Questions about AEA and IATSE

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!

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AEA basically treats stage managers as persona non grata.

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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

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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.

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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.

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*bump*

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