Equity has today (23 April) welcomed the signing of the first ever agreement with Leeds-based Opera North that covers their Stage Management team, saying it “provides important recognition and rights” for this group of workers. Opera North tour across the north of England and beyond, with popular locations including Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Hull, Gateshead and Huddersfield.
The new agreement extends a long-standing trade union agreement in place between Equity and Opera North for members of the chorus. This agreement now ensures that eligible stage management members are part of a collective bargaining unit covering issues of pay, hours, working conditions, health and safety, dignity at work, and more.
This is a great step in deepening our relationship with Opera North, ensuring that stage managers working there are also covered in union agreements. The agreement allows for full negotiations between the company and Equity on pay and terms and conditions affecting our members. The agreement provides important recognition and rights for stage management, meaning they are no longer left in the wings when it comes to union negotiations.
Dominic Bascombe, Regional Official for North East, Yorkshire and Humber.
The agreement came into effect on 1 April 2026 and is available for members on the Equity website. Equity represents singers and stage managers at all major opera companies in the UK.
I am happy to add Stage Management Team to the group covered by House Agreements in Opera North. We welcome this agreement with Equity, working together on best practice and making sure that our efforts to provide safe and stable working conditions are recognised and supported by our ongoing relationship with Equity and all unions representing our teams.
Malgorzata (gosha) Szablowska, Deputy General Director at Opera North.
Stage management hub
Resources to help you protect your rights, pay and conditions working in stage management.
