SAG-AFTRA Receives 2024 Bridge Award

On June 3, SAG-AFTRA received the Working Theatre’s 2024 Bridge Award for “achievements in advancing labor rights at the crossroads of arts, labor and community.” The award ceremony was held at the Manhattan Penthouse in New York City. SAG-AFTRA New York Local member S. Epatha Merkerson introduced SAG-AFTRA Chief Labor Policy Officer and New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon, who accepted the award on the union’s behalf.

“It’s a privilege to be honored by the Working Theater … which not only understands the importance of workers’ voices in the performing arts, but the importance of the performing arts for working people,” said Damon in her remarks. “It’s at this intersection of arts and advocacy that SAG-AFTRA and the Working Theater find our strength.”

Alongside the 2024 Bridge Award, SAG-AFTRA has received the 2024 SABRE North American Award and the 2024 PRWeek Global Issues and Crisis Campaign of the Year Award. Other organizations, such as Fast Company and the Spanish actors union, Unión de Actores y Actrices, have also given recognition to the union for its efforts during the 2023 TV/Theatrical negotiations and strike.

The Working Theater, established in 1985, has commissioned, supported and produced over 70 culturally diverse world-premiere plays. Its mission to ensure accessible theater for all is bolstered by its active commissioning program, the Five Boroughs/One City Initiative, TheaterWorks!, its pioneering arts-in-education initiative, and other grassroots audience engagement programs.

All photos by Valerie Terannova Photography.

Photo: SAG-AFTRA New York Local member S. Epatha Merkerson and SAG-AFTRA Chief Labor Policy Officer and New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon attend the awards ceremony.