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What type of contract do I have to be working under in order to be able to participate in the 401(k) Plan?
What is the maximum salary per week that may be used to calculate contributions?
What is the producer's contribution to the 401(k) Plan while working under a Production Contract?
Can I defer or contribute part of my own salary into the Plan?
Can I defer or contribute to the 401(k) Plan from overscale per diem?
What is the maximum contribution per year per employer?
What is the maximum amount of salary that I can defer to the 401(k) Plan per year?
What are the tax implications of contributing to the 401(k) Plan?
Can I voluntarily contribute to the 401(k) Plan after taxes?
Can I rollover into my Equity-League 401(k) Plan funds from another retirement plan?
Can I withdraw the funds from my Equity-League 401(k) Plan and roll them over into another retirement plan?
Who is the 401(k) Plan's provider?
What are my investment options?
How can I change my investment options?
If I lost my pin number how can I contact MassMutual in order to obtain another?
When am I vested?
Are Hardship Withdrawals available under the Plan?
When am I eligible to withdraw or rollover my account balance?
How can I take the distribution of my account balance once I retire?
What happens to my 401(k) Plan if I die before collecting any part of it?
If I am incorporated (employed as a corporation), can I still participate in the 401(k) Plan?
What are the Plan's Expenses?
Will I receive two quarterly statements from MassMutual if I am or was receiving employer and/or deferral contributions under a Production contract, and now only receiving deferral contributions while working under a contract that only permits deferral and not employer contributions - ex LORT, WCLO, Off-Broadway. etc.?

What type of contract do I have to be working under in order to be able to participate in the 401(k) Plan?

There are two types of Equity-League 401(k) plans: one type offers salary deferral only, while the other offers both salary and employer contributions.
The type available to you depends on your contract, as shown in this chart.

GUIDE TO 401(K) PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS

SALARY DEFERRAL AND EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contract
Effective Date
Equity/League Production Contract
June 25, 2001
Equity/Disney Theatrical Ventures, Inc. Production Contract
League of Resident Theatres (LORT)
February 22, 2010
SALARY DEFERRAL ONLY
Contract
Effective Date
Off–Broadway Contract
October 1, 2002
COST Contract
June 1, 2003
WCLO Contract
September 3, 2003
Special Production Contract
June 28, 2004
White Christmas-Special Agreements
August 29, 2004
City Center Encores-Special Agreement
January 31, 2005
Menopause Special Agreements
February 28, 2005
Mid-Size Theatres
April 24, 2005
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres–Chanhassen, MN
May 30, 2005
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre–Indianapolis, IN
New Theatre Restaurant–Overland Park, KS
Drury Lane Theatre–Oakbrook, IL
Drury Lane Water Tower–Chicago, IL
American Heartland Theatre–Kansas City, MO
Marriott Theatre–Lincolnshire, IL
Casino Contracts
(RMTA) Resident Musical Theatre Association
June 7, 2005
Chicago Area Theatres–CAT Contract
June 27, 2005
Musical Stock and Unit Attractions–MSUA Contract
October 31, 2005
Outdoor Drama Contract
December 26, 2005
TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) Contract
Business Theatre and Events Contract
March 1, 2006
Second City Agreement (Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas)
April 10, 2006
Children's Theatre Company
June 26, 2006
Bay Area Theatre (BAT)
July 24, 2006
Ellis Island Foundations
March 19, 2007
Lawrence Welk Resort Dinner Theatre
May 21, 2007
Westchester Broadway Dinner Theatre
May 28, 2007
Alhambra Dinner Theatre (Jacksonville, FL)
May 28, 2007
City Center Summer Stars-Special Agreement
June 11, 2007
(ANTC) Association of Non-Profit Theatre Companies
August 6, 2007
Walt Disney World - Orlando, FL
October 15, 2007
New Candlelight Dinner Theatre
December 31, 2007
CORST
February 25, 2008
Dora the Explorer-Special Agreement
January 2, 2009
University/Resident Theatre (URTA) Agreement
March 1, 2010

What is the maximum salary per week that may be used to calculate contributions?

