Agreement for

Theatre Directors in the UK

From August 2018 – March 2022

Incorporating rates for 2019, 2020 and 2021
 A GR E EME NT FOR T H EAT RE D IR ECT O RS A N D UK T H EAT RE/ EQ UI T Y

Contents COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Collective Agreement This Agreement is made 28 September 2018 between UK Theatre

1 Scope Of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Association (hereafter called ‘UK Theatre’) of the one part and Equity of
2 Union Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3 Equal Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 the other part.
4 Interview Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
5 Copies of Contract Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
6 Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Whereby it is agreed as follows:
7 Duration of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Schedule 1: Common Conditions Applicable To All Directors 1 SCOPE OF AGREEMENT
1.1 Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1.1 This Agreement sets forth in the following annexed schedules hereto minimum terms and
1.2 Subsistence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 conditions which shall be observed by members of UK Theatre for the engagement of Directors
1.3 Travel And Other Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 for theatrical productions intended for initial presentation at theatres covered by UK
1.4 Late Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1.5 Failure To Produce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Theatre/Equity Agreements for Performers and Stage Management in the Commercial Theatre
1.6 Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 and subsidised Repertory Theatre.
1.7 Research Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.8 Casting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.2 The above-mentioned annexed schedules are:
1.9 Ownership & Assigning the Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1.2.1 Common Conditions (applicable to all Directors).
1.10 Licensing & Future Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.11 Co-productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.2.2 Conditions applicable only to Freelance Directors (and to Freelance Assistant Directors
1.12 Making Changes to the Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 wholly paid for by the Manager).
1.13 Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 1.2.3 Conditions applicable to Resident Directors – including Artistic Directors – (and to
1.13.1 Consultation with the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Assistant Directors wholly paid for by the Manager).
1.13.2 Social media, photography and press activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.13.3 Archive Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2 UNION MEMBERSHIP
1.13.4 Recording for Publicity Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
1.14 Recording for Broadcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 2.1 A Director engaged by a Manager for any production shall, if not a member of Equity, be
1.15 Prompt Script . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 encouraged to apply for membership.
1.16 Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
1.17 Working Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2.2 Whether or not a Director becomes a member of Equity, he / she shall not be engaged on
1.18 Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 terms less favourable than those herein prescribed.
1.19 Manager’s Undertakings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
1.20 Director’s Undertakings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
1.21 Prosecution Of Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 3 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
1.22 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 3.1 UK Theatre and Equity, as the parties to this Agreement, are committed to Inclusive Casting and
1.23 Arbitration / Conciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 to the development of positive policies to promote equal opportunities regardless of sex,
1.24 Assistant Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 marital status, colour, race, creed, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or physical disability.
Schedule 2: Conditions Applicable To Freelance Directors Only The principal criteria for selecting an Artist or Director for a particular role or job shall be that
2.1 Exclusive Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Artist’s or Director’s ability and the requirements of the role or job. This principle shall apply in
2.2 Minimum Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3 Definition of Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
respect of all conditions of work and treatment of individuals.
2.4 Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.5 Extent Of Director’s Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 3.2 The parties agree that they will review from time to time the operations of this policy and the
2.6 Assistant Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 effects on it of developments in legislation and in good engagement practice.
Schedule 3: Conditions Applicable To Resident Directors Only
3.1 Exclusive Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4 INTERVIEW EXPENSES
3.2 Minimum Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 A Director attending an interview at the Manager’s request or as a result of an advertisement
3.3 Payment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
placed by the Manager shall, where the Manager is in receipt of funds from the appropriate
3.4 Sabbatical Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Arts Council, a Regional Arts Board or Local Authority, a University or other public body or
3.6 Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 charitable institution, be reimbursed expenses, as agreed in advance. Expenses for this purpose
3.7 Notice Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 shall include travel expenses from the Director’s home address or address of current
3.8 Artistic Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 engagement provided that the distance involved is at least 25 miles and, where necessary and
3.9 Assistant Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 appropriate, accommodation including meals.
Appendix 1 – Rates from 2014 – 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19

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AGREEMEN T FO R T HEATRE DIRECTO RS AND UK THEATRE/ EQ UIT Y A GR E EME NT FOR T H EAT RE D IR ECT O RS A N D UK T H EAT RE/ EQ UI T Y

