A union actor directing non union shows?
A union actor directing non union shows?
#1A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:18pm
Question-
an actor who is an active member of the Actors Equity Association in my community has been directing non union, community theatre in my area.
Is this legit? I feel like theres some moral union gray area here.
Admittedly, yes, I'm bitter. I've busted my ass to get in the union and I feel like this person is double dipping.
Thoughts?
musicals1989
Understudy Joined: 9/16/11
#2A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:21pm
AEA is for Actors--not directors. I know many AEA actors that direct/choreograph non-AEA shows. I'm not sure I understand why this is a big deal to you?
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#3A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:22pm
He's not acting, so equity has not bearing on what else he does. What union card do you have?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Updated On: 5/26/17 at 02:22 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#4A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:24pm
Plenty of union actors direct.
Thats how they pay the bills cause it sure ain't gonna cover it with acting.
#5A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:29pm
Fair enough. Being in AEA, I was under the impression I couldn't work on non union shows in any capacity.
If this person is directing I guess I should start, too.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#6A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:34pm
For the most part no, Equity will not interfere with its members who are directing or choreographing non-union projects. The only exception is if that member is doing so for a non-union tour.
#7A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:36pm
when you say community theatre, are you referring to something other than amateur theatre? Because there is not even a "moral" issue in that case. (non-union meaning professional)
Updated On: 5/26/17 at 02:36 PM
BroadwayRox3588
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/16
#8A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:38pm
My first show (in 6th grade) was directed by an AEA member. No issue.
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#9A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 5:59pm
Lots of union members recreate stuff for non-union tours. I know Stroman went into a run-through of the non-union Bullets Over Broadway.
trpguyy
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/25/05
#10A union actor directing non union shows?
Posted: 5/26/17 at 6:12pm
AEA AGMA SM said: "For the most part no, Equity will not interfere with its members who are directing or choreographing non-union projects. The only exception is if that member is doing so for a non-union tour. "
Has that actually happened? An AEA council member recently directed a non-AEA tour, and there was plenty of outcry, but I don't believe AEA had anything to say or do about it. Because directing is not in their jurisdiction.
