(September 14, 2017, Boston) Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), the national theatrical union representing stage directors and choreographers across the United States, and the New England Area Theatres (NEAT), the association representing theatres in and around the greater Boston area, announced the signing of their first Collectively Bargained Agreement (CBA).
SDC President Pam MacKinnon noted the importance of this signing. “Through this Agreement, New England theatres and SDC have articulated a huge vote of confidence for the quality and professionalism of work in the New England region. We are proud to represent stage directors and choreographers working and living in the Boston area and we look forward to participating more fully in the advancement of live theater in the region.”
Producing Artistic Director of Lyric Stage of Boston and President of NEAT Spiro Veloudos said, “With this Agreement, more artists will be encouraged to apply their art. Union directors will now play a significant role in the ongoing development of Boston as a place to work, much like union actors, designers, and musicians have already accomplished. We, as producers, applaud the work of our negotiating team.”
This agreement codifies employment of directors and choreographers in NEAT theatres, setting minimum fees and conditions, effective September 1, 2017.The Agreement also includes provisions covering developmental work, fight choreography, health and pension benefits, and royalties for extended runs.
NEAT member theatres include Actors Shakespeare Project, Boston Playwrights Theatre, Gloucester Stage Company, Harbor Stage Company, Lyric Stage Company, New Repertory Theatre, Nora Theatre Company, Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, Speakeasy Theatre Company, Stoneham Theatre, Underground Railway Theatre, Vineyard Playhouse, Wellesley Summer Theatre, and Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre.
SDC was represented at the bargaining table by members of the SDC Boston Steering Committee, which includes: Benny Sato Ambush, Melia Bensussen, Judy Braha, Russell Garrett, Daniel Gidron, Jim Petosa, Larry Souza, and Bob Walsh.
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SDC is the theatrical union that represents over 4,000 professional stage Directors and Choreographers throughout the United States. Its mission is to foster a national community of professional stage directors and choreographers by protecting the rights, health, and livelihoods of all its Members.
SDC has jurisdiction over the employment of directors and choreographers working in the following areas: Broadway and National tours, Off-Broadway, ANTC (Association of Non-Profit Theatre Companies, New York City), Resident Theatre (League of Resident Theatres – LORT), Resident summer stock companies (Council of Resident Stock Theatres – CORST/TSS), Dinner Theatre (Dinner Theatre Agreement- DTA), Regional Musical Theatre (RMT), and Outdoor musical stock (OMS).
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