While there is a lot of news to cover at the theme parks, perhaps the most interesting as it relates to the future of the theme parks was the ongoing battle between the Actors’ Equity Association and Disney World. According to a union statement, they have signed a memorandum of understanding to get the actors back to work.
The union has asked for regular testing of its members and the ability to wear a mask while on stage performing. On June 23, Disney announced plans to recall members for rehearsals the following week. On June 25 Equity made a public statement that actors need to be tested because actors cannot practice social distancing throughout their workday. The following day, on June 26, Walt Disney World rescinded all of its recall notices for Equity members.
The negotiations had been at a stalemate, leading Disney to debut new shows that don’t utilize equity actors such as Disney Junior Play & Dance and the Disney Society Orchestra. After experiencing those shows, we wrote that they highlighted the need for Disney and the union to come to terms. As we noted in our article, if it weren’t for the talented musicians in the Disney Society Orchestra, what you’re left with is little more than a middle-school theater production.
Today, Disney announced that there will be on-site COVID-19 testing available for Cast Members and their family members at Disney World. The Actors’ Equity Association has just released the following statement, applauding the testing center, and announcing the news that actors will be returning back to work.
“We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed,” said Kate Shindle, President of Actors’ Equity Association. “With the news that Disney will make testing available for Equity performers and others in the park, I’m happy to announce that Equity’s executive committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with Disney for Equity performers to return.”
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
A win-win-win!
> As we noted in our article, if it weren’t for the talented musicians in the Disney Society Orchestra, what you’re left with is little more than a middle-school theater production.
This is a little rude to the performers who were left, isn’t it?
I don’t think so. Here’s the article we linked to where you can read the context in which it was said and the overall point that was being made: https://blogmickey.com/2020/08/disney-worlds-newest-show-highlights-need-for-resolution-with-actors-union/
So far, no one I know has been called. So yes technically they are supposed to return to work…but if anyone read your article or looked at the pics, they would assume all shows are back up and running. Not true.
….. it’s just that the shows are created with one hand tied behind their backs.
That would’ve been a much more appropriate quote from the article.