STAGE

Contract Extended: Because of recessionary pressures on resident theaters, Actors’ Equity has agreed to an 18-month extension of its agreement with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), an association of 65 companies including the Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre. The contract had been scheduled to expire Sept. 1 but will now extend through Feb. 28, 1993. Despite this wage freeze, most LORT theaters will increase health fund contributions. However, approximately 15 particularly strapped theaters have received exemptions in that area and also in the percentage of Equity actors who must be hired.