Equity vs. Non-equity shows- Page 2
Equity vs. Non-equity shows
#25re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/8/05 at 8:43pm
The difference between Equity and non-Equity shows is the UNION. (I know that sounds so obvious.)
It's there to protect the actors and stage managers who have chosen this as their profession. It's not just salaries and perdium. It's health insurance, workman's comp, fair rehearsal practices, humane treatment, a pension, etc. From an audience point of view, it's knowing the people who are working their butts off to entertain you are being treated fairly.
When you support a non-union tour by attending, you should know that the actors MAY or MAY NOT be compensated fairly for their work. In many cases (not all) they are NOT. Actors want to perform so badly and to improve their craft that they are willing to sacrifice the pay rate, the insurance, the benefits, the pension, just to sing and dance for you. It's a difficult dilemma to be in (from the performer's point of view). It's a valuable chance for them to improve their craft and do what they love.
From the audience's perspective, most of them don't even care... unless the show is bad. They also aren't paying discounted prices because it's non-Equity. Basically the profit difference is going into the producers' pockets. But the producers will be the first to tell you without a non-union tour, you wouldn't even HAVE a tour of some of these shows.
I personally decided to "go Equity" as a performer at a pretty young age. I've been in the union for 20 years now (just this year). I'm proud to belong to Equity, and I support the union and what it stands for. It's important to have for so many reasons.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#26re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/8/05 at 9:19pmI totally agree with you best12bars...however, I have worked steadily for the past 10 years due to the fact that I am non-equity. I am lucky enough to play principal roles, so I am getting compensated fairly for my time and work, although I do know that in other tours and other productions, that is not the case. Many of my friends, when they turned Equity, haven't worked since. I just know that non-Equity tours have been good to me. Obviously, I can't speak for everyone. Non-equity tours also tend to go to smaller cities that can't afford the Equity tours...so, in a sense (and with a pollyanna point of view) we are bringing theatre to those people who may not be able to see much. I am happy with my job and intend to defend it!
.jpg?format=auto&width=200)
#27re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/8/05 at 9:36pm
<<
And that means a lot to folks like me in those small towns! If it weren't for those shows, I would have never seen many of the shows I have seen. By the way, Natalie, I look forward to seeing you March 19.
<---Adopt a shelter pet!
BwayTheatre11
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/03
#29re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/9/05 at 10:19am
I have heard Natalie is mediocre as Dorothy. 
CCM '10!
#30re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/9/05 at 8:10pm
best12bars--
Actor's Equity certainly is a great thing, and I look forward to the day I join. However, when you're just starting out in the business (like I am), I think it's wise to wait until you know you're "ready." I think that many people join Equity way too early. To me, Actor's Equity means that you really are damn good at what you do, and you are SO good at it that you deserve to be able to make a living doing it (and how many actors can REALLY say that about themselves--and have it be true?). I think that many people join Equity before they meet this requirement, and subsequently do not work. Some people may be ready when they're 20, some people may never be ready. Of course, this all leads into the definition of what it really means to be a "professional" actor, but that's another subject entirely.
#31re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/9/05 at 8:13pm
The Distinctive Baritone --- Agreed.
And yes, you open a whole new can of worms with your last thought there.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#32re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/9/05 at 8:16pmAh...it's so nice to have someone on this board actually agree with me!
#33re: Equity vs. Non-equity shows
Posted: 12/9/05 at 8:20pm
I thought you said it very well. It's a scary thing to decide to join the union. So many people worry that they will never work again. Some of them are justifiied. It's a tough business.
(Why do I feel like I'm preaching to the choir to anyone who might be reading this?)
You all know it's tough... Equity or non-Equity. It's a big sacrifice to be a stage actor. Period.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Videos