Which Unions Represent Broadway Folks?

Stage managers are apart of AEA

Thanks!

From Saturday's NYDN:

https://www.google.com/amp/www.nydailynews.com/amp/new-york/workers-broadway-hum-deserve-standing-ovation-article-1.3009354

And I can speak from personal experience that 829 is a total waste of time and money. It used to have standards that had to be met for membership — now, just write them a cheque (a rather substantial one, at that), and you're in.

And nobody mentions the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society? Without them and the Dramatists Guild, none of these other people would be employed, but okay.

To further HogansHero's statement above, Press Agents, House Managers, and Company Managers are with ATPAM (Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers - which is technically IATSE Local 18032 since 1994). They are the only ones I caught in the article that didn't have their union mentioned.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't most/all of concessions contracted through outside concession companies, who provide their own employees? I know that the Jujamcyns and a lot of the nonprofits (MTC, Lincoln Center, Roundabout) use Sweet, which I worked for ages ago.

Updated On: 3/29/17 at 12:54 PM

Kad said: "I believe that's true, yes. Merch and concessions are handled by outside companies with their own employees. I can't think of a Broadway theatre that uses in-house people for those things."

I can't speak for concessions, but the Merch folks for Disney shows are technically Disney Cast Members. I imagine the same goes for concessions, but I can't say for certain.

HogansHero said: "SeanMartin said: "And I can speak from personal experience that 829 is a total waste of time and money. It used to have standards that had to be met for membership — now, just write them a cheque (a rather substantial one, at that), and you're in."

You seem to misapprehend the purpose of the union. It is not a guild. "

Thanks for completely missing the point. Time was getting into 829 was one of the hardest of memberships to get, because they had pretty high standards for designers.

Now, they'll tale just anyone, and taking anyone's money is about all they do.

I dont think I "misapprehended" anything, thanks.

SeanMartin said: "Thanks for completely missing the point. Time was getting into 829 was one of the hardest of memberships to get, because they had pretty high standards for designers.

Now, they'll tale just anyone, and taking anyone's money is about all they do.

I dont think I "misapprehended" anything, thanks."

You've now said the same thing twice, but that doesn't make it any more correct. As I said, USA is a union, not a guild. The former admits people who an employer wishes to hire within the union's jurisdiction; the latter requires training, apprenticeship etc. USA is just like AEA, SDC, etc. Typically, the guild is something you find in the trades where there is typically no college or conservatory training. I don't have a clue what's at the root of your animosity but it is manifest. That's fine, but it does not excuse your misapprehension of USA's purpose.

SeanMartin said: "And I can speak from personal experience that 829 is a total waste of time and money. It used to have standards that had to be met for membership — now, just write them a cheque (a rather substantial one, at that), and you're in."

OK, so you clearly have a chip on your shoulder, and judging by your use of "cheque" you're either British or Canadian. I don't understand why British and Canadian designers have such a big problem with USA829 - because you're not the first to completely misunderstand the goals of the organization (and please spare me the "to hold the craft up to a high level" BS answer).

Yes, 829 has a provision where you can buy your card, but its intentionally very high so that it's the decision of last resort (or emergency). The scenic painting is still apprentice based, and people get denied their cards in the portfolio review / exam (in the NY region at least) all the damn time.

Secondly, the more member 829 has, the stronger it is. The more people telling companies that the contract must be a union contract, the stronger the union is. The more members there are, the more exposure people have to dealing with union details and the easier it is to get a union contract.

Do you want to know what 829 union offers designers? How about security and the legal strength to be paid if a producer is shady. Healthcare contributions. Pension. A scale fee so that designers don't get screwed.

I also have personal experience with 829 and I think that you don't know what you're talking about anymore - your points, while maybe valid 10 years ago, come across as sour grapes.

Theatrical marketing is also one of the few big Broadway areas that's not unionized.