5 COPIES OF CONTRACT FORM SCHEDULE 1:

When a Manager offers a Director an engagement under the terms of this Agreement, the
Manager and the Director shall jointly sign copies of a Contract. This Contract shall be available
in one of three ways:
5.1 As the standard Contract for this Agreement as obtainable in printed form from both UK
Theatre and Equity.
5.2 As a downloadable version of the standard Contract posted on Equity’s website.
5.4 An extended version of the standard Contract produced by the Manager. Such an extended
version may contain additional terms and conditions to reflect the particular concerns and
circumstances of the Manager. However, it shall still include all of the matter contained within
the standard Contract and any additional terms and conditions shall be at least as beneficial
to the Director as those in the standard Contract.
6 IMPLEMENTATION
6.1 The provisions of this Agreement shall come into operation on 1 August 2018 for all contracts
entered into on or after that date for productions opening on or after that date but not
otherwise.
7 DURATION OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall subsist until terminated by either party giving to the other not less than
4 months prior written notice, accompanied by detailed proposals for its revision. Provided
that no such notice shall be given to take effect before 31 March 2022.
As witness the hands of the parties hereto the day, month and year first above written.
____________________________________ ________________________________________
For and on behalf of UK Theatre For and on behalf of Equity
COMMON CONDITIONS (APPLICABLE TO ALL DIRECTORS)
1.1 Contract
1.1.1 There shall be four copies of the Contract. One copy of the Contract shall be for the
Manager. The other three copies of the Contract shall be supplied to the Director.
The Director shall send one copy of the Contract to the Director’s Agent (if applicable)
and one copy of the Contract to Equity.
1.1.2 The Manager shall ensure that a copy of this Schedule, and, if required, other appropriate
UK Theatre / Equity Agreement Schedules, shall be made available to the Director.
1.2 Subsistence
Either:
1.2.1 The subsistence allowance as agreed and for the duration agreed in the UK Theatre
/ Equity Subsidised Repertory Agreement for Performers and Stage Managers shall
apply where the Manager’s base or theatre is 25 miles or more from the Director’s
normal home address (as set out in his / her Contract) or the said distance is less than
25 miles but the Director is required (either by the Manager or by the non-availability
of normal public transport) to reside closer to the base or theatre
or
1.2.2 A relocation package that is at least equivalent to 13 weeks of the allowance referred
to in 1.2.1 above.
1.3 Travel And Other Expenses
The Manager shall reimburse the Director such travel and other expenses as he / she may incur,
subject to the Manager’s prior approval, in connection with the production where the Director’s
presence is required to fulfil the services required under the Contract. Provided that the Manager
may instead pay the Director in advance such fixed allowance as shall be mutually agreed and
any unforeseen expenses shall be the subject of further discussion. Any agreed travel and other
expenses are separate from any fee payment(s) due to the Director under this Agreement.
1.4 Late Hours
If the Director is required by the Manager to remain in the theatre or in any other place of work
after 11.15pm or after the hour at which his public transport ceases, whichever shall be the earlier,
then the Manager shall pay any reasonable expenses which the Director shall incur in providing
transport to the Director’s place of residence up to 20 miles from the theatre or such other place
of work. The Manager shall use all reasonable endeavours to eliminate overnight travel. In
circumstances where it proves unavoidable, fair and reasonable arrangements shall be made.
1.5 Failure To Produce
If the Manager, for any reason, shall not produce a production for which the Director shall
have been engaged, the Manager shall pay the Director in addition to any sums theretofore
payable under his / her Contract not less than the fractions of the Director’s Fee stated in the
table below:

