Theatres are Dropping their Union Status to Defy Safety Measures

While many regional theatres across the country continue to be closed due to the pandemic, some aren’t being so patient. In fact, some are so desperate to reopen, they’re dropping their Equity status so they don’t have to adhere to the union’s safety protocols.

As of today, four theatres around the country have moved in such a bold direction - Alhambra Theatre & Dining in FL, American Shakespeare Center in VA, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in IN, and Surflight Theatre in NJ. They are all moving forward with their performance schedules this summer.

While some have detailed safety protocols of their own, such as American Shakespeare Center, others aren’t clear on what their plans are, such as Surflight Theatre, and some don’t have any plans listed at all (Alhambra Theatre & Dining).

But what should be mentioned here is that none of these theatres had their plans approved by Actor’s Equity, which should indicate that there were flaws with their plans.

The union has issued the following statement on the matter:

Actors’ Equity Association ensures that theaters have workplace safety rules and terms and conditions that allow actors and stage managers to give their all for the audience night after night. That means fair compensation and safer theaters for everyone.

Shamefully, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some theaters have decided to abandon their commitment to the members of Actors' Equity. Despite Equity's willingness to collaborate, these producers insisted on moving forward on timelines that make collaborating to ensure a safe workplace impossible. These producers have decided to water down their health and safety standards by no longer using Actors’ Equity agreements.

I fully understand the desperation on employees to get back to work and earn a living. But these things have to be done with everyone on board. The last thing I want is a performer to get sick because a theatre was too stupid to institute safety protocols approved by the union’s health experts.

I should also mention that the union is approving safety plans. They’ve already approved proposals from the Barrington Stage Company and the Berkshire Theatre Group. Getting AEA’s approval is not something so impossible that these theatres need to do something so desperate and dangerous.

I spoke to one performer cast in a show at one of these theatres who told me she’s terrified to go out on stage and perform, but the need for a paycheck is too great right now. I completely understand where she and other performers are coming from. But if you’re employer is being reckless with your health, is it worth it?

I urge anyone who patrons these theatres, not to visit these establishments right now. No performance of “Beehive” is worth getting sick and dying over.