Pregnancy Guide for Actors and Stage Managers
(Additional Disciplines coming soon.
Email Summit@paaltheatre.com for interest in getting involved.)
Benefits = What’s gained in timing | Considerations = Challenges of timing
Individuals for Support = Helpful chain of command in non-discriminatory environments
🔻PAAL TIP🔻
1) It is illegal on the federal level to ask an individual if they are pregnant during an interview because of the potential for discrimination. If you feel someone has violated this law with you, feel free to contact us, and we can connect you with legal resources.
2) You are the authority on your pregnancy. Informing others is their privilege and your decision on timing. Even after informing others, you and your doctor remain the authorities of capability, agency, and autonomy.
​ | 1st TRIMESTER | 2nd TRIMESTER | 3rd TRIMESTER |
Benefits of telling | Longer time to prep logistics with artistic collaborators. Less pressure of secrecy. Early support and context for health and physical changes. | Private adjustment to pregnancy. Time to disclose to supportive family and develop community first. Physical equilibrium and/or increased understanding of nuanced pregnancy needs, medical and experiential. | The timeframe of explaining long-term goals to colleagues is shorter. Higher understanding of pregnancy condition and birth/postpartum plan. Clearer understanding of current and forthcoming work opportunities. |
Concerns and Considerations | Personal security with pregnancy and public expectation of outcome. Sensitivity and enlightenment of collaborators and potential employers. Full rights for maintaining privacy and autonomy. | Less time for logistical prep with collaborators and potential collaborators. Support system needs to be in place to maintain privacy. Should develop clear understanding for how professionals should maintain respect for your capability in spite of visible, physical changes. | Shortest time to prep for logistics with collaborators and potential collaborators. More immediate opportunities for birth to happen. Some physical limitations depending on required tasks. |
​ | ​ | ​ | ​ |
NEXT STEPS
ACTORS: When working, begin with your stage manager and collaborate on game plan for who you want to inform in regard to:
⧫ Costume adjustments
⧫ Physical needs and/or restraints
⧫ Long term schedule expectations (when relevant)
When auditioning/between work, inform representation when assumed they will be supportive. If the pregnancy will develop to the point of physical change in the duration of the production, it may be helpful to inform the director.
STAGE MGRS:
When working, begin with your supervisor or director and collaborate on game plan for how you want to adjust rehearsal/performance in terms of:
⧫ Moving set pieces and props, room prep
⧫ Breaks and schedule prep
⧫ Long term schedule expectations and replacement prep (when relevant)
When between jobs and seeking employment, there is no need to disclose. Once the job is under way, consider the above options when the contract will continue through the due date and expected birth/postpartum plan.