AEA Candidate Statement 2009

AEA Candidate Statement 2009

Joanne Borts
Residence: New York
Contracts worked: Production; Bus & Truck, LORT, CORST, SPT, Guest Artist,
MTM, Off Broadway, Dinner Theatre, Special Agreement;
LOA-NYC, Staged Reading. LOA/COST, Current: Tier C Tour.

We are lucky to be living in an era of great change and possibility, and I see that vision for the future of our Union. But in this unstable economy, we Artists must think like business people. Our industry is counting on us to maintain our standards of excellence and to lead the way in preserving Live Theatre.
The time is ripe for Equity to use its influence to affect change in the Public Policy arena; change that will benefit our members and our industry. As leaders in the crusade for Universal Health and Family coverage, we can increase salaries, and stop exchanging our hard-earned raises for health insurance, which will in turn help our Producers fund Live Theatre, not the failing Health industry.
In addition, we can partner with our sister Unions in the battle to build a strong National Endowment of the Arts, and perhaps secure the establishment of a true National Theatre.
We have an opportunity to Organize the many Actors who deserve access to our resources; specifically those already working in Spanish Language and the Urban Circuit. By representing those untapped markets, we can guarantee that entertainment dollars across the country will support professional Live theatre in a safe work environment and make our Union stronger.
It is my privilege to run for another term as a Chorus Councilor for our Association, and I look forward to the challenges of serving. I thank you for your support and urge you to think globally and act locally.