What does Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) mean?
Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) is a labor union that represents live theater actors and stage managers in the U.S. Since its founding in 1913, Equity has worked to ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, health insurance, and pension benefits for stage performers. The union negotiates contracts for Broadway, regional theaters, and touring productions, advocating for pay scales, work hours, and performance conditions that protect theater professionals.
Equity protects stage actors from unsafe working conditions and low pay. Through its contracts, the union sets minimum wage standards, ensures proper breaks and work hours, and guarantees performers health and pension benefits, making live theater a sustainable profession.
Example:A Broadway actor receives health insurance and pension contributions through Equity’s negotiated contracts.
Example: A regional theater performer in a touring production is guaranteed fair pay and safe travel conditions under Equity agreements.
Did You Know?
Actors’ Equity represents more than 51,000 stage actors and managers in the U.S.!