No. of weeks notice given of abandonment Fee

of production before projected start of rehearsals payable

10 or more weeks 1/4 of fee

5-10 weeks 1/3 of fee
Less than 5 weeks 1/2 of fee

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AGREEMEN T FO R T HEATRE DIRECTO RS AND UK THEATRE/ EQ UIT Y
1.6 Scripts
The Manager shall provide all scripts and music and these shall be legible. All parts written or
printed are the property of the Manager and shall be returned to the Manager. See also Clause
1.15.
1.7 Research Material
In the event of the Manager supplying or paying for research material for the Director, this
material remains the property of the Manager and shall be returned to the Manager at the end
of the week in which the first press performance is given.
1.8 Casting
1.8.1 Unless specified otherwise in writing at the time of signing the Contract, the casting
of the production shall be the Manager’s exclusive right and responsibility subject to
consultation with the Director and consideration being given to his / her view.
1.8.2 Where the Director is delegated the responsibility for casting, the Manager will inform
the Director of the relevant UK Theatre / Equity conditions with which the Director will
then comply on the Manager’s behalf, including the Casting Agreements, the Equal
Opportunities Cause and the Appendix on Nudity and Simulated Sex.
Where appropriate, the Manager will also ensure that the Director is conversant with
the relevant conditions of the UK Theatre / Writers’ Agreement with which the
Director will comply on the Manager’s behalf.
1.8.3 The Manager shall operate and assist the Director to operate the UK Theatre Equity
Integrated Casting Policy.
1.8.4 The engagement by the Manager of other creative personnel (including Designers,
Choreographers and Musical Directors) shall be subject to advance consultation with
the Director.
1.9 Ownership & Assigning of the Copyright
1.9.1 All copyright or like rights which may now or in the future exist in the product of the
Director’s services for the Production or otherwise from the Director’s involvement
with the Production shall hereinafter be referred to as the Direction and shall be and
remain vested in the Director.
1.9.2 In consideration of the sums payable to the Director under this Agreement, the
Director hereby grants to the Manager a sole and exclusive licence to use the Direction
in the Production and for such other forms of exploitation of the play and/or the
Production as are permitted under this Agreement. Such licence will subsist for the
performing period of the Production / the planned touring period of the Production
as defined in the Contract, and thereafter as mutually agreed between the Manager
and the Director.
1.9.3 The Director hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Manager every
consent necessary including under Part II of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
1988 for the Manager to make the fullest use of the services provided by the Director
hereunder and the widest possible exploitation of the Direction as is permitted under
this Agreement.
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1.9.4 To the extent that the Director actually makes a contribution to the text of the play (to
include a stage direction that thereafter becomes part of the text of the play) the
Director shall assign to the Manager with full title guarantee, including by way of
assignment of future copyright, all of the Director’s right, title and interest in and to such
contribution throughout the universe for the full period of copyright and thereafter in
perpetuity. It is acknowledged that the Director shall not be able to make any additions
or alterations to the text without the prior written consent of the Manager.
1.10 Licensing & Future Productions
1.10.1 The Manager may, at any time, seek the Director’s agreement to extend the licence
granted hereunder either in time or scope or to transfer it in whole or in part to a third
party.
1.10.2 The Manager agrees not to enter into any agreement with a third party involving the
extension or transfer of the Manager’s licence from the Director without the Director’s
written agreement, such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld.
1.10.3 Where the Manager wishes to reproduce the Production in the UK following the
expiry of the agreed licence period, the Director shall grant to the Manager a licence
to use the Direction in such subsequent production on the same terms as are set out
in this Agreement and a further fee shall be payable to the Director. Such fee shall be
mutually agreed between the Manager and the Director in the light of any further
work required of the Director and with each party acting reasonably and in good
faith, but shall not be less than 25% of the prevailing category minimum fee. The
Director agrees not to unreasonably withhold agreement.
1.10.4 Where a third party, not being the Manager under this Agreement, wishes following
the expiry of the agreed licence period to reproduce or transfer the Production to
another theatre or a tour of theatres or to any other theatre(s) not covered by this
Agreement then that third party must negotiate with the Director appropriate
payments for the Director’s further work (if any) and for further use of the Direction.
The Director agrees not to unreasonably withhold agreement.
1.11 Co-productions
1.11.1 Where the Production or any subsequent production presented by the Manager
pursuant to this Agreement is a pre-planned co-production between a Subsidised
Repertory member of UK Theatre and a Commercial member of UK Theatre, the
minimum fee and weekly payment structure shall be as for a Commercial production
(see Appendix 1).
1.11.2 Where the Production or any subsequent production presented pursuant to this
Agreement is a pre-planned co-production between one or more Subsidised
Repertory members of UK Theatre, the minimum fee shall be as for the highest MRSL
Grade Company involved in the co-production (see Appendix 1).
1.12 Making changes to the work
1.12.1 The Director shall have the right to withdraw his/her name from the Production if the
Manager makes substantial changes to the Direction without his / her written
consent, or if the Manager requires substantial changes to the Direction which the
Director is not willing to implement.
AGREEMEN T FO R T HEATRE DIRECTO RS AND UK THEATRE/ EQ UIT Y
1.12.2 In the event of such withdrawal the Manager shall forthwith arrange for the Director’s
name to be removed from bills and posters outside the theatre and from any other
printed matter when next reprinted.
1.12.3 The Manager shall also ensure that all existing programmes are slipped to show the
alteration, pending the next reprint.
1.12.4 The withdrawal of the Director’s name shall in no way prejudice the Director’s
contractual financial rights.
1.12.5 Notwithstanding the above, the Manager and its licensees shall have the unrestricted
right without first obtaining the Director’s approval to make such minor changes to
the Production and/or the Direction as may be required to accommodate any Health
and Safety or legislative issues required by the appropriate authorities or the physical
requirements of any theatre.
1.13 Publicity
1.13.1 All photograph calls and / or recordings which are to be used for advertising and/or
publicity and / or press promotion of the Production shall be made by the Manager,
where practicable in consultation with the Director. It is understood and agreed that
subject to the prior approval of the Manager the products of such photograph calls
and / or recordings may be used by the Director solely for the purpose of inclusion in
the Director’s portfolio and subject to the Manager and the Production being credited.
1.13.2 The Director hereby agrees that the Manager may undertake or permit activities in
connection with the marketing and/or advertising and/or publicity and / or press
promotion of the Production, and/or for educational use. Such activities may include
the following and may incorporate recordings and or images of the Director and the
Direction:
1.13.2.1 Social Media: including contribution to blogs, references to the Production
and to the Direction through social media platforms which shall include,
but not be limited to Twitter and Facebook or any of their successors;
1.13.2.2 Photography: This may include pre-production photo shoots and rehearsal
and production pictures;
1.13.2.3 Press: This may include press photo calls; interviews and press shots on site
and at media studios.
1.13.3 Archive recording
The Manager may make an archive filmed copy of the Production so long as such
copy is used for archive purposes and not for any commercial purpose. Such archive
recording may be made available to organisations involved in the provision of an
assisted performance of the Production.
1.13.4 Recording for publicity purposes
1.13.4.1 As well as the recording of an archive filmed copy of the Production, the
Manager may arrange for the creation of filmed video materials and/ or
