NEW YORK CITY: Vineyard Theatre has ratified its first collective bargaining agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which formally recognizes the union as the representative for its covered backstage and overhire crew members. The agreement, which takes effect April 27, establishes a clear framework for wages, benefits, workplace protections, scheduling, and safety moving forward. This marks a milestone for Vineyard Theatre and its workforce after a series of strikes from Off-Broadway technical theatre workers last year that also rocked Atlantic Theater Company, the Public Theater, and the Off-Broadway productions of Titanique and Little Shop of Horrors.
According to a release from Vineyard leadership, the contract includes competitive wage scales aligned with industry standards, access to union healthcare benefits with employer contributions, and clear workplace standards that support both employees and the theatre’s continued artistic excellence. It also underscores a mutual commitment to equity, inclusion, and professional respect, while helping to create more sustainable career pathways in the theatre industry for backstage and production workers.
“Reaching this agreement is an important milestone for Vineyard Theatre and for the crew members whose work is essential to bringing our productions to life,” said Moogie Brooks, Vineyard Theatre’s managing producer, in a statement. “We are proud to have arrived at this first contract through a thoughtful, collaborative process that reflects our shared commitment to fairness, respect, and sustainability. We look forward to continuing this partnership in support of a strong future for our institution and the people who make the work possible.”
Brooks shared gratitude to Neil Kutner of Keene Consulting for representing Vineyard’s values throughout the negotiation process, local union representatives Mike Barnes and Brian Munroe of IATSE National, and the bargaining workforce for their collaboration and commitment to creating a fair and equitable contract.
“Behind the scenes workers are the backbone of live entertainment,” Munroe said in a statement. “They deserve fair wages, benefits, and union representation. The Vineyard Theatre worked in good faith negotiations with the IATSE to achieve this. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Vineyard.”
With this agreement in place, Vineyard Theatre and IATSE move forward in partnership with a shared vision for a strong, ongoing relationship that supports both workers and the long-term health of the institution.
