chorus member of each Broadway show is honored on opening night with a colorful patchwork garment, will be referred to as the “Legacy Robe,” a name chosen by members in a survey.

It is fair to say that until last spring, very few people who are not directly connected to Broadway Theatre knew about the “Gypsy Robe”—that is, until Actors’ Equity Association announced in April that it would be renaming the decades-old ritual (the new name, “Legacy Robe,” was announced today).

On Wednesday, June 27, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on the case of Janus v. AFSCME. The majority opinion stated that public employees do not have to pay mandatory agency fees to unions, even if they benefit from the actions of those unions. Those fees usually cover the costs of collective bargaining, and are separate from the dues paid by members.