an EPK recording for the purpose of promoting, publicising or advertising
the Production.
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This may incorporate recordings and or images of the Director and the
Direction and include the following: behind-the-scenes films and
photographs, short excerpts of rehearsals, filmed excerpts of the
Production not to exceed 10 minutes completed edited footage, film of
photo shoots and interviews; making of trailers and promotional videos;
live streaming of post-show discussions.
1.13.4.2 Subject to 1.13.4.3, the Manager may without payment use the product
of the recording for:
1.13.4.2.1 Narrowcast – A limited distribution of recorded material as
distinct from broadcast and with the meaning usually
attributed to such terms in the broadcast industry including
but not limited to: Tradeshows (domestic and international);
Group Sales Presentations; Ticket Sales sites; Ticket Booths;
Travel Agent Displays; In Flight videos (including airport
videos); In house hotel Videos; Tour bus Videos; Taxis;
Underground station escalators; Footage on outdoor sites;
Exhibition Stands; Sequences of no longer than 1 minute
streamed on the main show website, affiliate sites, and
ticketing outlets’ websites; Visit London/Britain promotional
activities (domestic and overseas); Main line station screens;
Promotional DVD – where given away free to promote the
show; Mobile digital media (Bluetooth, mobile phone
texting, downloads etc.).
1.13.4.2.2 Broadcast – worldwide TV/radio/cinema/internet commercial
campaign; incorporation within a Making Of Documentary
for two UK network transmissions or one UK network
transmission and one UK secondary channel; broadcast use
on television or related media in news, topical magazine,
light entertainment shows (including but not limited to chat
shows, game shows), documentaries and awards
programmes; and broadcast and non-commercial use as set
out in this clause to promote subsequent productions
worldwide until 4 Weeks after the Press Night of the
subsequent production.
1.13.4.3 Where an extract from the Production is used for broadcast and an
agreement exists between Equity and the relevant broadcasting
companies for payment for such use, the Manager shall use reasonable
endeavours to ensure that the Director receives any appropriate fee due
as agreed from time to time between Equity and the broadcasting
company.
1.13.5 The terms set out in this Clause 1.13 shall apply to any subsequent production
presented by the Manager pursuant to this Agreement which make use of the Direction.
1.14 Recording for broadcast
1.14.1 Any recording of the Production which is made by or on behalf of the Manager and
is used and exploited for direct commercial gain by the Manager as a separate product
(including for example as a television programme or film, publications, articles (other
AGREEMEN T FO R T HEATRE DIRECTO RS AND UK THEATRE/ EQ UIT Y
than theatre programmes, souvenir brochures, cast albums or other uses of photos
of a production) or commercial tie-ins (including videogames and interactive
multimedia products) shall be subject to the following conditions:
1.14.1.1 Use shall be subject to the payment of a royalty and/or fee in respect of
the applicable use to be mutually agreed by the Manager and the Director
each acting reasonably and in good faith. Any royalty and / or fee shall
reflect prevailing industry practice and (if applicable) the contribution of
any third party, and the extent to which all or a substantial or recognisable
part of the Direction feature in such recording.
1.14.1.2 No recording shall be made or exhibited without the fee(s) / payments
due to the Director having been agreed in writing by the Director and
subject to advance consultation with Equity.
1.14.2 The terms set out in this Clause 1.14 shall apply to any subsequent production
presented by the Manager pursuant to this Agreement which make use of the
Direction.
1.15 Prompt script
The Manager shall provide the Director with the opportunity to make (and preserve for the
Director’s own use) a copy of the Prompt Script by the end of the week including the Press
Night.
1.16 Billing
1.16.1 The Director shall be accorded normal credit on all posters and leaflets printed after
the signing of the Contract and over which the Manager has control. In any such
material where any individual contributor to the production is named (other than the
author(s)), the Director shall also be credited. The Director shall be accorded credit on
all programmes.
1.17 Working Conditions
The Manager shall use his best endeavours to provide adequate rehearsal facilities including
(if the full acting area is not available) a separate rehearsal room and space for the acting area
to be marked out. The Director shall not be required to rehearse or continue rehearsals in
extremes of noise or temperature (not being below 18°C).
1.18 Payment
1.18.1 Cheques in payment of a percentage or other similar continuing payments shall be
sent to the Director or (if the Director so instructs in writing) to his / her Agent by noon
on Friday following the week to which they apply.
1.18.2 The Director shall be given with every payment due a statement showing the amount
and nature of that payment and of any deduction.
1.18.3 Any VAT due to the Director shall be paid to the Director within 30 days of the
Manager’s receipt of the Director’s VAT invoice.
1.19 Manager’s Undertakings
In issuing the Contract the Manager shall be deemed to have undertaken:
1.19.1 That he / she is registered as an approved Manager with the Theatre Council.
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1.19.2 That he / she is not in default to any Equity member under a Contract issued by the
London Theatre Council or Theatre Council and that he / she is not knowingly
connected (as an individual proprietor, partner, associate producer, corporate director,
officer, active shareholder or otherwise) with any defaulting Management: “Default”
shall include but shall not be limited to cases where:
1.19.2.1 the Manager admits that he / she is in default.
1.19.2.2 the Manager is in default by verdict of the Courts or of the Theatre Council.
1.20 Director’s Undertakings
In accepting the Contract the Director undertakes to:
1.20.1 Perform the services required of him / her under his / her Contract in a diligent and
competent manner.
1.20.2 Comply with the rules and policies of any theatre at which he / she works and with
all rules and policies made by the Manager insofar as they do not conflict with the
terms of his / her Contract.
1.20.3 Direct a production that does not contain any matter that, to the best of the Director’s
belief, is illegal. The Director undertakes to discuss with the Manager at the earliest
opportunity any material in the production that may reasonably be considered to be
potentially controversial.
1.20.4 Have regard to the health and safety of all Individuals, and ensure that all reasonable
steps within the Director’s power are taken to protect all Individuals from any
foreseeable risk of harm – having particular regard to any Individual who may be
asked to undertake a hazardous act. (If there are any fight sequences in a production,
these shall be supervised by a qualified Fight Director1. If there are any substantial
choreographic sequences in a production, these shall be supervised by a
Choreographer.) Wherever appropriate, the Director should bring any concerns to
the Manager’s attention at the earliest opportunity. In accepting the Contract, the
Director undertakes to acquaint him / herself with the Manager’s Health and Safety
procedures, which shall be provided by the Manager in written form, and to comply
with them.
1.21 Prosecution Of Production
If a complaint is made that a production is in violation of the law or statutory requirement, or
if a claim or charge (either civil or criminal) is made against the Director acting in accordance
with his / her Contract and provided that the Director has fulfilled the undertakings in 1.20.3
above, the Manager shall defend the Director at his own expense and shall indemnify him / her
against any loss or damage. However, if the Manager warns the Director in writing that his /
her treatment of the production is likely to occasion such a complaint or claim or charge and
the Director ignores such warning, the Director’s protection under this Clause shall be forfeit.
The Director will co-operate in every reasonable way to assist the Manager to defend any action
against the Director or against the production for which the Director has been engaged.
1.22 Definitions
1.22.1 When the Director negotiates a percentage of the weekly Box Office receipts to be
paid by the Manager in addition to fees, the expression “Box Office receipts” shall
1 Refer to UK Theatre/SOLT/ITC Agreement for Fight Directors available from www.uktheatre.org
AGREEMEN T FO R T HEATRE DIRECTO RS AND UK THEATRE/ EQ UIT Y A GR E EME NT FOR T H EAT RE D IR ECT O RS A N D UK T H EAT RE/ EQ UI T Y

