Unions & Associations (US)

Theatrical unions are organizations that represent people working in professional theatre. There are unions for actors, directors, stage managers, designers, technicians, and writers. Unions represent the interests of their members by negotiating with employers for safe working conditions, professional standards, and fair pay. Two major theatrical unions in the United States are Actors’ Equity and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Anyone working on a production under a contract with these unions is entitled to minimum pay guarantees, safe working conditions, reasonable work hours, and other protections. This guide will explain the history, functions, and membership requirements of Actors' Equity and IATSE.

Terminology

• Union: an organization that represents the interests of members working in a particular profession.
• Strike: when a group of employees stops working for an employer until demands are met, usually involving pay or working conditions.
• Collective bargaining: when a group of employees negotiates with an employer for employee compensation, benefits, working conditions, and other protections.

Key Dates & Events

• June 17, 1892: IATSE is formed as the National Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
• May 26, 1913: Actors’ Equity is founded at a meeting of 112 theatre actors.
• September 29, 1964: President Lyndon Johnson signs legislation forming the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities. Equity officers spearheaded efforts to secure government aid for the arts.
• May 3, 1990: Performers at Disney World vote to be represented by Actors’ Equity.
• November 10, 2007: Members of IATSE Local One, which represents Broadway stagehands, declare the first strike in IATSE’s history.
• November 28, 2007: The IATSE strike ends after the League of American Theatres and Producers agrees to new rules regarding pay and overtime.