The maximum salary per week that may be used to calculate contributions is $7,500.00. Salary includes contractual salary, overtime, unused vacation, unused sick leave, and overscale expense payments and per diems.

What is the producer's contribution to the 401(k) Plan while working under a Production Contract?

The producer will contribute an amount equal to 3% of your weekly compensation up to a maximum contribution of $225.00 per week. This is based on the maximum weekly salary of $7,500.00 times the employer contribution of 3%.

Can I defer or contribute part of my own salary into the Plan?

For the 2010 plan year, if you are working under the Production Contract you may choose to defer up to 85% of your weekly salary up to a maximum of $6,375.00 per week. This is based on the maximum weekly salary of $7,500.00 times the maximum deferral of 85%. You may change these contributions at any time or you may choose not to defer any part of your salary. This contribution is called a Deferred Salary Contribution.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits the amount of salary you can defer to this or any other plan on a tax-deferred basis. In 2010, the annual limit is $16,500. Note that if you are 50 or older you are eligible to defer an additional $5,500.00 for the year 2010.


Can I defer or contribute to the 401(k) Plan from overscale per diem?


Deferred Salary Contributions can only be made from taxable income. If you are being paid expenses you can only make deferrals from taxable overscale per diem.


What is the maximum contribution per year per employer?

The Federal Government limits the maximum amount of annual compensation per employer that can be taken into account for determining contributions for a participant under a qualified plan. For the year 2010 this amount is $245,000.00. The maximum employer contribution for an actor/stage manager for the year 2010 is, therefore, $7,350.00 (3% of $245,000.00).

What is the maximum amount of salary that I can defer to the 401(k) Plan per year?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits the amount of salary you can defer to this or any other plan on a tax-deferred basis. In 2010, the annual limit is $16,500. Note that if you are 50 or older you are eligible to defer an additional $5,500.00 for the year 2010.

What are the tax implications of contributing to the 401(k) Plan?

Federal income taxes are deferred for all monies contributed to the 401(k) Plan, as well as the interest earned. State income taxes are also deferred with the exception of state income taxes for the State of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania will deduct state income taxes prior to any deferrals to the 401(k) Plan. In addition, Medicare and Social Security taxes are not deferred. To find out how this will affect your personal finances you must contact your personal tax advisor.


Can I voluntarily contribute to the 401(k) Plan after taxes?

No. You must be employed by any of the contracts that are eligible under the plan and all salary deferrals must be before taxes are taken out.

Can I rollover into my Equity-League 401(k) Plan funds from another retirement plan?

Yes. You may rollover funds from a qualified retirement plan into your 401(k) Plan. You may download the 'Rollover Statement' from this website or you may contact the Fund Office.

Rollovers are accepted from plans qualified under Section 401(a) or 403(a) (excluding after-tax employee contributions), an annuity contract described in section 403(b), an eligible plan under section 457(b) of the Code that is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency, or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state, or from IRAs under 408(a) or (b). Roth IRAs are not eligible for rollover into your Equity-League 401(k) Plan.

Can I withdraw the funds from my Equity-League 401(k) Plan and roll them over into another retirement plan?

Yes. You are eligible to withdraw your account balance if:

  • You reach Normal Retirement Age (59 ½), or
  • You are not employed for 12 months under any collective bargaining agreement allowing for deferrals to this plan and are not so employed when you apply for withdrawal of your account,
  • You are permanently and totally disabled (as defined by the Plan), or


Who is the 401(k) Plan's provider?

MassMutual Retirement Services is the Plan's Provider.


What are my investment options?

