The Walt Disney World performers that we all love have received the all-clear from the Actors’ Equity Association to return to work, following a long run without shows during the initial reopening of the theme parks.
Via a Actors’ Equity Association press release,
“Actors’ Equity Associations, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, released the following statement regarding reports that Walt Disney World has agreed to provide space for an onsite centre for COVID testing* at Walt Disney World.”
Kate Shindle, President of the Actors’ Equity Association stated the following,
“We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed. With the news that Disney will making testing available for Equity performers and others in the park [parks], I’m happy to announce that Equity’s executive committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with Disney for Equity performers to return.”
On the 23rd June, Disney announced plans to recall performers for rehearsals the following week. Two days later, 25th June, Equity released a public statement that said actors needed to be tested because they cannot practice social distancing throughout their workday. The following day, 26th June, Walt Disney World rescinded all of its recall notices for Equity members.
As stated in the press release, the Memorandum of Understanding was established on the grounds of a new COVID-19 testing location opening on site at Walt Disney World, inside Disney’s Maingate Complex. Walt Disney World performers have had their hearts set on return to work since the theme park shutdown, even launching a #BringBacktheMagic campaign after the parks reopened.
Guests can expect to see the return of shows and live entertainment, in accordance with health and safety guidelines, in the next few weeks.
H/T WDWNT
