New York Times Restores Credit Boxes to Its Reviews

Following an outcry by members of the New York theatre community, The New York Times has reversed its decision to eliminate credit boxes in its theatre reviews.

The boxes, which have traditionally been attached to each review, include the title of the play and the name of the playwright, director, cast, and design personnel. The elimination of the boxes upset creative personnel, who felt their contributions were being erased from the newspaper of record.

The website Playbill.com has printed the following letter from Cecelia Friederichs, national business agent of United Scenic Artists to the design union's members:

"Sisters and Brothers,

"It is with great pleasure that I write you today to inform you that the full listing of designer credits following theatrical reviews in The New York Times has been RESTORED!

"Currently, the full listing of credits has been restored in print and on The New York Times mobile website. It has not yet been restored on the full website.

"The restoration of designer credits following theater reviews came as a direct result of your activism. By making your voice heard through discussion on social media, in the comments sections of reviews, adding 850 of your names to the letter sent on behalf of the membership of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 protesting the elimination of the credit listings, and joining with fellow artists and collaborators in speaking out-you were able to tell the staff of The New York Times that this decision is unacceptable.

"Thank you for all of your work and your support for one another surrounding this issue. When we make our voices heard, we can make a difference. A special thanks to our 80 playwright colleagues for their very eloquent letter of support. We suggest that our actions of complaint be followed by actions of thanks to the New York Times for this positive response."

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