Equity Rules for regional non-profits

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 4/30/17 at 8:33am

Yesterday, we saw the excellent Noises Off at the San Francisco Playhouse. As is usually the case for productions from our local non-profit troupes, there were a number of Equity members in the cast. (In this case, six of the nine roles, plus the Stunt Captain)

I've heard that it's common for regional theatres to sign agreements with AEA to allow them to hire Equity members, although they aren't an equity house. I recall they were created with the expectation that the institution would ultimately become an equity house. (?) Yet, I think that the local institutions have been in that situation for decades. (Besides SF Playhouse and ROLT, stalwarts like ACT and Berkeley Rep) 

Can anyone explain briefly how these agreements work? I would assume the main advantage to union members is that they provide work (with a reduced, but guaranteed wage). For non-members, are there any advantages (besides the opportunity to learn from accomplished peers)?  Does it give them any credit that can work toward membership? Can AEA revoke the authorization, and is it common?

I've always wondered what's behind that asterisk. 

 

Updated On: 4/30/17 at 08:33 AM

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 4/30/17 at 9:30am

The simple answer is:  All Equity theatre operate on a tier or contract (usually based on the size of the theatre). Most regional theatre are on some variation of a "LORT" contract (League of Regional Theatre). LORT contracts are categorized on levels: "A" (top) to "D" (bottom) and each has different terms when it comes to pay rates and how many Equity performers the theatre is required to hire.

Almost all LORT contracts (except for perhaps "A"   allow for the hiring of some non-union talent.  Non union talent usually are offered the chance to obtain 'candidacy' points towards becoming full blown members.

Theatres in California often have their own special contracts with AEA.  The San Francisco Playhouse (upon a google search) operates under a contract called "Bay Area Theatre" and is a tier 4.  It is on a 70 / 30 professional / non professional ratio --with a guarantee that at least 3 actors and the stage manager be union.

This agreement (as you indicate in your original post) is designed to allow the theatre to grow into more AEA contracts with higher pay rates. A theatre may operate under each tier for 4 years (with the salary increasing each year).  The actor salary for Tier 4 is $580 a week for the actors (plus health and pension).

 

Here is the rulebook if it is of further interest...

 

https://www.actorsequity.org/docs/rulebooks/BAT_Rulebook_10-14.pdf

Updated On: 4/30/17 at 09:30 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 4/30/17 at 10:09am

It sounds like you may be referring to a Guest Artist or Special Appearance Agreement. These contracts are available to non-Equity companies that want to hire a few Equity members. They are application-based and both contracts do have more restrictions than a full Equity company would have. 

The advantage is that they provide at a reasonable cost a way for smaller companies to hire Equity talent and form a relationship with the union. It is often used as a step for the company on the way to becoming fully union in the future. Often, both the company and the Equity members want to work with each other and these contracts allow them to do so. 

Companies can generally use these agreements for as long as they wish; Equity will approach the company if they feel they are reaching a point where it would be beneficial to start talking about transitioning to full union terms. 

[ChairinMain]

Posted: 4/30/17 at 10:19am

Mark - So locally, the big equity houses are Berkely Rep, Center Rep, Cal Shakes, Aurora, Marin Theater Company, Theaterworks, Magic Theater and ACT. You might see some non-union performers there (most often at Berkeley Rep or Theaterworks) but they are mostly ensemble or understudy roles. Pretty much everyone else is on the contract system as described (very accurately) above. Smaller companies, like Hillbarn, Custom Made Theater or (I think) Cutting Ball, use Equity waivers, which means they are Non-union companies who can hire Equity talent infrequently. Ray of Light, which you mentioned above, does not; it's community theater and the cast is exclusively non-union.

Updated On: 4/30/17 at 10:19 AM