News

Thank you to all the members who attended Equity's 2024 National Annual General Meeting (NAGM) on October 21. It was an informative session with a review of Equity’s work and finances over the past year and animated discussions on issues that matter to members.
For those members who were unable to attend the NAGM, materials from the meeting, including video recordings and report transcriptions are available to view or download here.

After 17 years of dedicated service to Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, Executive Director Arden R. Ryshpan has announced that she will be retiring May 30, 2025. Over the next few weeks, Equity’s National Council will form a Search Committee to work in conjunction with a recruitment firm on finding the Association’s next ED.
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Register to attend our upcoming panel discussion on Monday, November 4th from 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET.

Join Nina Lee Aquino, Daryl Cloran, and Jenna Rodgers, as Vanessa Porteous hosts them for a chat about how, and why, we use room agreements and other strategies to set expectations, name our shared values, find ways to adhere to best intentions, allow for true difference, and seek real common ground.

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September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Today, we honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.

We encourage you to join us in taking time to reflect and learn about the history and harms done, and strive for further action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. Click here to read and learn more about the Calls to Action, including information about the current status of each Call.
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Equity is pleased to announce the addition of a tracking sheet for ongoing Request for Council Actions (RCA) on the website.

RCAs are a fundamental way for every member to participate in the governance of their Association. Ideas for new initiatives, suggestions for policy change, and issues for discussion are shared by members-at-large with Equity’s elected leadership via an RCA.

By being able to view ongoing RCAs and their status, members-at-large can provide input on an RCA that interests them by contacting their regional Councillor.

Click here to view the RCA Tracker.

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Equity is very pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Honours Awards. The Honours Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of Equity members and other artists in our industry.

To celebrate this year's honourees, a video recording of the awards presentations will be made available on Equity's social platforms and at www.caea.com on December 6, 2024. To learn more about the recipients and the EQ Honours Awards, click here.

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Now is your time to step forward – to share your interest, your ideas, and your passion by declaring your candidacy or nominating a fellow Equity member for Equity Council. Support the members in your region and across the country, and help shape Equity's future. It's important for all of us!

To learn more about the nomination process, click here.
The deadline for submitting a nomination is 8:00 pm ET on October 10.

We encourage all members – particularly those from underrepresented groups in our membership – to declare their candidacy or nominate a member from your community. Diverse voices, representing diverse perspectives are crucial for a strong leadership.

Only Life, Regular or Regular-Extended Visa members in good standing, of at least 18 years of age, are eligible to run for Council.

August 29, 2024 - Equity is pleased to announce the launch of So You’re a Fight Director Who’s Been Offered a Contract, a handy checklist of important elements to consider when working as a fight director. 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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August 22, 2024 - Canadian Actors’ Equity Association is pleased to announce the 2024 dues referendum has passed. Members voted 70% in favour of the proposed sustainability plan that includes a $20 dues increase as of May 2025, a subsequent increase of $12 effective May 2028, and the introduction of a new Dues Credit Initiative that will provide members with a credit towards their dues if Equity has a strong financial year. Voting closed at 3 pm ET today with 41% of the eligible voters having cast their ballot.

More details on the dues referendum and Dues Credit Initiative are available here.

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Each year, Equity prepares an Artists' Statistics and Employment Report that provides an in-depth look at your work opportunities, capturing Equity engagements and contracts, member and non-member earnings, and work weeks across the country - providing us with a better understanding of our industry.

Click here to view snapshots of Equity contracts and member earnings under dance, opera, and theatre agreements, as well as provincial breakdowns of changes in total Equity contracts and earnings over the past year.

The Equity Directors, Choreographers, Fight Directors and Intimacy Directors Committee presents Negotiating with Engagers: a Panel Discussion with directors Rebecca Northan, Meg Roe, and Julie Tomaino. Moderated by Council President, Scott Bellis. Register here to join us on Monday, September 16 from 3:30 p.m. ET to 5:00 p.m. ET.

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Equity is pleased to present two new resources – for performers working as understudies and stage managers working with understudies.

Unfortunate things can happen on a show – illness, injury, or an individual emergency – and understudies are a critical part of dealing with a sudden absence artfully and professionally. The Understudy Resource for Performers provides actors with tips to help prepare and navigate the process while the Understudy Resource for Stage Managers will help SMs get up to speed quickly on the various things they need to plan for and consider in working with understudies.
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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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Equity is pleased to announce that the revised 2024-2027 Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) Fee Booklet is now available online, detailing the minimum fees from the recently ratified CTA. As a mirror agreement, the Independent Theatre Agreement (ITA) Fee Booklet is available as well.

Terms for the 2024-2027 CTA and ITA took effect June 24th and include significant increases to minimum fees in year one of the agreement, including a 4% general increase, 5% increase to Director fees, and 10% increase to Choreographer fees.
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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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ACTRA is presenting Equity members across the country with a one-time, 60-day opportunity to join ACTRA with a waived initiation fee, which would otherwise be $1125 through our reciprocal agreement. If you considered joining ACTRA in the past, but found the cost to be prohibitive, this is your chance to take advantage of their offer.

Enrollment in this offer is available until August 2, 2024. For next steps and more information about becoming an ACTRA member, go to actra.ca/join.
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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...
• So You're A Fight Director Who's Been Offered a Contract...
• Understudy Resource for Stage Managers
• Understudy Resource for Performers
• 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.
Read more

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.