Playwrights are increasingly frustrated with the lack of stability and fair pay in the film and television industry, traditionally seen as a supplement to their income from theater work. Many playwrights turn to TV and film for health insurance and other benefits. However, they face suboptimal pay rates and working conditions, and fear that AI and smaller room sizes may threaten their pipeline to screenwriting. While playwrights do not have a union like the Writers Guild of America (WGA), they are members of the WGA, which has been on strike since May 2. Some showrunners are returning to theater work during the strike. Playwrights express frustration at their inability to collectively bargain or advocate for their rights in the theater world. Regardless of contract negotiations, there will continue to be overlap between the worlds of stage and screen.
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