The INDIE engagement policy is used by small scale non- or semi-professional theatre companies or producers who have limited budgets and limited resources. Equity has made significant efforts to reduce the administrative burden of the INDIE, allowing theatre companies to focus their time and energy on the artistic and creative process.
INDIE Policy
Getting Started
Check your eligibility
Theatres and independent producers must meet eligibility requirements and apply to Equity to engage Artists under the INDIE.
Please note: Every Artist participating in an INDIE production is required to have an Equity contract, whether they are an Equity member or not.
Be sure to read the full policy so you’re familiar with and able to comply with all of its provisions.
Contact an Equity Business Representative
Please contact an Equity Business Representative early in your project development to discuss the production’s or activity’s eligibility under this Policy so we can assist you in contracting Artists.
Send an email to busrep@caea.com to let us know what type of project you are developing and the expected dates.
Submit an INDIE Application Form
Theatres and independent producers must complete an INDIE Application Form to engage Artists under the INDIE.
Types of INDIE Productions
Non-standard engagements (e.g., short workshops and readings) don’t generally fit under the INDIE — the Dance Opera Theatre (DOT) Policy is almost always recommended for these.
Engager Responsibilities
It is the Engager’s responsibility to abide by and conform to the terms and conditions of the INDIE.
Furthermore, the Engager has an obligation — under both the INDIE and applicable provincial legislation — to create and maintain a safe and respectful workplace for all workers. This includes ensuring that workers can raise concerns without fear of reprisal and that any incidents of inappropriate behaviour are investigated promptly.
Agreement Between Artist and Engager
It is a fundamental tenet of the INDIE that an agreement be reached between the Artists and Engager, based on the needs of the individual Artists participating and the requirements of a specific production.
This process usually takes place in a meeting between the Artists and the independent producer or theatre company to determine:
- Specific responsibilities of each participant, including task assignments and the expected level of participation in, and for, the production
- Rehearsal schedule
- Performance schedule
- Workplace conditions
- Remuneration
- Revenue verification process, in the case of a deferment plan
This agreement forms the guiding principles of a specific production. The final agreement must be signed by all Artists and a copy filed with Equity.
Does my INDIE Production need a Stage Manager?
Under the INDIE, a Stage Manager:
- Is not required for activities without a public reading or performance, and in the early phases of creation and project exploration
- Is not required for activities with a public reading or performance, and only remedial technical elements
- Is required for activities where there is a determined production schedule, including performance date(s), the activity will open to the general public, and the performance will include technical elements in the venue prior to a public presentation
- Is required for activities with performances on tour
The duties of a Stage Manager working on an INDIE production may vary from regular stage management duties. Any agreed upon variance from regular stage management duties must be detailed in a rider to the Stage Manager’s engagement contract.
