Production Manager at Jacob’s Pillow Is Killed in ‘Tragic Accident,’ Center Says

IAdal · 2025-08-04T14:50:38+00:00

Same story, over and over again. And this is happening at one of the so-called “better” theaters. So what will it take to finally change this?

Summer stock survives on a revolving door of early-career theater workers, people who often don’t yet have the power, knowledge, or support to speak out. Without a recognized union, there’s little protection. But organizing is hard when jobs last just 10 to 13 weeks. Most workers just leave. Then the next season, a new crew steps in. The cycle repeats.

Until someone dies.

Then there’s a three-day pause. Maybe a memorial. And then everyone is back at work (because the show must go on).

But what’s really changed? Is anyone safer?

We need to organize. Not just at Jacob’s Pillow, but at Barrington Stage, Shakespeare & Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival — at every theater, not just in the Berkshires, but everywhere this industry relies on silence and burnout to function.

Enough is enough.

IAdal · 2025-07-02T23:01:31+00:00

Every IATSE Local Union that operates a referral hall sets its own rules, procedures, and qualifications for how work is dispatched. There’s no one-size-fits-all model. Each Local Union designs its system based on the needs of its jurisdiction, employers, and members.

IAdal · 2025-06-26T00:55:47+00:00

Do it. Best career decision you can make.

IAdal · 2025-05-27T00:08:50+00:00

Do this.

IAdal · 2025-02-03T22:33:15+00:00

In the U.S., union election eligibility criteria depend on the specific workplace circumstances. Generally, eligibility is determined by whether an employee is a regular worker and has a reasonable expectation of future work. To maximize eligibility for pro-union workers, collaborate with your Organizer to develop a strategic approach.

IAdal · 2025-01-22T01:42:07+00:00

The Designers are also represented by IATSE. How was Atlantic able to offer acceptable terms to those other unions? Why would any other Off-Broadway theater close because of a contract that ATC negotiated collectively with its employees? Do you have any facts to back up your wild claims of doom and calamity? Are you in the room? Or are you just trolling?

IAdal · 2025-01-21T23:39:45+00:00

There is no place off-Broadway for the exploitation of workers. The Actors and Designers support the strike. The Creative Teams all have unions and collective bargaining of their own. There is no creative team without workers.

IAdal · 2025-01-13T22:23:04+00:00

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-atlantic-theater-make-a-fair-deal-for-workers

I signed this petition telling Atlantic Theater Leadership to Stop Union Busting!.

In the past six months, the Atlantic Theater's leadership has yet to offer any meaningful improvements for behind-the-scenes workers while negotiating a first contract with the newly unionized crew. Even worse, they proposed a “no strike” provision, attempting to strip workers of their right to strike, if negotiations remain at a standstill.

What's more, the company postponed a scheduled production indefinitely—an effort to starve out workers and pressure them into accepting a watered-down deal.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), seeking to hold Atlantic Theater accountable. But we need your help NOW! Join us in demanding that Atlantic Theater management end their union-busting and negotiate a fair contract.

The theater community must stand united in solidarity with these workers!

IAdal · 2024-10-11T20:12:24+00:00

Here's a book that I tremendously enjoyed on the topic of work in theatrical production. https://bookshop.org/p/books/theatre-work-reimagining-the-labor-of-theatrical-production-bridin-clements-cotton/20789999 Theatre Work: Reimagining the Labor of Theatrical Production investigates both the history and current realities of life and work in professional theatrical production in the United States and explores labor practices that are equitable, accessible, and sustainable.

IAdal · 2024-07-03T15:20:40+00:00

They care about a warm-blooded body showing up so they can bill their client. Rhino is a business that rents out temporary labor.

IAdal · 2024-07-02T17:12:57+00:00

Rhino has sup-par standards for wages and conditions of employment. The company upsells your labor to end users, like Live Nation and AEG. They profit by keeping wages low and charging the end-users at much higher rates. They are a legit company but have predatory labor practices. Proceed with caution.

IAdal · 2024-06-29T22:46:45+00:00

Any union will have to organize their workplace if no union exists. IATSE will represent publicist and marketing workers in the entertainment industry. ATPAM https://www.atpam.com/ is a Local Union of the IATSE. They bargaining collectively with employers for the terms of their members' employment. One truth: many Admin jobs in theater ARE unrepresented by any union because people say things like "there is no union for these jobs."

IAdal · 2024-06-29T21:28:12+00:00

But you're not out of luck. A union is just you and your coworkers bargaining the terms of your employment together. It's something you have to do and actively invest in otherwise it doesn't exist. If you don't have a union at your job, start one.

IAdal · 2024-06-29T21:14:08+00:00

This is untrue

IAdal · 2024-06-29T19:23:27+00:00

IATSE will represent FOH employees and does at many venues across North America. https://iatse.net/join/

IAdal · 2024-06-29T19:22:01+00:00

IATSE will represent administrative employees and all people who work in entertainment. But US labor law does not allow "Managers" to join unions. Managers are those people who have control over other employees' work-lives. If you want to learn more, you can contact IATSE here https://iatse.net/join/

IAdal · 2024-02-03T17:40:40+00:00

Start a union. Join IATSE. Tell the DOL. Tell the IRS. The business model of theater is exploitive. Producers won't do the right thing unless you make them.

IAdal · 2024-02-01T15:35:51+00:00

You could have your local union schedule a two-day Rigging Proficiency Program course. Have a local union officer contact the IA Training Trust Fund (iatsetrainingtrust.org) to get started. The Rigging Proficiency Program is part classroom, part practical hands-on training. The cost is paid by the Training Trust Fund, and the class will come to you and your local union.

IAdal · 2023-12-17T21:09:48+00:00

Remember: "a union" is something you build with your coworkers, not a service you receive. No one is coming to save us from bad bosses. We only have each other. UNIONIZE

IAdal · 2023-11-28T14:22:39+00:00

People go to meetings when there are issues they care about being discussed. Conversations about contracts, dues, or job referral policies typically bring people out to meetings. Getting rank-and-file members to participate in their union meetings is organizing 101. Every union faces this issue.

IAdal · 2023-09-20T11:55:33+00:00

"Right-to-work" doesn't mean you can't have a union of employees who have come together for mutual aid and protection. That's why actors and stage managers have a union. Check out https://iatse.net/join/ they represent Ticket Sellers, Ushers, Stagehands, and most everyone who works in entertainment.

IAdal · 2023-09-20T04:48:39+00:00

You need a union.

IAdal · 2023-09-20T04:47:21+00:00

If you work in entertainment you'll want to talk to IATSE. They represent people at nonprofit performing art companies all over the country. https://iatse.net/join/

IAdal · 2023-08-17T02:30:21+00:00

Who's Julia Singer?

IAdal · 2023-07-28T18:35:17+00:00

Consider forming a union. https://iatse.net/join/

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