The Year of the Strike

First, on Monday, the Writers Guild of America called for all 12000 of its members to hit the picket lines. The Teamsters and many entertainers have joined the WGA in its effort to ensure its members get proper renumeration from the studios and networks for distribution of funds from the newer forms of media such as the DVD and internet market.

Now a new strike has begun today which will have a major impact on the other spectrum of entertainment — the stage. Broadway stagehands are set to begin a strike today, darkening the majority of Rialto productions, according to Variety.

Productions like “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will be the first to feel the pinch of the strike that, if prolonged, will affect all shows along the Great White Way and throughout the country.

Other strikes looming in the not-too-distant future could be happening this spring when the Directors Guild of America and several other major entertainment union contracts come up for re-negotiations.

This could turn out to be a long, hot, dry spell in the entertainment world. Time to dust off those bookshelves, sit down with your favorite beverage in a comfortable lounger and read a good book…..or, go out and rediscover what that bright, round, soothing yellow thing is up in the sky.