I yield the floor. I can’t think of anything to say that is as remotely inspiring or as important or as heartfelt as Jonathan Moscone’s remarks as he accepted the inaugural Zelda Fichandler Award in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, December 6th.  A year ago a contingent of LA Members asked that we make sure the 50th Anniversary Celebration had a lasting impact and one that recognized the work of directors and choreographers nationally.  With leadership from Michael John Garcés, Tom Moore and the entire Executive Board, SDCF proudly established this important award. With Jon’s permission I share his remarks with you...

 

In the summer of 2007, the SDC began researching all the Theatres across the country that have filed the Special contract when hiring professional Directors and Choreographers.  The Union not only examined the history of employment of SDC Members, but also the producing practices and make-up of each of these Institutions. The purpose of the research was to understand more fully how the Union can support Members working outside of collectively bargained agreements.  It was determined through member focus groups and Executive Board decisions to focus and hone in on what activities warrant a continuation of the Special contract and what activity/ practices would be more appropriately handled through other Agreements.  The process of developing a more equitable contract to replace the Special contract for theatrical productions began.  The result is a tier-based contract, appropriately called The Tier contract.