EQUIFLASH [MEMBER ADVISORY - EQUITY PROTESTS NON-UNION TOURS]

[CAEA e-drive]

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MEMBER ADVISORY - EQUITY PROTESTS NON-UNION TOURS
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association (Equity)  recently undertook a
campaign protesting national non-union touring performances across
Canada. Specifically, Equity identified Dancap Productions (Toronto, ON)
where the non-union musical "In the Heights" recently opened, and "Shrek
The Musical" will open soon.

Equity was deeply disappointed that Dancap chose to program it's season
with non-union productions. Neither Actors' Equity Association (U.S.)
nor Canadian Actors' Equity Association contracts are in place for the
participants (actors, directors, choreographers and stage mangers) in
these productions.

Contrary to Aubrey Dan's comment last fall that "from the consumer
perspective, there's no difference" Equity and its 6,000 strong
membership has greater faith in the discerning nature of Toronto
theatre-goers. The financial and artistic success of  Dancap's recent
production of "American Idiot" was based on the quality of its
professional performances and production values. Audiences deserve the
best for their ticket dollars.

Read Guy Dixon in the Globe and Mail (national) "Actors' Equity protests
non-union production of In the Heights" including an interview with
Executive Director Arden R. Ryshpan:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/actors-equity-protests-
non-union-production-of-in-the-heights/article2331480

The Globe and Mail is also polling its readers on the following question
"The association of Canadian theatre actors is asking critics not to
review the Dancap production of In the Heights. Will you go see it?" You
may register your vote (today only) at:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/vote-will-you-see-the-d
ancap-production-of-in-the-heights/article2331500/?from=2331480

Read Richard Ouzounian in The Star (Toronto, ON) "Musical doesn't hit us
where it should":
http://www.toronto.com/article/712770--review-in-the-heights-doesn-t-hit
-them

Read Martin Morrow in the Globe and Mail (national) " Mediocre cast
turns once-sizzling musical into bland soap opera":
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/mediocre-cast-turns-onc
e-sizzling-musical-into-bland-soap-opera/article2331374/

Canadian Actors' Equity Association represents professional artists
including performers (actors, singers, dancers), directors,
choreographers, fight directors and stage managers, engaged in theatre,
opera and dance in English Canada. The business of Equity is to
negotiate and administer collective agreements, provide benefit plans,
information and support, and act as an advocate for its membership. 
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria Street, 12th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4
tel: 416-867-9165
fax: 416-867-9246
communications at caea.com
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