Equiflash Archive

Equity and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) are pleased to announce the launch of a new First Day Talk statement, to be read at the start of rehearsals on all Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) productions.

Co-presented by a representative from the theatre and an Equity member, the statement is a declaration of everyone’s shared responsibility in creating and maintaining a safe and respectful workplace. A requirement under the terms of the CTA, the statement encourages workers to speak up in the moment, expresses where to go with a concern, and reminds everyone that there are options available to resolve any issues.

“We’ve all read the rules a thousand times. But there’s something to be said for saying them aloud to each other in the workplace,” said Arden R. Ryshpan, Equity Executive Director. “The First Day Talk actualizes the intent of the Not in OUR Space! Program in the most intuitive way.”

Said PACT Executive Director, Brad Lepp, “This new version of the statement encourages theatres and artists to collaborate on the First Day Talk more than ever and to deliver the talk in a way that encourages more communication to address issues early on, and is more purposeful for everyone who participates in the presentation.”

Though the new First Day Talk is a joint initiative between Equity and PACT, the statement will be made available to all theatres for use on any productions under Equity’s collective agreements or engagement policies.

For more information, please contact communications@caea.com.