What Is Actors' Equity? The Union for Broadway Actors and Stage Managers

If you've ever read a Playbill closely, you may have spotted a line noting that the actors and stage managers are members of Actors' Equity Association. Equity is the union behind nearly every Broadway cast, and its history is tied closely to Broadway's tradition of organizing and giving back.

What is Actors' Equity?

Actors' Equity Association is the labor union that represents professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States. It negotiates contracts that set minimum salaries, working hours, safety standards, and health and pension benefits for its members, on Broadway, on tour, and in theatres across the country.

When was Actors' Equity founded?

Equity was founded on May 26, 1913, at a meeting of actors in New York. At the time, actors often rehearsed for weeks without pay, could be stranded on tour when a show closed, and had to buy their own costumes.

The 1919 Actors' Equity strike

Producers initially refused to recognize the union. On August 7, 1919, Equity members walked out. The strike closed shows in New York and spread to other cities, and many of the era's biggest stars joined the picket lines and paraded through the streets. Chorus performers organized too, forming Chorus Equity. The strike ended on September 6, 1919, when producers agreed to recognize the union and accept a contract.

It was a turning point not just for actors, but for theatre workers generally. Read more in our history of Broadway activism.

What does Equity do today?

• Contracts. Equity negotiates agreements covering Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, and smaller venues.
• Benefits. Members earn health coverage and pension credits through their work.
• Safety and fairness. The union sets rules on hours, breaks, rehearsal conditions, and workplace safety.
• Auditions. Equity contracts require producers to hold open calls for members.

How do you become an Equity member?

Actors and stage managers can join by being hired on an Equity contract, or through other eligibility routes the union sets. Membership requires dues and comes with access to Equity work and benefits.

Equity and Broadway charity

Equity's members have shaped Broadway's charitable world. In 1987, Equity created Equity Fights AIDS, which merged with Broadway Cares in 1992 to form Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Equity is one of several Broadway unions whose members support, and are supported by, the Broadway nonprofit community.

Where Broadway for Democracy fits

The 1919 strike showed what the theatre community can do when it acts together. Broadway for Democracy brings that same spirit to civic participation, helping theatre workers and fans register and vote. We're nonpartisan and never tell anyone how to vote.

Frequently asked questions

What does Actors' Equity do?

It negotiates contracts and benefits for professional stage actors and stage managers.

Do all Broadway actors belong to Equity?

Broadway productions work under Equity contracts, so Broadway casts are Equity members.

When was the Actors' Equity strike?

August 7 to September 6, 1919.

Is Equity the same as SAG-AFTRA?

No. Equity covers live theatre. SAG-AFTRA covers film, television, radio, and recorded media.

Carry the spirit of 1919 into civic life. Donate to Broadway for Democracy.