Actors' Equity Launches Redesigned and Enchanced Web Site

Actors' Equity Association, the national union for stage actors and stage managers, has redesigned its popular website, with major improvements in appearance, usability, benefits and online services. The website (www.actorsequity.org) was initially launched in 1998 and has steadily grown in popularity. In March, 2006, the site received nearly seven and a half million hits.

Incorporating the Union's official colors of blue, brown and white, the new website has a sleek look and design that allows for easy navigation. The newest innovation is a redesigned Members Profile section where members can manage their contact, financial and security information as well as pay dues using a major credit card or electronic bank check. In the Members Only section, members can browse Equity's online franchised agent and Equity theater directories, and get important information for Deputies and Stage Managers and take advantage of numerous Equity discounts. Another key feature is Casting Call, Equity's popular database for hundreds of Equity auditions, which has been reformatted so it is easier to read.

There are several new and revamped public sections, including News & Media, which has a press room with downloadable releases and photos, and Education and Outreach, which gives an overview of Equity's popular outreach seminars for students and new members, and Benefits, which provides detailed information about a wide range of contractual and member services. The extensive and easy-to-use Document Library is a popular resource for downloadable rulebooks, forms, brochures and other information about Equity.

Equity Executive Director Alan Eisenberg said "This is a major achievement in our continuing efforts to improve services for our members. The new, sleek design is more functional and easier to use, allowing our members to access the full range of benefits, services and informational tools that Equity provides. Our website will be the "go-to" site for Actors and the public alike."

The website is a joint project of Equity's Communication and Information Technology Departments, headed by National Communications Director David Lotz and National Computer Services Director Doug Beebe. The new design is by Tim Thayer, Eyebuzz Design.

www.actorsequity.org