International Alliance Of Theatrical Stage Employees

Haven’t we all dreamed of being a movie star at least once? Growing up, I always pictured myself performing in Broadway theaters, dancing around, and being a part of unforgettable musicals like “Singing in the Rain.”

All those posters from Casablanca 1942 to Vertigo 1958  on my walls gave me the idea of being a member of this extraordinary community in which dreams came true, and breaths were taken away. All those colors, all those roles, all the pretty faces, and all those shows were my escape from the real world.

But of course, Who or what is behind all of these spectacular shows? Who handles all of these marvels behind the red curtain? Is there any way you could be a part of the big screen, or is it just a dream?

Well, I must tell you, as magical as it sounds, it is real. And you, too, can be a part of it. In today’s blog, we are going to discuss one of the most prominent entertainment organizations called “The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.”

What’s IATSE?

IATSE stands for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and encompasses TV shows, broadcasting, live theater, and basically everything that falls into the category of entertainment. With over 150 thousand members in this massive society, IATSE stands out as one of the most prominent organizations in the entertainment industry.

The History Of IATSE

The IATSE foundation goes way back to 1893 when a group of New York stagehands decided to create an organization in which the entertainment industry could grow more expansively, and entertainers could have access to a better workplace.

Unions And Guilds

There are multiple unions and guilds for every film and entertainment industry department. Here are two types of unions:

Above-the-line unions

This category includes those who are considered the creatives and the executives. Directors, writers, actors, and producers are considered above-the-line unions.

Below-the-line unions

This one refers to the rest of the crew, including the stunts, special effects, makeup, transportation, etc.

How To Join IATSE?

As someone who has been obsessed with the entertainment industry for years, I’ve heard a lot of speculations and rumors about how to get into an organization like IATSE. Most of the people who dream of being a part of this magical community don’t even know the right way to get in.

There are different paths one can take to get into IATSE, But let me save you from all the confusion. I will tell you how you can join IATSE.

The first thing you should remember before trying to get into IATSE is that the whole process of getting in depends on your geography and your craft field. The place you are located might have policies and rules that are different from other locations.

For instance, there is something called “contract services” in California. Other locations might not have this option.

Generally speaking, there are two ways you can get into a union:

Getting Your Days To Qualify

One of the ways to get into a union is to work on union shows as a non-union. It means that even when you are non-union, you get up every single day, show up on the set, and work with the rest of the crew.

Now, each day you have worked for a union and have been paid for will count towards qualifying you to apply for membership.

However, this one is a bit challenging and not that common. For instance, let’s assume you work at a commercial union and have been given 12 months to get the required days. 

After your 30 union days finish, you can reach out to payroll in order to verify that those 30 days are accounted for. Then, the payroll department sends this information to contract services that contact you and ask if you are trying to enter the union. The challenge is that the contract services may not verify your union days. Because as time passes, you will lose the days you have worked that were older than 12 months.

But after the contract services verify your days, they’ll let the union know and permit you to join the union.

Non-union Shows Flipping

This is a common way people get into a union. Imagine you work for a non-union show, and suddenly, in the shooting process, the show flips into a union show. It means that now you are working for a union!

Why Would You Want To Join IATSE?

If you want to be on the big screen and red carpets and desire the excitement of being a part of a big-budget movie, you should join the union. Every movie you watch, whether in the theater, on TV, or on any other platform, is all union, including the films and shows on Netflix, HBO, Apple TV, etc.

Here are some other reasons why joining IATSE is a good idea:

• At IATSE, safety always comes first.

• You will be paid for the fun parts as well.

• You’ll get to meet new people and gain experience.

• A high salary is also part of the benefits you can expect.

FAQ

Can You Still Work On Non-union Projects After You Join A Union?

The answer is yes. You can still work on non-union projects even after you join a union. However, The local will ask you to report your work. 

What Is The Difference Between a Union And a Non-union?

Non-union refers to workplaces where company owners decide everything from salary to benefits, while the union is when the members all negotiate and determine the company’s policy together.

How Can You Work For A Union If You’re Non-Union?

One way you can work for a union as a non-union is when the union show that is being shot doesn’t have enough union workers. Unions are allowed to hire non-union workers to fill the gaps since they haven’t been able to find qualified union workers.

Last Words

In today’s article, we spoke about the international alliance of theatrical stage employees, also known as IATSE. This organization is everything in the entertainment industry that is hidden behind the red curtain. From hairstyles to makeup and music, this organization makes sure you will have the best time.

Although, the more you learn about it, the more you realize things in the entertainment industry aren’t as simple as they appear to be. IATSE employees from thirteen different districts in the United States of America and Canada work for countless hours to make sure the show goes on.

If you want to be a part of this society, you need to be aware of the challenges and remember that it won’t be easy. But with perseverance and hard work and, most importantly, gaining knowledge on this topic, you can definitely make your dreams come true.

I hope this article helped you to gain insights about IATSE and how to get into it!