In like a lion, out like a lamb? Um, no. Not these twelve months. Instead, lions, tigers, and bears all year round. But also a lot of wildly committed people, willing to grapple with the times and see things through.
I began my service as President in the wake of Election Day 2016. SDC, more and more, is a grounding place for its Members, a community to engage and work with to try to make a difference. And for directors and choreographers, we have made a difference. We believe we have helped to build and better the field. Naturally, this work is ongoing. Anniversaries are important markers and can be moments to reflect and celebrate as we set agendas and tackle new issues.
This past year, we have achieved real, tangible successes from the great work of the last several years. We increased our jurisdiction by securing our first new multi-employer bargaining agreement in two decades with the New England Area Theatres (NEAT) Agreement. We expanded our working unit with the inclusion of fight choreographers in the LORT Agreement. We’ve also received over 20 promulgated Agreements for Broadway associate/resident directors and choreographers and have covered nearly 6,500 days of development work since we began that initiative a few years ago. And we have started to plan for our next cycle of negotiations, which begins with Broadway in 2019. The momentum is ours.
Now is when we begin to really form our priorities and shape our strategy. As we get bolder, employers prepare for us as well. It takes research and consideration to determine how best to chart the course. Input from our membership, responsiveness to issues, clarity of leadership, and passion all around are essential for the Union to continue to move forward.
Also this past year, the work of the Political Engagement Committee has given us a new muscle with which to engage in the larger community, and the work of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee has built our skills of self-reflection. This work has made us a more expansive Union, a more nimble Union, a stronger Union. Political concerns have become drivers for the SDC community. We are here to engage—not just in the conversation, but in policy and action.
Now we have an extraordinarily important piece of work ahead for our Union and the industry. To say there has been a cultural shift this year, even these past few months, seems an understatement. In the wake of this major shift, the Membership ratified at our Annual Membership Meeting in November new language for our Rights and Responsibilities and our Work Rules specific to sexual harassment. Our Members have a right to work in an environment that is free from harassment and other unlawful or abusive behaviors, and our Members have a responsibility to behave in an ethical and legal manner. It was inspiring to see our Members come together during this significant and powerful moment to support each other and the Union. It is an important moment to be leaders in our field, working doggedly and carefully with both strength and compassion.
I am as ever grateful for my Executive Board colleagues, who work tirelessly to support their fellow directors and choreographers and who continuously strive to raise SDC to a higher standard. Their incredible dedication and service continues long after their Board service and is an inspiration. For 2017, I was pleased to present my first President’s Award to Robert Moss, whose wise counsel and expertise guided many positive changes within the Union during his tenure. Every Board table needs a Bob Moss.
As we take our first steps into 2018, we can rely on two certainties: change is imminent, and SDC remains committed to uniting, empowering, and protecting its Members.
In Solidarity,
Pam MacKinnon,
Executive Board President