We traveled to Bellus Academy recently and asked the brilliantly, talented Daniel Koye to come along and show the students some Broadway Magic with his wigs.. what we didn’t expect were the flurry of questions about unions.. So we called upon Daniel to shed some light on the mysterious world of union gigs and just how exactly one gets into the union.

What is a union and what can they do for me?

A union is for benefits and a pension fund. The IATSE (the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees) has a contract with all major Film, TV and Live theatrical productions. It’s the standard to work in the entertainment industry. Producers of the show pay into your retirement fund and it is the basis for all bargaining agreements for each production. So you know you will make AT LEAST ___ amount of money.

Does belonging to a union secure me a job in theater and/or television?

It does not. It does however give you an advantage over someone who is applying for a union job. The standard of being in the union will make negotiations with productions easier.

Do I have to belong to a union to work on Broadway or in television?

No. Depending what state you are in in my case NY is a right to work state. It is encouraged to belong to the union. Even not being in the union and working on a union production the union still take its weekly dues. So it’s better to be in the union.

How do I pay for a union?

The union is 3000.00 once you get in the union then depending on your contract its 3-5% of the contract’s minimum is deducted and paid to the union. There are also quarterly dues of 55.00 (subject to change per year). Also, check with your union as this is just my experience.

Is there an application or audition process in becoming part of the union?

There is an interview and portfolio review for you to get into the union. You submit your resume with your 190 hrs working on a union production and your application will be sent to the review board. Then an interview will be set up. Interviews happen once a year. The requirements change per year so check with your local’s website for specifics.

What is the process of joining a union look like?Do I have to be licensed to belong to a union (or licensed in a particular state)?

This can change from year to year as of right now. 190 working hrs on a union production in the past 5 years. A cosmetology license for hair and a certificate from a makeup school.

Are there different unions I should belong to? Will I get paid more?

Each state has a different union. For Make-up and hairstylists there are only 2 unions. You can only be in one. The jurisdictions are different for both. The local 798 territory is NY, Boston Atlanta, No Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Pittsburgh (the East Coast mostly) the Local 706 is the California make-up and hairstylist union. There are different unions called mixed unions through out the country that depending where your production is is what union you would need to join.

You can check out my union’s website and get a better feel for things. https://www.798makeupandhair.com/

In 1949, sixteen artists came together to request a charter for Local 798. This union of Make-up Artist and Hairstylist became part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. These founding members,a group of talented, trailblazing artists swiftly became well respected in the industry.

With the advent of live television in New York city, this Local became the benchmark for high-quality, efficient, well-rounded talent to service the growing industry.

Our members then and now are skilled and versatile in not one, but many genres. This diversification remains at the heart of the Local.

As productions grew and went on location, so did our ranks. With current membership numbering over 1200 artists, and our jurisdiction embracing Maine to Florida, our members are as diverse geographically as we are in our talents.

State of the Union