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The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada was founded in 1893 when representatives of stagehands working in eleven cities met and pledged to support each others’ efforts to establish fair wages and working conditions for their members. Our union has evolved over the succeeding 119 years to embrace the development of new entertainment mediums, craft expansion, technological innovation and geographic growth. Today the IATSE is the largest union representing workers in the entertainment industry.

The IATSE Studio Mechanics Local 476 of Chicago was chartered in 1931.  Our  members work in all forms of live theater, motion picture and television production. We represent virtually all the behind the scenes workers in crafts ranging from Motion Picture Lighting and Special Effects to Theatrical Hair and Make-Up to First Aid and Craft Services. 

Our Motion Picture Crews have been the force behind such iconic films as "The Blues Brothers", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Home Alone", "The Breakfast Club", "The Untouchables", "High Fidelity", "The Dark Knight", and hundreds more. 

Our Theatrical Crews provide the Hair and Make-Up, Wigs and more for world-famous shows such as "The Phantom of the Opera", "The Lion King", "Cats", "Momma Mia", and also hundreds more.

Our Television Crews have helped create such shows as "Crime Story", "Early Edition", "ER", "Chicago Fire", "Empire" and  other shows we watch in our living rooms every night. As well as the hundreds of Commercials and Music Videos we have all grown to love over the years. 

The IATSE Local 476 Studio Mechanics are dedicated to providing economic security, fair working conditions and a safe work environment for its members and their families. We also provide the most experienced, most highly trained and skilled craftspeople working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  

Proudly representing the following Job Categories:

  • Gaffer
  • Best Boy (Electric)
  • Fixture Gaffer   
  • Special Operator/Fixture Rate                   
  • Electrician
  • Generator Operator
  • Production Van Driver/Generator Operator
  • Lighting Console Programmer/Dimmer Board Operator             
  • Key Grip
  • Best Boy (Grip)
  • Dolly Grip/Crane Operator
  • Crane Tech
  • Grip
  • Scenic Artist
  • Set Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Sculptor/Modeler
  • Set Decorator
  • Lead Person / On-Set Dresser
  • Buyer / Gang Boss
  • Swing Gang (Set)
  • Prop Master
  • Armorer
  • Assistant Props (On-Set)
  • Props Buyer
  • Props
  • Coordinator (Carpenter)
  • Carpenter Foreman / Standby Carpenter
  • Gang Boss/Construction
  • Carpenters / Welders
  • Tool Room Technician
  • Paint Supervisor
  • Painter/Plasterer Foreman
  • Painters/Plasterers
  • Paper Hangers / Standby Painter                
  • Labor Foreman
  • Laborers
  • Surface Protection Foreman
  • Stylist (Wardrobe) 
  • Script Supervisor
  • Sound Mixer
  • Sound Boom
  • Sound Technician
  • Sound Playback
  • Video Engineer/Computer Video Supervisor
  • Video Assist/Playback
  • Video Assist Assistant
  • Teleprompter
  • Make-up
  • Hair Stylist
  • First Aid
  • Special Effects Coordinator
  • Licensed Pyro Operator
  • Asst Pyro Technician
  • Special Effects (Foreman)
  • Special Effects (Assist)
  • Special Effects Welder Foreman
  • Special Effects Welder
  • Heating/Air Conditioner Operator
  • Craft Service (Foreman)
  • Craft Service (Assist)
  • Greensman Foreman
  • On-Set Greensman
  • Greensman
  • Studio Teacher/Welfare Worker
  • Production Office Coordinator
  • Asst. Production Officer Coordinator
  • Travel Coordinator         
  • Art Department Coordinator
  • Set Dec Coordinator
  • Accountant Including Payroll
  • Assistant Acct Including Payroll        
  • Script Coordinator
  • Writers Assistant
  • Illustrator/Storyboard Artist
  • Facility Stage Manager