Sierra Madre Playhouse struggles under new law that restricts independent contractor designation

SIERRA MADRE, Calif. (KABC) -- A new California law is shaking up the so-called gig economy, but some say it's causing more harm than good.

Assembly Bill 5 was intended to make it harder for employers to designate workers as independent contractors. It simultaneously provides more protections for freelancers, treating them as employees entitled to benefits.

However, it's also driving up costs for employers at places like the Sierra Madre Playhouse, a community theater which was forced to cancel its production of Charlotte's Web.

AB5: Uber makes big changes after new CA law requires drivers be classified as full-time employees


"It's not just small theaters. It's all small arts organizations. This goes much further than that... it's a devastating change," said Christian Lebano, artistic director for the theater.

The law's impact has some wondering if the law was rushed.

"They didn't see it through. They didn't see what was going to happen down at the end of the tunnel and here comes the train," said Holly Imler.