The Norwegian Actors' Equity Association (Norwegian: Norsk Skuespillerforbund) is an association of Norwegian actors.[1] Its main purpose is to improve actors' working conditions and to protect the artistic, judicial and financial interests of actors in Norway.[2] The association was established in 1898, after an initiative from actor Sigurd Asmundsen at a birthday party in 1897, followed by a preparatory meeting in April 1898, and a constituent meeting 27 October 1898.[3] The first chairman was Sigvard Gundersen, with Johanne Dybwad as vice chairman, and Christian Sandal as first secretary. Important issues during the early years were contractual conditions, pensions, and regulation of foreign ensembles. The association's first Honorary member was actor and later theatrical director Bjørn Bjørnson, nominated in May 1900.[4]
The Association currently has 1250 members, of whom approximately 155 are permanently employed and 150 temporarily employed in institutional theatres.[5] NAEA publishes Skuespillerkatalogen – the Actors' Catalogue. As the leading national casting resource, it is used by most Norwegian TV, Film, Radio and Theatre companies.[6]