When Equity performers are in Not Equity, but union productions

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 10/22/17 at 2:35pm

When an equity/broadway actor, like Laura Osnes, does a production at the Lyric opera in Chicago does AEA still represent the interests of Laura and other Equity actors. Or does the AGMA takeover? Also, would this be similar to when broadway actors perform on the West End?

Updated On: 10/22/17 at 02:35 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/22/17 at 2:44pm

From Equity's Site:

 

What about shows not in Equity's jurisdiction?
You should call Equity and ask. Sometimes the producer will say it is covered by Equity, but it’s not. Sometimes the work is in an area Equity is attempting to organize. Sometimes it is in the jurisdiction of a sister union. In any case, you may not accept the employment.
Actors' Equity, SAG-AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and the Italian Actors' Union are all part of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (the "4As", and as such, we recognize, respect and support each other’s efforts to organize and negotiate fair and equitable contracts. As a member of any 4A's union, you are bound by your union's constitution to uphold these provisions. If you do not do so, you can be disciplined under the 4As charter, which specifically calls for the discipline of members of one union who are working without contract in the jurisdiction of another union.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/22/17 at 2:54pm

I realize that doesn't fully answer your question.

[SueBee06]

Posted: 10/23/17 at 12:15pm

I believe the Lyric Opera is under an AGMA contract, so I think that's what she would fall under. I know Equity used to occasionally grant waivers for AEA members to do non AEA shows, but I have no idea if that is still the case.

[Dover]

Posted: 10/24/17 at 10:57am

If you're doing a show that's considered to not be under Equity's jurisdiction (like an opera, a dance piece, a concert, TV/film, etc.) then AEA isn't involved because they have no authority over that type of performance. If the work is covered by another union, then the AEA actor would be working under that union's contract for that show. As dramamama611's post said, there's a whole thing about not working non-union in a sister union's jurisdiction, which, frankly, a lot of AEA members don't think about when they take work, and it can be hard to enforce. 

And there's also the issue of some types of performance which fall into grey areas of whether it's legit theatre or something else. In that case it would be up to the discretion of Equity reps to examine the individual work and decide if they want to claim it's in their jurisdiction and try to organize it, or bar members from working on it.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/24/17 at 1:40pm

once again there is a lot of information in this thread that's incorrect, incomplete, etc. 

AEA and AGMA have an agreement in place, and a close working relationship that extends well beyond the 4As. At the foundation, it establishes jurisdiction on Broadway for AEA and in opera and ballet houses for AGMA. There is co-auditioning and a lot more worked out, and a basic cooperation on the nuances. And of course it works in both directions. 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/24/17 at 2:28pm

Lyric Opera of Chicago is indeed under an AGMA contract, and when AEA members perform in their shows, they are required to join AGMA (as are non-AEA members).