Actors striking against commercial producers have received critical support from the sports community and are said to be planning a Shubert Alley "star rally" next week, Playbill On-Line has learned. Organizers are "50 percent sure" the event is a go.

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) kicked off their first commercial strike in 12 years on May 1 in a bid to protect their existing residual system and extend it to cover cable and Internet spots.

As of May 3, the unions are said to be planning a mid-week rally in the theatre district, either at the Times Square Traffic Island or at Shubert Alley. Sources tell Playbill On-Line that the rally would be scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, and would start in the late morning, just before the busy matinee rush.

In addition to Tiger Woods' support, at least one other major sports personality may have taken a stand and refused to cross the line. Details are expected on this later today.

Actors' Equity has pledged its full support to SAG and AFTRA during the commercial strike and has instructed its members, many of whom belong to the sister unions, to refuse commercial auditions or work. -- By Murdoch McBride