Picking a Policy

Please contact an Equity Business Rep to discuss the specifics of your project. The earlier you start the conversation, the better.

Compare each policy to see how they work, what the differences are between them, and which one might be right for your production.

Workshops are only possible under the ITA
The DOT and INDIE policies have provisions for workshops as well.

Members at educational institutions DON’T need an Equity contract
Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t… Members employed by an educational institution may work without an Equity contract when participation is required as part of their job. Likewise, members who are students may work without an Equity contract when participation is a requirement of their course. However, members engaged as outside artists for a project at an educational institution must work under an Equity contract.

Artists CAN’T negotiate above minimums
Artists always have the right to negotiate above minimum fees, even while working on engagement policies that have minimum fees.

Artists CAN accept less than minimums (or waive provisions)
While some engagement policies include more flexible provisions, such as deferred fees, Artists cannot agree to accept less than the minimum fees or waive any rights beyond what the policy allows.

Engagers must provide Housing for out-of-town Artists
Housing is certainly something an Artist can negotiate for, but Engagers are not obligated to provide it (except on tours, of course).

Equity enforces minimum rehearsal periods
Equity provides for minimum engagement periods, but does not require or enforce minimum rehearsal periods.

Canadian per diem rates apply to overseas tours
For overseas tours, Equity uses the National Joint Council to determine per diem rates, which are specific to the touring location.

Insurance premiums CAN be prorated
Insurance premiums cannot be prorated. However, when an Artist has a partial week of engagement, the Engager must pay an additional amount to cover the cost of the Artist’s insurance premium.

Engagers can use agreements and policies like a buffet
A project must be governed by a single agreement or engagement policy. You cannot mix and match provisions from different agreements or policies to suit a particular need.

The DOT is only for engaging 1 or 2 professional Artists
This misconception is a holdover from the precursor to the DOT, the Guest Artist Policy. Under the DOT, there is no limit to the number of professional Artists that may be engaged.

The DOT is NOT for self-engaging
The DOT allows Equity members to self-engage with Equity’s approval. Contact an Equity Business Rep to discuss the activity and ensure the appropriate arrangements are in place.

The DOT Prepayment model does NOT require proof of payment to access contracts
Unlike the INDIE, the DOT requires proof of payment to Artists. Once Equity receives proof of payment (e.g. a screenshot of the e-Transfer), we will provide contracts.

The DOT doesn’t require an Equity contract for Artistic Directors
Unlike under the CTA or ITA, Artistic Directors who are members directing a project under the DOT must be on an Equity contract.

The INDIE revenue sharing option is based on PROFIT
Revenue sharing under the INDIE is based on gross earnings, not net.

An INDIE contract for a Director ends on opening night
Unlike other agreements and policies, under the INDIE, a Director must be contracted through the entire run of the production.