Looking Ahead with Actors’ Equity Association by Theatre Communications Group https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo May 21st at the 2021 TCG Virtual Conference en-us 2021-05-21 14:38:50 UTC 2021-06-22 18:57:07 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/846202050/b46e3745ae0d0e618ac895c110036c6a/conf21_MightyNet_art3_500px.jpg Use the arrow in the lower right to add a post for your questions, resources, or comments lqmount https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548835575 2021-05-21 18:30:30 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548835575 There is likely only to be a large uptick in hiring if the AEA safety protocols change/reduce, etc. https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548844119 2021-05-21 18:32:59 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548844119 Question: How is AEA expanding their capacity to prepare for an uptick in hiring. tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548849943 - Rehiring staff
- Reorganizing staff internally
- Revamping internal efficiences
- DocuSign will still be accepted for contracts]]> 2021-05-21 18:34:37 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548849943 Session Room Agreements: tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548857599 We propose that you bear these guidelines for respectful communication in mind, and consider offering additional agreements in your session rooms (compiled from a variety of sources):
  • Make space, take space (if you normally participate a lot, consider moving back for others; if you normally hold back, consider moving up)
  • Use “I” Statements (speak for yourself, not on behalf of a group)
  • Acknowledge the difference between intent and impact (well-intentioned comments can still cause harm)
  • Agree to disagree, but please do not disengage (we encourage leaning into healthy conflict)
  • Embrace imperfection (perfectionism is a hallmark of white supremacy culture,* so let’s resist it together and be okay with a little bit of mess)

]]> 2021-05-21 18:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548857599 Question: What are the policies around vaccines? tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548860648 - AEA is still working through the most recent CDC policy update
- Many things that were requirements before vaccines will no longer be necessary. E.g. requiring less frequent COVID tests and changing air filtration requirements.
- For fully vaccinated companies the emphasis will be on cleaning and consulting ventilation experts.
- For partially vaccinated companies, it is still more approachable to produce. Different requirements will apply to vaccinated and non-vaccinated members. Each contract will vary on which mitigations need to be in place.]]> 2021-05-21 18:37:48 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548860648 Can you explain the process for non Equity theatre contracts? I believe it is early July that we can apply but it makes us nervous that we may not be approved or things change and we have to postpone a production or cancel it for a third time. Thanks! https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548863440 2021-05-21 18:38:44 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548863440 Can an organization require that staff or a cast be vaccinated? Can they require proof of vaccination? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548865457 2021-05-21 18:39:23 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548865457 How are you accounting for children in the realm of fully vaccinated companies? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548867037 2021-05-21 18:39:55 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548867037 Can you talk about streaming? Will it be allowed during the run? After the run? What will costs be in relation to your normal weekly conflict. https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548871216 2021-05-21 18:41:13 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548871216 Question: Can you require proof of vaccination? tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548875186 - Not every attorney has the same view on requiring vaccination. Equity's current practice is to encourage employers to encourage vaccines. It is an employers choice to mandate them. Equity has no objection to employers verifying vaccination status by looking at vaccination cards, but would object to requiring any more information than that. Employers should respect ADA exemptions- medical and religious.]]> 2021-05-21 18:42:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548875186 When will companies be able to submit applications for Guest Artist Contracts? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548878308 When can we find out about what will be required to employ a member through Guest Artist Agreement? 

]]> 2021-05-21 18:43:14 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548878308 Question: Can you speak to any changes in collaborative contracts and the future of media in theatre producing. Changes that will generally impact theatre producing? tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548884301 - The relationship with SAG-AFTRA is developing & will continue developing.
- AEA is still learning about working in the virtual/streaming space.

- AEA is analyzing what they do as an employer and union to find the places where white supremacy is the norm in order to take those things apart and rebuild with Anti-Racism as the norm.
- AEA will be rewriting their systems for recruiting, hiring, and development of staff.
- One big change that AEA is working on is making sure members know the difference between normal practice and just practices. This means educating members on how the union can support and protect them. A sense of belonging and mental & emotional safety is a key component of workplace safety.]]> 2021-05-21 18:45:01 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548884301 My understanding is that AEA contends that, should an uninsured actor get Covid, the theater should cover all of their medical costs. Tests, hospitalization, ICU, everything. Is this correct? This is not viable for most (really, any) theaters. Is this accurate? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548899919 Can this be covered under workers comp?]]> 2021-05-21 18:49:51 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548899919 Do on-line agreements include a provision to allow the work to be submitted in the case of implementation of on-line awards in theatre? Second, can agreements specify a certain number of on-line airings with an option for more? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548903467 2021-05-21 18:50:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548903467 @Bliss, can you talk about the intersection of the AEA health care and anti-racist strategies? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548914937 2021-05-21 18:54:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548914937 Question: Is there Anti-racist training taking place within AEA? Are you encouraging theatres to hold Anti-Racist trainings with members. tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548916844 - There is mandatory ongoing training for AEA staff.
- In the next 4-6 weeks there will be mandatory anti-racist training rolling out for members.
- It is AEA's recommendation to hold space and time on the first day of rehearsal to help members understand the organizations priorities and structures.]]> 2021-05-21 18:55:33 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548916844 Question: Can you discuss the intersection of AEA Healthcare and Anti-racism? As well as other health care issues related to COVID tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548927708 - The Equity League Health Fund makes decisions independently of AEA
- AEA is not currently aware of changes being made in the health care structure.

