Join us Monday, February 23rd for “Federal EEOC 101,” the next installment of the Embracing Equity Series. RSVP in the member portal - https://bit.ly/4rL2sdV

Sending all a very Happy Valentine's Day ❤️ Artwork from the archives of Equity News, February 1924. Art by A.J. Knorr.

Equity Stage Manager Day is on February 16! Let's take a look at some more facts about stage managers' work.

ICYMI – It's Black History Month! Keep an eye out for updates about upcoming Embracing Equity events, because the first half of 2026 is being dedicated to exploring labor law and Civil Rights to equip you with resources and tools to advocate for yourself in the workplace.

In observance of Presidents Day, Equity's staff will be unavailable on Monday, February 16. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, February 17. Be sure to contact Equity staff before the holiday.

Equity Stage Manager Day is in four days! Let's start the countdown with fact drop no. 1.

Immigration resources are available in the member portal. Equity members can now access a comprehensive guide on immigration rights, including a printable rights card and bystander intervention tips. Log in for more - https://members.actorsequity.org/resources/know-your-immigration-rights

This Black History Month, we celebrate the partnership between the ongoing Labor and Civil Rights Movements, while acknowledging the ways that each movement has struggled with inclusion throughout their complicated and intertwined histories. Learn more - https://bit.ly/4a9P2SU

Important notice for Upcoming Member Portal Service Disruption - Equity's databases will be offline from Thursday evening, February 12, through Tuesday morning, February 17. This means that certain member portal functions will be unavailable during this time. https://bit.ly/3NY5dKz

Today we shine a spotlight on Evolution Theatre Company for stepping up their support for Equity actors and stage managers! Explore more #EquityWorks tales in The Organizing Voice. Check out the member portal for details. https://bit.ly/4pMkawI

Since 2024, Michael X. Martin has been providing cartoons for Equity News, poking fun at working in the industry. And he knows about working in the industry – an Equity member since 1978, he has appeared in nearly 20 Broadway productions. Find the conversation in the portal - https://bit.ly/4ks3WYm

Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for January 2026 on the member portal. https://bit.ly/4tnfkIM

Important reminder for upcoming member portal service disruption - If you rely on a digital membership card, please take a screenshot of your card prior to February 12 when that service will be offline.

Long overdue – the first time a major party’s Gubernatorial ticket is women-led in New York! https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/04/new-yorks-kathy-hochul-forms-first-all-women-ticket-selecting-adrienne-adams-as-her-running-mate-00764469

In response to President Donald Trump’s public announcement of a planned two-year shutdown of the Kennedy Center, Kennedy Center Arts Workers United issued the following joint statement: kennedycenterunions.org/statements-n...

Equity mourns Woodie King Jr., who received both the LeNoire & Robeson Awards, which honored his commitment to theatre as an avenue for justice. He was a tireless advocate for our industry who left our community better than he found it. https://deadline.com/2026/01/woodie-king-jr-dies-88-1236704669/

Happy Black History Month! Each February, we celebrate the artistic movements, diverse cultures and essential advocacy of Black Americans as we continue the fight for human and civil rights for all workers.

Equity members gathered online on Monday, December 22 in appreciation of those who have passed away, share memories, swap stories and mourn together. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the recorded version - https://youtu.be/ZFEvL8l0sBk

The latest Theatre Spotlight brings us to Glencoe, Illinois, where Writers Theatre mounts ambitious productions in an intimate environment. Equity members spoke about why this Chicago Area Theatre company is a great place to work. https://bit.ly/3ZFa3yC

Equity is currently investigating email delivery issues for Gmail users. In some instances, members are receiving emails 1-2 days late (in other cases, not at all). The communications and IT departments will continue working w/ all technology partners to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

The Production Contract Committee is looking for new members! If you are currently working or have recently worked the Production Contract, apply here: https://members.actorsequity.org/get-involved/join-a-group

Join union members across NYC to mourn and celebrate the life of Alex Pretti and call for justice for all victims of ICE and Border Patrol. 📅 Thurs 1/29 ⏰ 5PM 📍 VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, NYC https://actionnetwork.org/events/vigil-for-alex-pretti?source=direct_link&

Equity members with caregiving responsibilities can now request reimbursement for hiring caregiving services that allow them to volunteer for union business. Visit the member portal to learn more. https://members.actorsequity.org/get-involved/union-governance/caregiver

Due to the expected weather forecast, VITA is postponing the open house until Monday, February 2. We ask that you would RSVP again, if you wish to attend the reschedule date. Visit the member portal for more - https://bit.ly/4sXEAFm

We join our union siblings across the country in mourning the senseless killing by federal agents of Alex Pretti, and in calling for accountability, justice and an end to this campaign of terror.