mean the gross Box Office receipts less VAT or other tax (or equivalent thereof), credit SCHEDULE 2:
card, charge card and other sales commissions, discounts offered at the discretion of CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO FREELANCE DIRECTORS ONLY
the Manager for previews, matinees, parties, affinity groups, subscription schemes,
standby sales and any other special discount.
2.1 Exclusive Services
2.1.1 This fee will give the Manager the Director’s exclusive services to the production for
1.22.2 Where in any Clause the expression “not less than” is used in respect of sums of
a maximum period of four weeks from the first day of rehearsals in respect of each
money payable by the Manager to the Director to cover the services of the Director
production until the final performance on the Saturday of the week in which the
stated in such Clause, the Director shall render the services stated for the sum
Designated Press Performance takes place1 or such other period or periods of time as
prefaced by the expression “not less than” unless a higher sum shall have been
may be agreed in writing at the time of engagement.
negotiated between the parties prior to the signature of the Contract.
2.1.2 Should the Director’s exclusive services be needed for a longer period than four weeks
1.22.3 If a Contract shall have been entered into by a Limited Company to provide the
then each week shall be paid a 20% of the prevailing sector’s minimum fee.
Manager with the services of the Director then (in the absence of any additional
provisions agreed by the parties hereto to the contrary) all monies expressed as
2.2 Minimum Fees
payable to the Director shall be validly given to the Director of such Company and the
2.2.1 Director’s Fee
Director’s personal guarantee as set out at the end of his / her Contract shall be signed
The Manager shall pay to the Director a Director’s Fee of not less than the appropriate
by the Director and will apply to the carrying out of obligations by the Director and
minimum as set out in Appendix 1 for the sector in which the Director has been asked
such Company.
to direct (Commercial Tour / (Season / Repertory or Subsidised Repertory).
1.23 Arbitration / Conciliation
2.2.2 Current Daily Fee
The Arbitration / Conciliation provisions of the current UK Theatre / Equity Performers’
Should a full week not be required, the 20% fee can be sub-divided by 6 to give a
Agreements shall apply.
daily rate fee. Expenses might also need to be given, in accordance with clause 1.3.
1.24 Assistant Directors
2.2.3 Payment
The following of the above conditions in Section 1 of this Schedule shall be applicable in the
2.2.3.1 Payment of the Director’s fee shall be made as follows:
case of Assistant Directors: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.22
• 1/3 at the time of signing contracts.
and 1.23.
• 1/3 no later than the first day of rehearsals.
• The remaining 1/3 on or before the Designated Press Performance.

