New York -- Actors’ Equity Association issued the following statement regarding media reports about the cancellation of performances of the musical inspired by the life of Michael Jackson scheduled for late October.
From Brandon Lorenz, Communications Director, Actors’ Equity Association: “It’s incredibly disappointing that the actors and stage managers who are currently working to develop this project were not informed about a major production change before a public media announcement was made. The developmental lab that was scheduled for this production was delayed by 12 working days during the strike. It is difficult to understand how a modest delay in February would impact a run that was scheduled for late October.”
Background: This producer originally filed an audition notice last fall with a start date of Feb. 11, and Equity members started working on a show development contract for this production on Feb. 11.
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 14, 2019
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