I'm not sure that Curtainpulldowner is interpreting the Equity rulebook the way it's intended. My understanding is that, if actors want to take vacation during the first 12 weeks of the show, they have to get permission from the producers in order to do so -- they are not entitled to take vacation during that time and have to ask for special permission. However, if it's okay with the producers, the actors can take vacation whenever they want to -- Equity is not stopping them from doing so. The six month rule has to do with accumulation of vacation time (one week every 6 months).
"What was the name of that cheese that I like?"
"you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start"
"well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"