Making an Appearance

Research exploring appearance pressures in the performing arts. Collaboration between @RHULDrama & @EquityWomen funded by @ahrcpress/@TECHNEDTP. RT≠endorsement.

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

Our report on aesthetic labour and appearance-pressures in the performance industries is available here: https://t.co/sFsbAuLxxc.

[Freelancers Make Theatre Work @FreelancersMake]

'we freelancers, who make up the majority of the workforce, have no support systems in place.' - Stephanie Street, actor, writer and co-founder of Act for Change

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

[Freelancers Make Theatre Work @FreelancersMake]

Earlier this year, The ABTT (@theabtt) released their first guidance note on Mental Health and Well-Being for Freelancers.

It contains good practice to support freelancers across the theatre industry: https://t.co/Qh1TFeyjii

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

[Women's Committee @EquityWomen]

Here’s our chair @Kelly_E_Burke & previous committee member @MatthewsAbigail introducing you to our brilliant #Equity4Women toolkit! #IWD2022 Check out the toolkit here: https://t.co/KRWdLwF0LM

[Equity @EquityUK]

We are concerned about impact the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions will have on the entertainment industry & its workers, especially our clinically vulnerable members

https://t.co/Z9t5yUv2jM

[Equity @EquityUK]

⚠️.CASTING WARNING ⚠️

Equity is aware of a film production asking performers to submit nude audition tapes.

If you are approached by a production going by either 'The Power' or 'Lone Viking' and asked for nude tapes, do not engage and instead report the incident to Equity ASAP.

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

CW Body shaming

It’s deeply concerning that instances of body and appearance shaming in the industry appear to be on the rise post-pandemic. If you experience any unacceptable comments please make sure you report them to @EquityUK. @EquityWomen

[The Stage @TheStage]

Actors say they are being subjected to discriminatory comments over changes to their shape and fitness post-lockdown, with @EquityUK reporting a surge in complaints amid anxiety over costume refittings and fears that job offers are being retracted https://t.co/MQVBiiaTos

[Scott Folan @Scott_Folan]

I don’t wanna see a single review mention the weight of actors ever again.

Don’t tell me why you did it just take it down and never do it again.

I don’t need to be reminded that I haven’t got a six pack when I walk on stage topless 8 times a week in front of 600 people.

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

We don’t talk enough about height discrimination in the industry, but it’s a very real issue. We need better industry practice in this area.

[Tom Brewis-Scott @tombrewisscott]

Do NOT cut someone after 2 full days of auditions and say “it’s a problem with your height”…

You’ve seen their CV, you called them in, they’ve danced in front of you for TWO WHOLE DAYS!!

They can’t change their height!! People are ALL SHAPES & SIZES!!

Wake up! It’s 2021!

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

CW: weight and body image

Rafe Spall’s experience of body-shaming is all too common in the industry. Our research found many performers experience appearance-related pressures. We need to tackle body-shaming in the industry.
@EquityWomen @EquityUK

[Guardian culture @guardianculture]

Actor Rafe Spall talks about his weight struggles https://t.co/hM1yYvfVS5

[Women's Committee @EquityWomen]

1. The last @EquityWomen meeting of the term before you vote in your new committee! It’s been an incredible two years with these women - not everyone on screen here but some amazing barriers broken down by every single committee member...

[Women's Committee @EquityWomen]

Our representative Jennifer Greenwood (@JenLGreenwood ) speaking on @SkyNews about how endemic the culture of dominant maleness in rehearsal rooms & on set emboldens those who abuse their power and leads to sexual violence against women in the performance industry.

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

This looks like a really interesting event. 👇

[Addam Merali-Younger (he/him) @Addammh]

https://t.co/LjQPvZ21Zx This looks like an interesting discussion on Thursday evening exploring racial bias, stereotyping and discrimination in theatre and the creative industries, through a South Asian lens.

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

Powerful words from our brilliant collaborators @EquityWomen.
#InternationalWomensDay

[Women's Committee @EquityWomen]

It’s #IWD2021 and this year’s campaign is #ChooseToChallenge

This year we @EquityWomen chose to us the words of Sasha Temerte to speak our challenge to you:

[Making an Appearance @MakeAppearance]

This looks like timely and important work. 👇

[Julia Cave @julia_cave]

📢 A last call out for any theatre workers with chronic illnesses and long covid. 📢

Questionnaire open till tues 2nd March.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed and shared so far.

#WeShallNotBeRemoved #longcovid @Equity_DDMC @ace_national @EquityUK

[ERA5050 @ERA50_50]

Got things to say about self-taping? 📽️🤳

Just 2 hours left to fill in our anonymous polls! 👇

[WhatsOnStage @WhatsOnStage]

Free mentorship scheme launched to support British East and South East Asian artists https://t.co/u0ErNOek40

[Equity Race Equality Committee @EquityREC]

We're back! Sadly, our first tweet as the newly elected committee is to share the shocking news that 44% of BME women workers have left the arts and entertainment industry. We saw this coming. Employers/funders MUST heed @EquityUK's 10 Equality Essentials: https://t.co/bFcW54HMkj

[Women's Committee @EquityWomen]

Resources to help support your mental health and wellbeing ☀️
https://t.co/L7sZGXLUod

[Women's Committee @EquityWomen]

Current government schemes mean creative workers 60 & over cannot get the insurance they need to safely return to work. If older workers in creative industries cannot return to, they will not only be excluded from work but the entire sector will suffer https://t.co/g4V9ju4UV8