Upon News of Free COVID-19 Tests, Performers Announce Return to Work at Walt Disney World

As we just reported, Walt Disney World will begin offering free COVID-19 tests to Cast Members and their family members as well as other members of the community. After that news was announced, the Actors’ Equity Association announced that Equity performers are set to return to entertaining Guests at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks!

Be Our Guest – Relive the enchanting story of Belle and the Beast in the Broadway-style musical “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This live-action production showcases dramatic special effects, vivid set pieces, extravagant costumes, showstopping dance numbers and classic songs from the hit film. The 25-minute stage show is performed multiple times daily at the Theater of the Stars along Sunset Boulevard. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Here is the official statement from the Actors’ Equity Association on the return of performers to the Walt Disney World Parks:

“We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed,” said Kate Shindle, President of Actors’ Equity Association. “With the news that Disney will make testing available for Equity performers and others in the park, I’m happy to announce that Equity’s executive committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with Disney for Equity performers to return.” 

Walt Disney World Update – @Disney has announced that it is providing space for testing in the parks, including for Equity performers within Walt Disney World. With that, Equity’s executive committee has signed off on the MOU with Disney permitting our performers to return. pic.twitter.com/5FZwZt0org

— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 12, 2020

Disney and the Actors’ Equity Association have been in ongoing negotiations for some time now. Walt Disney World recalled Cast Members back on June 23 to begin rehearsals. However, the Actors’ Equity Association released a statement saying that actors would not be returning unless they were provided access to free testing. After that statement, Disney decided to rescind their recall notices. Talks since then were halted.

Image Credit: Disney

Guests will find performers a part of the Actors’ Equity Association in shows such as Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Some of these shows offered a modified experience with performers not a part of the Association.

Image Credit: Disney

There is no word yet on when these performers and these shows will return to Walt Disney World but make sure to keep it here with MickeyBlog.com for all the latest!