Brooke Shields is running for president of the Actors’ Equity Association after Kate Shindle announced she would step down after a nine-year tenure.
“I felt it was my responsibility to step up, I want to lead with strength. I want to lead with intelligence, with compassion, with passion. And, of course, a little bit of humor, always,” Shields said in her video announcement as to why she’s seeking the role.
She continued, “I have been in the trenches with you and you have always had my back. And I’m here to tell you that I have your back.”
Shields explained that when she went into her first show on Broadway she realized she had a bigger purpose in the company and wanted to take on the responsibility “to be the voice of and represent my fellow colleagues and cast members and the crew, and that I was in a position to be able to stick up for them, if something wasn’t going right with the production.”
The Chicago alum said she has been an activist and understands “the real need to support live theater” adding that she’s lobbied on Capitol Hill and has “a history of being able to open doors and have been able to help.”
“I want equity to be in a position to command the respect that we deserve, whether it’s at the bargaining table, or in DC, or in every state house and City Hall across the country where we want to lobby for arts funding,” she continued. “I want to use all of the goodwill and the advantages that I have built up in my career over the years to be able to grow the value of being an equity member.”
Shindle recently revealed she would not seek re-election as president of the Actors’ Equity Association, an unpaid volunteer position, citing the role left her with little time for her acting career.
“I’m ready to pivot back to solving difficult scenes, moments that aren’t quite working, that piece of a song that’s eluding me, and to spend more time in rehearsal rooms than on zoom calls,” Shindle said in a statement posted on Instagram. “I am always, always rooting for our members, and will be cheering for the next president to succeed in new and different ways. Onward, and thank you.”
Watch Shields’ video announcement above.
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