WGA strike impact on the 2023 Tonys — Page 13

I don't want to continuously go over the same point but it really doesn't make sense that an awards show few people watch is the *only* way for people in this country to learn about what's happening in theatre. Shows need to do a better job of marketing themselves. 

Apologies for bumping this thread for something off topic (sort of)— but I just started watching the finale of American Idol and it got me thinking… How in the [expletive] was this allowed to continue on.    Do no WGA members work on Idol?   I’m just confused as this is Disney who is the most powerful of those the WGA is striking. 
 

As I’m now watching the finale (that’s already aired) I didn’t want to google this as I’d normally do; so I won’t read spoilers.  So I figured I’d ask here now that I’m extremely curious and confused as to how this is happening vs.The Tonys….
 

Edit: what I mean Is this seems like it’s had a lot of stuff written by WGA writers. Did they get a special waiver?   Is this how a broadcast looks when abiding by the unions terms to continue? Or are they Ignoring writers and it’s being picketed actually.    
 

 

Updated On: 5/21/23 at 11:21 PM

I had written a while ago about the process by which WGA came to reverse its decision on the Tonys. At least some of the etiology is here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/23/theater/tony-awards-wga-strike-playwrights.html

WGA is not picketing, but is asking any WGA members who are nominated not to attend. They are encouraged to prerecord an acceptance speech.
 

Isn’t that kind of like picketing? It certainly adds an anti-labor stigma to attending. Via Deadline

 

How does this hurt the studios? Actors and performances are the draw. The only people it hurts are the writers who win.

I don't get it.

Also, wouldn't it be more powerful to mention the strike in an acceptance speech on national television?

This is weird. If I was a nominee in another category I would be confused as to how I could show solidarity? 

It does make me wonder if this whole shaky compromise, which reportedly happened due to the efforts of playwrights per the New York Times story, is going to fall apart.

Maybe this is all part of the deal, but it seems like it’s going to put the performers in an awkward spot. If the writers aren’t supposed to attend, should they? 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sara Bareilles is a WGA member. It just raises awkward questions. If Bareilles, nominated as an actor, shouldn’t attend, what about other nominated actors (even if they’re not WGA members)?

As it happens, Bareilles is in a revival that closed months ago, so she won’t be performing and is unlikely to win.

This all may be part of the agreement, just a provision we didn’t hear about until now. The Best Musical nominees are definitely planning on performing, and they have all canceled their Sunday shows - presumably because of the logistics of getting back and forth from Washington Heights for the rehearsal and telecast.

All of this just reinforces how delicate this arrangement seems to be. I will believe the Tony Awards are happening when the telecast actually starts.

 

bear88 said: "According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sara Bareilles is a WGA member. It just raises awkward questions. If Bareilles, nominated as an actor, shouldn’t attend, what about other nominated actors (even if they’re not WGA members)?

As it happens, Bareilles is in a revival that closed months ago, so she won’t be performing and is unlikely to win.

This all may be part of the agreement, just a provision we didn’t hear about until now. The Best Musical nominees are definitely planning on performing, and they have all canceled their Sunday shows - presumably because of the logistics of getting back and forth from Washington Heights for the rehearsal and telecast.

All of this just reinforces how delicate this arrangement seems to be. I will believe the Tony Awards are happening when the telecast actually starts.

"

I checked the imdb and yes, she has exactly three writing credits for projects that are musical, but I guess they let her join. 

Updated On: 5/28/23 at 06:30 AM

What a complicated situation. 

But it at the end of the day you are either WITH WGA or NOT. 

I chose to stand with the union. 

I totally support unions. But if the WGA is asking only their members to not attend, I dont think its a problem for others to do so. I also don't have a problem with any individuals that choose not to attend AS a sign of support.  If, on the other hand, they asked for that show of support - I'd totally support it.

 

I love the Tony Awards and this year will be doubly so, as it falls on my birthday.....a mitzvah!

 

 

Was curious if there was a way to know if someone was a WGA member to see who this decision may impact. Turns out they have a directory feature (https://directories.wga.org/).