We're taking a break from our regularly scheduled post to talk about something that's happening right now, and happening fast.
There's a debate going on between LA actors and Actors' Equity, the union that covers theater, over the future of small theater (or "99 seat theater") in this city. The decisions made over the next few weeks will affect all LA actors for years to come, whether you're an Equity member, SAG/AFTRA member, stage actor, or none of the above.
Here are some links where you can learn about what's happening, and get involved if you so choose:
- The actual documents detailing Equity's proposed changes to the 99-seat plan
- I Love 99 website for actors and others to learn more and find out how to help
- LA Weekly article on the effects of the Equity Proposal
- Playbill article about the proposal and likely consequences (in which, full disclosure, I am quoted)
- Response to the proposal from LA Stage Alliance
- Response to the proposal from LA Drama Critics Circle
Part of being an working actor is being an informed actor, even when it doesn't seem like the issue affects us directly.
Next week, part two of the Anatomy of a Booking series... Going to Producers!