Questions about AEA and IATSE

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 4:13pm

Hello everyone! I'm working on a project for my stage management class about Actors Equity Association and The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. I have some questions about them. If you have any answers, please let me know. I'd be very grateful. :)

- How and why was the AEA begun?
- What difference has the AEA made in the working lives of actors and stage managers?
- How is the relationship between actors and stage managers defined by the AEA? (I'm trying to get ahold of contracts so that I an get the specific language contained in several of them, but it's hard to get them if you're not in AEA).
- How and why was IATSE begun?
- How do different AEA contracts change demands placed ona stage manager?
- How do different AEA contracts and the work rules they stipulate affect the production, and how must a stage manager prepare for these effects?
- Are there specific IATSE work rules that affect a stage manager and the production more than others?
- How do IATSE and AEA contracts and work rules affect each other?

Any help I can get would be great. thanks!

[erikaamato]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 4:25pm

Go to http://www.actorsequity.org Almost every single AEA contract and code is available online. As is all the other Equity info you need. And you don't need to be member to access the site. Just navigate around.

As for IATSE, I'm afraid I can't be much help.

Good luck!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 4:51pm

AEA basically treats stage managers as persona non grata.

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 4:59pm

Really gothampc? From what I've read so far, I hadn't realized that... Would you care to elaborate in a PM?

[DirtyWickedDresser]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 6:36pm

Here is the official IATSE website. I think there is lots of information available here that will help you, including history and timeline data. Good luck!

IATSE

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 6:41pm

I've been to that website, but I couldn't find any contract information, other than brief information about safety issues. What I'm really looking for is more about job security, as I think that affects actors and stage managers more.

[DirtyWickedDresser]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 7:06pm

hmm contract information depends on the size of the house you work in, location, specifics of the production etc much like equity contracts. as for job security....it doesn't really exist in theatre for anyone. there is no guarantee that you will work regardless of what aspect of a production you working, even if you are a union member.

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 7:34pm

I've heard that in an IATSE theatre, a stage manager is not allowed to pick up a hammer to fix a nail that's sticking out. I've also heard that a director is not allowed to move props. And that lights and automation have to be controlled by different computers and operators. Something about needing to assure that more jobs are in place.

[DirtyWickedDresser]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 10:28pm

Some of that is true. the rules are fairly strict, but for good reason. When I work wardrobe in a union house I am not allowed to even touch a wig or a prop unless it is specifically part of my track. The general rule that I learned way back in high school drama still applies- "if it's not yours don't touch it". I'm sure that these rules partially are in place to help with jobs but they are mostly for safety and organization. I have never heard of a director not being able to move a prop in a rehearsal period.....they would probably not be allowed once the show is up and in production however.

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 10:53pm

I would like for Gothampc to elaborate as well. I've been an Equity Stage manager in NYC for a number of years, and have never felt that I was a persona non grata.

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 3/28/06 at 9:23am

*bump*