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Actors' Equity Association
@actorsequity.bsky.social
5.2K followers 320 following 500 posts
The American performing arts labor union representing professional theatre actors & stage managers since 1913. #EquityWorks
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actorsequity.bsky.social
Tomorrow is Equity Stage Manager Day! Enjoy today's fact drop and be sure to follow #equitystagemanagerday to hear from SMs from around the country.
Stage Managers need coverage too! If a stage manager gets sick, who will run the deck or call the show? Adequate subs and training for those subs are key to maintaining the health and safety of the whole company. (Do you want someone cueing a flying set piece without ever seeing the show?) There are often only one or two Equity stage managers on a production, so it can be easier for an employer to target them if an issue is raised. But when actors and stage managers support each other this can lead to safer, more productive, more sustainable work environments for ALL of us. (Many) Stage Managers appreciate getting credit for their work! If the entire production or artistic team is listed on a website or by a photo, then the Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager should be as well. Visibility matters in our industry! It’s important for Stage Managers to have boundaries to prevent exhaustion and burnout. Stage Managers shouldn’t be on call 24/7 and can handle non-emergent issues during normal span-of-day.
February 15, 2026 at 11:42 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Join us Monday, February 23rd for “Federal EEOC 101,” the next installment of the Embracing Equity Series.

RSVP in the member portal -
https://bit.ly/4rL2sdV
Embracing Equity event poster titled "Federal EEOC 101." Date: February 23. Time: 3:20 p.m. - 5 p.m. ET, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. CT, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. MT, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. PT.
February 14, 2026 at 3:42 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Sending all a very Happy Valentine's Day ❤️

Artwork from the archives of Equity News, February 1924. Art by A.J. Knorr.
February 14, 2026 at 2:46 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Equity Stage Manager Day is on February 16! Let's take a look at some more facts about stage managers' work.
A rendering of a headset with the text "Equity Stage Manager Day 2026" inside. Below is a fact: Stage Managers aren’t union representatives, even though they are often conduits for information. The elected Deputy for a production also covers stage managers. A rendering of a headset with the text "Equity Stage Manager Day 2026" inside. Below is a fact: After a show opens, it is the stage manager’s responsibility to maintain the artistic intentions of the directors and designers. This is why stage managers give notes. A rendering of a headset with the text "Equity Stage Manager Day 2026" inside. Below is a fact: Stage Managers are not the employer and do not hold the responsibilities of an employer. Even though stage managers may work more closely with the producer, they are employees in the exact same way actors are. A rendering of a headset with the text "Equity Stage Manager Day 2026" inside. Below is a fact: Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers work as a team to help fully realize the visions of multiple departments. SMs and ASMs have separate but complementary responsibilities on a production, which is why it is so important to have skilled workers in both of these positions.
February 14, 2026 at 12:42 AM
actorsequity.bsky.social
ICYMI – It's Black History Month! Keep an eye out for updates about upcoming Embracing Equity events, because the first half of 2026 is being dedicated to exploring labor law and Civil Rights to equip you with resources and tools to advocate for yourself in the workplace.
A circular graphic with a black background features the words "Equity Celebrates Black History Month" in colorful letters. The Actors' Equity Association logo is at the bottom. The background includes a gradient of red, yellow, and green.
February 13, 2026 at 10:27 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
In observance of Presidents Day, Equity's staff will be unavailable on Monday, February 16.
Regular hours resume on Tuesday, February 17.
Be sure to contact Equity staff before the holiday.
An American flag drapes across a background featuring images of U.S. presidents with historical figures. The text reads, "Equity Holiday Hours," alongside the Actors' Equity Association logo.
February 12, 2026 at 8:47 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Equity Stage Manager Day is in four days! Let's start the countdown with fact drop no. 1.
Text heavy graphic with a rendering of a headset and the text: Equity Stage Manager Day 2026 Fact February 16th 2026 is the 106th anniversary of the date when Actors’ Equity Association’s executive council carried a motion that changed contractual language to include Stage Managers and Assistant Stage Managers. Text heavy graphic with a rendering of a headset and the text: Equity Stage Manager Day 2026 Fact Many of our rulebooks have been clarified to read “Actors and Stage Managers”, but if they don’t, anytime you see the word Actor (with a capital A) this also refers to Stage Managers. Text heavy graphic with a rendering of a headset and the text: Equity Stage Manager Day 2026 Fact Stage Managers have a contractual right to participate in company votes (like approving the use of straight sixes or shortening the meal break). Text heavy graphic with a rendering of a headset and the text: Equity Stage Manager Day 2026 Fact Contractual rules apply to actors AND stage managers, unless it explicitly says otherwise. So those 5 or 10 minute breaks? Stage managers get to take those too (and can answer questions or reset props when they’re back from break!).
February 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Immigration resources are available in the member portal.
Equity members can now access a comprehensive guide on immigration rights, including a printable rights card and bystander intervention tips.

