The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 13 is the longest standing arts related worker organization in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) metro area.

Chartered in January of 1894, IATSE Local 13 has proudly represented the interests of the men and women working behind the scenes of area theatres for 129 years.

IATSE 13

In 1999, IATSE 13 was merged with IATSE 20 (originally chartered in July 1894 and representing the St. Paul Minnesota area) and IATSE Local 781 (originally chartered in November 1944 and representing the costume and wardrobe workers across the Twin Cities Metro area.)

IATSE 13 is committed to maintaining and improving working conditions for the men and women who work behind the scenes of live theatrical and trade show events.

IATSE 13 is also committed to the ideals and benefits of trade unionism to improve the lives of members and the community as a whole.

IATSE 13’s Business Agent is Wendell Bell.

Name of their international union: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

An introduction to IATSE International:

Mission: To support members’ efforts to establish fair wages and working conditions throughout the IATSE_logoUnited States and Canada, embrace the development of new entertainment mediums, expand the craft, innovate technology and grow the union to new geographic areas.

Current Leadership of Union: Matthew D. Loeb serves as international president.

Matthew D. Loeb

He was first elected in 2008 and has been a member of the United Scenic Artists Local 829 since 1989, Local 52 since 1996 and of Local 491 since it was first established in 1994. Loeb was IATSE’s first director of Motion Picture and Television Production. He also serves on UNI Global Union’s world executive board and is president of UNI’s Media and Entertainment Industry sector. James B. Wood is the general secretary-treasurer of the IATSE.

Current Number of Members: 140,000.

Members Work As: Virtually all the behind-the-scenes jobs in crafts ranging from motion picture animator to theater usher.

Industries Represented: All forms of live theater, motion picture and television production, trade shows and exhibitions,

James B. Wood

television broadcasting, concerts, and the equipment and construction shops that support all these areas of the entertainment industry.

History: IATSE formed in 1893 when representatives of stagehands from 11 cities met in New York. They pledged to support each other’s efforts to obtain better wages and working conditions. As technology advanced, the union moved to embrace new developments and an expansion of the craft. This dedication to adaptability in structure and goals helped grow IATSE to a membership of more than 140,000.

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: Member safety is one of the pillars of IATSE and they have a hotline and smartphone app specifically dedicated to it. IATSE provides training in digital organizing and social media along with activism and offline organizing. The union provides scholarships, supports the efforts of women and young workers in the industry and highlights the community service of IATSE locals.