Actors' Equity Association

Attention: As of May 8, 2026, EMCs will no longer be recognized for prioritized audition access and will be seen on the same basis as other non-Equity actors. As an EMC, you qualify for full Equity membership under the Open Access Policy. Visit actorsequity.org/join for more information.

Important reminder regarding the EMC program: As of May 8, 2026, EMCs will no longer be recognized for prioritized audition access and will be seen on the same basis as other non-Equity actors.
Visit actorsequity.org/join for more information.

The image features a blue gradient background with the following text and details: Headline: "ORLANDO • THURSDAY, MARCH 12. MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROST AND SOTO." Event Details: A description invites attendees to a discussion and meet and greet on Thursday, March 12, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Orlando Equity Office. It also notes that "Lunch will be provided!" Featured Speakers: Two headshots are shown on the left—Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Darren Soto (FL-9)—both pictured in professional attire against an American flag background. Call to Action: "PLEASE REGISTER" followed by the URL actorsequity.org/FrostSotoEvent. Logo: The Actors' Equity Association logo (a stylized mask) is in the bottom right corner.

Please join us in-person on Thursday, March 12 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for a discussion and meet and greet with Congressmembers Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Darren Soto (FL-9) at the Orlando Equity Office.

RSVP in the member portal.
https://bit.ly/4uaUFIx

A graphic featuring a white circular center on a blue background. The text "UNITED FOR THE ARTS" is stacked in the middle, with "UNITED" and "FOR THE" in black and "THE ARTS" in large blue letters. Surrounding the text are the logos of 12 entertainment and labor unions, including Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, Writers Guild of America East, IATSE, and the Directors Guild of America. At the bottom, the logo for DPE (Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO) is centered below the circle.

Increased funding for the NEA and NEH each in FY27 gets us closer to a full funding level of $1 per capita. Contact your U.S. Representative and ask them to sign the FY27 NEA and NEH appropriations request letters today. https://bit.ly/4cJozgT

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 February 2026 now posted in the member portal." The Actors' Equity Association logo, featuring the comedy and tragedy masks, is in the bottom left corner.

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 February 2026 on the member portal.
https://bit.ly/40GHO37

A purple-themed image features silhouettes of four overlapping profiles inside a circle on the left. On the right, text reads "Equity Celebrates Women's History Month." The logo of Actors' Equity Association is at the bottom, displaying their name and the year 1913.

March is Women’s History Month.
Join us in celebrating the history of women and the labor movement by exploring this reading list curated by the AFL-CIO. Women’s history is Labor history – and women workers have always been critical to the fight for justice in the workplace. https://bit.ly/4aTk0Om

New York should expose employers using Medicaid My union represents thousands of New Yorkers working in retail and other sectors, and we negotiate strong health benefits. For decades, union plans have set the standard for what high-quality cover...

Responsible employers shouldn’t carry the burden alone.

Sending our thanks to RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum for advocating a fair share healthcare surcharge. These changes will incentivize employers to do the right thing and ensure a healthy New York for all! https://bit.ly/4sbiVZ1

EPA Update 2/25: Please note signups for tomorrow's (February 26) EPAs were erroneously closed early due to technical issues. To correct this, signups for Timberlake Playhouse, The Pushover and Pittsburgh CLO have been extended through 1 p.m. ET, February 25.

An informational graphic from Actors' Equity Association titled "If you have experienced or witnessed workplace harassment or discrimination." The text advises members to "Contact Equity immediately" and notes that all calls are confidential. It provides three primary methods for contact: Business Representative: Members can find their specific rep at actorsequity.org/business-reps. Specific Hotline: A dedicated line for harassment and discrimination at 212-869-8530 x343. Anonymous Reporting: A national, anonymous phone hotline or online form operated by Lighthouse Services, Inc. available at actorsequity.org/safety or by calling 833-550-0030. The bottom of the image features the Actors' Equity Association logo and the website actorsequity.org/safety.

