On Friday, May 6, the American Theatre Wing, and the Broadway League announced that United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE, will receive a 2022 Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. The Local Union joins four other outstanding contributors to the Broadway industry, including the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC); Broadway for All; music copyist, Emily Grishman; and Feinstein’s/54 Below. The Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre were established in 1990 and are awarded annually to institutions, individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in theatre but are not traditionally eligible in any of the established Tony Award categories.
“The Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre recognizes the contributions of those who collaborate behind-the-scenes,” said Edward Pierce, President of Local USA 829. “Remarkably, one-third of the Tony Awards celebrate the work of Designers. This Honor shines a spotlight on those creators who devote their artistry to realizing the worlds in which we tell stories. Local USA 829 unites our colleagues across the nation to lead our entertainment industry to value inclusion, diversity, and belonging for artists and workers. On behalf of the members of our union, thank you to the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing for this honor.”
United Scenic Artists (Local USA 829) is the national labor union and creative community of designers, artists, and professionals working across the entertainment industry. For over 125 years, Local USA 829 has proudly represented and advocated for its members and professionals working in live performance, film, television, and commercials through collective bargaining, action, and solidarity. From coast to coast, Local USA 829 seeks to foster the continuous improvement of the working and living standards for its members as well as elevate and celebrate the many crafts and categories of its membership, which includes: Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Sound, and Projection Designers; Scenic Artists; Computer Artists; Art and Costume Department Coordinators; and Scenic Shop workers.
“This award is credited to every single one of our members, to the Local USA 829 leaders who have paved the way, and to our incredible community of Scenic Artists, Designers, professionals, and kin who are the creative backbone of the entertainment industry,” said Local USA 829’s National Business Agent, Carl Mulert. “Over 125 years and this union still stands strong, collectively evolving to make the entertainment industry better for and more inclusive of all. I remain in awe of what this membership has and will continue to accomplish.”
Equally important is Local USA 829’s dedication to bolster an inclusive, anti-racist entertainment industry, one in which provides sustained and significant opportunities for underrepresented artists and workers. Union members are passionately committed to building an industry that fundamentally fosters and implements equality as a core tenet within entertainment. Through committees, negotiations, and education efforts, Local USA 829 members advance this agenda with mentorship and collaborative opportunities intended to shape and guide the communities that impact their colleagues and kin in entertainment.
“It is wonderful that United Scenic Artists has received this recognition from our Broadway colleagues,” said Cecilia Friederichs, who served as the union’s National Business Agent for 10 years as a well as Officer for 25 years. “The incredibly talented Designers and Scenic Artists of Local USA 829 have, for over a century, individually provided the visual and aural artistry that bring productions off the page and onto the stage while banding together as a labor union to promote and protect our collective ability to sustain careers as artists. Local USA 829 continues to grow and thrive and, through our work with our bargaining partners the Broadway League, will continue to build and expand this band of artists that provide a brilliant and dynamic workforce able to meet every challenge the future of live theatre may bring ‘cause there’s no people like show people….let’s go on with the show!’”
“Our members—through their designs and art, industrial innovations, and visual skills on the stage, screen and beyond—have played a significant part of the entertainment industry and global culture,” said Beverly Miller, who served as President of Local USA 829 for over 24 years. “From the very beginning, Local USA 829 has led the way in order to set standards in entertainment and upholding its foundational mission of improving the lives of workers. Many thanks for this great honor that our union will cherish.”
Further information from Local USA 829: www.usa829.org
