Excessive scheduling is a huge problem in the theatrical industry. The demands of our jobs as live theatrical performers and stage managers can result in 60+ hour work-weeks before any type of overtime pay even without scheduling overload. But when the scheduling flexibility allowed within our union contracts is manipulated by employers in attempt to make as much money as possible, profit is prioritized above employee safety. Excessive scheduling creates unsafe workspaces by increasing overuse and fatigue, which lead to injury and illness.

In this episode I break down exactly how and why my work hours total 60+ hours per week as a Broadway performer, what a "normal" work week looks like, and when and how employers contractually can adjust our schedules to add shows without additional compensation for actors and stage managers. I speak about how this always leads to illness, injury, and additional cost to employers, and why investing in actors' and stage managers' wellbeing and safety will create safer workspaces and better shows. I also share what I believe we - actors, stage managers, or people who love and support actors and stage managers - can do to advocate for safer, more sustainable schedules and the safety and wellbeing of actors and stage managers. All of which will result in better, more successful and sustainable shows!

Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at [email protected]. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton

Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.

If we want to make change, to achieve any goal, or to simply show up with vulnerability and courage, we are inevitably going to experience failure. Failure is a necessary and unavoidable part of the process of change. In this episode, I talk about how and why we should reframe our outlook on experiencing failure and acknowledge its necessity in the path towards change!

Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at [email protected]. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton

Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.

Have you ever heard someone say, "The show must go on?" In this episode, I talk about how we need to reframe this mentality and instead say, "The show must go on safely."

The show doesn't actually have to go on, and often times in the event of an emergency or mishap, it should not! I dig into the things that get in the way of stopping a show when it becomes unsafe, share some personal examples of unsafe situations I've experienced onstage, and brainstorm ways we can better prepare ourselves to ensure shows are only continuing if and when everyone is safe! Because the show must NOT go on if it is going on in an unsafe manner.

Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at [email protected]. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton

Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.

Below are instructions for Actors’ Equity Association members on reporting unsafe incidents at work:

The Actors’ Equity Association emergency hotline for performance-related problems that occur outside of business hours is 888-802-5307.

Actors’ Equity Association members should report any unsafe incidents to their business representative. Members can reach their business representative by calling their regional office and asking to be connected with the business representative for their production, or by looking up their rep on the AEA member portal. Regional office contact numbers are located below.

AEA Eastern Region Office: 212-869-8530

AEA Western Region Office: 323-978-8080

AEA Central Region Office: 312-641-0393

Speaking about the need for change is scary. In this episode, I talk about the feelings of fear we inevitably feel when we're about to stand up and speak out when something is wrong. That fear is completely normal, and it's an unavoidable part of advocating for change. Join me as I share how I navigate those feelings of fear and uncertainty and move forward with them to show up and continue advocating for spaces where everyone's humanity is seen and respected!

Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at [email protected]. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton

Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.

Mentioned in this episode and detailed below are instructions for Actors’ Equity Association members on reporting incidents while on or off the job. Information is referenced from Actors’ Equity Association’s member portal:

Actors’ Equity Association emergency hotline for performance-related problems that occur outside of business hours: 888-802-5307

Actors’ Equity Association hotline dedicated to bullying, harassment, or intimidation in a production: 833-550-0030

Members not working a contract can call their regional office to report an incident. The Actors’ Equity website states, “All calls are confidential to the greatest extent possible.” Regional office numbers are:

AEA Eastern Region Office: 212-869-8530

AEA Western Region Office: 323-978-8080

AEA Central Region Office: 312-641-0393

Actors’ Equity uses Lighthouse Services, Inc., a resource for members to submit incident reports. You can find instructions on the member portal for how to download and use the app by logging in and selecting “menu,” then “help,” then scrolling down and selecting “learn more” under “Understanding Harassment.” At the bottom of the page you will then find the “Lighthouse Anonymous Reporting App” document with instructions or you can call Lighthouse at 833-550-0030. 

This episode, I (Alicia Newcom, host of Assembly Guide and associate choreographer/Broadway performer) share with you my personal journey into navigating advocating for change in our theatrical industry. I also share an approachable 7-step process for leaning in when we feel the need for change that helps me move through what I'm feeling, discover potential pathways for change, and move forward intentionally in advocacy!

Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at [email protected]. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton

Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.

Welcome to Assembly Guide: Your guide to assembling and organizing as we work to make change in our theatrical industry. Hosted by Alicia Newcom.

Alicia (she/her) is an associate choreographer and Broadway performer based in NYC who is passionate about building and facilitating theatrical spaces where everyone’s humanity is seen and respected. Join Alicia as she introduces Assembly Guide and talks about the type of change we're going to be discussing and building upon as the season continues.

Follow @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow for upcoming episodes, and reach out directly at [email protected]. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton

Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.