Actors' Equity Association

One of Martin's cartoons from Climbing Rejection Mountain: An Actor's Path to Success, Stability, and Self-Esteem by Nick Wyman.

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

An announcement graphic from the Actors' Equity Association featuring a "ghost light" (a single light bulb on a stand) glowing against a dark, gradient blue background. White text on the left reads: "Losses in the Equity membership community from January 2026 now posted in the member portal." The Actors' Equity Association logo, featuring the comedy and tragedy masks, is in the bottom left corner.

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

Text over blue - "Reminder - Take a screenshot of your digital membership card this week! Digital cards will be offline for a system upgrade February 12 – 17."

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.

New York’s Kathy Hochul forms first women-led ticket, selecting Adrienne Adams as her running mate The Democratic governor has struggled to find a lieutenant governor who has not caused political headaches during her time in office.

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...

Woodie King Jr. Dies: ‘The Renaissance Man of Black Theater’ Who Advocated For Onstage Representation Was 88 Woodie King Jr., the theater actor, director and producer, who advocated for Black onstage representation, has died. He was 88.

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.

YouTube video by Actors' Equity Association In Memoriam – December 2025

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

Equity member Evan Tyrone Martin and the cast of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Photo by Liz Lauren. Text reads "Theatre Spotlight - Writers Theatre Glencoe, Illinois"

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

Poster for a vigil for Alex Pretti at VA NY Harbor Healthcare, featuring a photo of Alex Pretti and details of the event, with logos of supporting organizations like NYU, NYSNA and Equity among many others.

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&

Graphic promoting "Caregiver Reimbursement" by Actors' Equity Association, featuring a stylized heart held by two hands on a yellow background, with text "Making Union Service More Accessible."

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

A promotional graphic for the VITA 50th Anniversary Open House. The text "RESCHEDULED: VITA 50TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE" is prominently displayed at the top. Below, it lists the new date as "2 February, 2026" from "02:00 PM - 05:00 PM." The background features a photo of tax documents, calculator keys, and a hand holding a pen. At the bottom, a text box explains that VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) helps Equity members with their taxes and is the only IRS-sponsored tax assistance program specializing in performers' tax returns, accompanied by the Actors' Equity Association logo.

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.

Promotional poster for the Paul Robeson Award by Actors' Equity Association. Features a portrait of Paul Robeson in a circular frame, surrounded by text announcing open nominations for the award, with a submission deadline of 5 p.m. PT on Monday, February 23, 2026.

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

A promotional graphic for the VITA 50th Anniversary Open House. The text "RESCHEDULED: VITA 50TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE" is prominently displayed at the top. Below, it lists the new date as "2 February, 2026" from "02:00 PM - 05:00 PM." The background features a photo of tax documents, calculator keys, and a hand holding a pen. At the bottom, a text box explains that VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) helps Equity members with their taxes and is the only IRS-sponsored tax assistance program specializing in performers' tax returns, accompanied by the Actors' Equity Association logo.

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

Promotional image for Equity Stage Manager Day 2026 on February 16, featuring a graphic of a headset with a microphone, with the Actors' Equity Association logo at the bottom right.

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

Eric Bean, Jr. - How can your coworkers, audience members and employers best support swings? Communication is the best support we can ask for as swings. Particularly when it comes to partnering and scene work. Generally, swings are constantly navigating a large amount of material mentally. So, if there is something specific you as a cast member needs from them, please let it be known (we're not mind readers haha). In regards to audiences, the best way to support a swing is to provide them with the same level of excitement and encouragement you would with a member of the full time performance cast. Swings are extremely capable and talented individuals and often are strong enough to play one specific role full time, BUT have the mental capacity and ability to succeed in multiple spaces! It is a rare skill that should always be celebrated!

Janet Saia - What would you like actors who have never been swings to understand about swinging that they probably don’t? What about other colleagues in the theatre? Employers? Audience members? I think people should know that in order to be a good swing you need to have an incredible sense of direction. You need to memorize spacing and blocking just by watching the performers from the wings or from the audience and then be able to go up on stage and do what the other actor you are replacing did. You don't always get a run through so you have to be confident in your ability to reverse direction from what you are watching on stage when you are observing in house.

Sade Simmons - How do you plan your day around a swing's unpredictable scheduling? What's your day-to-day life like? I always start out my day with a healthy and filling breakfast followed by packing my dinner and snacks so no matter what track Im on for- I feel energized and fueled. I also hit the gym before each show- sticking to my workout schedule gives me a sense of routine and structure while also keeping me injury free. While my gym workout tends to be a targeted routine, I follow up at the theatre with a mini full body workout and stretching to get my body primed for the night' Track.

