Equity, the United Kingdom’s Entertainment Trade Union
Recognize the masks to the left?
Representing comedy and tragedy, these
masks are possibly the most recognizable
symbol of performance in the world. Many
people don’t realize this is actually a union
logo. It belongs to Equity, the UK’s
entertainment trade union.
A Brief History of Equity
Equity was formed by a group of London West End performers in 1930, and has since
traveled a long, successful road of campaigning, legislation, and lobbing for the rights of
artists across all sectors of the entertainment industry. By the time Equity was in its
second year of existence it had 3,000 members. Today Equity serves over 36,000
members.
It is unique in that it is the only union that covers all performers and creative personnel
working professionally in the United Kingdom. This includes; actors, voice over artists,
singers, dancers, choreographers, stage managers, theatre directors and designers,
circus and variety artists, television and radio presenters, stunt performers and
directors, theatre fight directors, walk-on, and supporting artists.
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Equity Alliances
Equity has alliances with many other organizations including; Amnesty, British Equity
Collecting Society (BECS), Council of Dance Education and Training (CDET),
Federation of Entertainment Unions, International Performers Aid Trust (IPAT), National
Council for Drama Training (NCDT), and the Performers Alliance.
Equity does not maintain an affiliation to any political parties. Union delegates lobby
government and employers indiscriminately, solely in the interest of its members and for
the entertainment industry in the UK on whole. Equity is affiliated with the Trade Union
Congress (TUC), and attends its annual conference to broaden awareness of the
unique is