LORT is the largest professional theatre association of its kind in the United States, with 75 member Theatres located in every major market in the U.S., including 29 states and the District of Columbia. LORT Theatres collectively issue more Equity contracts to actors than Broadway and commercial tours combined.

 

LORT administers the primary national not-for-profit collective bargaining agreements with Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), and United Scenic Artists (USA). We also deal directly with personnel and management issues involving Theatre staff, artists, and craftspeople. LORT members communicate collectively via LORT Counsel's office in New York.

 

LORT is also a forum for sharing information regarding all aspects of theatre. Our semi-annual Meetings provide opportunities for LORT members to study, discuss, and exchange information on such non-labor management issues as development, marketing, public relations, education, and technology, as well as provide a forum for developing professional relationships. LORT is also committed to the continued training of current and future LORT Managers.

 

The principle objectives of LORT, as stated in LORT's by-laws, are:

About LORT

• To promote the general welfare of resident Theatres in the United States and its territories

 

• To promote community interest in and support of resident Theatres;

 

• To encourage and promote sound communications and relations between and among resident Theatres in the United States and between resident theatres and the public;

 

• To afford resident Theatres an opportunity to act for their common purpose and interest;

 

• To act in the interest and on behalf of its members in labor relations and related matters:

 

• To serve as bargaining agent for its members in bargaining collectively with unions representing employees of its members;

 

• To establish and maintain stable and equitable labor relations between its members and unions representing employees of its members;

 

• To provide guidance and assistance to its members in administering collective bargaining agreements;

 

• If requested by a member, to handle disputes between members and their employees and/or union representatives; and

 

• To represent LORT members before government agencies on problems of labor relations.

 

• To carry on all lawful activities which may directly or indirectly contribute to the accomplishment of such purposes; and

 

• To communicate with the Federal Government through the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Arts Alliance and to keep those agencies apprised of the needs and status of LORT's membership.