Equity in the News Coronavirus

Actors’ Equity has temporarily paused its consideration of safety plans for live theater productions in California as the state battles unprecedented infection rates of Covid-19.

There are currently no Equity-approved theatrical productions running in California.

The rat really raked it in — for a good cause.

"We know how hard the community has been hit here," Law & Order: SVU showrunner Warren Leight said.

Last spring, in the early days of Broadway’s Covid-19 pandemic shutdown, news reports and industry chatter referred to an eventual (and, it seemed, imminent) reopening as if a light switch would be flipped and the marquees of all 41 theaters would light up the Midtown night. Actors had left their dressing rooms full of the usual personal stuff — street clothes, photos, charms — as if they’d soon be back from a long holiday weekend.

After months of development, Actors' Equity has published four new worksheets detailing Covid-19 safety guidelines for live productions.

“Senator Schumer himself said, 'We can and should do better,' and I agree,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors' Equity Association.

Actors’ Equity is extending its policy of flexible dues paying periods.

Over 850,000 Americans have newly applied for unemployment in the last week, the highest it has been since September, and a jump of over 100,000 from the week prior.

Latino artists report lower rates of health insurance, greater economic losses and higher unemployment. A higher number of them have seen their health or their family’s health directly impacted by COVID-19.