I am responding to the NEW protocols released by Actors Equity Association for the return of live theater.
As reported by Phillip Boroff (formerly of Bloomberg News and now of his own Broadway Journal), those protocols include things like:
- Mass transport cannot be used. A private car and driver must be provided for every AEA member reporting to/from rehearsal (Uber and Lyft services do not qualify).
- Members must be put up in hotels if they don’t live alone.
- 3 required tests before rehearsals begin, each of which must be paid for by the Producer and cannot be covered by the Actor’ Health Plans, even if they have coverage.
And a lot more.
You can read all of the posted guidelines, right on the AEA website. (They’re incredibly well organized and separated by the type of production a Producer might consider in the near future (indoor, outdoor, etc.)
If you want to read more of my thoughts on these new protocols, go to my blog.
About the podcast:
After 6 years of podcasting with one style, we're shaking it up here - no guests! Just me! I'm giving you micro-episodes with my perspective on Broadway and the comeback on Broadway.
About me:
Ken Davenport is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and writer whose credits include Once On This Island (Tony Award), Gettin’ the Band Back Together, The Play that Goes Wrong, Groundhog Day (Tony nomination), Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening (Tony nomination), It’s Only a Play, Macbeth starring Alan Cumming, Godspell, Kinky Boots (Broadway - Tony Award, National Tour, Toronto, Australia, and West End), and more, including multiple Off-Broadway productions! Ken’s shows have been produced internationally in over 25 countries around the world.
He is the founder of TheaterMakersStudio.com, a one-of-a-kind "masterclass" community that provides training and inspiration from Broadway's best to writers, directors, producers and more.
Ken also serves as the Executive Producer for North America for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. Outside of theatre, he has produced award-winning content for both film and TV. Ken’s unique production and marketing style has garnered him international attention in numerous publications, including Vanity Fair and The New York Times.
Upcoming projects include Broadway Vacation, Joy the Musical, My Life In Pink, a revival of The Great White Hope, Harmony: A New Musical written by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, a musical based on the life and songs of Neil Diamond, and a musical based on the life of Harry Belafonte.
Keep up with me @KenDavenportBway on Instagram.
Check out my blog for daily content: www.theproducersperspective.com
This episode was produced by Mary Dina.