News

April 5, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the launch of So You’re a Director Who’s Been Offered a Contract, a handy checklist of important elements to consider when working as a director. The tip sheet, created by Equity’s Directors, Choreographers, Fight Directors, and Intimacy Directors Committee (DCFID), is the first in a resource series that will provide guidance for members working in each of the Committee’s disciplines.
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April 4, 2024 -Equity is pleased to announce the release of a new tip sheet and FAQ for the Artists’ Collective Policy (ACP). A member-driven engagement policy, the ACP is ideal for collaborative productions, promoting group decision making and agreed-upon revenue sharing. Read more...

March 27, 2024 - March 27th is World Theatre Day, a day to celebrate and promote the art of live performance and the work of artists, professionals, organizations, and audiences that bring it to life.

This year, World Theatre Day is also an opportunity to build awareness of the current realities of our industry and to promote the vital role of theatre in our society. The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is placing an urgent call to action for Canadians to re-engage and support their local companies. Join the call by using #RallyForTheatre, #GoSeeAShow and #WorldTheatreDay on social media to share your stories and favourite theatre experiences.
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March 26, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff McBride to Equity Council, as a representative for Eastern Ontario and Outaouais. Geoff has worked as a performer, director, and staff member at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, and played for 10 seasons with A Company of Fools, both in his hometown of Ottawa.

Geoff's appointment comes following Cassandre Mentor's resignation.
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March 20, 2024 - Happy World Theatre Day for Children & Youth, also known as Take A Child to the Theatre Day! Ahead of World Theatre Day next week, today is dedicated to introducing young audiences to the world of live performance, advocating for children's right to theatre and art, and celebrating the young artists already making their mark in our industry.

Learn more about the Take A Child to the Theatre campaign and other initiatives for children & youth in theatre at assitej-international.org

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March 13, 2024 - As arts workers in Canada, it's important to stay informed and updated about the work of funding organizations like Canada Council, whose initiatives and grant programs help to support our industry.

Equity members are encouraged to attend the upcoming Canada Council Annual Public Meeting, taking place on Wednesday, March 27th at 4:00 pm EST.

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March 11, 2024 - In an open letter to the arts community, Canada Council for the Arts Director and CEO, Michelle Chawla announced the Council will cut $9.88 million from its budget by 2026-2027 as part of the government-wide Refocusing Government Spending initiative, but assured the arts community that “these savings will not impact the Council’s regular granting programs nor our operating capacity.”

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March 8th is International Women's Day (IWD), a day to celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world and in the live performance industry!

Originating as a labour movement in the early 1900s, IWD calls for community and collective action in the fight for equality by breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating environments where all women are valued and respected. Read more...

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) has announced they will no longer provide incident reporting services, confidential counselling, or other support services via the HAVEN Helpline, ending their relationship with Equity as of February 28, 2024. Members will still be able to report incidents of inappropriate behaviour and access counselling through HAVEN Helpline until the contract with TELUS Health expires at the end of the month.

Equity members are encouraged to report incidents of inappropriate behaviour by email at notinourspace@caea.com and an Equity Respectful Workplace Advisor will follow up. Read more...

February is Black History Month! This time is an opportunity to spotlight the outstanding contributions of Black artists and enrich our knowledge of Black History.

Celebrate Black History Month by learning more about organizations working to support and promote Black artists and art across the country: Read more...

January 30, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce a successful conclusion to negotiations with Second City. Ratification of the Equity Second City Agreement (ESCA) is scheduled for February 8 - 22, 2024 for all Equity members eligible to vote and a complete list of the proposed changes will be available at www.caea.com (members only) once the ratification period commences.
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January 30, 2024 - New Officers have been named at Equity Council's first meeting of the year on January 29. Scott Bellis will serve a fourth term as Equity Council President, with Donna Fletcher (Manitoba & Nunavut Councillor) serving her second term as First Vice-President, Allan Teichman (Ontario Councillor) as Second Vice-President, and Helen Knight (Alberta South Councillor) as Secretary-Treasurer.

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January 29, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the appointment of Allan Teichman to Equity Council, as a representative of the Ontario region. A stage manager with nearly 40 years of experience at the Shaw Festival and around the country, Allan has previously served on Equity Council for 15 years, including 11 as President.
Allan’s appointment comes following Omar Alex Khan's resignation, citing a need to focus on his work schedule.
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In an effort to promote workplace accessibility awareness in our industry, Equity has added a new requirement for engagers wishing to submit audition notices through our e-Drive system.

As per various provincial requirements for accessibility (known in Ontario as The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), engagers are now required to include information in audition notices indicating if the audition, rehearsal, and performance spaces are each free of physical barriers.

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January 9th marks International Choreographers Day! Today we celebrate the hard work and incredible talent of choreographers, and thank them for the dedication and artistry they contribute to bringing art to life. In honour of this year's International Choreographers Day, we've invited a few Equity choreographers to share what this day and choreography means to them. Read more...

January 8, 2024 - Equity is proud to announce the release of A Members' Guide to Being an Equity Liaison, a straightforward introduction to the role of a liaison, and tips to make the job easy and beneficial to everyone.

Equity members on the Respectful Workplace Task Force and staff collaborated to create this guide. It’s based on experiences we’ve all had. Let us know if you find it helpful – or if we’ve missed anything. We appreciate and welcome corrections and additions. As our industry keeps changing, we will keep updating. You can let us know your thoughts by emailing communications@caea.com.

The Guide, as well other Liaison resources, can be found here.