[e-drive][EQUIFLASH: JUNE NEWSLETTER]

[Kevin Patrick Robbins]

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 EQUIFLASH: JUNE NEWSLETTER
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The June 2003 edition of the Equity News is now available online at the
association Web site: http://www.caea.com/news/

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 JUNE ARTICLES
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1) DISCERNABLE DIFFERENCES SET THEATRE WORLDS APART

Continuing his story from last month's issue, Michael Devine discusses
working in Romania

There is no association or union for actors in Romania. Instead, there
is a dependence on tradition, which can be helpful but also frustrating.
On one hand, the actors feel no need to break at a pre-arranged time if
the work is going well. On the other, when they do break, they'll take
their own sweet time getting back to you.

Another difference is that many of the roles we share terms for are
distinct in practice. I remember in Hungary, for instance, that the
stage manager showed up at the beginning of rehearsal, took attendance -
and left. One relied on one's assistant to get things for rehearsal, and
to liaise with the theatre.

Here, Dani gets us rehearsal props if we ask for them and arranges the
schedule, which is hellaciously difficult; there's one rehearsal sala
and two companies, and the theatre typically does two to five shows a
week, any of which may need a rehearsal on their performance day. We've
worked at five spaces so far, only three of which are owned by the
theatre. But Dani doesn't even speak German. He doesn't follow the work
in a script and most of the time he's not even there. He won't run the
show, either.


2) BALLET AGREEMENTS NEAR RATIFICATION

Alberta Ballet signs three-year deal with 3% raise each year

Negotiations with the three major players in Canadian ballet have been
favourable for Equity members working under engagement contracts with
these companies.

Equity was fortunate to have a great team of artists volunteer their
time and effort for negotiations with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and
Alberta Ballet. The bargaining sessions proceeded with open dialogue and
discussion, creative compromises from both sides of the table and an
honest sense of trust in the belief that all parties were continuing to
work together to build a stronger relationship.


3) EMERGING ARTISTS ELIGIBLE FOR STAGE WEST EQUITY AWARD

In September 2003, Canadian Actors' Equity Association will proudly
award one of its emerging members with a cheque for $2000 in recognition
of their professionalism, artistic excellence and innovation. The Stage
West Emerging Equity Artist Award, generously initiated by Stage West
Theatre Restaurant in honour of Equity's silver anniversary in 2001,
will recognize an Equity member each year for the next decade.

"This award recognizes the valuable asset this country has in young
talent. We feel, as one of Canada's largest employers of performers and
backstage crew, Stage West has a responsibility to assist and encourage
the development of that talent," says Howard Pechet, Executive Producer
of Stage West Theatre Restaurants.

The award will be given to a theatre artist who has been a member of the
association for less than three years and will be adjudicated by
Equity's honours committee, comprised of elected councillors and
advisory members.


4) ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

* Elections Information: Nomination by Petition form
* Petition nominations now being accepted
* List of nominees by discipline and region
* Canadian Actors' Equity Assoc. Professional Development Fund
* In Memoriam: Elizabeth Szathmary


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