NEW YORK: The Off-Broadway League and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) have ratified a new four-year collectively bargained agreement (CBA), effective July 1, 2019-June 30, 2023, that covers commercial Off-Broadway producers and many nonprofit theatres.

“The Off-Broadway League is grateful to SDC for a successful collaboration on this negotiation,” said Terry Byrne, Off-Broadway League president, in a statement. “It was evident that both artists and management recognize the importance of this arena, as well as the unique economic challenges faced by theatres of smaller scale.” 

SDC co-chairs Mark Brokaw and Sam Pinkleton and Off-Broadway League co-chairs Carol Fishman and Ryan Conway agreed on compensation increases, including pension and health and development work; increased flexibility for producers for electronic captures; and the inclusion of fight choreographers into the CBA.

“I am thrilled to have this agreement in place,” said Pam MacKinnon, SDC president, in a statement. “Off-Broadway is where our members explore, grow and work. SDC Off-Broadway Negotiating Committee co-chairs Sam Pinkleton and Mark Brokaw led a process that resulted in an agreement that is fair, equitable, and respectful of the crafts of directing and choreographing and the institutions and producers who make up the Off-Broadway League.”

SDC is a theatrical union that unites, empowers, and protects professional stage directors and choreographers throughout the U.S. Founded in 1959, SDC protects the lives, health, and livelihood of all members and provides administrative, negotiating, and contractual support.  

The Off-Broadway League was founded in 1959 to foster theatrical productions produced in Off-Broadway theatres and to serve as the collective voice of its membership.

In 2016, Off-Broadway producers reached a historic agreement with Actors Equity Association, which represents actors and stage managers.