Equity UK and National Theatre of Scotland Introduce Five-Day Rehearsal Weeks and Overtime Pay

Equity UK and the National Theatre of Scotland have reached an agreement that introduces five-day rehearsal weeks and overtime pay, a notable development in UK theatre labour practices. The deal, reported by The Stage, marks a shift from traditional six-day rehearsal schedules common in the industry. Under the agreement, rehearsals will be limited to five days per week, and overtime compensation will be provided for any additional hours worked. This move is expected to improve working conditions for actors and stage managers, addressing long-standing concerns about burnout and work-life balance in the performing arts. The National Theatre of Scotland, based in Glasgow, is a leading producing company known for touring work nationally and internationally. Equity UK, the trade union representing performers and creative practitioners, has been advocating for better terms across the sector. The agreement is likely to set a precedent for other theatre organizations in the UK. While financial details and the exact implementation date were not disclosed in the source, the deal underscores growing momentum for labour reforms in the arts. The Stage, a publication serving over 100,000 theatremakers, reported the news. This development follows broader industry conversations about sustainable working practices and fair compensation.