A union actor directing non union shows?

[BobbyBubbi]

A union actor directing non union shows? #1

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:18pm

Question- 

an actor who is an active member of the Actors Equity Association in my community has been directing non union, community theatre in my area. 

Is this legit? I feel like theres some moral union gray area here. 

Admittedly, yes, I'm bitter. I've busted my ass to get in the union and I feel like this person is double dipping. 

Thoughts? 

Updated On: 5/26/17 at 02:18 PM

[musicals1989]

A union actor directing non union shows? #2

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:21pm

AEA is for Actors--not directors. I know many AEA actors that direct/choreograph non-AEA shows. I'm not sure I understand why this is a big deal to you? 

[dramamama611]

A union actor directing non union shows? #3

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:22pm

He's not acting, so equity has not bearing on what else he does.  What union card do you have? 

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

Updated On: 5/26/17 at 02:22 PM

[Unknown User]

A union actor directing non union shows? #4

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:24pm

Plenty of union actors direct. 

Thats how they pay the bills cause it sure ain't gonna cover it with acting. 

 

[BobbyBubbi]

A union actor directing non union shows? #5

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:29pm

Fair enough. Being in AEA, I was under the impression I couldn't work on non union shows in any capacity.

If this person is directing I guess I should start, too. 

 

[AEA AGMA SM]

A union actor directing non union shows? #6

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:34pm

For the most part no, Equity will not interfere with its members who are directing or choreographing non-union projects. The only exception is if that member is doing so for a non-union tour. 

[HogansHero]

A union actor directing non union shows? #7

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:36pm

when you say community theatre, are you referring to something other than amateur theatre? Because there is not even a "moral" issue in that case. (non-union meaning professional)

Updated On: 5/26/17 at 02:36 PM

[BroadwayRox3588]

A union actor directing non union shows? #8

Posted: 5/26/17 at 2:38pm

My first show (in 6th grade) was directed by an AEA member. No issue.

[RippedMan]

A union actor directing non union shows? #9

Posted: 5/26/17 at 5:59pm

Lots of union members recreate stuff for non-union tours. I know Stroman went into a run-through of the non-union Bullets Over Broadway. 

[trpguyy]

A union actor directing non union shows? #10

Posted: 5/26/17 at 6:12pm

AEA AGMA SM said: "For the most part no, Equity will not interfere with its members who are directing or choreographing non-union projects. The only exception is if that member is doing so for a non-union tour. "

Has that actually happened? An AEA council member recently directed a non-AEA tour, and there was plenty of outcry, but I don't believe AEA had anything to say or do about it. Because directing is not in their jurisdiction.