Due to the expected storm, Equity's New York City office will be closed Monday. Staff will be working remotely. Agent Access Auditions have been cancelled.

Please note: THE WIZ Dancers ECC that had been scheduled for Monday 1/26 has been postponed to Thursday 1/29. The venue has changed to Pearl Studios, 519 8th Ave. Members who signed up for January 26 will have the same number on January 29. The notice has been updated in the member portal.

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Paul Robeson Award! Check out the previous winners in our news archive to learn more about the amazing work they're doing: https://bit.ly/469VlDo

Due to the expected weather forecast, VITA is postponing the open house until Monday, February 2. We ask that you would RSVP again, if you wish to attend the reschedule date. Visit the member portal for more - https://bit.ly/4sXEAFm

Save the date! Equity #StageManagerDay is on February 16. You can Self-ID in the member portal as an SM to make sure you receive Equity SM Day communications. https://members.actorsequity.org/my-account/my-profile/self-identification

Due to the impending cold temperatures in Chicago, Equity's office will be closed tomorrow. Staff will be working remotely.

As Swing Day comes to a close, we send our heartfelt thanks to every swing that has ever stepped in to save the show. Audiences and your colleagues are lucky to have you 💕 Be sure to scroll back and check out all of the thoughts shared with us by swings from around the country! #equityteamswing

Final Swing Day Q&A with swings from around the country! #equityteamswing

More insight from swings on Swing Day! From how they start their day to how audiences and employers can best support swings, swipe through to read #equityteamswing thoughts!

Swing Day continues! Swings from around the country shared their thoughts about what it means to be a swing. Share your experiences w/ #equityteamswing.

Equity's Safety Team is monitoring the developing weather situation that could impact everywhere from Texas to the mid-Atlantic this weekend and will be in touch with employers as necessary. Reach out to your employer if you have concerns about your ability to get to work. https://bit.ly/49D2UU4

"We love saving the show!" - Aaron J. Albano We spoke to members of #EquityTeamSwing in 2024 about the ups and downs they face with such a demanding job. Check out our YouTube for the full conversation. https://youtu.be/-KnsZrc1u0s

Swings get the job done! Swipe through to read more thoughts from members of #equityteamswing

This year's Swing Day gift item should be arriving in your theater today! Join us in sending a big "thank you" to our Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) volunteers who helped us pack everything (and hand deliver to theaters in NYC). Be sure to tag @actorsequity to help us celebrate swings!

Swing Day continues! Swings sent in their thoughts on things you might not know about a swing’s job, insight on how they plan their day and how you can support the swings in your cast! #EquityTeamSwing

"Being a swing is hard. It is so hard." - LaQuet Sharnell Pringle We spoke to members of #EquityTeamSwing in 2024 about the ups and downs they face with such a demanding job. Check out our YouTube for the full conversation. https://youtu.be/-KnsZrc1u0s?si=y2j8f_nwqPVgoq14

Swings from around the country sent in their thoughts on various aspects of the work they do. Swipe through for some thoughts from #equityteamswing!

Happy National Swing Day 2026 to swings across the country! We are proud to recognize the incredible talent, preparation and determination that swings bring to every production. Celebrate with us by shouting out a swing today and using #EquityTeamSwing.

Tomorrow is Swing Day 🎉 Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate with us! #EquityTeamSwing

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. championed unions and collective action as tools for justice and dignity at work. Today, Equity honors his legacy by continuing the fight for fairness, equity and respect for all working artists.

Swing Day swag is packed and on the way! Thank you so much to our Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) volunteers who helped us pack everything. Be sure to mark Wednesday, January 21 in your calendars and celebrate with us 📆

Equity's staff will be unavailable on Monday, January 19 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Be sure to contact your local office before the holiday for any support needs. https://actorsequity.org/aboutequity/Contact/

Over 15,000 NYC-area nurses have been on strike since Monday to protect patient and nurse safety. Equity members in the NYC area are encouraged to join their picket line in support on Friday January 16 at Mount Sinai West. RSVP to join us. https://bit.ly/3LBz22r

Thank you to Gov. Hochul for your leadership in creating the NY Saving Performing Arts and Cultural Experiences program. NY SPACE will provide funding for nonprofit performing arts organizations to acquire permanent venues, including theaters. Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/4qLsqgQ

Swing Day 2025 is Wednesday, January 21! Time to study up on some swing terminology. Today, let's look at the basics... What is a swing? #EquityTeamSwing