Have you ever heard someone say, “A union is only as strong as its members?” As much as that might want to make you roll your eyes (and I get it, been there done that) it’s totally true.
In this episode I talk all about how we think about unions, how we should think about unions, and why it’s so important to reframe the way we think about the unions that represent us.
Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram and follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes. Have a topic in mind about creating more humane theatrical spaces you’d like to discuss or to hear me talk about? Reach out to me directly at assemblyguidepodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!
Music: Purple Planet Music
Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton
4 Feb 2026
How to Make Actors' Equity Association Function FOR You
Are you a professional actor or stage manager? Do you want Actors’ Equity Association to function FOR you, but you don’t have a lot of time or energy to dedicate to it at this moment? This episode details 2 super easy action steps you can take as a member working ANY contract to help ensure AEA more effectively functions for you and the changes you want to see.
Achieving the changes we want to see requires us owning our agency and ensuring we’re a part of making that change by ensuring the union functions FOR us (and not unintentionally making those changes more difficult to achieve by undermining or weakening the union). Tune in, follow these steps, and I guarantee we will see our union begin to start functioning more effectively for the changes we want to see in our contracts, our workspaces, and day-to-day lives as professional actors and stage managers.
All opinions are my own, and I do not in any way represent or speak on behalf of Actors’ Equity Association.
Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram and follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes. Have a topic in mind about creating more humane theatrical spaces you’d like to discuss or to hear me talk about? Reach out to me directly at assemblyguidepodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!
Music: Purple Planet Music
Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton
21 Jan 2026
101 to Getting Involved with Actors' Equity Association
Host Alicia Newcom breaks down various ways for professional actors and stage managers to engage with Actors’ Equity Association, offering a pathway to influence industry improvements.
7 Jan 2026
Holidays in Theater
This episode explores the demanding holiday season in the theater industry, highlighting the need for humane treatment and fair compensation for theater workers during this profitable yet strenuous time.
24 Dec 2025
Dignity vs. Entitlement, And Why Management Loves When We Mix Them Up
The host of Assembly Guide explores the critical differences between dignity and entitlement, especially in the workplace, and reveals how management benefits from this confusion.
10 Dec 2025
Your Body is Not Company Property
The host of Assembly Guide discusses the responsibility of theater employers to provide safe working conditions, highlighting how current management practices often fail to adequately support theatrical workers' physical well-being.
26 Nov 2025
All Things Swings with Maria Briggs and Joanna Carpenter
Host interviews Maria Briggs and Joanna Carpenter, advocates for theatrical swings, about their experiences, the challenges they face, and how the industry can better support these essential performers.
12 Nov 2025
I'm Back!
The host of Assembly Guide discusses their four-month break, shares lessons learned, and reveals plans for more sustainable podcasting systems, teasing an upcoming guest interview.
15 Jul 2025
Scheduling: How Excessive Scheduling Hurts Theatrical Workers
The host discusses how excessive scheduling in the theatrical industry leads to unsafe workspaces, performer fatigue, and decreased show quality, advocating for safer, more sustainable schedules.
18 Jun 2025
Embracing Failure
The host discusses embracing failure as a necessary part of change, reframing our outlook to acknowledge its importance in achieving goals.
30 Apr 2025
The Show Must NOT Go On
Have you ever heard someone say, "The show must go on?" In this episode, I talk about how we need to reframe this mentality and instead say, "The show must go on safely."
The show doesn't actually have to go on, and often times in the event of an emergency or mishap, it should not! I dig into the things that get in the way of stopping a show when it becomes unsafe, share some personal examples of unsafe situations I've experienced onstage, and brainstorm ways we can better prepare ourselves to ensure shows are only continuing if and when everyone is safe! Because the show must NOT go on if it is going on in an unsafe manner.
Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at assemblyguidepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!
Music: Purple Planet Music
Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton
Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.
Below are instructions for Actors’ Equity Association members on reporting unsafe incidents at work:
The Actors’ Equity Association emergency hotline for performance-related problems that occur outside of business hours is 888-802-5307.
Actors’ Equity Association members should report any unsafe incidents to their business representative. Members can reach their business representative by calling their regional office and asking to be connected with the business representative for their production, or by looking up their rep on the AEA member portal. Regional office contact numbers are located below.
AEA Eastern Region Office: 212-869-8530
AEA Western Region Office: 323-978-8080
AEA Central Region Office: 312-641-0393
16 Apr 2025
Moving Forward Through Fear
Speaking about the need for change is scary. In this episode, I talk about the feelings of fear we inevitably feel when we're about to stand up and speak out when something is wrong. That fear is completely normal, and it's an unavoidable part of advocating for change. Join me as I share how I navigate those feelings of fear and uncertainty and move forward with them to show up and continue advocating for spaces where everyone's humanity is seen and respected!
Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at assemblyguidepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!
Music: Purple Planet Music
Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton
Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.
Mentioned in this episode and detailed below are instructions for Actors’ Equity Association members on reporting incidents while on or off the job. Information is referenced from Actors’ Equity Association’s member portal:
Actors’ Equity Association emergency hotline for performance-related problems that occur outside of business hours: 888-802-5307
Actors’ Equity Association hotline dedicated to bullying, harassment, or intimidation in a production: 833-550-0030
Members not working a contract can call their regional office to report an incident. The Actors’ Equity website states, “All calls are confidential to the greatest extent possible.” Regional office numbers are:
AEA Eastern Region Office: 212-869-8530
AEA Western Region Office: 323-978-8080
AEA Central Region Office: 312-641-0393
Actors’ Equity uses Lighthouse Services, Inc., a resource for members to submit incident reports. You can find instructions on the member portal for how to download and use the app by logging in and selecting “menu,” then “help,” then scrolling down and selecting “learn more” under “Understanding Harassment.” At the bottom of the page you will then find the “Lighthouse Anonymous Reporting App” document with instructions or you can call Lighthouse at 833-550-0030.
2 Apr 2025
Alicia's Journey: My Process to Approaching Change
This episode, I (Alicia Newcom, host of Assembly Guide and associate choreographer/Broadway performer) share with you my personal journey into navigating advocating for change in our theatrical industry. I also share an approachable 7-step process for leaning in when we feel the need for change that helps me move through what I'm feeling, discover potential pathways for change, and move forward intentionally in advocacy!
Check out @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow or subscribe for upcoming episodes, and reach out me directly at assemblyguidepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for joining me on this journey towards change!
Music: Purple Planet Music
Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton
Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.
20 Mar 2025
Introducing: Assembly Guide
Welcome to Assembly Guide: Your guide to assembling and organizing as we work to make change in our theatrical industry. Hosted by Alicia Newcom.
Alicia (she/her) is an associate choreographer and Broadway performer based in NYC who is passionate about building and facilitating theatrical spaces where everyone’s humanity is seen and respected. Join Alicia as she introduces Assembly Guide and talks about the type of change we're going to be discussing and building upon as the season continues.
Follow @assemblyguide on Instagram, follow for upcoming episodes, and reach out directly at assemblyguidepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Music: Purple Planet Music
Logo artwork: Aidan Wharton @aidanwharton
Check out Assembly Guide on YouTube for this episode with podcast transcription.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
7
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 48 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
51
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
51
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