Industry Pro Newsletter: New AEA Guidelines, the UK Commits to Reopen, Sydney Shuts Down Again

July 6, 2021 -

As we hit the start of the second half of the year, the news stories over the last week really exemplify what we'll be tracking throughout the fall: Sydney has had to re-enter lockdown, more regions are committing to reopening plans, and the Unions and Producers are working long hours to try and reach agreements that can move the industry forward safely and in a more equitable manner - with mixed results. As more companies get ready to return to the stage, the question will continue to come back to if a true change is being sought, or if they're working hard to get back to the old normal?

The Social Report

Following the announcement Myles Frost will take over the lead in MJ: the musical, the production saw significant growth across all social networks. Plaza Suite also saw a significant bump following the announcement of new Broadway dates.

AEA Releases New Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Companies

Valid through September, the updated guidelines reflect the rising vaccination rate across the country and the reduction in infection numbers. The Union hopes this makes things easier for Producers to get the unions' members back to work.

Broadway League Announces New Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Gennean Scott will take the post, beginning her tenure in the position today, July 6, 2021. Ms. Scot is a co-founder of the Black Arts Leadership Alliance, a member of Women of Color in the Arts, and most recently served as Vice President of Human Capital and Inclusion at Omaha Performing Arts

The MET and IATSE Reach An Agreement

After months of negotiations that ultimately culminated in IATSE members getting locked out of the Metropolitan Opera, the two sides have found an agreement that allows union members to return to work in anticipation of the 2021-2022 season set to kick off this September.

With Springsteen Back on Broadway, More Industry Workers Are Getting Back to the Job

The New York Times highlights the support staff of Broadway theatres that are also starting to make their way back to the job as the first of the 41 Broadway theatres gets back into the swing of performance.

Bridging the Gap Between AEA and Spanish Speaking Theatre

Cara Joy David writes about the complicated relationship between Actors' Equity Association and the numerous Spanish speaking theatres and performers in the United States. While there is a long way to go to reach inclusivity, all parties are at least in surface level agreement on a path forward.

Greater Sydney Goes Back Into Lockdown, Forcing Closures Once Again

In Australia, a surge in COVID cases has forced closures of all theatre productions currently running - including Hamilton and Come From Away. Previously, theatres had been operating between 50% and full capacity.

Chicago Theatre Freelancers on the Way Things Were

American Theatre interviewed countless members of freelance theatre workers in Chicago about the myriad issues they face navigating a city with some of the most prominent institutions in the country, countless storefront theatres, and many chasing the dream of growing from a storefront house to a major player. In these interviews, there is an acknowledgement of where things have been, where they might be going, and how to get on the most equitable path forward.

"No one is looking for a fight." Lloyd Webber Says the Arts Feel "Dumped"

Ahead of Cinderella's previews late last month, The Guardian caught up with Andrew Lloyd Webber to discuss the show, the politics of the moment, and why he is fighting so hard for the cultural sector in the UK. This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all restrictions would be lifted on July 19th as planned.

One of the First to Close, Washington State Reaches Reopening

As of Wednesday, Washington State was fully reopened, and for venue operators and producing organizations, it marked the first time in more than a year that they can really make plans for a return.

Road to Reopening: Music Theatre Wichita

Early in the pandemic, MT Wichita brought in new Artistic Director Brian J. Marcum, and produced a myriad of online content throughout the year. After no live performance in 2020, the company recently produced an outdoor concert version of Smokey Joe's Cafe and is continuing to evolve their protocols as 2021 develops.

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.

Want more information about marketing options with BroadwayWorld? Request a media kit here and a member of our sales and marketing team will reach out promptly.

To post a comment, you must register and login.