WHEREAS, the Actors' Equity Association, which represents more than 49,000 professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 26, 2013; and

WHEREAS, the Actors' Equity Association, commonly known as "Equity," strives to advance, promote, and foster live theatre as an essential part of society; and

WHEREAS, Actors' Equity Association members across the country use their talents to bring to life productions that reflect and honor the human condition; and

WHEREAS, for the past century, Actors' Equity Association members have inspired and enthralled audiences in plays and musicals; and

WHEREAS, the Actors' Equity Association is governed by its members through an elected council and officers who represent principal and chorus actors and stage managers from each of the three regions of the country; and

WHEREAS, the Actors' Equity Association negotiates wages and working conditions for its members in contracts that serve as benchmarks for live performance organizations nationwide and abroad; and

WHEREAS, the Actors' Equity Association has been a leader for social change, standing up against segregation, denouncing blacklisting, working for public funds to support the arts, and partnering with similar organizations for changes to the federal tax code to support low-income performers; and

WHEREAS, as the Actors' Equity Association reflects on its rich history, it looks forward to continuing to serve as a symbol of excellence for the American theatre; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Actors' Equity Association hereby be commended on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Actors' Equity Association as an expression of the House of Delegates' congratulations and admiration for the association's contributions to the cultural fabric of the nation.