IATSE Joins ESTA Certification Council

IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories, and Canada, has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA's new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians. The key areas of electrical skills and rigging skills have been identified for initial development in the ESTA Personnel Certification Program.

IATSE president Thomas C. Short has appointed Anthony DePaulo, eleventh vice president of the general executive board and business agent of Local 1, and Brian Lawlor, co-director of the stagecraft division, as representatives to the Council.

ESTA president Mike Wood comments, “It is essential for the success of this program that it has strong representation from the labor unions, and we are delighted that IATSE has accepted this leading role on the Certification Council. Their input and support will be invaluable.”

The ESTA Certification Council will represent the diversity of the industry. Members will include key leaders in entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia. ESTA is in the process of extending invitations for Certification Council membership.