178 Off-Broadway theatre workers join IATSE in massive majority ‘Yes’ vote. This is a historic movement for all involved in the industry and could inspire other Off-Broadway theatre workers to similarly join in. With the results being announced just a mere few days after Off-Broadway’s show Titaníque, this could potentially be the start of a massive movement for all Off-Broadway workers.
After a major concern of low pay and drop of health coverage, adjunct faculty at USC School of Cinematic Arts seek to form a union. Majority (roughly 75%) of adjunct staff have signed on to join the UAW as they seek benefits, higher pay, better work conditions, expandable careers, and other demands.
SAG-AFTRA members received information regarding Artificial Intelligence in the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts on Sunday, 12 November. Unfortunately, the opinion from SAG-AFTRA members on A.I. is understandably against the usage of Artificial Intelligence in their contracts. Multiple members of the union have openly stated their opinions on the matter and some are even encouraging other members to not allow such things in their contracts and ask for it to be cut entirely.
As of 22 September, the Actors’ Equity Association has recognised a new title for its members: Production Assistants. This is the first time in decades the union has supported a new role within itself and the first time Production Assistants have unionised.
I have some bad and even disturbing news, in short the answer is simply it’s not going to happen. For anyone in the entertainment industry who is affected by the SAG-AFTRA strikes in America, benefits are unfortunately not accessible for the majority of workers. Where does this leave the workers? It means once again, most of its people are barely holding on and surviving off of their savings. As there is no end in sight for the SAG-AFTRA strikes, this means people are running out of time with the holiday season fast approaching.
The UK Government recently outlined their budget for the next three years. While there are some positives, the Arts community has major concerns for the Industry which has been dramatically affected by the pandemic.
IATSE members are gearing up for a nationwide strike after negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have stalled. The decision to hold a strike authorization vote comes after AMPTP declined to counteroffer IATSE’s recent proposals for a better working environment.
SMA is the Stage Managers’ Association. It is an organization based in the USA. However, its International Cohort is growing as well since it began in early 2019. A “UN of Stage Manager” with currently over 25 ambassadors from 15 countries on 6 continents. On July 5, 2021, SMA Director-at-Large David J. McGraw and Editor in Chief/International Cohort Chair Hope Rose Kelly from the USA met for an online discussion with SMA International Cohort Ambassador Anna Robb in Hong Kong. Together, they compared the work conditions of Stage Managers working in both regions and around the world. Drawing on their own experiences as stage manager as well as looking at a 2019 survey, their findings are profound and of imminent importance. We are sharing the highlights of their discussion in an article series of 4 parts. This is part 1.
Let me begin by saying that I believe in the process of developing new theater. It takes blood, sweat, and tears from EVERYONE involved. From the Producers to the Creatives to the Artists… it takes all of them to bring a piece of theater to life. Everyone takes risks to create something new. They risk money, other career opportunities, time away from their family, etc. all because they want to help be a part of something meaningful and successful.
Recently, I returned from doing a show at a large union venue in Chicago. I know that a lot of people have worked in venues around the US that are run by IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees). I am sure the experiences are both positive and negative. Some cities are better than others. But what had recently changed at this venue in Chicago was the addition of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to any outside venue hirer for some portions of the labor.
Being a professional dancer involves much more than just dance. Higher profile jobs that most dancers wish to obtain involve contracts to be signed by the performer; some of which that are “union” contracts. Being a professional dancer involves much more than just dance. High profile jobs that most dancers wish to obtain involve contracts to be signed by the performer; some of which that are “union” contracts. There are a handful of labor unions that involve and protect dancers. Labor unions, in general, are centered around bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions for union members. The unions will usually aggressively support members in any dispute involving alleged violations of contractual provisions.
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