The Playhouse and In Your Space Circus  Equity agreements signed

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, has worked with two organisations in the city to design two independent in-house union agreements. 

The Playhouse and In Your Space Circus (IYSC) Equity agreements formalise decent terms and conditions for all on-stage performers and stage managers who work for The Playhouse and In Your Space Circus.

Both agreements break new ground in the city and the West of Northern Ireland. They formalise minimum rates of pay for professionals equivalent to the industry standard.

A leading theatre and arts' centre in the city, The Playhouse signed the first ever in-house theatre agreement in the North outside Belfast on Thursday.  The agreement also included terms relating to performances which include artists educated at The Playhouse Music Theatre Company.

In Your Space Circus, the circus school and street theatre company, has signed the first circus in-house agreement in the UK and NI and the first ever Equity agreement in Derry.

The new agreements set out overall maximum working hours, holiday entitlements and reference to dignity at work policies covering all professional performers working on their productions. They demonstrate a recognition of professionalism of the sector and the appreciation of positive trades union relations.

Both agreements follow extensive, positive negotiations with Equity during 2022 and into 2023.

This included an event in the Guildhall entitled ‘Your Role, Your Value’, activism meetings with Equity members living and working in and around Derry-Londonderry and an enhanced Union presence in the city and surrounding areas.

Alice Adams Lemon, Northern Ireland National Official Equity said: “This truly is a big day, and month, for Equity and creatives in the West of Northern Ireland.  Our members deserve decent pay and conditions just like workers in any other sectors, and these companies are leading the way in the city’s theatre and circus world and beyond.

"Audiences coming to The Playhouse and In Your Space shows can feel reassured that they are supporting their creative workers and in turn supporting talented, local, creative work within and for their communities.  We look forward to more of the area’s live performance producers following in their footsteps.”

Cath McBride, Company Director In Your Space said: “IYSC is delighted to have signed the first Equity agreement in Derry City, reinforcing that artists experience fair and equitable terms and conditions while working with us. 

"This is a further step forward for IYSC in ensuring the proper treatment of artists. For a number of years we have been advocating for the individual artist community and we pride ourselves on providing space and opportunities for local talent to play, take risks and thrive. We are passionate about the arts ecosystem in Derry, and ensuring the City is viewed as a creative, sustainable and joyful place to work and live for artists.”

Kevin Murphy, CEO at The Playhouse said: "We have always prided ourselves in paying Equity rates to our professional performers and we are delighted to create a bespoke agreement that cements these existing terms, as well as building a new bespoke template for members of The Playhouse Music Theatre Company.

Derry has a long tradition of rights-based work and solidarity and we’re proud to strengthen this practice with Equity both locally here, regionally across NI and nationally.”