Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1514620
12 • THE ARTISAN SPRING 2024 by Patrice K. Madrigal Assistant to the Business Representative | Theater I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 SHOW NEWS New Beginnings Welcome to 2024! May this year be full of new blessings for you all. This year, we are looking forward to a brand-new year, with hopes of new live shows, new positive beginnings, and skillful transitions. As the clock strikes midnight, signaling the beginning of a brand-new year, the world is filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. It's a time for reflection, resolution, and for many, the promise of new opportunities. In the realm of live shows and entertainment, the dawn of a new year brings with it the prospect of fresh beginnings, new contracts being negotiated, and a dedication to helping family artists enhance their skills for a more impactful performance for us all on the job. The transition to a new year often serves as an avenue for change and growth in the entertainment industry. Live shows become a canvas for artists to paint their aspirations and ambitions. For many performers, the start of a new year signifies a clean slate, an opportunity to redefine their artistic direction, and a chance to connect with audiences in more profound ways. One aspect of that highlights the spirit of new beginnings is the unveiling of fresh and innovative performances. Live shows, now more than ever, are evolving into immersive experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. From cutting-edge technology to avant-garde state designs, artists are pushing the envelope to captivate audiences and create unforgettable moments. Behind the scenes, the entertainment industry is in a state of continual negotiations, as well as new contract negotiations' deal-making as artists and organizers striving to forge new partnerships. A brand-new year brings a wave of opportunities for crew members to secure new contracts, whether it be for touring, theatrical houses, and television and other live venues. These negotiations are pivotal moments that can shape the outcome of our members' career, providing them with the resources and support needed to reach new heights, as well as an avenue to being able to have an ongoing career in the entertainment industry. As the demand for live entertainment continues to grow, the stakes are higher for both artists and organizers. Negotiating contracts in the new year involves a delicate dance. In the ever-evolving landscape of live entertainment, the quest for excellence is a continual journey. As a new year unfolds, there is a renewed emphasis on teaching and skill development within the industry. Established artists and industry veterans take on mentorship roles, sharing their wealth of experience with newer members. Workshops, masterclasses, and training programs become integral components of an artist's journey, fostering an environment of continuous learning. Improving skills isn't just limited to performers; it extends to the entire production team, including technicians, designers, and crew of all backgrounds. It takes all of us to continually be working our skills, as well as being willing to learn new ones. The collaboration between seasoned professionals and those eager to learn creates a symbiotic relationship that elevates the overall quality of live shows. As artists refine their craft, they contribute to a collective effort to push the boundaries of what is possible in live entertainment. The dawn of a brand-new year in the world of live shows is a time of promise, potential, and transformation. From the spotlight to behind the scenes, the industry experiences a renaissance, with artists embracing new beginnings, negotiating contracts that propel their careers forward, and engaging in a continuous pursuit of excellence through skill development. As the curtains rise on the first performances of the year, the stage is set for a dynamic and innovative chapter in the world of entertainment. The brand-new year symbolizes not just the passing of time but a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and collective spirit that define the captivating world of live shows. In closing, the electricity and magic in the air in live work is such that it will lighten up your heart. Sending you all love & light. Patrice K. Madrigal Assistant to the Business Representative