New York -- Actors' Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has issued a statement following Governor Cuomo's announcement of NY PopsUp, an initiative to hold public performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Gov. Cuomo should ensure that future pop-up performances under consideration have the appropriate terms and conditions of employment and the appropriate safety protocols for the type of work being done," said Brandon Lorenz, national director of communications and public policy for Actors' Equity Association. "It would be disappointing for the state to promote pop-up performances that pay less than union wages after live performance workers have been out of work for nearly a year."

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org  #EquityWorks  

February 9, 2021

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