links
Equity and Circus https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equity-circus-network-launch-event-tickets-48868166000
Equity proposed; Circus Network
There is a formed sub-committee (below) for Variety and Circus, of twelve, unfortunately it would appear that none are circus artistes.
https://www.equity.org.uk/getting-involved/committees/variety-circus-entertainers-committee/
By Chris Barltrop “Equity is holding a special meeting in London to launch its Circus Network. Here’s a chance for Equity members to get involved and help to influence the Union’s policy. Equity is strong in its support for circus and has influence with politicians. The more members who take part from the Classical / traditional side, the better that will be for that section of the circus community. The meeting is free of charge to members. It’s on Tuesday 18th September from 4pm to 7pm. To book a place, contact Michael Day mday@equity.org.uk” (Mr Day is the Variety Circus section person in charge).
https://www.equity.org.uk/search/?query=circus
Our view; as everyone knows Equity is predominantly of actors and circus would be a small part within. British circus is predominantly made of world-wide artistes their contracts would be assured by Equity with credible shows. The statement above has appeared on Mr Barltrop’s Facebook page. It is public so we see no reason not to print it here. We are somewhat mystified by its meaning, how a three hour meeting would find harmony, but to explain some history. Personally I was involved with Equity during the 1970s to bring about credible representation for its fabulous art and dedicated artistes. Mr Barltrop says that ‘members should get involved to influence the union’! Equity was ‘involved’ as from the 1970s with a circus sub-committee set up by the Variety section V.A.C that I was invited to contribute to. Several dedicated persons were involved to draw up a V.A.C contract for circus artistes. Unfortunately the wild animal issue then curtailed all credible progress instigated by some proprietors that has been consistent to include Mr Barltrop and others ever since. The only area to really interest Equity with circus would be artistes to include animal presenters (trainers are under the remit of DEFRA). His statement; ‘influence with politicians’ can only lean to state subsidy otherwise politicians are not that bothered. Commercial circus must stand on its own feet.
Below is the statement by Equity (link)
Join Equity’s Circus Network and be part of shaping the future of your industry. Circus performers and students are invited to attend the launch of Equity’s Circus Network at National Centre for Circus Arts on 18th September 2018 at 4pm until 7pm.
Find out how you can work with your union to improve conditions in the sector, get guidance from experienced professionals on risk assessment, safe working practice, insurance, contracts and other working matters and meet other performers and practitioners.
This is a FREE event with tickets available on a first come first served basis. We look forward to meeting you. Refreshments are provided.
One wonders why Equity must organise a meeting be it of just three hours to decide a policy for one huge industry without naming what expertise might be present – perhaps it is a recruitment drive. The union has supposedly represented circus artistes since 1968. To suggest one works with the union when the union is fully versed and have been for 40 years about requirements, is odd. Risk assessments from professions, a strange statement considering the countless risks involved within many skills. No experts are named. ‘Safe working practice’, all professional acts make their own assessments. Contract; under the old system similar to the theatre – contracts of up to 12 shows each week, the current demand can be up to 15 shows each week. Hardly progress. The assembly makes no call for the Association of Circus Proprietors to attend (we now understand someone will attend) the ACP representing but half of circus. Be clear, there is logically only two courses open for circus, either the ACP manages the whole be whatever the product under a commercial umbrella or the state becomes more involved via subsidies and directives – the two ideals are not best suited to agree with each other. Commercial artistes are small businesses as already stated on this website.
The Variety Artistes Federation, the VAF was absorbed into Equity in 1968. One may notice that when I was part of the VAAC (Variety Artistes Advisory Committee) the word ‘Variety’ was the main title 40 years ago. I wonder why ‘circus’ is now fractionalised? Circus Artistes (with the E) were and are part of Variety; theatres, summer shows, cabaret, outdoor galas and circus. Clearly they were and are Variety acts. This website is dedicated to Variety acts – title World of Variety. When I communicated with Equity not long ago it agreed to call the section Variety and Circus! Circus artistes are part of mainstream light entertainment. We are pleased to see that ‘The Variety Artistes Federation’ is still used upon the Equity website and we are happy to place the link to circus issues. (Top)
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