2.2.3.2 Payment of any Daily Fees due shall be made within four weeks of receipt of
the relevant invoice.

2.3 Definition Of Duties

2.3.1 In return for the Director’s Fee (as described in clause 2.2 above) the Director shall
supply his / her services for the undertaking of the following duties:
2.3.1.1 Preparation of the background, context and meaning of the play.

2.3.1.2 Preparation of an interpretative vision of the play.

2.3.1.3 Working with the production team (Designer, Lighting Designer,

Choreographer, Musical Director, Production Manager, etc) to evolve and
co-ordinate a unified physical production.

2.3.1.4 Responsibility for the achievement of the overall artistic conception of the
production.

2.3.1.5 Actively co-operating in the publicising of the production (provided that

this does not unreasonably interfere with rehearsals).

1 The Designated Press Performance will be defined on the Contract Form.

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2.3.1.6 Actively co-operating in the administration of the production, including
working within agreed budgets as notified by the Manager.
2.3.1.7 Actively co-operating in the education and outreach policies of the
Manager (provided that this does not unreasonably interfere with
rehearsals). Any session not specified at the time of contracting the
Director for which the Director is asked to take on the responsibility of
leading shall be separately contracted and remunerated.
2.3.1.8 Attendance at at least one meeting before the rehearsal period of the
production and at least one visit to the production subsequent to the
week in which its Designated Press Night shall have taken place, unless
the Manager and the Director mutually agree that such a subsequent visit
is unnecessary.
2.3.1.9 Attendance, subject to the Director’s reasonable availability, at appropriate
meetings with other members of the artistic, production and management
teams.
2.3.1.10 Responsibility for the Director’s part in casting the original production as
set out in Clause 1.8 above.
2.4.2 The word “illness” shall include any bodily or mental infirmity and shall be certified
by a qualified medical practitioner. The Manager shall be responsible for the costs of
obtaining a doctor’s certificate if the Manager shall demand such a certificate for
periods of less than 7 days sickness.
2.5 Extent Of Director’s Services
A Director shall not be required by the Manager to perform any function other than as a
Director for the minimum fee or salary contained herein. If the Manager requests and the
Director agrees to perform any additional function, they shall negotiate additional payments
which shall not be less than the minimum terms for the services as set down in the appropriate
union / management agreement. In any event the Director shall not undertake to perform
services for which he / she is not qualified, or which might constitute a breach of good health
and safety practice (see Clause 1.20.4 above).
2.6 Assistant Directors
The following of the above conditions in Section 2 of this Schedule shall be applicable in the
case of Assistant Directors: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.1.1, 2.3.1.3, 2.3.1.5, 2.3.1.6, 2.3.1.7, 2.3.1.8 (unless
the Manager and Assistant Director mutually agree this unnecessary), 2.3.1.9, 2.3.1.11,
2.3.1.13, 2.3.1.14, 2.3.1.15, 2.4 and 2.5.

2.3.1.11 Planning the rehearsal schedule for the company.

2.3.1.12 Responsibility for all artistic and performance aspects of the production as
approved by the Manager.

2.3.1.13 Directing the performers during the given period of rehearsal in order to
facilitate the preparation of their performances and their co-ordination
into a unified production at a professional standard by the agreed
opening performance.

2.3.1.14 Collaborating with the Production Manager, each taking responsibility for
their respective areas, to co-ordinate the full company and production
team from the beginning of the production weekend up to the end of the
agreed opening performance.

2.3.1.15 Conducting at least two rehearsals of the understudies (where engaged

and if required by the Manager) at least one of which shall be before the
first public performance.

