Shows Go On As Equity Weighs Strike Option

As was the case yesterday and today, shows will go on Wednesday as actors and stage managers continue to work without a contract. Equity Council, the governing body of Actors' Equity Association, has been meeting all day to determine the union's next step. Talks between Equity and The League of American Theatres and Producers are currently not taking place.

The League issued the following statement late in the day: "We are pleased that Equity has decided that Broadway will continue to perform, but it is imperative for Equity to get back to the bargaining table with us so that we can perform in the negotiations."

As previously detailed, negotiations between the two organizations over the new terms of the Production Contract broke down Sunday, June 27 at 10:45pm. The contract expired on midnight of that night.

The main sticking points between Equity and The League center around the proliferation of non-Equity tours and health care coverage for actors. Non-union productions were being discussed when negotiations broke down.

The League which was first to leave the room Sunday night has repeatedly stated interest in returning to the negotiation table and Equity Council could decide talks should be resumed as quickly as possible. The group could also decide to call a strike--Equity membership has already voted by a majority of 98.2% to authorize a work stoppage.

Meanwhile actors and stage managers working on Broadway and Equity national tours will continue to work without a contract until further notice.