Actors’ Equity Association (Equity), the national union of stage actors and stage managers, and The Broadway League (League), the national trade association for the Broadway and touring industry, have successfully reached a new 39-month tentative agreement for their Production Contract.  This collective bargaining agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for actors and stage managers working in commercial Broadway and touring productions. Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc. is a coordinated bargaining partner to this agreement.

Highlights of the agreement include:

Over 11 ¼ percent increase in the overall compensation package over the life of the contract, including minimum salary as well as health and pension; The agreement is for 39 months (three 13-month years), expiring in September of 2011; More flexibility in publicity and promotion, allowing producers to pursue new avenues of marketing shows to a wider audience through digital and traditional means, while providing actors a monetary acknowledgement of their participation and rights; and A revised touring arrangement that seeks to promote more League touring productions that will provide more employment for Equity members.

The terms of the new contract will be reviewed by Council, Equity’s governing body, for recommendation.  It will then be sent to those Equity members who have worked under Production Contract since 2000 and are eligible to vote.  Once ratified by both sides, the contract will be retroactive to June 30, 2008.

“In two months of tough bargaining, we achieved an excellent contract with significant gains for every Equity member working on Broadway and the road,” said John P. Connolly, Equity’s Executive Director. “Together, actors and producers worked tirelessly to craft an agreement that grows our business and takes care of our community and our audiences. It is this same kind of creative partnership and innovative approach that imbues Broadway and touring productions with the magic that is live theater.”

“The collaborative spirit that prevailed throughout the talks allowed both sides to present their issues, understand the others’ concerns and negotiate a new contract that serves the industry and the theater-going public,” commented Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director, The Broadway League.  “We resolved a number of important issues and Broadway and touring Broadway are stronger for it. We were encouraged by the process and are delighted by the result.”

Founded in 1913, Equity represents more than 47,000 stage actors and stage managers in the United States.  Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. 

The Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The 600-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the commercial theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to more than 30 million people in New York and more than 240 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Broadway contributes more than $5.1 billion to the New York City economy.