On August 7, 1919, Actors' Equity Association made history by declaring a strike against the Producing Managers' Association after producers refused to offer standard contracts. The walkout shut down 37 shows and blocked 16 more from opening.  Stars like Ethel Barrymore, W.C. Fields and Marie Dressler walked off stages and joined hundreds of their fellow unionists in marches, rallies and benefit performances.

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Chorus performers, however, faced a separate challenge. Because they weren't considered "true actors," Actor's Equity had excluded them entirely. On August 12, five days into the strike, Ziegfeld Follies chorus girls formed their own Chorus Equity Association. Marie Dressler was elected the union's first president, and the union's first action was marching down Broadway in solidarity.

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As Chorus Equity president, Marie Dressler staged a public demonstration teaching dancers a complex routine in under 15 minutes, directly disproving producers' claims that 18 weeks of unpaid rehearsal were necessary. The demonstration drew significant press attention. 

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By September 6, 1919, the strike was finally declared settled and resolved. The successful conclusion of the 1919 strike forced the Producing Manager's Association to officially sign an agreement that granted actors a standarized 8 show work week, compensation for extra performances/rehersal time, and formal recognition of the union.