- It is the unions job to protect members from risk. 
- Employers take on the risk of cost if someone contracts COVID because of an exposure in the workplace. This includes the risk of cost of paying for someone to isolate safely. In nearly 300 productions, no employer has had to take on that cost.
- Employers are asked to take on the risk of health care cost if an employee becomes infected in the workplace. AEA is asking employers to work with the union to figure out how to cover the cost of that risk. Some have been able to get assurance from their workers comp coverage that they will cover it. Others have been able to work out agreements with their health care provider.]]> 2021-05-21 18:59:09 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548927708 Historically the burden of filing complaints and acting as liaison between production and producing organization falls to Stage Management team. Lots of conversations about actors so far here, but how will AEA protect SMs? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548930214 2021-05-21 19:00:05 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548930214 @Bliss - not a question.....for many years we have required actors to participate in mandatory harassment training and it has been quite difficult to get actors to do it. I wonder if they are doing it at every theatre they work at and its redundant. We also intend to require anti-racist training when we re-open. https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548938581 2021-05-21 19:02:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548938581 Question: Will AEA be putting together a best-practices/guidelines document and procedure for individuals who self-produce, or collectives who come together for a single project or workshop in order to create healthy anti-racist practices? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548940339 2021-05-21 19:03:32 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548940339 Is there contact info for the Equity League Health Fund? https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548945205 2021-05-21 19:04:52 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548945205 tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548964035 June 30th is the projected date to reevaluate these protocols. ]]> 2021-05-21 19:11:09 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548964035 Are there any discussions about a complete revision of AE health insurance? It doesn't work for most AE members. https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548964929 2021-05-21 19:11:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548964929 tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548967361 Events. Information on inclusion riders. New policy regarding Diversity & Inclusion.]]> 2021-05-21 19:12:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548967361 Health Fund Contact tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548970849 2021-05-21 19:13:32 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548970849 Question: Inclusion Riders tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548973746 - A rider to either require a certain level of diversity in a team, or to require that people doing similar work earn a similar amount to ensure income equity.
- Examples will be made available on the Equity D&I website]]> 2021-05-21 19:14:38 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548973746 AEA contracts used to be publicly available on the website, but were made private some years ago. In the interest of transparency, has there been any conversation about once again making those public? They were a great educational resource for producers and potential members. https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548974102 2021-05-21 19:14:46 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548974102 Can the TCG Salary Survey begin to track racial demographics too? tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548984411 2021-05-21 19:18:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548984411 Bliss Griffin, Nat'l Diversity & Inclusion Strategist tcgevents https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548989115 diversity@actorsequity.org]]> 2021-05-21 19:20:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1548989115 Part-Time Rehearsal https://padlet.com/tcgevents/1zi24lq6505r4owo/wish/1549000479 As we all discuss re-inventing theatre in a more human-centered, sustainable way as we come out of the pandemic.   can Equity consider a radical re-imagining of part-time rehearsal contracts at a lower rate than full-time rehearsals?  Our actors at SPT theatres often have either full-time jobs or intense part-time jobs and families that make it extraordinarily difficult to rehearse 34-40 hours a week.  In many cases, theatres and actors would be happier and more productive if they could rehearse 20 or 25 hours a week for 6-7 weeks instead of 34-40 for 3-5 weeks.   Theatres can't afford to just add additional weeks of rehearsal at a full-time rate without rehearsing full-time.   We are all living the BIG LIE that is never talked about - most of our SPT theatres CANNOT AND NEVER WILL BE THE SOLE EMPLOYER OF OUR ACTORS.   Can we just admit that and design a world in which the actors can be compensated, the theatres can survive and we all do better work and live happier lives?   And while we're at it, can we get REAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ACTORS.   It is a crime that actors cannot pay into insurance in order to keep their insurance when they don't accumulate the very large number of weeks Equity currently requires.   I just talked with an actor today who is leaving the union because health insurance was the primary benefit - and now it is almost impossible to accumulate the weeks required.  Don't just protect your members.  HELP THEM THRIVE!  There must be a different solution to this health insurance problem. 

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