RWS Enters Into Equity Agreement

RWS and Associates Entertainment, Inc. ("RWS") and Actors' Equity Association ("Equity") are pleased to announce the creation of an unprecedented agreement allowing RWS to employ Equity members. Both parties are thrilled to begin a formal relationship that will provide more employment opportunities for professional performers.

RWS is an EMMY® Award-winning production firm headquartered in Times Square that produces entertainment for amusement parks, corporations, and retail centers across the country. Actors' Equity Association is the labor union that represents more than 49,000 professional Stage Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Ryan Stana, the CEO of RWS and Associates states, "As an Equity member myself, it has been a goal of mine since founding RWS to reach an agreement with the Union. I feel it is important to not only provide employment opportunities for professional actors but also establish a training ground that will assist emerging performers who are working towards receiving their Equity cards. As a premiere Production Company in the entertainment industry, I felt it was our responsibility to pave the way."

Flora Stamatiades, Equity's National Director, Organizing & Special Projects, said "We are very pleased to enter this partnership with RWS and Associates, allowing Equity Actors and Stage Managers the opportunity to work in their productions under this new contract. This is truly an exciting move forward for both Equity and RWS."

This agreement will go into effect in 2012 with select RWS productions. Additional details will be announced this December.