Minneapolis, MN – 29 front of house, ticketing staff, and public-facing workers at Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company are set to join The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 13 after management agreed to voluntarily recognize the group’s union last month.
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire 250,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award® for regional theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony® nominations.
While IATSE Local 13 already represents stagehands at CTC as well as several other venues throughout the metro, this marks the first time the local will extend its representation to front of house and public-facing workers. “I think because of this big win, other front of house and public-facing workers will feel a little more confident in organizing their workplaces,” said organizing committee member Kellie Larson. “It has really been a great honor to represent these folks.”
The decision by the Children’s Theater Company to voluntarily recognize the unionization of front-of-house workers aligns with a broader trend in the U.S. live events industry. Employers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of a unionized workforce, emphasizing the importance of maintaining staffing levels, enhancing skills, ensuring safety, and providing comprehensive training.
“This organizing campaign would not have gone as smoothly if it was not for the complete solidarity of this unit,” said IATSE Representative Amanda Sager. “They were on top of everything from the start. I am personally very proud of them.”
Live Event Workers nationwide are coming together to win essential access to healthcare, training, robust safety measures, mental health resources, and avenues for professional growth. If you are interested in joining the movement, head to iatse.net/join to contact a live events organizer.
