Actors Equity has greenlighted two live productions in the Berkshires this summer. While there have been some non-Equity performances around the country, this is the first approved by the union of 51,000 actors and stage managers since the COVID-19 shutdowns in March.
“We’re not trying to stop people from doing theater, but we are trying to stop people from getting sick and/or dying,” Kate Shindle, the president of Actors’ Equity, told the New York Times, calling the the news “very exciting, and also something to watch very closely.”
Godspell, produced by Berkshire Theatre Group, previews August 6. The solo show Harry Clarke, produced by Barrington Stage Company, opens August 5. Both companies are in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which is in Berkshire County. The coronavirus case count in Berkshire County is very low, (604 total cases according to CDC figures today.) Low infection rates are one of the core requirements for Equity participation.
Godspell, produced by Berkshire Theatre Group, previews August 6. The solo show Harry Clarke, produced by Barrington Stage Company, opens August 5. Both companies are in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
As The New York Times reports, Godspell will have an Equity cast of ten, and two stage managers and will be performed outdoors in a tent. Actor Mark H. Dold will perform David Kale’s comedy thriller Harry Clarke in the Barrington Stage venue, with limited seating. Audiences for both will be temperature checked, and required to wear masks.
While most DC area theatres have moved their season openings to 2021, a few, such as Mosaic Theater of DC, are still hoping for Equity approval to open in mid-August or early September. Mary McColl, Executive Director of Actors’ Equity Association reports “Equity staff around the country have been collaborating daily with producers on health and safety questions. Every production is different and will be evaluated on a case by case basis focusing on the safety of our members. We will continue to collaborate on safety plans where the epidemic is under control and where employers can maintain a safe work environment for their employees.”
For that approval to come, the District (with 10,515 cases according to the CDC today) along with area counties will need to reduce incidence significantly.
