Yesterday, it was announced that the Broadway musicians union, AFM Local 802, might go on strike. The reason being: stalled negotiations with the Broadway League for a new Broadway work contract. The actors' and stage managers union, Actors' Equity Association, has also brought up striking as a possible option, since their Broadway work contracts are also being renegotiated.

You can read more details of why these artists want to strike in this article, but the question you might be wondering is: What does it mean? Which shows would still be running in a possible strike scenario? Would Off-Broadway be affected?

Well, us theatre experts at Playbill have the answers.

When Would a Strike Happen?

As of today, October 14, it is uncertain if and when a strike could occur. But a Local 802 representative told Playbill that the union is prepared to call a strike within the next two weeks if negotiations continue to be unproductive. And if Local 802 goes on strike, Actors' Equity will join them. Specific timing is up in the air.

Which Shows on Broadway Would Be Cancelled in a Strike?

If Local 802 and Actors' Equity both go on strike, then every show on Broadway would shut down save for Ragtime, Punch, and Little Bear Ridge Road. Though standard work contracts for Broadway artists are the ones in play here, not every show on Broadway is produced under that contract. The musical Ragtime and the play Punch are under the LORT contract, which is used for regional theatres and non-profits that produce on Broadway. The play Little Bear Ridge Road is independently produced by Scott Rudin, who is not a member of the Broadway League, and uses no musicians.

Would Off-Broadway Shows Be Affected?

No. Off-Broadway shows like Masquerade, Little Shop of Horrors, anything at New York City Center, the Public Theater, or any not-for-profit theatres will not be affected by a strike. Those artists work under a separate contract.

Will Broadway Tours Be Affected?

No. Artists working on a Broadway tour will not be affected by the strike. It's a different work contract. Touring productions will go on as planned. 

There is a slight wrinkle, though. The current Broadway revivals of Mamma Mia! and Beetlejuice would be affected by a strike, even though both productions are technically tours, and the actors involved are on touring contracts. That is because the musicians on those shows are on a Broadway contract for their New York City engagements. So, if the musicians union goes through with a strike, that will affect Mamma Mia! and Beetlejuice.

If My Show Is Cancelled Because of the Strike, Do I Get a Refund?

Yes. If a show does not go on because of the strike, you are entitled to a refund. In most cases, that should be automatic, but contact your point of purchase if you have any issues.

Has There Been a Broadway Strike Before?

Yes. Broadway musicians last went on strike in 2003; that lasted five days. The last time Actors' Equity went on strike was in 1968, which ended after three days when New York's mayor stepped in. The longest Broadway strike was via stagehands in 2007, which lasted for 19 days.

In the meantime, if a strike occurs, you can still support theatre by going to the many wonderful Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions. There is theatre everywhere, well beyond NYC's Broadway.

And let's just hope that in these ongoing Broadway negotiations, the parties involved eventually agree on a contract that is fair and beneficial for all.