Lindsay Douglass

02/02/21
Source Search #1

1. APA Citation

Paulson, M. (2020, October 1). Unemployed stage actors to face new health insurance hurdle.
Retrieved February 02, 2021, from
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/theater/stage-actors-health-insurance.html

2. Questions
● Who is the author of the piece?
○ Micheal Paulson
● What are their credentials?
○ Theatre writer for the New York Times
● Why do you believe their words?
○ He uses factual evidence and direct quotes
● Are you able to identify any bias coming from the author?
○ I was not able to identify any bias from this author
● What is the publication date?
○ October 1st, 2020
● What might this source add to your essay?
○ Specific information on how the pandemic has impacted the health insurance
of theatre professionals in the industry

3. Summary

From actors to stage managers, the pandemic has been incredibly detrimental to
the theatre industry. The health insurance fund that serves as coverage for thousands of
theatre professionals has seen a huge decrease in contributions from theatre producers,
both nonprofit and commercial since the arrival of the pandemic. The professional theatre
industry is bringing in little to no income due to the nationwide shutdowns. The fund is
forced to just cover as many people as they possibly can while facing the largest financial
crisis since the climax of the AIDS epidemic. With AIDS, the greatest challenge was high
expenses while during Covid-19, it’s low revenues.

These professionals qualify for healthcare benefits through work, which is incredibly
low demand currently. The theatre industry is drowning with skyrocketing healthcare costs
and the lack of financial resources. This fund entered the pandemic with reserves of $120
million, which has dropped now to $91 million. It is estimated by the middle of 2021, it will
plummet to under $20 million.