Disney World wants to resume stage shows at reopening but cast member union disagrees

Disney World wants to resume stage shows at reopening but cast member union disagrees.

The Actors’ Equity Association is concerned about stage shows returning at Walt Disney World when they reopen next month due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Florida.

“If Disneyland has postponed, it is unclear how Walt Disney World can responsibly move toward reopening when coronavirus cases are much worse in Florida,” said Mary McColl, executive director of Actors’ Equity Association. “For weeks, we have made it clear to Disney that testing is a fundamental part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone, from the guests to the cast. It is deeply disturbing that while coronavirus cases in Florida surge, Disney is refusing to provide regular testing to one of the few groups of workers in the park who by the very nature of their jobs, cannot use personal protective equipment. Now is the time for Disney to pause, focus on the science and put the safety of their actors and stage managers first by making regular testing available.”

“I would actually say most of our people are eager to get back to work,” said Kate Shindle, president of the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents more than 700 singers, actors, dancers and stage managers who help put together shows at Walt Disney World. “They’re not all being called back right away, but we have to get this right, hopefully before anybody goes back.”

According to WFTV Disney hasn’t said if they are considering a delay in reopening but issued a statement saying it would like to bring back live stage shows, so far the Actors’ Equity Association hasn’t agreed to its terms.

“As we reopen our theme parks, we would like to include live stage shows. We have heard from many cast members that they are eager to return; however, the Actors’ Equity Association has not agreed to the terms of the recall impacting our ability to invite these cast members back at this time. The health and well-being of our cast members and guests is an important priority for us, and our theme park reopening plan has been approved by county and state officials.”

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