For over 80 years, 10-out-of-12 technical rehearsals and six-day-workweeks have been seen by professional theatre workers as unavoidable in their schedules. In trying to uphold the spirit of “The show must go on”, many people have repeatedly pushed themselves far beyond their physical and mental limits, jeopardizing both their health and their future.

It's time for a change. It's time for NO MORE 10-Out-Of-12 work days and 6 day work weeks.

These work practices are unhealthy and unethical. They prevent artists from regenerating their population and providing care for their children, place workers in unsafe conditions due to lack of rest and stress, and bar all but those who can afford to work these long hours, both physically and financially. We acknowledge and thank We See You, White American Theatre for first broadcasting this perspective in their demands.

By choosing these work practices, we are actively keeping the next generation of theatre artists from entering the field. We are systematically eliminating the possibility of diversity in all aspects of social identity by creating barriers for people to pursue theatre as a career, except for those who can afford it. Art is not a mirror for society if it only reflects the experiences of some people. It is imperative that we change these practices immediately in order to reach a more equitable environment for ALL theatre workers.

Please sign this petition now to alert producers, artistic directors, and theatre unions that is a top priority for all theatre professionals in America. We call on these individuals and institutions to immediately change their work practices and to work together to find new ways to produce theatre without overburdening those who create its magic.