Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545191
10 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2026 SHOW NEWS by Patrice K. Madrigal Assistant to the Business Representative | Theater \ I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Working union in live entertainment means more than just showing up for a call—it means being part of a fast- moving, high-pressure environment where trust, skill, and solidarity are everything. Whether it's load-in at dawn, a quick turnaround between shows, or a late-night strike, our industry depends on union labor to keep productions running safely, efficiently, and professionally. e standards we uphold don't just support our members, they shape the entire experience for performers, producers, and audiences alike. In live entertainment, every department is interconnected. Stagehands, wardrobe, hair and make- up, audio, lighting, props, rigging, and video all rely on each other to execute a seamless production. When we support one another's work, we ensure that each piece of that puzzle comes together the way it should. Respecting each cra's jurisdiction, honoring call times, and trusting the expertise of fellow union members is what allows a show to run smoothly. When one area is undermined or rushed, it creates a ripple effect that impacts everyone. Job security in our field can feel uncertain at times, given the project-based nature of live entertainment. Shows come and go, tours start and end, and venues shi from one production to the next. Union jobs help provide consistency in wages, benefits, and working conditions, no matter what the production. When we stand together and refuse to accept substandard deals or nonunion conditions, we protect not only our current work but also the future of our industry. Every time we uphold those standards, we reinforce the value of skilled union labor. Safety is especially critical in live entertainment. Union protections exist because the risks are real. Proper staffing levels, Appreciating and Protecting Union Work in Live Entertainment Making sure no one is singled out, overlooked, or treated unfairly without support. Our collective strength ensures that every member is treated with the professionalism and respect they deserve. Solidarity in live entertainment also extends beyond a single production or venue. Tours travel across cities, states & countries. Crews move between employers, and different unions oen share the same stage. Supporting each other means respecting picket lines, honoring agreements across jurisdictions, and recognizing that we are all part of a larger labor community. When one group stands up for better conditions, it raises the standard for everyone. e nature of live entertainment demands precision, adaptability, and teamwork. Union labor delivers that because it is built on training, experience, and a shared commitment to excellence. When we back each other up, we strengthen not only our individual crews, but the reputation of union labor as a whole. e future of live entertainment depends on maintaining these standards. Productions will continue to evolve, technology will advance, and expectations will grow—but the foundation must remain the same. By supporting each other's work, protecting our job security, prioritizing safety, upholding fair working conditions, and ensuring fair treatment, we preserve what makes union labor indispensable in this industry. At the end of the day, the audience may only see the finished product, but we know what it takes behind the scenes to make it happen. It takes skilled professionals, working together, with a shared commitment to doing the job right. at's what union work in live entertainment represents—and it's something worth protecting, every single day. adequate rest periods, qualified personnel, and adherence to safety protocols are not optional; they are essential. Never allowing production pressure to override safe practices. Working conditions in live entertainment can be demanding and high expectations are part of the job. Negotiated agreements around breaks, turnaround times, and overtime are so important. ese aren't luxuries; they are necessary to maintain both physical well-being and the quality of the work. Supporting each other means holding productions accountable to those agreements and recognizing when conditions begin to slip. When one person is pushed beyond what's reasonable, it sets a precedent that can quickly affect the entire crew. Fair treatment is another cornerstone of union work in our industry. In an environment where crews are oen hired per project, it's essential that hiring, discipline, and workplace decisions are handled fairly and consistently. Union representation ensures that members have a voice and that issues are addressed through established procedures.