The Playhouse San Antonio Takes First Steps Toward AEA's Small Professional Theater Status
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 20, 2017
The transition program allows for various concessions during a three to six-year period. It is a three-phase program with each phase lasting one year. The theater may extend each phase an additional year. Throughout each phase, the theater is required to meet more requirements until the end of the final phase. At that time, the theater will be considered a SMALL PROFESSIONAL THEATER (SPT) by AEA.
"TPSA Board of Directors is extremely thrilled that the organization is moving towards this direction. We believe this change will not only be positive for TPSA, but also for the climate of the arts in the city. San Antonio deserves a theatrical institution to work alongside other notable institutions such as SAMA and the SA Symphony and we are proud to now be a part of that." - Omar Leos (Board Chair)
When CEO/Artistic Director George Green arrived in July of 2016, he alluded to a program that would be catered to local non-union artists.
"We are excited to take this step for all the performers in our community. The SPT status allows us to work within our budget limits as we grow to be a true theatrical institution in Southwest Texas. Essentially, we are required to hold ourselves to an operational standard for our performers. The time may very well come that we grow beyond the SPT category, but for now, this is the right step for the theater and for our local artists." - George Green
Green mentioned that The Playhouse has already met a large majority of AEA requirements and could meet several final standards within a few months; however, the consensus from both the staff and the board was to work through the process via the specialized phase program to avoid any financial strain-the exact purpose of the SPT Transitional Phases. Beginning with the upcoming 2017-2018 season, The Playhouse San Antonio is required to offer specific numbers of AEA contracts to union OR non-union performers. The number of contracts will grow each season as well as the ability for performers not holding AEA contracts to earn points towards their union status if they choose to do so.
"The majority of the performers in the area are non-union and therefore this SPT category was the right choice for The Playhouse. We have cast the entire 17-18 season, and we have established what performers will be offered the AEA contracts. Of the contracts being offered, 70% of the performers have been seen regularly in San Antonio. The goal is to create a local professional industry while making our area appealing to regional and national talent. Nothing has changed for our non-union local performers, other than the opportunity to work and grow in an environment that is being held to higher standards." - George Green
Once a performer who is non-union is offered an AEA contract, they can choose to immediately join AEA. Contrary to belief, it is NOT a requirement. This specific Small Professional Theater contract empowers union, non-union, local, and non-local performers alike. To reiterate: you do not have to be a union performer to be hired at The Playhouse.
"The Playhouse is an artistic catalyst for our entire region... just as we were in 1912. San Antonio can and will have a viable theater industry." - Jeff Morden (Development Director)
To help avoid confusion and answer questions regarding this transition, The Playhouse will be hosting a free discussion on July 10th at 6:30PM. George Green will explain the process and answer questions about the exciting opportunity for our city.
"I am thrilled to see Playhouse San Antonio embark on this transition to become the first professional Equity theatre in San Antonio. As the AEA Austin / San Antonio Area Liaison, I have been watching the San Antonio market with great interest as well as anticipation for this momentous event to occur.
On behalf of not only the San Antonio AEA Membership but also those of the Austin area, we are proud and excited for this-their new adventure-and look forward to a fortuitous new partnership as their efforts bring further prestige to the San Antonio theatre community.
It is with great excitement we welcome Playhouse San Antonio into the fold as we see more opportunities for Equity Members to grace the stages of professional theaters throughout the Austin/San Antonio area." - Laura Walberg, the Chair of the Austin / San Antonio Liaisons
The Playhouse was founded as San Antonio Little Theater in 1912, as part of the growing Little Theatre movement sweeping the nation. Now housed in the first city-owned, city-built theater in the U.S., The Playhouse holds a place of pride in San Antonio history. In its time, The Playhouse has produced hundreds of plays and reached an audience of millions, including residents and visitors from all over the world. Each year, The Playhouse's staff, with the help of nearly 500 volunteers, produces a series of plays in its two theaters. The Russell Hill Rogers Theater is home to larger musicals while the Cellar Theater houses a variety of dramas, comedies, and experimental works. Both stages host original works by local playwrights as well as classic and recent Broadway hits. Each season, The Playhouse contracts hundreds of local artists, showcasing some of San Antonio's greatest talents.
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