Producers, actors, viewers and equity

ACTORS’ Equity is contemplating changes in its often controversial 99-Seat Theater Plan, which governs most L.A. County productions in theaters with fewer than 100 seats.

Among the hottest issues is a proposal to reduce the number of performances that are allowed under the plan, from 80 to a number to be decided. Currently, if a hit in a small theater extends beyond 80 performances, it’s required to move to a regular Equity contract -- which raises the actors’ wages and the producers’ expenses.

Average theatergoers might be more interested in a proposed $34.99 cap on the cost of a ticket at a production that uses the plan. Reducing the number of permitted rehearsal weeks is also under discussion -- actors don’t have to be paid for rehearsals under the plan.

To discuss the issues, Equity has scheduled a town hall meeting Monday -- open only to Equity members who don’t double as producers.

-- Don Shirley