Actors' Equity is the labor union for actors and stage managers. It was founded in 1913 to fight rampant exploitation of actors by the producers such as low pay, unpaid holidays, unpaid rehearsals and unlimited rehearsal time. Actors Equity called the first actors' strike in American theater history in 1919. When the strike ended 30 days later, it had closed or prevented the opening of 53 plays and cost theater owners millions of dollars. However, the producers signed the first of several contracts with the union. Today, Actors' Equity works to foster live theater, negotiates wages and working conditions and offers benefits such as health insurance and pension plans.
Before a single actor steps on stage, before a single lighting scheme is designed or song is sung, plays, operas and musicals have to be written by a playwright, librettist, lyricist or composer. The Dramatists Guild of America is the labor union that protects the artistic and economic interests of these writers. The Dramatists Guild helps writers negotiate with producers by providing model contracts for several levels of professional theater and assists them in developing their business and artistic skills through national publications and education programs.
The American Association of Community Theatre developed in the 1950s to support those involved in community theater. It helps them network, participate in festivals and deal with important economic, artistic and policy issues. AACT helps theaters grow and develop with workshops, conferences and its website. The Association connects community theaters with people who can help them face challenges involving money, time and even the environment.
The American College Theater Festival was established by the Kennedy Center in 1969 to improve the quality of American college theater. Today, the ACTF involves more than 18,000 students and 600 academic institutions. Besides improving the quality of theater, the Festival's goals include celebrating the best theater produced by colleges and universities, providing opportunities for students to improve skills and encouraging schools to produce new plays and experimental works as well as the classics. ACTF'S state, regional and national festivals allow participants to share with the theater community, see each other's work and celebrate the creative process.
Founded in 1974, the American Theatre Critics Association is the only association in the United States for professional theater critics. It works to improve communication between theater critics, improve their training and development and protect freedom of expression in both theater and theater criticism. ATCA members have access to networking and enrichment opportunities through conferences that include workshops, panel discussions, samples of local theater, seminars and guest speakers. ATCA also offers its members information on theater trends, ethical questions and access to international seminars. It also supports the development of new plays and playwrights through $50,000 in annual awards.