I've been receiving a lot of messages inquiring about whether the cast & I will be with the tour in the continuing months. I figured I should probably make a statement about the status of the production. The tour will indeed be going NON-EQUITY. This is a very sensitive subject to many union actors working in the field. Basically what it entails is that the production company is switching over to a presenter called Phoenix Entertainment. They will be hiring only NON-UNION actors . I'm not saying that you should all stay clear from this tour, I think SPELLING BEE is a fantastic show and any opportunity to see it should be used, whether it be a community theatre production, at a college, or a non-Equity tour. But as a theatregoer, it is important to at least recognize that these tours are taking jobs away from union actors. Basically, if the tour stayed under an Equity contract, we would still have a job.
It becomes tricky because this production is being marketed to as a Broadway National Tour, and frankly, it's not. There are no non-Equity shows on Broadway. And as a theatergoer, you are a consumer, and thus should think at least a little about the union protections that Equity provides it's performers. Would you buy a clothing made by people who aren't paid a fair wage? The principal is essentially the same.
I of course can't speak on the quality of the non-Equity SPELLING BEE tour as I haven't seen it. Because performers are non-union does not necessarily mean that they are less talented. I have many friends who haven't joined Equity yet and are wonderful performers. I just think that you should be as informed as possible when buying tickets, and let you guys know that the cast that you've seen on Andrew's Blog will sadly no longer be a part of this wonderful production.
21 comments:
wow. I've never really thought about non-Equity that way, as silly as it sounds, and I appreciate you explaining in detail. it is VERY unfair. however, I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding another show :-) congrats on a great run, and happy closing!
im really sorry to hear that, but im glad that i at least got the chance to see you guys performing. i wish i could have met you that day. good luck with everything else!
This post answered all my questions and more. I'm sorry about how the situation worked out. I never knew the difference between non-Equity and Equity tours and I guess it really sucks. You guys did an amazing job and put on an amazing production which has been enjoyed by a lot of people. I'm sad that the cast won't be in Andrew's Blog, but I'm glad to see what's to come.
Good luck with everything and I'm excited for "Conversations With My Scooter"!
i'm so sorry tyo hear that but i am very glad that i got to see you guys perform in jacksonville. i was bummed that i wasn't able to meet you guys after the show because the usher basically yelled at my friend and i for asking where the stage door was. :/
best of luck with everything to come....you'll be in another show in no time. :)
well said, sir!
isn't it true that if there wasn't a non union tour of Spelling bee that there still wouldn't be an equity production because the financials of a union tour make it impossible for a union show to go to the one nighter markets - meaning that some of these markets would never get to see what a great show Spelling Bee is - if the union tour were able to continue and make money for the producers, don't you think they would continue producing it?
well. thats a bummer. but im so happy that i got to see the show when you guys came to memphis. i even saw you, but i got shell-shocked and didnt ask you and vanessa for an auto graph or pic :[ maybe some other time? you (and everybody else) are so gonna find another show, but i will always have great memories from watching you guys in spelling bee. you guys have definitely made me want to pursue acting as a career. im going to miss the spelling bee blog :[ tell vanessa and dana and everybody else that memphis says "howdy" :]
mhmm well said!
is the eq tour cast going to great barrington this summer?
i just had a really good idea! ok. did you get to keep your costume from spelling bee? well, you should put the cape on ebay, then donate all the proceeds to broadway cares/equity fights aids! the rest of the cast could do that TOO!
saw your show twice when you were in Wisconsin. How does one know if a production you are seeing is equity or non-equity
I second Gordonne's question. How do we know? I always see "Proud AEA member" in the cast bios of the shows I see, but of course by then I've already bought my ticket and am sitting in my seat!
Can't wait to see what you do next, Andrew!
To answer the questions above, this website (http://www.actorsequity.org/NewsMedia/touring_main.asp) has a list of both Equity and non-Equity tours.
Andrew, thanks for raising awareness on this issue. I certainly didn't know about it before this. Best of luck on all that the future brings you and I'm so glad I was able to share closing night with the cast! :)
The comment cut off the url. This is it:
http://www.actorsequity.org/NewsMedia/
touring_main.asp
Wow. I can't believe this is this is the production replacing you wonderful people. I actually auditioned for it and it was run worse than any audition I've ever been too.
That aside, I'm bummed I never got a chance to see you guys and will hopefully be seeing you guys around in other things.
To answer gordonne's question, another way you can tell if it's an Equity or non-Equity tour you're watching -- without even leaving the theatre -- is to look in the back of your program. If it's Equity, way in the back of the program in the "Tour Credits" section, there will be a little Equity logo with something to the effect of "The actors and stage managers in this production are members of Actors' Equity..."
Just noticed the non-Eq "Spelling Bee" tour is coming through the California "Center" for the Arts in Escondido later this year, where I just saw "The Wedding Singer" this weekend.
It's not so offensive when a first national tour goes out as Equity and plays most of the major cities before going non-Equity. It's really sad though, when a first national tour like "The Wedding Singer" is never even an option for members of Equity, and doesn't get seen by the majority of West Coast audiences. This tour has only THREE West Coast stops: Spokane, San Luis Obispo, and Escondido!
Anyway, best of luck with life post-"Spelling Bee."
I love you AKB!
You were absolutely amazing in the show and I wish you, and your fellow cast members, all the best in all your endeavors.
I have the honor of working as a member of the stage management staff at two equity theatre companies (Music Circus and A.C.T.). There is so much to be said about actors (and stage managers) that have made their LIFE theatre.
I thank you and every actor, stage manager, director, choreographer, techie, etc....you are keeping the art alive.
Take care AKB,
Love, peace,
- Josh
FROM SEVENTEEN MAGAZINE:
on the texting page in the "B4 U SEND" box..
Watch the lingo.
Guys say cutesy abbreviations, like TOTES (for totally), seem childish, and use sparingly.
obviously that sucks. but CLEARLY it just means you have to come back to nsmt for spelling bee in the round please! :)
good post. however, there are many many talented talented non eq actors out there that hope and pray for the oppurtunity to be eq but cant be seen or cast because they are sadly...non eq actors. its very sad. on the other hand, everyone has to eat and everyone wants to work. everyone is non eq before becoming eq. unless however, you were a child starring on broadway. ;)
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