The Actors' Equity Association (AEA) is a labor union representing professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States. Founded in 1913, it aims to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment for its members in the theater industry. The AEA negotiates contracts with producers and theaters to establish standards for employment. Members of the AEA benefit from various services, including access to health insurance, pension plans, and professional development opportunities. The union also advocates for the rights of performers and promotes the importance of live theater in the cultural landscape, supporting initiatives that enhance the industry as a whole.