MassMutual offers you 20 investment options:

  • Guaranteed Interest Fund
  • Target Income Series (Manning & Napier)
  • Target 2010 Series (Manning & Napier)
  • Target 2020 Series (Manning & Napier)
  • Target 2030 Series (Manning & Napier)
  • Target 2040 Series (Manning & Napier)
  • Target 2050 Series (Manning & Napier)
  • EuroPacific Growth (American)
  • New Horizons (T Rowe Price)
  • Premier Global (OFI)
  • Main St Small Cap(OFI)
  • Select Aggressive Growth (Sands/Delaware)
  • Select Indexed Equity (Northern Trust)
  • Select Large Cap Value (Davis)
  • T.Rowe Price Select Mid Cap Growth II
  • Total Return (MFS)
  • Total Return (PIMCO)
  • Leveraged Company Stock (Fidelity Advisor)
  • Government Money Market (Babson Capital)
  • Equity Dividend (BlackRock)

How can I change my investment options?

MassMutual will provide you with a pin number which will enable you to change your investment options via a toll-free number or Internet site.


If I lost my pin number how can I contact MassMutual in order to obtain another?

You may call MassMutual at (800) 743-5274 and after they have verified your identity you will be issued a pin number.

When am I vested?

Vesting is immediate and at 100%.

Are Hardship Withdrawals available under the Plan?

Yes. Effective January 1, 2005, Hardship Withdrawals have been added to the 401(k) plan. If you encounter a hardship situation that is based on the following conditions that have been defined by the IRS, and the Plan, then you will qualify for this withdrawal

  • Expenses for Medical Care for yourself, spouse, or dependent.
  • Purchase of Primary Residence excluding mortgage payments.
  • Tuition and Related Education Fees including room and board expenses, for the next 12 months for post-secondary education for yourself, spouse, or dependent.
  • Prevention of Eviction or Foreclosure on your primary residence.
  • Funeral expenses of parents, spouse, children or dependents.
  • Certain expenses relating to the repair of damage to the employee's principal residence such as hurricane or flood damage.

To apply, please contact the 401(k) Department at the New York Office for an application.
If the hardship withdrawal is approved, your eligibility to defer a portion of your salary into the Plan will be suspended for six (6) months.



When am I eligible to withdraw or rollover my account balance?

You are eligible to withdraw or rollover your account balance if:

  • You reach Normal Retirement Age (59 ½), or
  • You are not employed for 12 months under any collective bargaining agreement allowing for deferrals to this plan and are not so employed when you apply for withdrawal of your account,
  • You are permanently and totally disabled (as defined by the Plan), or
  • You qualify for a Hardship Withdrawal (as defined by the IRS). Please note Hardship Withdrawals are not eligible for rollovers.

How can I take the distribution of my account balance once I retire?

You may receive your account balance in one lump sum or you may withdraw partial lump sums.

What happens to my 401(k) Plan if I die before collecting any part of it?

If you die your account will be paid as a death benefit under the rules of the Plan.


If I am incorporated (employed as a corporation), can I still participate in the 401(k) Plan?

Actors employed through corporations will be eligible for employer contributions, however, they will not be eligible for salary deferrals.


What Are the Plan's Expenses?

The Plan has to pay for its administrative expenses, such as salaries, rent and postage. The Plan also has to pay a fee to its service provider, MassMutual. The Trustees make every effort to keep the costs of the Plan as low as possible.


Will I receive two quarterly statements from MassMutual if I am or was receiving employer and/or deferral contributions under a Production contract, and now only receiving deferral contributions while working under a contract that only permits deferral and not employer contributions - ex WCLO, Off-Broadway. etc.?

No, you will receive one quarterly investment statement from MassMutual. All of your contributions will be consolidated into one account in order to invest these monies accordingly. If you have any questions regarding your 401(k) account, please contact the Retirement Services Department for assistance.


©2001, 2002 Equity League Pension and Health Funds This site does not change or otherwise interpret the official Plan documents. To the extent that any of the information contained in this website is inconsistent with the official Plan documents (which, of course, includes the Trustees' rights to amend or modify the Plans at any time), the plan documents will govern in all cases. No official (other than the Trustees) has any authority to interpret the Plans, or other official Plan documents, or to make any promises to you about them. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy