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THE DRAMATIST
Explore the Transformation issue
Vol. 28 No. 2 Issue Archive →NEWSROOM
Why a Guild and Not a Union?
Unlike writers for film, television and streaming, theatre writers own the work they create. Playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists are independent contractors. Independent contractors are not allowed to unionize, as we are considered property owners who license our work for others to use. In order to protect a dramatist's unique vision, which has always been the strength of the theatre, you need to understand a single fundamental truth: you own and control your work.
The Dramatists Guild is committed to shepherding playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists through every stage of their careers by providing community, advocacy, contract reviews and professional development to aspiring and professional dramatists working in the United States.
When a group of playwrights including George S. Kaufman, Moss Hart, and Eugene O’Neill gathered to form the Dramatists Guild over 100 years ago—the nation’s first and only trade association for American theatre writers—they held one ideal paramount: maintaining control over one's intellectual property.
They believed that every author should maintain the legal rights to their own work. The intent was clear; in maintaining their own copyrights, authors could control the creative life of their material. They could choose their own producers, their own directors, and their own casts, and no changes could be lawfully made in production without their explicit consent.
To ensure ownership and control, the Guild recommends that any production involving a dramatist incorporate a written agreement in which both the producer and the writer acknowledge certain key industry standards, known as The Dramatist's Bill of Rights.
Have an unsigned contract you have questions about? Send it to us, and we’ll review it as part of your membership. It's important you know your rights before you sign any contract in order to protect your labor and your copyright.
You are not alone. You have over 100 years of community, advocacy, and best practices behind you.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between the Associate and Member levels?
In 2010, the Guild’s Council voted to revise the categories of membership to more accurately reflect the landscape of American theatre today. There are now two levels of membership, Member, and Associate.
To qualify for the new Member level, a writer must have either have work professionally produced or published by an established publisher. Professional production is no longer defined by the size of the theatre but simply by whether tickets were sold to the public.
All playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists interested in Guild membership, but who do not meet one of the above criteria, may join at the Associate level.There is no longer a Student level of membership, however, those students enrolled in a full-time degree program in theatre are eligible for a 50% discount on either the Associate or the Member level memberships, depending on their experience.
All the benefits of Guild membership are enjoyed by all members regardless of membership level, save two which are reserved exclusively for those at the Member level. They are:
1. The right to vote for and run to serve on the Guild’s governing Council. Elections are held each January. For more information on Council elections, please contact Amy VonVett, Executive Assistant to Business Affairs.
2. A fully-editable online DG Profile on the Guild’s website where one can post a bio, picture, and a list of works including synopses.
- What are my obligations as a DG member?
When you join the Dramatists Guild of America, you are joining a voluntary membership association, not a labor union. As such, no one is required to join the Guild in order to have a work produced and no one is entitled to be a Guild member, regardless of their production history. As a member, and as a condition of your continued membership in the organization, you are pledging to pay the Guild’s annual dues, including any additional assessments that pertain to Broadway productions, and abide by all the other obligations and conditions that are specified under the Guild’s Constitution and Bylaws. You are also promising to join your fellow members as part of a community of dramatists that are working together for your mutual protection and benefit.
- I paid my dues, why haven't I received my membership card?
Membership cards are printed and mailed via U.S. Priority mail twice each month. If you joined the Guild or renewed, we ask that you allow at least two weeks before calling the Guild offices to inquire about your card. Please allow 7-10 business days for full processing of new membership applications.
- If my membership has expired for a period of time, do I have to pay back dues in order to rejoin?
No – only the current membership dues. If you have an outstanding balance from a partial payment, however, that amount will be added to your invoice and you will need to pay the full amount to renew your membership.
- Do I have to complete another application in order to renew my membership?
As long as you remain a member in good standing you need not submit any additional materials to renew. However, those members whose memberships have been dropped must call the Guild offices to rejoin the Guild. No additional materials are required to rejoin, however we ask that you call the Guild’s offices to ensure that all your contact information is up-to-date.
- Why did my dues increase?
Dramatists Guild membership dues have remained the same since 2004. During the pandemic, the Guild stopped billing members for their dues payment. Essentially, from 2020 – 2023, all member dues were covered by the Guild. Since the pandemic, we’ve had to make difficult financial decisions, while striving to maintain our commitment to providing members with the same high quality of services, support, and benefits. With so many cost of living increases happening around the country, we made the difficult decision to raise dues.
- How do I get free tickets as a DG member?
Frequently, free tickets are offered to us from DG members or other organizations. These offers are sent to you via email and can be found on the website.
Also, Playwrights Welcome is a national ticketing initiative created by the Guild and Samuel French, a Concord Theatricals company, along with input from other publishing and licensing houses. Theatres that participate in Playwrights Welcome offer free tickets to DG members on the day of a performance.
- Would the Dramatists Guild read and critique my play/musical?
No, the Dramatists Guild as an organization doesn’t offer feedback on your work, but our Plays in Progress (PIP) program offers you the opportunity to receive feedback on a draft of your play or musical from the professional mentor of your choice.
- I want to take a class, why can’t I find information on your website?
- What is The Dramatist?
The Dramatist is the official quarterly journal of the Guild. Written by and for dramatists, it is the only national publication devoted to the business and craft of writing for theatre.
- How do I subscribe to The Dramatist?
All Members and Associate members receive a subscription to The Dramatist with their membership. If you’re not a member and would like to purchase a subscription, click here . If you’re a Lifetime member and would like to receive the print edition of The Dramatist, please email questions@dramatistsguild.com.
- How do I contribute to The Dramatist?
Have a question that we didn't answer? We're more than happy to assist! Find out how to contact us here.
