Industry Pro Newsletter: AEA Opens Up Membership, Openings and Performances Canceled in UK and US

July 26, 2021 -

Last week, AEA announced that they were opening up membership to anyone who had worked professionally in the American theatre, more productions in the UK were forced to cancel performances, and Steppenwolf announced new leadership. As we continue to get closer to more Broadway shows returning and the West End struggles to get fully reopened, the Delta variant is creating questions about what the proper procedures should be for keeping audiences and artists safe.

The Social Report

Diana climbed up the leaderboard this week after announcing and releasing a preview of their upcoming Original Broadway Cast Recording.

Actors Equity Association Opens Up Membership

In the statement announcing this landmark change to membership policy, the union said, "We have inadvertently contributed to the systemic exclusion of people of color and people of other marginalized identities from the benefits of union membership." For the next two years, anyone who can demonstrate that they have worked professionally in the American theatre is now eligible to join the Union. There are still many questions about the logistics of the change, but those that are able to prove eligibility can join right away. During the next two years, the union will use that time to establish a permanent change to how membership in the union will be achieved.

Steppenwolf Appoints Co-Artistic Directors

For the first time in the company's history, the nearly 50-member ensemble has appointed Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis as co-Artistic Directors to take over for Anne Shapiro, who is stepping down at the end of her sixth year this August.

Italy the Latest Country to Institute a COVID-Pass

The pass will be required for most activities in Italy - including being served in a restaurant - and can be acquired either through vaccination or recent proof of a negative COVID test. The news comes as the EU and governments around the world keep an eye on the continuing rise of cases tied to the Delta variant of the virus.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella Postpones Opening

In previews since late June, the opening of the production was canceled due to positive COVID tests within the company and the UK government's strict isolation guidelines. Since the cancellation of opening last week, the production has announced that it will resume previews on August 18th, with a newly announced opening date of August 25th. Andrew Lloyd Webber has continued to call on the government for help as this production, and others in the UK, continue to run into complications with both the virus and governmental policy. Meanwhile, a new report from the Creative UK Group estimates that 26% of jobs in music, performing, and visual arts have been lost in the UK due to the pandemic, amounting to a total loss to the economy of more than £4 billion.

Shakespeare in the Park Cancels Performances Due to COVID Cases

These COVID test related cancellations aren't unique to the UK, either. Last week, Shakespeare in the Park cancelled several performances of their Merry Wives due to positive COVID tests amongst the company.

NFTs Not Just a Buzzword, A Potential Ticketing Solution

While most of the buzz around NFTs has been in the art world, the underlying technology is potentially a great solution for event ticketing - helping to prevent fraud, allowing for royalties on resales, and collecting first party data on ticket holders.

New York Launches New Tax Credits for Productions

In an effort to help offset some of the costs of getting a full production up and running, New York State announced a new $100 million tax credit program for producers.This two year program is designed specifically for this moment as the tourism industry recovers, and award caps in the second year of the program are tied to whether or not tourism has recovered fully or not.

Road to Reopening: Steppenwolf

In addition to a change in artistic leadership, Steppenwolf has stayed busy as an organization throughout the pandemic, launching Steppenwolf NOW, continuing work on their soon to open Arts and Education center, and moving their education programs online as well. BroadwayWorld caught up with Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan to hear all about it.

Add Your Show to our Regional Events Calendar

As audiences get set to return to in-person performances, and as your company works to market your own return to the stage, make sure you've got your upcoming shows in our regional events calendars. Listings are free of charge, with boosting options available. Get your show listed now!

BroadwayWorld Stage Mag - A Fully Interactive Show Program

The digital solution to your show program needs - want to see what's possible? Check out the Stage Mag's for off-Broadway's Blindness and for Next on Stage Season 3! Then start building your own at stagemag.broadwayworld.com

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