Whereas, due to the current global pandemic, the production of performing arts has drastically changed since March 2020, and production has necessarily shifted to digital platforms while we are forced to physically distance to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus;

Whereas Stage Managers fill a vital role in the creative process and are essential to the art and science of performing arts, whether the production is presented in a live venue or on a digital platform;

Whereas all productions that employ Actors who are members of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) must also employ Stage Managers who are members of AEA;

Whereas AEA member Stage Managers are entitled to union protections, benefits, and representation just as member Actors are; and

Whereas Stage Managers have nevertheless been excluded from many contracts for productions since March 2020; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that the Stage Managers’ Association (SMA):

1. urges AEA, in all due haste, to create and implement a tiered contract for Stage Managers working on digital productions;
2. demands that AEA aggressively represent member Stage Managers working on digital productions produced by theaters that are AEA collective bargaining partners; and
3. urges SAG-AFTRA to respect agreements with the other performing arts unions, and, where AEA Actors are engaged in work that would otherwise be produced in a live theater environment, to include a mechanism to also engage Stage Managers with proper benefits and salary.

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the Stage Managers’ Association,

October 8, 2020