Hi folks, welcome. I’m running for a Central Region Principal seat on the National Council of Actors’ Equity Association, and I’d very much like your consideration.

My candidate statement can be found below, there’s a (much) longer bio in About, and I’ll be adding longer-form thoughts in the blog and linking to other candidates I’d like to draw your attention to in the Endorsements area.

This is a harrowing time for all of us, and an important election for our union. Getting our members back to work safely, sustainably, in the aftermath of COVID-19 is going to require thoughtful, experienced leadership, and I hope to earn your vote. Thank you for taking the time to make an informed decision.

Candidate Statement

 

Doug MacKechnie - Oak Park, IL

  • Chair, Central Developing Theatres (SPT, LOA, SAA)

  • 2nd (Central) Vice-chair , National Media and New Technology

  • 5th Vice-chair, National Membership Education

  • 3rd Vice-chair, CAT

  • Member: Agency, EPA, Guest Artist, LORT, Organizing

I’ve worked my entire professional career in the Central Region. I moved to Chicago for grad school, came up through storefront theatre, got my card in ‘05, and I’m now in my eighth year serving on the Central Regional Board.

While I’ve been Chair of Central DevT, we added approximately 40 SPT theatres in the Central region – an increase of almost 50%. I want to continue nurturing that growth, so those theatres will be safely, respectfully, and sustainably employing our members for decades to come, bringing professional theatre to underserved areas and continuing to provide necessary work opportunities for members building lives and careers outside office cities.

As a Vice-Chair of Media, I’ve helped craft the revolutionary streaming agreements that are putting urgently needed money in members’ pockets and health weeks on the books until our theatres can re-open safely.

I pushed for expanded and clearer harassment language in our rulebooks – long before #MeToo – and was one of the first on a negotiating team to push for recognition of Intimacy Design.

Council needs passionate voices. It also needs experienced, pragmatic problem solvers; leaders who can facilitate discussion, ensure all voices are heard, and channel that passion into effective policy and outcomes.

It would be a privilege to expand my service to the union as a Councilor, and I humbly ask for your vote.