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What is the process for getting involved with IATSE?

I'm a first year college student in Seattle, for performance production, and I don't have any job experience or official training

theater union
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Caitlin’s Answer

As mentioned above, each IASTE local has their own membership guidelines for hours worked, etc. Count on an initiation fee (mine was $1200--but that can often be paid in installments) and then 2% of your wages for any work done within the union's jurisdiction (great to have these just deducted from your paycheck if at all possible.) Also, there are quarterly dues (mine are $75), but I tend to pay the whole year at once ($300) so that I can apply for a travel card--which you will need if ever going on tour or working outside the jurisdiction of your home local. If you do join, try and participate in the meetings and the training sessions. One of the aspects I like most about the union is their dedication to safety and keeping up on advancing technology so that their members remain healthy and highly skilled.
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Jaclyn’s Answer

Hello!

When it comes to doing union work for theatrical production, each state has its own or several local IATSE chapters. Some theaters have an association with them, and some are associated with Actors' Equity. When joining a union, you do have to accrue union points or hours from productions that are associated with it. Each union has different requirements as to how to join. Continuing to work in theatrical productions that are non-union will help build your resume so you have a better chance at booking shows that do have a union association for the role. Looking into the websites for each will help guide you as to the best route to joining them.
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