IATSE Local 18 - Our Members

IATSE members staff the construction, operation, and removal of live events across the United States and Canada.  We also staff film crews with camera operators, lighting and sound technicians, wardrobe crew, and many other technical positions.  The bulk of IATSE’s work comes through film and live music.  IATSE members also staff theaters, convention centers, and, recently, the union has begun an effort to organize video game developers.

Because IATSE members produce entertainment, how people seek out entertainment determines the scope of our work.  Our union began as a collection of theatre and vaudeville workers, but expanded into film and television as those technologies were developed.  IATSE members also took on the role of staffing live concerts as musicians began touring to larger venues with more intricate technology.  Our union has had to adapt its practices and renegotiate industry standards as old models became irrelevant. 

The national issue of arts funding is also important to our members.  In particular, the non-profit theaters that IATSE staffs rely on National Endowment for the Arts funding to operate.  When arts funding is cut, IATSE members suffer.  

Because of the often temporary nature of the productions we work on, IATSE members must always be aware of safety standards.  Producers may want to cut corners to get a production done quickly and cheaply, and our members are responsible for demanding safe workplaces.  Our workers may be handling dangerous electrical equipment or large scenic pieces, working at great heights in the rafters to rig hanging equipment, or enduring harsh weather conditions at outdoor venues.

Although our members are often working in close proximity to famous actors, musicians, and other celebrities, our jobs are not glamorous.  We often go unseen and unacknowledged during the show audiences actually witness.  The hours we work are often long and outside the traditional 9-5 workday.  However, our members get great satisfaction from a show that goes well, and we are often happy to be around the arts that we love.