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.[3] Important issues during the early years were contractual conditions, pensions, and regulation of foreign ensembles.[3] 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]