60% of Equity members anticipate difficulty in meeting essential costs due to the cost-of-living crisis. Bumper profits for big companies and low wages for working people are helping drive this crisis. The most important thing we can do as a union is fight for better pay and conditions.

In this episode of the Equity Green Room, host Jackie Clune talks to Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming about upcoming pay claims and negotiations in the theatre sector. Essential listening for anyone who wants to join the fight for a fairer deal for our members and all creatives.

“We prepare, we research we smash it and then silence, nothing.” In the latest episode of the Equity Green Room, host Jackie Clune investigates ways in which the casting process can damage performers’ self-esteem and what Equity are doing to make the process fairer.

Jackie is joined by the National Theatre’s Head of Casting Alastair Coomer, and Equity member and actor Abiola Ogunbiyi, for a lively chat on the importance of giving and receiving a yes/no after an audition. Tigger Blaize, Vice-Chair of Equity’s LGBTQ+ Committee, also joins Jackie to explore the issue of authentic casting and who should get to play which roles.

Late nights, precarious work, performance anxiety, constant knocks to your ego and bank balance – the pressures of working in the performing arts can take its toll on anyone’s mental health. Claire Cordeaux (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) joins Jackie Clune for a timely conversation about the impact an arts career can have on your mental health – and how you can seek support. They’re joined by actor and researcher Alice Brockway. Equity members also share their own personal experiences and Policy Officer Liam Budd shares news of Equity’s upcoming mental health commission.

If you would like mental health support, as an Equity member you can have six free counselling services through the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine. Find out more.

Part 2 of our episode asking whether the creative industries are still the preserve of the posh white man?

Host Jackie Clune talks to audio councillor David John and green activist Paul Valentine about the issues surrounding class in the creative industries and how Equity's class network is working to improve opportunities for all.

Are the creative industries still the preserve of the posh white man?

It's often said that to get anywhere in acting, you need to come from the right school, have money behind you, and speak with the right accent. In this episode, host Jackie Clune talks to guests about the issues surrounding class in the performing and creative industries. What challenges do working class performers and artists face building - and sustaining - a career?

With guests:

Louise McMullan, Equity's Deputy for the General Secretary Stephanie Greer, founder of Equity's Class Network Valerie Edmond, actor and activist

Too often, creative workers - especially women - experience harassment at work or on their commutes. What do recent moves to safeguard workers in the night time economy do to help protect Equity members from harassment? Is the problem actually more pressing in the workplace? Host Jackie Clune talks to Equity members and staff about their experiences of the issues - and what can be done to make the industry safer. We also hear about Equity's current campaigns including the Safe Spaces campaign amidst recent calls to make work safer - for everyone.

With guests:

• Charlotte Bence, Equity's Industrial Official - Theatre
• Maureen Beattie, Equity President
• Elaine Stirrat, actor, co-founder of Persistent and Nasty and Equity Glasgow General Branch Chair​
• Zainab Hasan, actor and activist
• Dame Harriet Walter, actor​
• Hywel Morgan, actor and activist