Keep Equity's workplace harassment reporting info close at hand with our digital wallet card. Simply tap the image, save it and have it ready whenever you need it.
Find out more at https://members.actorsequity.org/on-the-job/understanding-harassment

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.
https://bit.ly/4cJztD0

Snow Updates 02/23 No.2: The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera SMTA 2026 Season NYC EPA that was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on February 23 has been rescheduled to 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, February 26. It will still be held at Ripley-Grier Studios at 520 8th Avenue. Member appointments from February 23 will be honored at the the same time on February 26.

Snow Updates 02/23 No.2:
The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera SMTA 2026 Season NYC EPA that was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on February 23 has been rescheduled to 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, February 26.

Please note that this event has been rescheduled. Watch this space for the newly scheduled date.

The Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre 2026 Season NYC EPA that was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on February 23 has been rescheduled to 9:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24. It will still be held at Equity NYC Audition Center. Member appointments from February 23 will be honored at the the same time on February 24.

The Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre 2026 Season NYC EPA that was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on February 23 has been rescheduled to 9:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24. It will still be held at Equity NYC Audition Center. Member appointments from 02/23 will be honored at the the same time on 02/24.

Snow Updates 02/23: All Broadway shows and many (but not all) other New York City shows have canceled performances for tonight. Please confirm with your employer if you have not yet heard from them directly. If they are expecting you at work and you cannot safely travel to and from the theater, inform your employer directly. If you have contacted your employer and require additional assistance in navigating this conversation, please reach out to your business rep.

Snow Updates 02/23:
All Broadway shows and many (but not all) other New York City shows have canceled performances for tonight. Please confirm with your employer if you have not yet heard from them directly.

Due to the NYC weather forecast, the New York Equity Office will be closed on Monday, February 23. Equity staff will be working remotely. The Pittsburgh CLO EPA, the Rocky Mountain Rep EPA and Agent Access Auditions (AAA) scheduled for Monday have all been canceled. When the employers choose new dates for their EPAs, members' appointments will be moved to the new date. AAA will be rescheduled pending agent availability. Please see our previous post for information about Sunday evening performance cancelations.

Due to the NYC weather forecast, the New York Equity Office will be closed on Monday, February 23. Equity staff will be working remotely. Monday's EPAs and AAAs have been canceled.

Please see our previous post for information about Sunday evening performance cancelations.

Snow Update: Equity remains in contact with employers and New York City officials regarding the snow emergency. Most NYC shows have canceled evening performances tonight, Sunday, February 22 – please confirm with your employer if you have not yet heard from them directly. If they are expecting you at work and you cannot safely travel to and from the theater, inform your employer directly. If you have contacted your employer and require additional assistance in navigating this conversation, please reach out to the senior business rep for your contract. You can find contact info for your senior business rep in the member portal.

Snow Update for Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Find your senior business rep in the portal at https://members.actorsequity.org/find-your-rep/senior-business-reps

Major nor’easter threat looms as snowstorm set to blanket mid-Atlantic, southern New England The Northeast faces the 5th weekend in a row with snow as a strengthening storm will deliver heavy snow, travel shutdowns and power outages from Delmarva to New York City and southern New England.

Equity is monitoring the developing weather situation that could impact everywhere from mid-Atlantic through New England tomorrow and will be in touch with employers as necessary. Reach out to your employer if you have concerns about your ability to get to work. www.accuweather.com/en/winter-we...

Graphic with a blue keyboard background. Large text at the top reads: “Is your contact information up to date?” Below, in a speech bubble, it says: “Be sure to update your email and mailing address in the member portal.” The Actors' Equity Association logo appears in the bottom right corner.

Update your contact information and email subscription preferences in the "My Profile" section of the member portal so Equity can keep you up to date on news, events, public policy and other communication.
https://members.actorsequity.org/my-account/my-profile

Rendering of the Actors' Equity Association website displayed on a computer monitor, featuring resources for producers, with additional information about marketing and stage managers. Below is a prompt asking if the viewer is a producer, highlighting the support available for marketing and language for ads and programs.

