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BREAKING NEWS – New York, NY — In a historic first for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), 18 physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists working with NEURO TOUR on celebrated productions like The Lion King, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge!, have unanimously voted to unionize.
The group is set to join IATSE’s ‘ACT’ (Associated Crafts and Technicians) Local, making them the first-ever touring physical therapists to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement through IATSE, alongside touring production staff across the nation.
NEURO TOUR’s professionals specialize in minimizing injuries and providing crucial healthcare during rehearsals and live performances, thereby ensuring the well-being of cast members on tour.
Dan Little, IATSE International Representative, stated, “Physical therapists for dance and the performing arts deserve the respect of union and a contract that recognizes the value, education, and time they put into their work. Coming together in a union is the ultimate sign of self-respect.”
The initial call for representation was made in February 2023, stemming from workers’ growing concerns about their lack of voice in the workplace.
Maeve Talbot, Doctor of Physical Therapy, affirmed, “I believe that with the support of IATSE, we have a much stronger support system. We hope to voice our concerns and make some meaningful changes.”
This landmark decision marks the latest in a series of successful organizational efforts for IATSE, as more workers across the varied sectors of the entertainment industry are increasingly seeking union representation for its associated benefits and protections.
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The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE (full name: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada), is a labor union representing over 168,000 technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live events, motion picture and television production, broadcast, and trade shows in the United States and Canada.
For more information please contact:
General: comms@iatse.net
Press: press@iatse.net
Reflections on Accessibility in Theatre and Performing Arts
Anna Robb is Co-Founder and Managing Director for TheatreArtLife. Anna is an experienced Producer/Production Stage Manager. Her 20-year work history spans Asia Pacific, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. She has worked for companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Franco Dragone Entertainment Group, Christie Digital Systems and The Sydney Opera House. Anna was an integral part of the research and development, training and formation, creation and operation of the 250 million dollar aquatic show, The House of Dancing Water in Macau. She also maintained the daily operations of this complex show as the head of Stage Management for 7 years. Anna has been employed on over 70 shows in the areas of concerts, arena events, corporate events, trade shows, musical theatre, plays, dance, circus, outdoor festivals and mega shows. Anna holds a honours degree in Design for Theatre and Television and is passionate about the evolution of the industry.
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