What significant merger took place in 1955 involving the Actor's Equity Association?

The merger of Chorus Equity with the Actor's Equity Association in 1955 was a pivotal moment in the history of theatrical labor unions. This merger unified the representation of performers and created a stronger collective voice for those working in theater, particularly for chorus members who were often not given the same level of recognition or support as lead actors. The consolidation led to improved working conditions, better pay standards, and more comprehensive representation of performers in various theatrical productions.

In contrast, the other options don’t accurately reflect the historical context of that merger. The merger with the Screen Actors Guild and the formation of SAG-AFTRA came later, particularly in 2012, to help unify actors across different media platforms such as film, television, and radio. Collaborating with the American Federation of Musicians may involve aspects of performance, but it does not pertain to the specific merger event of 1955, which was focused on enhancing equity for theatrical performers through the joining of specific organizations directly related to their profession.