America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Ella Fent, an Actors’ Equity Association member and a server-bartender at Drunk Shakespeare in Chicago, who shared the journey of unionizing the unique theater production.
Drunk Shakespeare is a theater production where actors perform Shakespearean plays while consuming alcohol on stage. It recently secured its first union contract, marking a significant victory for the performers and staff involved. Fent described the challenges the Drunk Shakespeare actors and servers faced, which prompted the push for unionization.
Fent explained that there were concerns about Actors’ Equity ability to represent them due to the unconventional nature of their performances. In response, Fent said the team reached out to the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC) for guidance. With EWOC's support, they successfully connected with Actors’ Equity, which embraced their cause and helped them secure a contract that includes health insurance, pay raises and safety protections for the actors.
The unionization effort extended beyond Chicago, with other Drunk Shakespeare productions in Phoenix, Washington, D.C. and New York also joining the movement. Fent highlighted social media's crucial role in organizing across the cities, allowing fellow actors to connect and share experiences. This collaborative approach led to a unified contract that addressed the unique needs of each location. For example, the need for transportation reimbursements for actors in Phoenix.
Reflecting on her journey, Fent expressed how the experience transformed her career path, leading her to embrace a role as a union organizer. With continued support from EWOC, she is now involved in mentoring and organizing other workplaces. Fent's story underscores the power of collective action and the importance of unions in advocating for fair treatment and improved working conditions.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Fent about the Drunk Shakespeare unionization journey and the role of EWOC.