Is the proposed pay rise for actors good for the profession?

Theatre companies outside of London could be greatly affected by a bid for a 14% increase in fees for actors.

Course director of the BA Honours Acting degree at Bournemouth Arts Institute, Doug Cockle, has mixed views over whether the proposed pay raises are good or bad for his students and the acting profession. He said:
"As an actor the pay raises in regions outside of London could be fantastic as it's hard enough to make a living, there are more opportunities outside London at the moment, with so many regional and touring production companies."

Equity, the only Trade Union to represent artists from across the entire spectrum of arts and entertainment, has entered negotiations with theatre managers and producers in a bid to secure an improved minimum weekly wage of £400 for actors outside of London. There are currently no paid production companies in Dorset but local theatres rely on touring companies, who could be greatly affected by the changes.

Trained professional actor Mr Cockle, voiced concerns that from a producer's perspective this will certainly add pressure. He said: "It may lead to fewer productions, or more productions in the regions with fewer actors, which would ultimately have a knock of effect on actors as it could become more competitive."