Posted: 7/15/19 at 10:14am
Does anyone know if being in the Theatrical Wardrobe Union is required to be a dresser on Broadway? I know it’s obviously helpful but is it a must?
Updated On: 7/15/19 at 10:14 AM
Posted: 7/15/19 at 10:31am
Posted: 7/15/19 at 10:40am
Not all positions. Production Assistants are still left out to dry, and that's causing a big internal debate amongst Equity stage managers right now whether they should be covered under the Production Contract, as a large majority of them are already Equity members and they are doing a lot more these days than just getting coffee and making copies.
Posted: 7/15/19 at 11:10am
Posted: 7/15/19 at 11:13am
You do not have to be a full-fledged union member to work on a Broadway wardrobe crew- BUT you must be registered with the union (Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local #764). To register, you must have several years of experience working wardrobe, letters of recommendation from supervisors/co-workers, and of course pay a fee. I'm not sure of the exact requirements as of now, but if you check with #764 they could tell you. I don't know how many applicants are accepted, but the sure way is to already have a job offer.
Once you are working on a show and you have accumulated 30 days' work (on one production) you must officially join the union or stop working.
Posted: 7/15/19 at 1:54pm
Yes, Production Assistants do a LOT of very detailed work and they can often become subs for the Stage Management department after the show opens.
Posted: 7/15/19 at 2:09pm
