Mary McColl News

Black Theatre United has engaged Christina Alexander of Alexander Consulting Group to create a digital Unconscious Bias and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging (EDIAB) training program for use by the entire theatrical industry.

Everyone knows it is tough times for the theater industry. Broadway’s indeed thankfully back, but amid rising Covid cases wreaking havoc on casts and keeping audiences away, the return has not been smooth. And now the theater industry has entered the cold winter months, traditionally tough times at the box office. So when the producers of MRS. DOUBTFIRE announced the show was taking a “hiatus” – as the press release read – from January 10 through March 14, theater insiders could understand why. But nothing is as simple as it seems. The decision shines a spotlight on the tense relationship between Broadway producers and Broadway’s 14 unions in these difficult times.

Actors’ Equity Association, the national union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has named Alvin Vincent, Jr. to be its 12th executive director. He assumes the role on February 1. 

Actors’ Equity Association has named Regina Mincey-Garlin the new assistant executive director for finance and administration, effective January 1, 2022. 

Actors’ Equity Association has named Alison Harma the new assistant executive director for the union in the Western region, effective December 4. 

Actors’ Equity Association has named Stefanie Frey as its new mobilization director, effective December 1. Frey has previously worked for Equity as a national organizer, and in that time took a leading role on several major union initiatives.

Joining the board at its annual fall meeting on October 7, 2021, were music director Ted Arthur, City National Bank Executive Vice President Linda Duncombe, actor Mandy Gonzalez, lyricist/composer Amanda Green, Times Square Alliance Executive Director Tom Harris, stage manager Kenneth J. McGee and actor John Eric Parker.

The Founding Members of Black Theatre United (BTU) announce the release of their historic New Deal For Broadway, establishing industry-wide standards and reforms around Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging (EDIAB) with a focus on Black individuals in theatre.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to deliver a contract that addresses the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes new workplace safety guidelines and long-term financial stability for actors, stage managers and producers.

Actors’ Equity Association and the Broadway League have announced an agreement on safety protocols for Production Contract shows on Broadway and in sit-down productions across the country. This news comes as Pass Over, the first Broadway play set to resume performances, moves into the August Wilson Theatre today for rehearsals. 

As the assistant executive director based in New York, she will oversee the union's operations in 20 states and Washington, D.C., including collective bargaining, contract administration and staff management and development. As part of the executive team, she will work alongside the executive director and assistant executive directors in the central and western regions to build a more equitable and effective union emerging from the pandemic. 

The National Energy Management Institute and Actors’ Equity Association have partnered to release a new model ventilation standard for live performance spaces. The new specification provides new real-world guidance for how venue operators can ensure a safe workplace and indoor air quality for both workers and audience members alike.

As Black Theatre United (BTU) marks its first year since the organization’s creation, the Founding Members have just announced they held a three-month Commercial Theatre Summit from March to June 2021 to establish industry- wide standards around Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging (EDIAB) with a focus on Black individuals in theatre as we move into the future.

It is 2021, but some in the Spanish speaking community still feel like they are not properly represented by Actors’ Equity Association (AEA). And they’ve been fighting for years. Strides were made at the delegate convention in late April, but there is still a distance to travel.

It has been announced that Mary McColl, the current executive director of Actors' Equity Association, has decided not to seek a new contract when her contract expires in January 2022. McColl made her announcement to staff and officers of the union today. 

Actors’ Equity Association has released a statement in response to the announcement that Broadway will start selling tickets for Fall 2021 performances. “Today’s news means we are one step closer to the safe reopening of not just Broadway, but jobs for thousands of workers in the New York area,” said Mary McColl.

Actors' Equity Association has released a statement in response to the announcement that New York State would be ending restrictions on capacities in businesses, including theatre, for vaccinated attendees beginning May 19.

Delegates met remotely to recommend policy for the future of the union in accordance with the convention's theme: “Equity: Solidarity in a New Era”.

Actors' Equity Association has released a statement from Executive Director Mary McColl in response to the announcement that in the midst of the Scott Rudin controversy, the Producers Guild of America has created a new task force dedicated to combating workplace harassment.

As outrage over the accusations surrounding Broadway producer Scott Rudin continues, Actors' Equity is speaking out about how it will handle Rudin-produced projects moving forward. Many have called upon Equity to place Rudin on its 'Do Not Work' list, essentially barring the union's members from employment in his productions.