SHOWSTOPPER! Actors and musicians show unity with stagehands protesting unfair treatment
Successful opening night strike puts a spotlight on worker exploitation at North Shore Music Theater
Beverly, MA – The show will not go on at the North Shore Music Theatre.
This afternoon, stagehands walked off the job at North Shore Music theater at the end of a dress rehearsal of Mamma Mia! attended by the theater’s subscribers, and joined together in protest of unfair wages and a lack of employer provided benefits. As opening night approached, patrons learned of the show’s cancellation minutes before show time. Members of the American Federation of Musicians and Actors Equity joined stagehands in the walkout, refusing to return to work until members of IATSE Local 11 are respected by employer Bill Hanney and paid a family sustaining wage.
“While charging customers big city prices, Bill Hanney is paying less than small wages,” said Mechanics Operator Ben Florance, a member of IATSE Local 11.
“His exploitative business model is not sustainable in 2021 and we hope that tonight’s cancellation is the beginning of a fairer and more sustainable future for the North Shore Musical Theater. We are excited to welcome back our beloved audience once Bill Hanney realizes that while we may be backstage, we will not be exploited in the shadows any longer.
Head of the Props Department Emily O’ Sullivan said, “For many months we have worked in good faith to avoid this disruption, but the reality is that Bill Hanney simply can’t rake in millions in taxpayer funds while paying peanuts to people doing dangerous work at his venues.
He needs to understand that the heart of this venue is its people, and that people expect to be treated fairly.”