Dwayne Mitchell - Thoughts on being a swing? Forever grateful for my time to learn as a swing. In this industry you never stop learning and growing and I’m grateful for this opportunity.

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!

Brittany Bohn - How do you plan your day around a swing's unpredictable scheduling? What's your day-to-day life like? 9 hours of sleep, morning meditation, daily sweat, explore and have fun, keep your phone on ya, cheers with a drink to celebrate your daily wins!

Matthew Steffens - Thoughts on being a swing? I think being a swing is the hardest job in theater. You have to always be ready to do a myriad of herculean tasks. It is also the greatest joy to be able to put your take on several different parts of a show.

Dwayne Mitchell - What would you like actors who have never been swings to understand about swinging that they probably don’t? What about other colleagues in the theatre? Employers? Audience members? "Firstly, I think everyone should swing at least once in their career. It brings a certain awareness about humility, grit, quick thinking, and being able to look at the show from a larger point of view: i.e. Pictures, shapes, textures of the piece. Secondly, I would love for onstage company members to continue to practice grace and encouragement to their peers who don’t get a chance to perform the show 8 times a week. Sometimes even eye contact on stage is a little gesture of making a swing feel supported, seen, and understood. "

Sade Simmons - When do you feel mosty appreciated as a swing? When my co-workers are able to relax and truly enjoy their time on stage with me. That is a true testament to their trust in me that I've done the work and won't leave them hanging when the curtain comes up.

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

Winter Storm Targets 180 Million With Ice, Snow From Texas To Northeast | Weather.com Widespread snow and a potentially damaging ice storm are on the table from the South into the Northeast. Here’s the very latest forecast timing and who could be affected most.

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

Sade Simmons - Thoughts on being a swing? It's the best, most challenging job in showbiz, but I honestly love it.

Eric Bean, Jr. - What would you like actors who have never been swings to understand about swinging that they probably don’t? What about other colleagues in the theatre? Employers? Audience members? Swinging is not only about knowing the choreography and staging of multiple characters; it is also about learning the 'performance personalities' and needs of those who you will be interacting with (either as a scene partner OR dance partner)! So communication and continuous observation is key! With that being said, keep in mind that swinging is HARD! So give yourself the grace and space to not be perfect!

Alicia Newcom - How can your coworkers, audience members and employers best support swings? Please continue to advocate for fair pay and adequate contract protections for swings. We're nowhere near we need to be.

Janet Saia - When do you feel most appreciated as a swing? I feel most appreciated when I'm told by management -"Thank you for stepping in at the last minute! We really needed you" or when my fellow performers express appreciation for my work in a particular onstage moment.

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

Black beanie with the words "equity swing" embroidered in white on the front.

A collection of boxes full of shiny silver envelopes.

A group photo of ACCA volunteers who helped pack up Swing Day gift items.

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!

Dwayne Mitchell - When do you feel most appreciated as a swing? I feel most appreciated as a swing when I am able to get through a show (of course happy with the performance I’ve done) and have the support of my cast-mates/ crew members/ and creative leaders recognizing the work it takes to perform on sometimes a moments notice.

Janet Saia - Thoughts on being a swing? Swinging a long running show has given me the ability in my life to be facile, flexible and adaptable to change in any situation! It is thrilling to step onto stage with brilliant performers and know that you are the same in multiple ways!!!

Michael Iannucci - How do you plan your day around a swing's unpredictable scheduling? What's your day-to-day life like? I always have my phone on. If I'm in a social situation I always explain to whoever I'm with that I'm not being rude...I just have to keep checking my phone...or if a text or phone call comes in I have to take it. I'm lucky to live across the street from the show I'm in. I always make sure I'm home late afternoon...or late morning if it's a matinee day. I'm always on call. Sometimes even the show has started.

Brittany Bohn - What would you like actors who have never been swings to understand about swinging that they probably don’t? What about other colleagues in the theatre? Employers? Audience members? No one teaches you how to be a swing. People can help and give you hints but it’s a process that only you can create for yourself. Everyone’s brain works differently and you simply can’t know what you don’t know. As an older swing I’m less bothered by it now, but it can wear on you when you have people at the show but can’t go on stage to feel celebrated for your hard work. There’s also a frustrating reality at the beginning, that you may never feel relaxed or good about your performance. We are partnering with someone new all the time. You have to try and enjoy yourself no matter what.

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