The Executive Board of Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) recently voted to contribute $50,000 to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP).
“This donation is an investment in the future of our membership,” says Local One president Edward McConway. “ETCP will bring us into the next generation of skills craftsmen that will perform our work safely. Hopefully, for the next 100 years.”
Local One is the stagehand union of IATSE and is the oldest local in the entertainment industry. Local One's members construct, install, maintain, and operate the lighting and sound equipment, scenery, and special effects in theatres, concert halls, and broadcast facilities throughout New York City.
Tim Hansen, chair of the Certification Council, says, “We are very pleased that the Local One has recognized the significance of this program with their very generous contribution. It is essential for the success of this program to have support from individual locals and the members they represent. Local One has stepped up to the plate in a major way.”
The ETCP Fundraising Campaign is seeking funds for the development stage of the program, which is expected to become self-supporting once the initial development phase is complete. The target for the campaign is $750,000 and IATSE's contribution brings the total pledges received to date to over $460,000.