Actors' Equity, the union that represents Broadway stage performers, and the Broadway League have come to terms for a new contract that covers shows on the Great White Way and national tours. Talks ended Wednesday and completed two months of quiet mediations that still necessitated two days over the earlier deal's termination date.

The negotiations were calm - public statements reflected that - in contrast to the bitterness that characterized the 19-day stagehands strike which blocked most of Broadway in November.

"Together, actors and producers worked tirelessly to craft an agreement that grows our business and takes care of our community and our audiences," said John P. Connolly, Equity's executive director.

"The collaborative spirit that prevailed throughout the talks allowed both sides to present their issues, understand the others' concerns, and negotiate a new contract that serves the industry and the theater-going public," added Charlotte St. Martin, the League's executive director.

The contract which is active for 39 months, or "three 13-month years" period needs to be evaluated by the ruling Equity Council and voted on by members who have worked under the contract since 2000.

Except a news release, no comment was made by either side. Nonetheless, Equity and League representatives indicated in April that they were going to put up a fight for what they wanted, but that they were also willing to listen. Proof of calmness and self-control came during the middle of the talks when producers came with the idea of actors doing promotional shorts for the Web without payment.

As it turns out, actors will receive some kind of compensation for increased promotional and publicity work, according to the press-release. "(There is) more flexibility in publicity and promotion, allowing producers to pursue new avenues of marketing shows to a wider audience through digital and traditional means, while providing actors a monetary acknowledgment of their participation and rights."