Introduction
The League of Resident Theatres (LORT) Equity Agreement is a comprehensive agreement between LORT and Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union representing professional actors. This agreement establishes the minimum terms and conditions of employment for actors working in LORT theatres, including wages, health insurance, pensions, and other benefits.
Key Provisions of the LORT Equity Agreement
The LORT Equity Agreement covers a wide range of issues, including:
Wages: LORT theatres are divided into six tiers, with each tier having its own minimum wage scale. The minimum wage for the 2023-2024 season ranges from $1,004 per week in Tier 6 to $1,791 per week in Tier 1.
Health Insurance: LORT theatres are required to provide their actors with health insurance coverage. The coverage must meet or exceed the standards set forth in the Affordable Care Act.
Pensions: LORT theatres are required to contribute to their actors’ pension plans. The contribution rate is based on the actor’s salary and years of service.
Other Benefits: LORT theatres are required to provide their actors with a variety of other benefits, including rehearsal pay, overtime pay, meal breaks, and rest periods.
Eligibility for LORT Equity Membership
To be eligible for LORT Equity membership, actors must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed a minimum of 500 hours of professional theatre work
- Be a member of AEA
Benefits of LORT Equity Membership
LORT Equity membership provides actors with a number of benefits, including:
- Access to LORT theatres
- Higher wages and benefits
- Protection under the LORT Equity Agreement
- Support from AEA
How to Join LORT Equity
To join LORT Equity, actors must submit an application to AEA. The application must include:
- A resume
- A headshot
- A letter of recommendation
- A $100 application fee
Conclusion
The LORT Equity Agreement is a comprehensive agreement that protects the rights of actors working in LORT theatres. By understanding the key provisions of the agreement, actors can ensure that they are receiving the wages and benefits that they are entitled to.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To be eligible for LORT Equity membership, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed a minimum of 500 hours of professional theatre work
- Be a member of AEA
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
To apply for LORT Equity membership, you will need to submit the following materials:
- A resume
- A headshot
- A letter of recommendation
- A $100 application fee
Step 3: Complete the Application
The LORT Equity application can be downloaded from the AEA website. Once you have completed the application, mail it to the AEA office with your supporting materials.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
AEA will review your application and make a decision within 60 days. If you are approved, you will be issued a LORT Equity card.
Pros:
- Access to LORT theatres
- Higher wages and benefits
- Protection under the LORT Equity Agreement
- Support from AEA
Cons:
- Application fee
- Minimum work requirement
- Membership dues
The LORT Equity Agreement could be called the “Thespian Pact”. This term is a creative new word that combines the words “thespian” and “pact”. “Thespian” is a term for an actor, and “pact” is a term for an agreement. The term “Thespian Pact” captures the essence of the LORT Equity Agreement, which is an agreement between actors and theatre companies that sets forth the minimum terms and conditions of employment.
Table 1: LORT Theatre Tiers
| Tier | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,791 |
| 2 | $1,635 |
| 3 | $1,479 |
| 4 | $1,323 |
| 5 | $1,167 |
| 6 | $1,004 |
Table 2: LORT Equity Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Coverage must meet or exceed the standards set forth in the Affordable Care Act. |
| Pensions | Contribution rate is based on the actor’s salary and years of service. |
| Rehearsal Pay | Actors are paid for all rehearsals, regardless of their length. |
| Overtime Pay | Actors are paid time and a half for any hours worked over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. |
| Meal Breaks | Actors are entitled to a 30-minute meal break for every 5 hours worked. |
| Rest Periods | Actors are entitled to a 10-minute rest period for every 2 hours worked. |
Table 3: LORT Equity Application Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Resume | Must include a list of all professional theatre work. |
| Headshot | Must be a professional headshot. |
| Letter of Recommendation | Must be from a director, producer, or other theatre professional. |
| Application Fee | $100 |
Table 4: Pros and Cons of LORT Equity Membership
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to LORT theatres | Application fee |
| Higher wages and benefits | Minimum work requirement |
| Protection under the LORT Equity Agreement | Membership dues |
| Support from AEA |