Equity 99 Agreement

Definition

The Equity 99 Agreement is a contractual arrangement between the producers of a theatrical production and the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) that allows non-union actors to be employed on a production while ensuring fair compensation and working conditions. This agreement is significant because it facilitates the inclusion of non-union performers while still adhering to some industry standards set by the AEA, creating a bridge between union and non-union personnel.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Equity 99 Agreement allows non-union actors to be hired in productions that also employ union members, broadening the talent pool available to producers.
2. This agreement was created as a response to the growing number of non-union performers seeking opportunities in regional theaters and other productions.
3. Equity 99 mandates minimum compensation rates for non-union actors, ensuring they receive fair pay relative to their work in professional theater.
4. Producers who wish to use this agreement must comply with specific regulations set forth by the Actors' Equity Association to maintain industry standards.
5. The agreement is beneficial for producers as it provides flexibility in casting while still upholding some of the core principles of union protections.

Review Questions

• How does the Equity 99 Agreement facilitate the employment of non-union actors while maintaining industry standards?
  • The Equity 99 Agreement allows producers to hire non-union actors alongside union members, which expands casting options without fully bypassing union regulations. By stipulating minimum compensation and working conditions for non-union performers, it ensures that even though they are not AEA members, they are still treated fairly and paid adequately. This creates a structured environment where both union and non-union actors can coexist professionally.
• Discuss the implications of the Equity 99 Agreement for both producers and non-union performers in the theatrical industry.
  • For producers, the Equity 99 Agreement offers flexibility in hiring by enabling them to access a broader range of talent beyond just union members. This can be especially valuable for regional theaters with limited budgets. Non-union performers benefit from this agreement as it opens up more opportunities for employment while ensuring they receive fair treatment and compensation in professional productions. Overall, this agreement helps to balance the needs of both parties within the theater community.
• Evaluate how the introduction of the Equity 99 Agreement has influenced the dynamics between union and non-union performers in theater productions over time.
  • The introduction of the Equity 99 Agreement has significantly influenced the dynamics between union and non-union performers by fostering a more inclusive environment within theater productions. It has allowed for greater collaboration and interaction among actors from both sides, potentially leading to a blending of experiences and talents. Over time, this agreement may encourage discussions about membership in unions among non-union performers who experience professional settings that adhere to equity standards. As a result, it could lead to increased awareness about union benefits and possibly more individuals seeking membership in Actors' Equity Association.

Related terms

Actors' Equity Association: The union representing actors and stage managers in the United States, advocating for their rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

Non-Union: Performers who are not members of a labor union, often seeking opportunities in productions that may not be under union contracts.

Collective Bargaining Agreement: A contract negotiated between an employer and a labor union that outlines the terms of employment, including wages, working conditions, and benefits for union members.