Equity is pleased to announce an update to its contract flexibility program. Originally launched in 2023 to support senior artists as they pursue their work on stage, the program has now been expanded to include disabled artists and will be rebranded as Equity’s Senior and Disabled Artist Program.
“Over the years, Equity has worked with engagers to support the differing needs of disabled artists. Expanding the scope of this program is an important part of those efforts,” said Equity Executive Director, Alex Levine. “These contractual accommodations will assist both senior and disabled artists in pursuing a fulfilling career in our sector.”
The Program aims to address challenges that include limited professional opportunities, health concerns that could have an impact on the ability to handle the usual work schedule, and issues performing with amateur or community theatres, where the schedule may be more appropriate to a senior or disabled artist’s needs.
Three distinct options are available to encourage greater work opportunities:
- Working without an Equity Contract – allowing Senior or Disabled Artists to work without reference to an Equity contract, so that they may continue to pursue occasional opportunities on projects without the member needing an Equity engagement contract. This option is not available under any negotiated agreements.
- Prorated Contracts – allowing Senior or Disabled Artists to work a reduced number of work hours in a week for a proportionately prorated fee on projects governed by the CTA or ITA.
- Contract Sharing – allowing two Senior or Disabled Artists to share the rehearsal/performances, sharing the applicable fees. Contract Sharing is available on projects governed by the CTA or ITA as well as the DOT and INDIE engagement policies.
In all instances, it is entirely the at the discretion of the artist (or artists) to request access to the Senior and Disabled Artist Program, and it cannot be initiated by an engager.
For the purposes of determining who is eligible to access the Program, Equity will use the Bylaws’ definition of Senior Artists and the CTA’s definition of D/deaf and Disabled Artists.
Click here to view the Senior and Disabled Artist Program.
Equity would like to thank Equity Councillors Alethea Bakogeorge and Alexia Vassos for their contributions to this initiative.
If you have any questions about the Senior and Disabled Artist Program, please contact busrep@caea.com.