IATSE
The union for behind-the-scenes workers in entertainment, from stagehands to hair and makeup artists
Overview
IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) represents technicians, artisans, and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including stagehands, camera operators, editors, hair and makeup artists, and costume designers. While not an actor union, it is essential for performers who also work behind the scenes.
IATSE is organized into local unions, each covering specific crafts and geographic areas. Joining typically requires being hired for an IATSE-covered position or going through a local's apprenticeship program. Initiation fees and dues vary by local.
How It Works
For actors who double as crew members, directors, or below-the-line professionals, understanding IATSE is important. The union's contracts set the working conditions on virtually every major film and television production in the country.
Initiation fees and dues vary significantly depending on the local and craft. Contact your relevant local for specific pricing and membership requirements. Some locals have waiting lists or require sponsorship from existing members.
Who Uses It
IATSE membership is relevant for actors who also work in technical or craft roles in entertainment. Understanding the union landscape helps you navigate set etiquette and respect the working conditions of your fellow crew members.
Pricing & Plans
IATSE initiation fees and dues vary significantly by local union and craft, as the organization is structured as a federation of local unions each serving specific geographic areas and craft specialties. Initiation fees can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the local, with some of the most in-demand crafts in major markets commanding higher initiation fees. Annual or quarterly dues also vary by local, typically ranging from $100-500+ per year depending on the specific union and location. Many locals require sponsorship from existing members, completion of an apprenticeship program, or demonstrated professional experience before accepting new members. Some locals maintain waiting lists for certain crafts, meaning even qualified applicants may wait months or years for membership. The benefits of IATSE membership include collectively bargained wages, health insurance, pension contributions, and regulated working conditions that are standard across major film and television productions.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
IATSE contracts set the working conditions on virtually every major film and television production in the United States and Canada, meaning understanding IATSE's role is essential for any actor working on professional sets, as crew members working alongside you are protected by these agreements. For actors who also work in technical or craft roles — directing, editing, camera operation, hair and makeup, costume design — IATSE membership provides access to the highest-paying and most professionally protected below-the-line positions in the entertainment industry. The union's health insurance and pension plans provide comprehensive benefits that are particularly valuable for entertainment industry workers whose employment is project-based and inconsistent. IATSE's collective bargaining has achieved significant improvements in working conditions, including mandatory rest periods between work days, regulated turnaround times, and safety standards that protect all workers on set. Understanding IATSE jurisdictions and protocols helps actors navigate set etiquette professionally, respecting the boundaries between performer and crew responsibilities that are defined by union agreements. The union's advocacy for fair treatment of entertainment workers extends beyond individual contracts to broader industry policy, including efforts to improve safety standards, address harassment, and ensure equitable compensation in the streaming era.
What Could Be Better
IATSE's local-based structure can be confusing and bureaucratic for newcomers, as each local has its own initiation requirements, fee structures, and application processes, making it difficult to navigate without insider knowledge or a mentor who understands the system. The sponsorship or apprenticeship requirements for some locals create a chicken-and-egg problem where you need connections to get membership but need membership to build connections, perpetuating established networks and making entry challenging for outsiders. Waiting lists at desirable locals in major markets can delay membership for extended periods, preventing qualified professionals from accessing union work even when they meet all other eligibility criteria. The union's strict jurisdictional rules mean that performing certain tasks on a union set without being a member of the appropriate local can create problems, and navigating these boundaries requires careful attention to craft-specific protocols. IATSE dues and initiation fees represent a significant financial commitment that is on top of any other union memberships an actor-technician may hold, such as SAG-AFTRA or Equity. The project-based nature of entertainment work means IATSE members may experience extended periods between covered jobs, during which they must maintain dues and membership status without corresponding income.
Our Recommendation
IATSE membership is recommended for actors who also work in below-the-line technical or craft roles and want access to the highest-paying, most professionally protected positions in those fields. The union is particularly relevant for actor-directors, actor-editors, and multi-hyphenate creators who perform both above-the-line and below-the-line roles across different projects. Actors who work exclusively in front of the camera and do not perform technical craft work do not need IATSE membership, but should understand the union's role on set to navigate professional set etiquette and crew relationships respectfully. If you are pursuing dual above-the-line and below-the-line careers, research the specific IATSE local that covers your craft in your geographic area and begin the membership process through the appropriate channel. Understanding IATSE's jurisdiction and the working conditions it protects helps actors be better colleagues and collaborators on set.
Pro Tips
Research the specific IATSE local that covers your craft and geographic area, as the application process, eligibility requirements, and fee structures vary significantly between locals and crafts. If possible, find a mentor who is an existing IATSE member in your craft to guide you through the membership process, as insider knowledge about local-specific requirements and culture significantly improves your chances of successful entry. If your local requires an apprenticeship or waiting period, use that time to build professional relationships and demonstrate your skills on non-union or lower-tier projects that still provide experience and references. Maintain your IATSE membership in good standing once achieved, as reinstatement after lapsed membership can be expensive and bureaucratically complex. If you hold both IATSE and SAG-AFTRA membership, understand how dual membership interacts on projects where you may perform both craft and on-camera work, and communicate clearly with production about your union status in both jurisdictions.