IATSE Local 18 - Our History

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts was founded in 1893 in New York.  IATSE Local 18 was founded in Milwaukee on July 20, 1894.  The local celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its damage to the live entertainment industry.  Live music and theatrical venues were some of the first businesses to shut down in March 2020, and are some of the last ones reopening this fall.  We are proud of our union being able to survive this challenge and support its members.  IATSE has consistently advocated for increased unemployment benefits and the extension of those benefits to freelance artists and technicians, saving hundreds of thousands in our industry and adjacent fields from poverty.