The End of a Tradition: Broadway's Optional Stuffers Provoke Understudy Concerns

Broadway has a time-honored tradition of issuing "stuffers" to notify audiences of cast changes. However, a provision in the tentative contract between the Broadway League and Actors' Equity Association seeks to make these inserts optional. Understudies, who have long cherished these slips as a rare moment of recognition, fear that the shift to QR codes and digital announcements will overlook their contributions.

Key Takeaways:

• The tentative contract between the Broadway League and Actors' Equity Association proposes making "stuffers" optional, replacing them with QR codes, verbal announcements, or digital cast lists.
• Understudies, such as Julie Benko, who was the understudy of the title role in the "Funny Girl" revival, express concerns that the change will overlook their contributions and diminish their recognition.
• The move is motivated by environmental and cost-saving concerns, but understudies fear that audience members will not engage with digital notifications.
• The provision is currently being voted on by Equity members, and its outcome is uncertain.
• Julie Benko, an advocate for understudy recognition, has created a show called "Standby, Me," highlighting the work of understudies and their importance to the backstage experience.

Statistics:

• According to Julie Benko, understudies, swings, standbys, and alternates do significant work without adequate recognition, with "Standby, Me" being a one-woman show about the four musicals she has covered as an understudy.
• The shift to QR codes and digital announcements may overlook understudies' contributions, potentially diminishing their recognition in the eyes of the audience.
• The Broadway League and Actors' Equity Association are seeking to make changes to the traditional "stuffers" in the interest of environmental sustainability and cost reduction.
• The new provision would allow shows to announce most cast changes through QR codes rather than printed inserts, raising concerns about audience engagement.

Sources:

• "A Little Piece of Paper" by [no author], no publication date, no external reference available.