The Canadian Theatre Agreement 2019: A Look at What it Means for Canadian Performers and Theatre Companies

The Canadian theatre industry has had a long-standing tradition of being a driving force in the cultural landscape of the country. From small community theatres to large-scale productions on the national stage, theatre has been an important part of Canada`s artistic identity. With the new Canadian Theatre Agreement 2019, there are some significant changes that will affect both performers and theatre companies across the country.

The Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA) is a collective agreement between Canadian Actors` Equity Association (CAEA) and Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), which sets standards for working conditions and wages for performers in Canadian theatre. The 2019 CTA replaces the previous agreement that expired in 2017. It took two years of negotiation to arrive at the new agreement, which was ratified by both CAEA and PACT in 2019.

One of the biggest changes in the new CTA is the implementation of a new performance engagement model, which will apply to non-replicable performances such as opening nights, media nights, and press previews. This new model will provide performers with additional compensation for these types of performances.

Another significant change is the creation of a new category of performer called “Associate Artist.” Associate Artists are performers who have worked in Canadian theatre for at least five years, and who are recognized as having made a significant contribution to the industry. These artists will receive a higher wage scale than those in the regular performer category, as well as other benefits.

The new CTA also includes changes to the fees and compensation for understudies, as well as changes to the structure of touring productions. Understudies will now be compensated based on the number of performances they cover, rather than a straight weekly fee. Additionally, touring productions will be subject to new fees and per diems to help compensate performers for the extra demands of touring.

Overall, the new Canadian Theatre Agreement 2019 is a positive step forward for both performers and theatre companies in Canada. It provides additional compensation and recognition for performers, while also ensuring that theatre companies can continue to operate at a high level of professionalism and quality. With this new agreement, the Canadian theatre industry can continue to thrive and remain an important part of the country`s cultural landscape.