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Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Broadway Actors Considering First Strike since 1960s as Contract Talks Stall
TicketNews: Broadway may be headed toward its first Actors’ Equity strike since 1968, as more than 1,000 performers have signed onto a union pledge of solidarity while negotiations with producers stall.
With all of the recent strikes specific to the world of theatre, film, and television, I am surprised that this consideration of a Broadway actor’s strike is the first since 1968. One thing I saw in the Actors’ Equity Association’s Instagram post regarding the possible strike was that their most recent 3 year contract, which just expired, had a no-strike clause. If this is regular practice, the timing of the contract not currently being renewed is a great time to strike, but I find it disturbing that Broadway is requiring actors to pledge not to strike in order to get hired. I also find it surprising that, during a time when local theater is struggling to stay open, Broadway is experiencing record numbers of sales. This point recognizes a place where audiences can help to support their local theaters, by spending the money they would on Broadway to instead see multiple local shows.
With all of the recent strikes specific to the world of theatre, film, and television, I am surprised that this consideration of a Broadway actor’s strike is the first since 1968. One thing I saw in the Actors’ Equity Association’s Instagram post regarding the possible strike was that their most recent 3 year contract, which just expired, had a no-strike clause. If this is regular practice, the timing of the contract not currently being renewed is a great time to strike, but I find it disturbing that Broadway is requiring actors to pledge not to strike in order to get hired. I also find it surprising that, during a time when local theater is struggling to stay open, Broadway is experiencing record numbers of sales. This point recognizes a place where audiences can help to support their local theaters, by spending the money they would on Broadway to instead see multiple local shows.
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