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Theater News

Actors’ Equity Association and The Broadway League Reach Deal on Safety Plans for Reopening

Actors’ Equity Association and the Broadway League have announced an agreement on safety protocols for Production Contract shows on Broadway and in sit-down productions across the country. This news comes as Pass Over, the first Broadway play set to resume performances, moved into the August Wilson Theatre on Thursday, July 29, 2021 for rehearsals.

[The Broadway League made a separate announcement on July 30, 2021. You can read Broadway Theatres in NYC Announce Vaccination and Mask Requirement for Audiences here.]Read More »Actors’ Equity Association and The Broadway League Reach Deal on Safety Plans for Reopening

In Memoriam: Gil Wechsler, 79

Gil Wechsler

Lighting Designer Gil Wechsler died on July 9, 2021, at the age of 79 in Warrington, PA. While he came up through theater, Wechsler is best known as the first resident lighting designer for NY’s Metropolitan Opera where he made his debut in 1976. Over his 20 years with the opera company, he lit 112 productions, 74 of which were new stagings. We at Stage Directions send our sincere condolences to his husband Doug Sardo, his family, friends, and colleagues. Read More »In Memoriam: Gil Wechsler, 79

New York State Launches $100 Million New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit

Post-Pandemic Program Will Encourage Reopening of Broadway Productions as Part of State’s Comprehensive Economic Recovery Initiative  

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the launch of the new $100 million New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit, designed to help revitalize an industry vital to the state’s continued economic recovery. This program will further jump-start the entertainment industry and help to generate additional tourism activity in New York City. Prior to the pandemic, Broadway theatres welcomed a collective audience of nearly 250,000 people each week, while the industry supported more than 90,000 local jobs and contributed over $14 billion to the New York City economy annually. Since the program was first announced as part of the FY 2022 Budget, at least 35 productions have announced opening performance plans for this year. Read More »New York State Launches $100 Million New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit

Steppenwolf Theatre Chooses New Co-Artistic Directors: Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis

CHICAGO – Steppenwolf Theatre Company recently named ensemble members Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis Artistic Directors. The appointments continue Steppenwolf’s tradition of putting artistic leadership in the hands of ensemble members. This, however, is the first time that co-artistic leaders have been appointed.

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Actors’ Equity Association Announces ‘Open Access,’ Expanding Eligibility for Union Membership

As the live arts industry begins to restart, and work increases as the pandemic diminishes, Actors’ Equity Association, the national union representing more than 51,000 professional stage managers and actors in live theatre, has announced a new Open Access membership policy, allowing any theatre worker who can demonstrate they have worked professionally as an actor or stage manager within Equity’s geographical jurisdiction to join the union. Read More »Actors’ Equity Association Announces ‘Open Access,’ Expanding Eligibility for Union Membership

The Historic Cherry Lane Theatre Sold to the Lucille Lortel Theatre Foundation

NEW YORK – Off-Broadway’s Cherry Lane Theatre, one of the oldest continuously running theaters in New York City, has been sold for $11 million. The Lucille Lortel Theatre Foundation purchased the Greenwich Village building. Lortel’s executive director, George Forbes, is also set to succeed Angelina Fiordellisi. The Lortel Foundation had been managing the Cherry Lane Theatre for the past 10 years.

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