Theatrical Unions & Guilds

Unions and guilds provide support and opportunities for their members. They will often help to negotiate contracts, provide protection and advocate on behalf of their membership. In addition, they can provide a framework of best practices for many productions. Here is a list of the unions OOB productions may interact with.

Actor's Eqity (AEA) - www.actorsequity.org
The AEA is a labor union that represents actors and stage manager in live theatre. "Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society."

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) - sdcweb.org
The SDC is a union that represents directors and choreographers. Their mission is to "foster a national community of professional stage Directors and  Choreographers by protecting the rights, health and livelihoods of all our Members."

The Dramatists Guild - www.dramtistsguild.com
The DG is a professional association for American playwrights. "The Guild protects the rights of dramatists in relation to producers and more recently Directors."

Directors Guild of America (DGA) - www.dga.org
Labor union representing film and television directors, unit production managers, 1st assistant directors, 2nd assistant directors, technical coordinators, tape associate directors, stage managers, and production associates.

United Scenic Artists Local 829 - www.usa829.org
USA829 is a labor union for scenic designers and artists. They were organized to "protect craft standards, working conditions and wages for the entertainment and decorative arts industries."

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) - www.iatse-intl.org
This is the largest theatrical union. They represent: stagehands, technicians, artisans, and craftpersons; basically anyone who "constructs, installs, maintains, and operates the lighting and sound equipment, the scenery and special effects." NYC Local One - iatselocalone.org

American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) - www.agvausa.com
Is a labor union representing performing artists and stage managers working in the variety area, which includes: singers & dancers in touring shows and in theatrical revues, theme park performers, skaters, circus performers, comedians & stand-up comics, cabaret & club artists,lecturers/poets/monologists/spokespersons, and variety performers working at private parties & special events.

American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) - www.ascap.com
ASCAP is a membership association that represents composers, lyricists, songwriters, and music publishers. In addition to negotiating licensing and royalties for their members, they are also "committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers" and provide career development programs.

Freelancers Union - www.freelancersunion.org
This union represents freelancers, independent contractors, temporary workers, self-employed workers and people who are simultaneously employed by multiple companies. This association provides its members with options for medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, and solidarity.



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