Some Los Angeles Theaters Told by Actors' Union to Pay Minimum Wage

NYTimes.com: The national union representing stage actors has decided to require some small theaters in Los Angeles to pay the minimum wage, despite considerable opposition from supporters of that city’s thriving theater scene.

The union, Actors’ Equity, said that, in response to concerns from performers in Los Angeles, it would provide a variety of exceptions. But a coalition of supporters of the small 99-seat theaters there said it was disappointed nonetheless. The coalition had sought to preserve the current system, under which union actors are allowed to work in small theaters for only a tiny stipend.