Equity in the News Coronavirus

SAG-AFTRA’s “war” with Equity; deferred compensation agreements mean less health care for Equity members.

The two biggest unions that represent actors are currently fighting. The conflict concerns who should handle the contracts for theater productions that are recorded for streaming. Actors’ Equity Association has accused SAG-AFTRA of taking theater productions that it would normally cover with its contracts.

With a possible second wave of COVID-19 cases on the horizon as the result of new hotspots of the coronavirus emerging throughout New York City, The Broadway League has announced that theater performances are expected to remain postponed until June 1, 2021.

Broadway will remain closed through at least May 30, 2021, the Broadway League announced Friday. The four-month extension beyond the most recent January date will force producers hoping for a spring opening to come up with new plans.

Broadway theaters will remain closed through May 30, 2021 and possibly beyond, the Broadway League announced Oct. 9. The news, an inevitability that does not make it sting less, adds four months to the previously announced January reopening aim. All Broadway shows have been suspended since March of this year.

"This is a deeply painful time for everyone who depends on the arts for their livelihood."

Fans of Broadway will have to wait a little longer for shows to resume — until at least late May.

Equity stage managers have reported having contracts cancelled entirely when a theatre signs with SAG-AFTRA instead of Equity.

At issue: Who should represent performers and stage managers when theater is recorded and streamed, one of the few viable options during the pandemic.

Leaders of SAG-AFTRA are in a bitter jurisdictional battle with Actors' Equity over which union should cover the taping of live events.