News

July 23, 2024 — Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) are pleased to announce the launch of newly redesigned Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) contracts for actors, directors, stage managers, choreographers, fight directors, and intimacy directors.

The updated contracts provide greater details, benefiting both the engagers and artists, and no longer require physical or digital signatures, simplifying the confirmation process for everyone. New contracts are the first step in an ongoing initiative to modernize all of the forms and ancillary documents related to the CTA.
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The 2023-2025 Equity-Second City Agreement (ESCA) is now available online. Protracted negotiations resulted in an agreement that was only ratified in 2024 and included retroactive fee increases.

The new ESCA includes significant improvements in the areas of fees, working conditions, and creative compensation, as well as language for the additional use of materials. Printed copies of the agreement will be available shortly.

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July 10, 2024 — Equity and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) are pleased to announce the launch of a new First Day Talk statement, to be read at the start of rehearsals on all Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) productions.

Though the new First Day Talk is a joint initiative between Equity and PACT, the statement will be made available to all theatres for use on any productions under Equity’s collective agreements or engagement policies.
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July 8, 2024 — Equity is pleased to introduce an updated Respectful Workplace Policy Template for Small-Scale Engagers, helping theatres fulfill their obligations under Equity’s collective agreements and engagement policies to have a respectful workplace policy in place that’s accessible to all workers.

Developed by Equity Council's Respectful Workplace Task Force, the template is designed to be adapted by individual theatres so that they may provide artists and other theatre workers with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities regarding respect in the workplace, as well as the procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of unprofessional conduct and inappropriate behaviour.
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Equity staff & Council Committees have collaborated on creating a series of new resources for members: 

• So You're A Director Who's Been Offered a Contract... 
• So You're A Choreographer Who's Been Offered a Contract...
• Understudy Resource for Stage Managers
• So You've Signed onto an Artists' Collective Policy Production...
• Joint First Day Talk Template
• Respectful Workplace Policy Template for Small-Scale Engagers

Equity is pleased to share that the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) has been ratified. Thank you to all who voted!
Eligible members of Equity voted 94.6% in support of the proposed changes with a voting return rate of 35.5%.
The changes to this agreement demonstrate significant improvements in the areas of work-life balance for Stage Managers, inclusive language, and considerable increases to fees, particularly for directors and choreographers.
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June 21, 2024 - Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate Indigenous heritage, diversity, and cultures. We recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to live performance and the arts community, and honour the distinct and vital voices of our Indigenous members.

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June 3, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce a successful conclusion to CTA negotiations with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT).

The proposed changes include significant improvements in the areas of work-life balance for Stage Managers, inclusive language, and considerable increases to fees, particularly for directors and choreographers.

Ratification of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) is scheduled for June 6 - 21, 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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June 1, 2024 - June marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant history, culture, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, especially artists and live performers! Pride is an opportunity to commemorate the continued fight towards equality, and come together for a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and love.
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May 29, 2024 - Earlier this year, Equity Council invited the membership to participate in answering a survey on a range of issues that were being discussed by the Association’s leadership. More than 1,300 members responded, and we thank you all for your participation and interest in guiding the work of your Association!

View the report here.

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May 17, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the launch of So You’re a Choreographer Who’s Been Offered a Contract, a handy checklist of important elements to consider when working as a choreographer. The tip sheet, created by Equity’s Directors, Choreographers, Fight Directors, and Intimacy Directors Committee (DCFID), is part of a resource series that will provide guidance for members working in each of the Committee’s disciplines.
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Starting in June, Equity’s subscription service – providing job notices, as well as news about the Association and our industry to 11,000 members and other arts workers across the country – will be moving to a new platform.

The best part is, you’ll now be able to manage your preferences to ensure you get the notices that matter to you!

To continue receiving Equity news and job notices, you will need to subscribe to our new service by May 31st. Click here to complete the subscription form, selecting the types of notices you want to receive. As of June 1st, we will only be sending out emails through the new platform – so don’t delay!

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April 29, 2024 -  Happy International Dance Day!
Today, we join the global community in commemorating the rich artistry created through the movement, expression, and emotion of dance. We recognize and celebrate all those who contribute to the art form of dance and have chosen to make dance their profession. Thank you for the passion and dedication you bring to your art and our stages!

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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...

February 22, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the ratification of the Equity Second City Agreement (ESCA). The ratified terms will take effect immediately, retroactive to January 2, 2023, and will remain in place until January 4, 2026.

Eligible members of Equity voted 100% in support of the proposed changes with a voting return rate of 74%.
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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.