These are my priorities as a Councilor, and why I’m running for re-election. In the past 7 years on Council, having served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee (EEOC); LORT, Off-Broadway, and Developing Theater Contract Committees; and as the current co-Chair of the Committee to Prevent Harassment and Hostile Work Environments, I’ve helped achieve tangible success in so many ways. Together, we’ve:

• Passed the  #JudgeitbytheBudget policy that asks negotiating teams to look at a theater’s entire source of revenue when making push for fairer wages;

• Achieved record salary increases on contracts all over the country;

• Negotiated DEI and anti-harassment language into contracts and demanded accountability from producers for making our workspaces safer and more productive for all; 

• Pushed for staff to get more support and training in how to handle harassment cases;  

• Made historic strides in negotiating profit participation for members; 

• Improved member communication with a better website, and weekly newsletter, 

• Empowered more members to contact their business reps to be able to address workplace issues with full support of the Union.

However, we all know there is so much more to do. While working all over the country on SPT, LORT, URTA, and Production contracts, I’ve spoken to so many of you about your concerns, and I believe we can address them - especially if the Council that represents you keeps evolving and growing to meet the demands of each new era in our industry. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve alongside a new and invigorated group of brilliant and qualified candidates. I believe we can and must:

• Negotiate for wages that fairly keep up with inflation and what it takes to make a living; and respect and honor our art, our work, our labor.

• Get stronger language into contracts to ensure our safety; ensure theaters are using Intimacy Direction and Cultural Consultation in a way that works for our members; strengthen accountability and repercussions for both one time and repeat offenders in a way protects us; better communicate how the Union can support you by clarifying how reporting works and what your resources, rights and protections are.

• Achieve participation in profits and in protecting how our work is credited and recognized.

• In policy, in communication, in practice, and in partnership with all regions, change the culture of distrust and disappointment in AEA into one of pride and solidarity by improving communication and organization.

I believe this and more is achievable and would be honored to serve you in that pursuit.