Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1347035
20 • THE ARTISAN SPRING 2021 Well, it's been a year ... definitely not a minute. As most of you know, our off-roster work is still on hold. I have been in touch with so many of our members throughout this time. We have had plenty of time for reflection. We've talked about the good times, as well as our struggles. To that point, I'm happy to share that Disney has finally been able to join our Local 706 Guild Awards for the first time with Frozen Live at Hyperion Theater. This is long overdue and a wonderful recognition of fellow members' excellent theatrical work. As for our struggles, most of the time, we are so busy working that important things we need tend to fall through the cracks. Having just one day off to catch up usually results in falling on our face with exhaustion. It seems to me that there is room for improvement in our workspaces. A fellow member and dear friend said, maybe it's time for some well overdue reflection. One of the things we talked about was the long hours devoted to "tech." These are often back to back 12-plus-hour days, six days a week that leaves us drained and unable to give the best of ourselves. In live venues, this is a constant occurrence. Many hours of standing and "holding" until midnight and returning the next morning without sufficient sleep, nutrition, or recouping time. Too many of us don't live close to the venues we are working, so there is the continual danger of unsafe driving. Several show "techs" stand out to me. One of them was 9 to 5 at the Ahmanson Theatre with many celebrities in the cast. My amazingly talented friend Michele Arvizo was still the Department Head. To say we had a few technical difficulties is an understatement. We have lots of issues to work on regarding our working conditions. The conversation needs to start somewhere, and why not now? During this time of COVID, I have encouraged our members to get to know their contracts completely and get involved with our Local and volunteering activities. The membership is the union. Get involved with being a part of positive changes for our post-COVID future success. We, the artisans of Local 706, will be back to continue making the magic. With our chins up and eyes forward. Most importantly, dear members, WE are survivors, fighters, and warriors! With love, respect and unity, Patrice K. Madrigal BY PATRICE K. MADRIGAL Theater Business Representative I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Theme Park, Theater & Broadcast Television News SHOW NEWS