2.4 Illness
2.4.1 In the event that a Director falls ill, the Manager shall negotiate with him / her
appropriate payment. Provided that:

Should a Director be unable to commence or complete his / her services due to illness,
the Manager shall pay to him / her such a proportion of the total Director’s Fee as is
appropriate to the services theretofore rendered, plus the reimbursement of any
expenses theretofore incurred. In the event that the Director and the Manager are
unable to agree what the proportion should be, the Manager and the Director shall
jointly report the matter to the Theatre Council and ask for their decision on that
question and the Manager and the Director shall abide by their decision.

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SCHEDULE 3: 3.4 Sabbatical Leave

A Resident Director shall be entitled to unpaid sabbatical leave of up to 13 weeks in respect
CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO RESIDENT DIRECTORS ONLY
of each period of 3 years of his / her contract, subject to prior discussion between the Manager
and the Director on the terms of such leave. At the termination of the Director’s engagement
3.1 Exclusive Services
with the Manager, no liability (financial or otherwise) shall attach to the Manager for any such
A Resident Director’s services shall be exclusively available to the Manager throughout his / her
sabbatical leave not taken by the Director.
engagement (with the exception of any sabbatical leave – see Clause 3.4 below).
3.5 Holidays
3.2 Minimum Salaries
The holiday entitlement of the Director shall be not less than that for the Stage Managers
3.2.1 The Manager shall pay a Resident Director a weekly Resident Director’s salary of not
engaged by the Manager, and in any case shall be not less than set out below:
less than the appropriate minimum as set out in Appendix 1 hereto. For this salary the
holidays, including public holidays, payable pro-rata. Holidays shall be taken on mutually agreed
Resident Director shall undertake those duties assigned and agreed at the time of
dates.
contracting or as subsequently altered by mutual agreement. Those duties may
include such matters as development of artistic policy, the development of education
3.5.1 If the Director is required to work on a public holiday (which will, for the purposes of
and outreach policy, building of the artistic programme, the interviewing,
this agreement be considered to be the same as those specified in the relevant UK
recommending for appointment and training of staff and the harnessing of the
Theatre / Equity performance agreement), the Director shall be given a day off in lieu
energies of the personnel of the company towards the objectives of the theatre.
within the ensuing 12 weeks.
3.2.2 In addition, the Resident Director shall undertake the duties applicable to specific
3.5.2 If for any reason holiday entitlement shall not have been taken, a Resident Director
productions as outlined in Clause 2.3 (in the Freelance Schedule) above, up to a
shall be paid at the rate of average weekly salary after every 12 weeks worked at the
maximum of 5 productions in any 52 week period of his / her Contract.
termination of their engagement for any holiday entitlement to which they are
entitled but have not taken. Such an arrangement shall only apply to engagements
3.2.3 If the Manager should require the Resident Director to direct more than 5 productions
of less than 52 weeks duration. For any engagements of 52 weeks or over, all holiday
in any 52 week period then the Manager shall pay to the Resident Director (in addition
entitlement shall be taken as a holiday and not as paid compensation.
to his / her weekly salary as set out in his / her Contract and described in Clause 3.2.1
above, and in respect of each such production in excess of 5) a negotiated Director’s
3.6 Illness
Fee as described in Clause 2.2.1 above, unless the Resident Director is in receipt of a
3.6.1 Subject as hereafter provided in respect of any day upon which the Resident Director
salary that is above the relevant minimum salary as set out in the table below. In
is unable by reason of illness to perform his / her duties, the Resident Director’s full
consideration of the payment of such Director’s Fee, the Resident Director shall carry
salary shall be paid, each weekday being deemed to attract l/6th of the relevant salary.
out the duties outlined in Clause 2.3 above.
Provided that the Manager shall not be obliged to pay the Resident Director’s full
salary for more than an aggregate of six weeks during the first year of the Resident
Salary No. of productions
Director’s engagement with the Manager and not more than an aggregate of eight
(% above minimum) (maximum)
weeks for each subsequent year’s engagement thereafter. At the end of such six (or
10% 6 eight) weeks, if the Resident Director is still unable to perform his / her duties, the
30% 7 Manager shall have the right by written notice to the Resident Director, to terminate
50% 8 the engagement without further liability but, if his / her engagement is not so
terminated, the Resident Director shall thereafter be paid full salary without prejudice
to the Manager’s right at any time by written notice to terminate such engagement
3.2.4 For each production that the Resident Director is asked to direct, the Manager and should the Resident Director’s illness continue.
the Resident Director shall mutually agree in advance and in writing the name of the
production, the date of the start of rehearsals, the date of the Designated Press 3.6.2 A Resident Director alleging incapacity through illness shall, within 72 hours, supply
Performance and (for Copyright purposes) the concluding date of the Initial Run. reasonable evidence of his / her incapacity (eg: a self- certificate for spells of up to 7
calendar days or a medical certificate for spells over 7 days). In the event of failure to
3.3 Payment produce such a certificate, the Manager may terminate the engagement forthwith or
The Resident Director’s salary and, if relevant, subsistence allowance, shall be paid by cheque at once report the matter to the Theatre Council who may direct such penalty as they
(if paid on a Thursday) or by the B.A.C.S. to reach the payee’s account by noon on Friday of think fit and the Manager and the Resident Director shall abide by their decision. In
each week. the event of termination by the Manager, the Resident Director shall have the right,
exercisable through Equity, to appeal to the Theatre Council, who shall have the
power to reverse a decision relating to his / her dismissal. The Manager shall, at his
own expense, have the right to have the Resident Director medically examined by
the doctor or physician of his own choosing.