Log in for more - https://members.actorsequity.org/resources/know-your-immigration-rights
February 10, 2026 at 10:25 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
This Black History Month, we celebrate the partnership between the ongoing Labor and Civil Rights Movements, while acknowledging the ways that each movement has struggled with inclusion throughout their complicated and intertwined histories.

Learn more - https://bit.ly/4a9P2SU
Organized labor's complicated history with civil rights - Harvard Law School
Harvard Law Professor Kenneth Mack says that early unions often excluded Black workers, but that today's labor and social justice movements often ‘dovetail'.
hls.harvard.edu
February 10, 2026 at 3:33 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Important notice for Upcoming Member Portal Service Disruption -
Equity's databases will be offline from Thursday evening, February 12, through Tuesday morning, February 17. This means that certain member portal functions will be unavailable during this time.
https://bit.ly/3NY5dKz
Login
members.actorsequity.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:14 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Today we shine a spotlight on Evolution Theatre Company for stepping up their support for Equity actors and stage managers! Explore more #EquityWorks tales in The Organizing Voice. Check out the member portal for details.
https://bit.ly/4pMkawI
Evolution Theatre Company in Columbus, Ohio, agreed to an SPT-2 Agreement that improves the Equity onstage ratio from 18% to 22% and increases Equity salaries by 4%. This season will utilize six actor contracts, four stage manager contracts and one assistant stage manager contract.
February 9, 2026 at 6:09 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Since 2024, Michael X. Martin has been providing cartoons for Equity News, poking fun at working in the industry. And he knows about working in the industry – an Equity member since 1978, he has appeared in nearly 20 Broadway productions. Find the conversation in the portal -
https://bit.ly/4ks3WYm
One of Martin's cartoons from Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman.
February 8, 2026 at 5:11 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for January 2026 on the member portal.
https://bit.ly/4tnfkIM
An announcement graphic from the Actors' Equity Association featuring a "ghost light" (a single light bulb on a stand) glowing against a dark, gradient blue background. White text on the left reads: "Losses in the Equity membership community from January 2026 now posted in the member portal." The Actors' Equity Association logo, featuring the comedy and tragedy masks, is in the bottom left corner.
February 7, 2026 at 3:28 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Important reminder for upcoming member portal service disruption -

