The new contract will govern employment for Equity members at the Atlantic Theater Company, Classic Stage Company, MCC Theater, The New Group, Primary Stages, Signature Theatre Company, Vineyard Theatre and Women's Project and Productions. It goes into effect Aug. 2. "Before this negotiation, the Special Agreements with these theatres included identical work rules," said Equity's Senior Business Representative and Chief Negotiator Rick Berg in a prepared statement. "The new agreement streamlines and standardizes Equity's relationship with these producers. We believe it will result in growth for the theatres, as well as improvements in working conditions and salaries for actors and stage managers."

In the new pact, health contributions will increase by 35 percent over the three-year term. Salaries will be standardized in six tiers, based on the theatre's average weekly box office gross. Depending upon the tier, minimums for actors will range from $316 to $ 415 in the first year, and increase to $335 to $441 in the third year.