About | IATSE Local 187

How the Local works

IATSE Local 187 is a Hiring Hall Labor Union. We negotiate collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with venues and employers to represent our members and non-member workers. When a venue or employer contacts us to staff an event, our Business Agent sends calls to our people. Beginning first with Journeyman members of the Local, then Apprentices, and then non-members on our overhire list.

Working for us

We work a lot of various kinds of shows, from corporate events and weddings, to Broadway, all the way to stadium concerts. If you want to get involved, fill out our Work Interest form and tell us about yourself. Our Business Agent will get that information and let you know what you can expect.

After you've worked with us for a while, you might decide you want to join the union. Talk to a member about how that process works. We open applications for Apprentices every January and July. Applicants will take a test to evaluate what you know. This helps us make a more informed decision about who we place in our three year Apprenticeship Program where you will learn every facet of our industry.

History of the Local

Local 187 was established in 1910, just seventeen years after the founding of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, it's Territories and Canada (IATSE). Our Charter established Local 187 as a mixed local covering Indiana's central border with Michigan with the cities of South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth, and Culver. Though it reached into Michigan as well with the inclusion of Niles, uniting the entirety of the Michiana area.

The Local's history predates the construction of its principle venue The Morris Performing Arts Center, which was built in 1922. Today, the Local serves as The Morris' primary labor force putting on symphonies, concerts, movie night, broadway tours, comedy acts, and more. Though The Morris is the Local's pride and joy, it is by no means the only place you will find us. Acting as the labor behind stadium concerts like AC/DC, Garth Brooks, and others; IATSE 187 works closely with The University of Notre Dame to put on major concerts in the Campus's beautiful stadium under the watchful eye of the famous Touch Down Jesus. Elsewhere, we work behind the scenes on local festivals, corporate events, weddings, camera shoots, and more. Anywhere there is events and entertainment, you can probably find us.

Executive Board

President