Irish Equity to complain to RTÉ concerning use of non-professional actors

Irish Equity intends to lodge a formal complaint with RTÉ concerning television productions use of non-professional actors.

SIPTU Arts and Culture Sector Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin, said: “Irish Equity has expressed exasperation at the continuing debate concerning the employment of non-professional actors on professional productions in the Republic of Ireland.

“With only a limited amount of work for actors, Irish Equity believes there is no reason for any producer to hire amateur actors when the professional standard in is so high. It appears that the profession of acting is just not taken seriously. [Read more…]

Irish Equity update to the wider acting community

There has been a lot of confusion over recent months regarding the status of Irish Equity and its relationship with SIPTU and Equity UK. While we have been communicating regularly with our members, we are aware that a number of Irish actors are not active members of Irish Equity or are members of our sister union in the UK.

Following our AGM on Sunday 13th October 2013, we’d like to take this opportunity to update the wider acting community on the latest developments. [Read more…]

Arts Sector begins to Process Another Hefty Cut

This week’s budget saw the Arts take another hefty cut. Analysis by the National Campaign for the Arts estimate that the budget represents approximately a 7% overall cut to the arts, including a 7% cut to the Arts Council.

Over the coming weeks, the ramifications of this sixth successive year of cuts will begin to become more clear. In the meantime, here is a link to the NCFA’s analysis:

NCFA ANALYSIS

Lockout Tapestry

The 1913 Lockout Tapestry will be on display in The National Museum, Collins Barracks, Dublin from the 9th – 14th Nov.

lockout

The late Gerry McCann

Irish Equity would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gerry McCann on their very sad loss.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Dear Colleague,

You may recall that, at our last Exec meeting, I reminded you that the Union was in the process of presenting a complaint [Read more…]

Report from Irish Equity and Equity Action Group

Members, read the report from the Irish Equity and Equity Action Group meeting which was held on September 19th 2013 READ NOW

EQUITY AGM

Hello All,

Please find links to the formal notice for this year’s AGM along with a Nomination Form and a form for submitting a Motion. These forms can be posted to Irish Equity, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 or can be emailed to equity@siptu.ie.

The meeting will start at 2.30 p.m. but we are asking members to come along at about 2pm for tea/coffee so that we can make a timely start to 2.30 p.m. Our colleagues from Equity UK will be addressing the meeting as will SIPTU Vice President Patricia King so I look forward to a good discussion with you all.

I hope you can make it on the day.

Karan O’Loughlin
Sectoral Organiser
Irish Equity
Arts & Culture Sector
SIPTU

Social Protection Update

On a regular basis we hear about the difficulties that actors face at their local social welfare offices during periods of unemployment so we went to meet the Department of Social Protection to talk to them about the following issues READ MORE [Read more…]

Acclaimed actor who looked out for colleagues

Stage and screen actor Susan Fitzgerald has died following a long battle with cancer. Susan was a versatile and talented actor who performed across theatre, television and film. She was married to the artistic director of the Gate theatre, Michael Colgan, who survives her along with her children Sarah, Sophie and Richard. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues in Equity and the artistic community. Her funeral took place in Dublin on Wednesday 11th September.

Her Equity colleague, Laurence Foster, recalls working with Susan: “On behalf of Equity President, Padraig Murray, and the Executive Committee we wish to convey our personal tribute to our colleague, Susan Fitzgerald.

“In May 1974, the cast of TV’s The Riordans embarked on a long tour of the celebrated play, Peg o’ My Heart. I was cast as Sir Gerry and the young, snobbish daughter, was played by Susan Fitzgerald. She was Ethel personified: proud, ethereal, infuriating. The prolonged run exceeded 200 performances and, like Susan’s friendships, her acting was consistent and her talent formidable. “Susan kept her life private, but was so generous on stage and in the green room. She radiated charm and elegance in everything she did, and her many Gate Theatre performances were iconic. “In 2006 we shared an apartment in Charleston, South Carolina while touring with the Gate Theatre. Even Susan’s penchant for losing the car in multi-storey parks was endearing, but her social skills were abundant, never at a loss in the most exalted company and always looking after fellow actors.

“Her untimely exit has left a void in the theatre world and in our hearts, but her legacy will live forever. May God hold her in the palm of his hand.”

Laurence Foster is a member of the Equity Executive

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