Broadway actors are preparing to strike, a move that could shut down 32 shows just as theater attendance reaches its busiest season. The union representing about 900 performers and stage managers, Actors’ Equity, says it has yet to reach a new contract agreement with the Broadway League, which represents theater owners and producers. Their previous three-year contract expired on September 28.
Related posts:
The main issue in the talks is health care. Actors’ Equity wants the Broadway League to increase its contribution to the union’s health care fund, which is projected to run a deficit by next May.
Al Vincent Jr., executive director and lead negotiator for Actors’ Equity, said the contribution rate hasn’t changed in over a decade. “Smaller regional theaters in Kansas and Idaho oftentimes pay more,” he added.
Actors’ Equity President Brooke Shields said, “Asking our employers to care for our bodies, and to pay their fair share toward our health insurance is not only reasonable and necessary, it’s an investment they should want to make toward the long-term success of their businesses.” Shields also shared that she tore her meniscus on a Broadway show and continued dancing on it “painfully” for three months.
“That’s just math. There are no Broadway shows without healthy Broadway actors and stage managers. And there are no healthy actors and stage managers without safe workplaces and stable health insurance,” Shields said.
The Broadway League said it remains committed to reaching an agreement. “We all want to sustain the magic of Broadway for our audience,” the league said. “We are continuing good-faith negotiations with Actors Equity to reach a fair agreement that works for Broadway shows, casts, crews and the millions of people from around the world who come to experience Broadway.”
The union has already authorized a strike and recently began handing out “strike pledge cards” to actors and stage managers to build support.
Kaylin Seckel, an ensemble member of Disney’s The Lion King and understudy to Nala and Sarabi, shared her experience after rupturing her Achilles tendon during a 2022 performance. She said she still needs ongoing medical treatment that was denied under workers’ compensation. “Without really good health insurance, it’s difficult for us to do our jobs,” Seckel said.
The last major Actors’ Equity strike took place in 1968, shutting down 19 Broadway shows over three days. The New York City mayor stepped in to help both sides reach an agreement.
This story is based on reporting by Dawn Chmielewski for Reuters.
Stay locked in to PalabasTayo.com for your daily dose of film, TV, music, art, fashion, food, and all things lifestyle and entertainment like this. You may also follow and subscribe to our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kumu.
