Equity Question

[sarahsilvermanfan]

Posted: 6/6/10 at 3:43pm

So, a few friends of mine and I are trying to start up a non-profit theatre group, but my friend Jerel's (who is the main organizer of said troupe) wife is a member of equity, and we were wondering if there was a way to make an equity theatre troupe...if that's possible? As in, only equity members could join? Or if you did join and were non-equity, you'd have to get an equity card in order to continue working with us? The only person involved in this project who is equity to our knowledge is his wife, however I am not equity, and nor is Jerel; but we would like to become...and I'm sure the other members wouldn't mind.

I know there are many New York equity theatre organizations when once you join, they require (if you aren't already) for you to become equity, but those are highly professional groups (i.e, the New York Theatre Workshop) that I believe were founded by all equity members and work heavily with equity for mounting some very professional productions and has helped build the careers of some (now) very established Broadway actors.

If anyone knows anything about creating an 'equity theatre troupe', please either reply here, or direct us to someone who does.

Thanks! Updated On: 6/6/10 at 03:43 PM

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 6/7/10 at 12:22am

I would recommend emailing Flora Stamatiades. She is the National Director for Organizing and Special Projects. At the very least she will pass your message along or put you in touch with the people you would need to talk to. Her email address is [e-mail]

ETA - Odds are as a new company you would most likely start out under the SPT contract. I would take a look through that rulebook as it can start to give you an idea of some of the things to expect in terms of financial matters and what not. You can access the rulebooks as well as various other forms that you may eventually need through the Document Library section of Equity's website at http://www.actorsequity.org/library/library_home.asp Updated On: 6/7/10 at 12:22 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/7/10 at 3:05am

I'm fairly certain this takes time. LOTS of time to establish. Otherwise, folks would start theaters all the time just to get their equity cards and then the organizations would just dissolve.

I'm glad the above poster could give you some direction.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/7/10 at 9:52am

One thing you need to understand is that starting an equity theater is more expensive than a non-equity one. For example, in an equity theater, you are required to put money into an escrow type account that will ensure that actors are paid. Do you have the upfront money to do that?

There are ways that equity actors can appear in non-equity productions. You may want to investigate that option. Starting a new theater company is an expensive venture and especially in this economy, you want to make sure your money is used to its fullest potential.