[e-drive]EQUIFLASH [DEADLINE CHANGES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING]

[Darlene Bullard]

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
DEADLINE CHANGES APPROVED BY COUNCIL 
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At its most recent meeting Equity's Council ratified changes to the
Professional Development Policy including a change to the deadlines for
submissions of applications to the Fund.

The new deadlines are March 15 and September 15 of each year.

The previous deadline of June 15, 2004 has been extended until September
15, 2004.

The Professional Development Fund is designed for member driven
workshops and classes that:

- encourage collegiality and strengthen the artistic community
- encourage breaking through stereotypes, typecasting, etc.
- encourage improvement of existing skills or creation of new skills
- encourage artistic exploration, experimentation and risk-taking
- increase confidence
- increase profiles in the community
- increase awareness of work opportunities
- increase ability to take advantage of work opportunities

Some Considerations

1.	In order for the Professional Development Committee to consider
funding a project, the majority (50 per cent plus one) of the
participants (or anticipated participants) must be Equity members in
good standing. Normally, a grant will be given only to a workshop in
which a majority of participants are Equity members.

2.	Generally, the Fund will not grant money to projects or programs
that are directly related to a production. 

3.	The Fund will go toward projects in theatre, opera and dance,
unless it can be shown that there is another particular need in that
local community.

4.	The Professional Development Fund does not offer individual
grants to members, but rather to projects or courses of study that
benefit groups of members and are open to members at large. 

For a full description of the Professional Development guidelines please
consult the policy which is available from either Equity office or
through our web site at www.caea.com.

If you have any questions please contact the Communications Department
at National Office.
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria Street, 12th Floor
Toronto, ON M5C 3C4
E-mail: communications at caea.com