Producers looking to work with Equity stage managers and actors - This is your spot for rules, paperwork, information and who to contact if you can't find what you need. Visit the Resources for Producers page today - https://actorsequity.org/resources/Producers/

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

As we continue our celebration of BlackHistoryMonth, we highlight this story about Frederick O'Neal: actor, civil rights activist and Equity president from 1964 to 1973. Learn more about the triumphs and accomplishments of this true visionary on the member portal. https://bit.ly/3OiD8Oc

Mental health resources are available in the member portal.
Find dedicated mental health resources organized geographically. You'll also find national emotional support resources and dedicated crisis hotlines.

Log in for more - https://members.actorsequity.org/resources/mental-health-resources

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Paul Robeson Award! Check out the previous winners in our news archive to learn more about the amazing work they're doing: https://bit.ly/469VlDo

Promotional image featuring a lit ghost light at night with text stating 'Member Commemoration Form now open' and the Actors' Equity Association logo.

Equity publishes member-written letters reflecting on the lives of their fellow members who have passed away. Fill out the member commemoration form in the member portal to share your letters of remembrance.
https://members.actorsequity.org/member-commemoration

Our final group of stage manager testimonials for the day. Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation of the SMs in your world. Let's keep up that #EquityStageManagerDay attitude all year long!

Stage managers from around the country shared their thoughts on the work they do and the role they play in each production. Swipe through to read the thoughts shared with us for #EquityStageManagerDay!

This year, Equity will be renegotiating the Touring Agreement. So for #EquityStageManagerDay, check out this special touring fact drop! Be sure to follow @equityunitedofficial on Instagram to stay in the loop. https://www.instagram.com/equityunitedofficial/

Stay in the loop! Equity Weekly newsletters are sent every Wednesday and contain important Equity news, upcoming events, FAQs and more! Subscribe here: https://analytics.clickdimensions.com/actorsequityorg-ama5b/pages/j7muvpmoeeuonqaiscaryw.html

We asked Equity stage managers about their work, their passions and why community matters.
Swipe to read! #EquityStageManagerDay

Graphic for Equity SM Day 2026. A photo of stage manager Amanda Spooner wearing glasses and a headset microphone, smiling and holding up three fingers in a dimly lit backstage setting with blue and purple lighting. Text reads: “What does being an Equity stage manager mean to you?” Quote: “Being an Equity stage manager means the collaboration does not end with the show team — it extends into the far reaches of our country, via our national labor union. I am both empowered and comforted by Equity’s solidarity.” Her name, Amanda Spooner, is listed as Stage Manager. Actors’ Equity Association logo appears in the corner.

Graphic for Equity SM Day 2026. A photo of stage manager Arturo E. Porazzi, an older man with gray hair, beard and glasses, pictured backstage in low lighting. Text reads: “What would you tell aspiring stage managers?” Quote: “Hone your skills of organization and communication. Be loyal and kind to all but especially to yourself.” His name, Arturo E. Porazzi, is listed as Stage Manager. Actors’ Equity Association logo appears in the corner.

Graphic for Equity SM Day 2026. A photo of stage manager Devonte Washington pictured. Text reads: “Do you consider yourself an artist? What does that mean to you? I do consider myself an artist. Not everyone can help create moments with such precision over and over again. Its an art to create synergy and sustain it over the course of one run."

Graphic for Equity SM Day 2026. A photo of stage manager Kat West. Test reads: "What do you wish employers better understood about stage management? The hours it takes to do what we do. The hours of scheduling, budgeting, documenting. The HOURS."

In honor of #EquityStageManagerDay, we asked members about their work and what they've wish others knew.

Share your own answers in the comments below!

Promotional image for Equity SM Day 2026 featuring stylized headphones and text: "Visit shop.actorsequity.org and get 15% off with code ThankYou15 at checkout!" Includes the Actors' Equity logo.

Promotional image for Equity SM Day 2026 featuring stylized headphones and text: "Visit shop.actorsequity.org and get 15% off with code ThankYou15 at checkout!" Includes the Actors' Equity logo.

In honor of #EquityStageManagerDay, get a 15% discount in the Equity store through the end of February by entering the code THANKYOU15 at checkout. (And remember, it's all union made!)
https://shop.actorsequity.org/