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3.7 Notice Period Notes

The engagement of a Resident Director shall be subject to termination by either party giving
the other in writing not less than 8 weeks notice (13 weeks notice in the case of Artistic
Directors), such notice not to expire before the Designated Press Performance of a production
which the Director has been publicly announced as directing at the time of the notice being
given. In the case of Assistant Directors, the notice period shall be 4 weeks without exception.

3.8 Artistic Directors

3.8.1 An Artistic Director may be engaged on a contract agreed locally which shall contain
terms and conditions that are at least as beneficial as those for a Resident Director
under this Agreement. Such a contract shall refer to this Agreement for all those
terms and conditions which it does not itself explicitly set out.

3.8.2 An Artistic Director shall have the right to attend and speak at ordinary Board
meetings of the Company.

3.9 Assistant Directors

The following of the above conditions in Section 3 of this Schedule shall be applicable in the
case of Assistant Directors: 3.1, 3.2.1, 3.2.4, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7.

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APPENDIX 1 – RATES FROM 2018 – 2022

From 1 August 2018 until 1 April 2022

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4

% uplift each year: Subsidised 5%
1 August 2018 – 31 March 2019 1 April 2019 – 31 March 2020 1 Apr 2020 – 31 March 2021 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022
SUBSIDISED REPERTORY
Freelance Directors Director’s fee Director’s fee Director’s fee Director’s fee
MRSL Grade 1 £3,332 £3,499 £3,674 £3,858
MRSL Grade 2 £2,910 £3,056 £3,209 £3,370
MRSL Grade 3 £2,745 £2,882 £3,026 £3,177
Any week/s over 4 wks are payable at 20% of Directors Fee. Daily fee is 1/6th of Weekly Fee
Artistic Directors Weekly Fee Weekly Fee Weekly Fee Weekly Fee
MRSL Grade 1 £762 £800 £840 £882
MRSL Grade 2/3 £677 £711 £747 £784
Resident Directors
MRSL Grade 1 £632 £664 £697 £732
MRSL Grade 2 £581 £610 £641 £673
MRSL Grade 3 £539 £566 £594 £624
Assistant Directors (all Grades) £465 £488 £512 £538

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4

% uplift each year: Commercial 6% in Year 1 and 5% thereafter
1 August 2018 – 31 March 2019 1 April 2019 – 31 March 2020 1 Apr 2020 – 31 March 2021 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022
COMMERCIAL REPERTORY Director’s fee Director’s fee Director’s fee Director’s fee
Freelance £2,604 £2,734 £2,871 £3,015
Weekly Fee Weekly Fee Weekly Fee Weekly Fee
Exceptional minimum £484 £508 £533 £560
Normal minimum £580 £609 £639 £671
COMMERCIAL TOURS & SEASONS
Exceptional Minimum Director’s fee Director’s fee Director’s fee Director’s fee
Short run £1,970 £2,069 £2,172 £2,281
Long run £2,955 £3,103 £3,258 £3,421
Normal minimum
Short run £2,626 £2,757 £2,895 £3,040
Long run £4,376 £4,595 £4,825 £5,066
Minimum Weekly Fees Weekly Fee/Daily Fee Weekly Fee/Daily Fee Weekly Fee/Daily Fee Weekly Fee/Daily Fee
£394 £414 £435 £457
Exceptional Minimum (short run)
£66 £69 £72 £76
£525 £551 £579 £608
Normal Minimum (short run)
£88 £92 £97 £102

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Notes Summary of the main changes to the 2018 UK Theatre

Directors Agreement

FINANCIAL TERMS
• Financial Offer Subsidised sector 5% annual increase for 4 years; Commercial Appendix 1
sector 6% increase in Year 1 followed by 5% annual increase for subsequent
3 years.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Collective Agreement –

• Clauses have been updated. clause 3

20
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Tel: 020 7557 6700 Tel: 0230 7379 6000
Fax: 020 7557 6799 Fax: 020 7379 7001
www.uktheatre.org www.equity.org.uk

16039/10/18
13851/01/15, 13378/12/13, 13159/05/13, 13159/04/12, 12632/12/09