Actors’ Equity Association has repeatedly expressed concern that the Los Angeles 99-Seat Plan has impeded paid opportunities for actors in the region. Equity President Kate Shindle made remarks along these lines in March of this year: …the idea that a mid-sized theater could open at this point, or even a smallish theater, could open at this point in Los Angeles when they had to compete ...

As if their press release earlier in the week wasn’t enough, Actor’s Equity has distributed another  press release today in a reaction to the Plaintiffs’ Statement published yesterday.  Some context and analysis follow after the Union’s official statement: Actors’ Equity Association Executive Director Mary McColl issued the following statement: Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) remains disappointed that the facilitated discussions with the plaintiffs in the Asner ...

In addition to distributing an official statement on its website, Actors’ Equity told its side of the story to end the 99-Seat Plan in Los Angeles in a letter to its members today.  Significantly, no union official nor any elected union representative was attached to the letter: Over the past year, you have probably become aware of our union’s efforts to organize some of the ...

It’s summer!  That time of year when people think about relaxing, stress-free family car trips.  When oil companies think about increasing gas prices.  And, in Los Angeles, when we realize we live in not only endless summer but also endless traffic.  Here are a few helpful driving tips to navigate the city’s hallowed asphalt.  The astute motorist will note the average Angeleno follows these simple ...

After The Chicago Reader  story on the long-time actor abuse at Profiles Theatre appeared, Colin Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Bitter Lemons, published an editorial which, while not outright excusing the behavior and culture found at Profiles, claimed: What everyone seems to be either ignoring or intentionally skirting with this bizarre story coming out of Chicago is this: These were all consenting adults. The editorial ...

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Steven Leigh Morris reports the latest twist in the ongoing discussion about the preservation of intimate theater in Los Angeles: actor Ann Colby Stocking has filed an official wage claim against the Odyssey Theatre for back wages from a 2013 show.  Her claim, which concerns not being paid minimum wage, had to be filed within 3 years time of her employment. Her show at the ...

Sometimes you can be a strong presence without being a physical presence. If you lived in Los Angeles in the past 15 years, it’s likely you’re familiar with Steve Julian’s voice.  I can’t remember a time when I was in my car in the morning when he wasn’t there with me.  He was the morning man for NPR station KPCC, the station’s call letters alluding ...

©Mitsuo Kato, All Rights Reserved.   mitsuokato.com See other featured photos of Los Angeles.

The-Artist-Formally-Known-As-“The-Artist-Formally-Know-As-Prince” is no more, having died today, April 21, 2016.   Like David Bowie, who died only a few months ago, Prince was his own musical style and his own sexual style.  And, like Bowie, he was still making music to the end. Unlike Bowie, Prince passed before even making it to age 60. Prince always had an ethereal aspect to him and it made him ...