When the Union Steps In

FilmNotes |: A union battle is underway in Los Angeles. Leaders of Actors’ Equity, the national stage actors’ union, have proposed requiring a $9 minimum when its members perform or rehearse for productions in Los Angeles County theaters of up to 99 seats. As it is, performers get nothing for rehearsals, and receive a stipend of $7 to $15 for each performance, depending on the number of seats and the ticket price. The $9 minimum, many argue, will put a majority of 99-seat houses out of business.