Amid a string of recent show cancellations at the Kennedy Center, the union that represents its crew is attempting to shine a light on the negative impact such moves can have on those behind-the-scenes workers.
“When productions walk away, it leaves more than just an empty stage — they leave behind critical opportunities for skilled middle-class workers to earn living in the arts, and forego a chance to inspire American audiences at this historic institution,” the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said in a statement Thursday.
Per the union, International President Matthew D. Loeb visited the Kennedy Center this week to hear crew concerns about the lack of work now that more than 20 shows have either canceled or postponed performances since Donald Trump took over and installed his own team at the Washington, D.C. performing arts complex.
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Reactions to the cancellations have been mixed, and the conversation seemed to reach a fever pitch recently when the producers of Hamilton announced they were canceling a 2026 run in protest of Trump’s takeover.
In a statement of his own following his visit, Loeb said: “Behind-the-scenes workers need to feed our families and have neither participated in any decisions relating to booked content, nor have we considered social issues as a matter of whether we service a production in the history of our relationship at the Kennedy Center.”
IATSE has maintained the stance that, especially given the struggles below-the-line crew have faced in recent years, canceling performances hurts more than it helps. The union expressed a similar sentiment when several Hollywood A-listers called for major award show cancellations in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in January.
“We have a contract and fulfill our end of the deal. We are the best, safest, most experienced workforce available and we’ve worked in the building since it opened 53 years ago, throughout all the challenges and successes the institution has seen,” Loeb’s statement continued. “It is our hope the Center can continue to offer the best to the public when it comes to promoting world-class productions, while protecting freedom of speech and expression, free of censorship in the spirit of foundational democratic values.”
There are seven IATSE locals represented at the Kennedy Center — Local 22 (Stagehands), Local 772 (Wardrobe), Local 798 (Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists), Local 868 (Treasurers & Ticket Sellers), Local B868 (Instant Charge/Telephone Sales and Information), Local USA 829 (Scenic Artists), and ATPAM Local 18032 (Theatrical Press Agents & Managers). Touring crews also operate under IATSE contracts.
IATSE executive leadership has never had any balls. (Study labor history during the blacklist era.) Where is its solidarity with our brothers and sisters, union and non-union, who have lost their jobs and careers in government without good cause due to Musk and his sock puppet Trump? As an IA member, I am embarrassed.
As a long time supporter of IATSE stagehands this is a very disheartening message to read. To think that the Kennedy Center Crew would only think of themselves at a time when we are facing an unprecedented attack on our government and constitution from within, is completely reprehensible. Families are being torn apart, thousands of people on who we rely on are losing their jobs, our veterans are having help delayed, our children’s education is being white washed, and these people have the audacity to think about their pocketbooks. There already is plenty of suffering and undoubtedly there will be more. If the Kennedy Center is being affect then the International should be stepping in to help rather then allowing such a short sighted plea.
The union should take its plea to the White House, not the performers.
This is exactly what the right wing wants. People bickering and infighting amongst themselves while the rich continue to get richer. Sadly, many union members from all sectors voted for Trump, as they believed he would be there to back them.
I’m a proud IATSE member, albeit in Canada and I can say with certainty that the leadership of the IA was wholly in support of Harris.
I could not believe that the teamsters endorsed Trump and unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones.
Seriously if you followed the data research on the election you would not be pointing fingers @ the Union everyone knows chicanery happened with the voting machines.The early voting shows a bell curve election day @ the 200 mark an anomaly shows up. Do the research!
Then the uniond should have fought more to elect Kamala. Bring complacent has gotten us here. That’s on you.