If you rely on a digital membership card, please take a screenshot of your card prior to February 12 when that service will be offline.
Text over blue - "Reminder - Take a screenshot of your digital membership card this week! Digital cards will be offline for a system upgrade February 12 – 17."
February 6, 2026 at 7:18 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Long overdue – the first time a major party’s Gubernatorial ticket is women-led in New York! https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/04/new-yorks-kathy-hochul-forms-first-all-women-ticket-selecting-adrienne-adams-as-her-running-mate-00764469
New York’s Kathy Hochul forms first women-led ticket, selecting Adrienne Adams as her running mate
The Democratic governor has struggled to find a lieutenant governor who has not caused political headaches during her time in office.
www.politico.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Reposted by Actors' Equity Association
kcunions.bsky.social
In response to President Donald Trump’s public announcement of a planned two-year shutdown of the Kennedy Center, Kennedy Center Arts Workers United issued the following joint statement: kennedycenterunions.org/statements-n...
February 3, 2026 at 2:35 AM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Equity mourns Woodie King Jr., who received both the LeNoire & Robeson Awards, which honored his commitment to theatre as an avenue for justice. He was a tireless advocate for our industry who left our community better than he found it.
https://deadline.com/2026/01/woodie-king-jr-dies-88-1236704669/
Woodie King Jr. Dies: ‘The Renaissance Man of Black Theater’ Who Advocated For Onstage Representation Was 88
Woodie King Jr., the theater actor, director and producer, who advocated for Black onstage representation, has died. He was 88.
deadline.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:50 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Happy Black History Month! Each February, we celebrate the artistic movements, diverse cultures and essential advocacy of Black Americans as we continue the fight for human and civil rights for all workers.
February 1, 2026 at 6:57 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Equity members gathered online on Monday, December 22 in appreciation of those who have passed away, share memories, swap stories and mourn together. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the recorded version - https://youtu.be/ZFEvL8l0sBk
In Memoriam – December 2025
YouTube video by Actors' Equity Association
youtu.be
January 31, 2026 at 3:44 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
The latest Theatre Spotlight brings us to Glencoe, Illinois, where Writers Theatre mounts ambitious productions in an intimate environment. Equity members spoke about why this Chicago Area Theatre company is a great place to work.
https://bit.ly/3ZFa3yC
Equity member Evan Tyrone Martin and the cast of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Photo by Liz Lauren. Text reads "Theatre Spotlight - Writers Theatre Glencoe, Illinois"
January 30, 2026 at 10:07 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Equity is currently investigating email delivery issues for Gmail users. In some instances, members are receiving emails 1-2 days late (in other cases, not at all). The communications and IT departments will continue working w/ all technology partners to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.
January 30, 2026 at 6:31 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
The Production Contract Committee is looking for new members! If you are currently working or have recently worked the Production Contract, apply here: https://members.actorsequity.org/get-involved/join-a-group
Login
members.actorsequity.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:27 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Join union members across NYC to mourn and celebrate the life of Alex Pretti and call for justice for all victims of ICE and Border Patrol.

📅 Thurs 1/29
⏰ 5PM
📍 VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, NYC
https://actionnetwork.org/events/vigil-for-alex-pretti?source=direct_link&
Poster for a vigil for Alex Pretti at VA NY Harbor Healthcare, featuring a photo of Alex Pretti and details of the event, with logos of supporting organizations like NYU, NYSNA and Equity among many others.
January 27, 2026 at 10:25 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Equity members with caregiving responsibilities can now request reimbursement for hiring caregiving services that allow them to volunteer for union business.

Visit the member portal to learn more. https://members.actorsequity.org/get-involved/union-governance/caregiver
Graphic promoting "Caregiver Reimbursement" by Actors' Equity Association, featuring a stylized heart held by two hands on a yellow background, with text "Making Union Service More Accessible."
January 26, 2026 at 3:01 PM
actorsequity.bsky.social
Due to the expected weather forecast, VITA is postponing the open house until Monday, February 2.

We ask that you would RSVP again, if you wish to attend the reschedule date. Visit the member portal for more - https://bit.ly/4sXEAFm
A promotional graphic for the VITA 50th Anniversary Open House. The text "RESCHEDULED: VITA 50TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE" is prominently displayed at the top. Below, it lists the new date as "2 February, 2026" from "02:00 PM - 05:00 PM." The background features a photo of tax documents, calculator keys, and a hand holding a pen. At the bottom, a text box explains that VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) helps Equity members with their taxes and is the only IRS-sponsored tax assistance program specializing in performers' tax returns, accompanied by the Actors' Equity Association logo.
January 26, 2026 at 1:13 PM