Press Releases

Actors' Equity Association, the national labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, released the following statement regarding troubling reports that some theaters are looking to begin production as soon as May 6.

Walt Disney World was one of many entertainment venues shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, April 13, Actors' Equity Association finalized negotiations with Walt Disney World regarding terms for furloughed members.

National Council Unanimously Approves Dues Relief; Extends Time to Pay and Waives Late Fees Following Emergency Council Meeting.

Actors’ Equity Association released the following statement after the New York State Department of Labor reported that arts and entertainment workers accounted for 14,480 new unemployment insurance claims for the week ending March 28, 2020, alone. These claims are up an astounding 3,880 percent compared to last year, making it the industry with the third-highest increase of claims in the state.

Bill Boosts Weekly Unemployment Benefit by $600 and Includes New Triggers to File for Unemployment for Those Who Accepted Offers for Productions Postponed by COVID-19 Before Work Started

Senate Bill Boosts Weekly Unemployment Benefit by $600 and Includes New Triggers to File for Unemployment for Those Who Accepted Offers But Productions Were Postponed by COVID-19 Before They Started Work

Equity will contribute $500,000 and match another $250,000 in contributions; Funds raised will support members at risk due to work cancellations in the effort to contain COVID-19.

From Brandon Lorenz, National Director of Communications and Public Policy: “Countless actors, stage managers and everyone who work in arts and entertainment are out of work and wondering how they will make their next rent payment. We are grateful for the leadership of Rep. Schiff and all the members of Congress who have made it clear they understand arts workers need to be protected during this unprecedented health emergency. We will continue to work in partnership with other entertainment unions to make the case that Congress must act.”

In response to the public health crisis brought on by COVID-19 (coronavirus), members of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG) issued the following statement.

With a number of states and cities under a ban on public gatherings, Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has made new remote work agreements available for select producers to capture and make a performance available online for one-time viewing to ticket buyers.