IATSE Urges Against Kennedy Center Cancellations, Citing Removal Of “Critical Opportunities” For Crew

Amid a string of recent show cancellations at the Kennedy Center, the union that represents its crew is attempting to shine a light on the negative impact such moves can have on those behind-the-scenes workers.

“When productions walk away, it leaves more than just an empty stage — they leave behind critical opportunities for skilled middle-class workers to earn living in the arts, and forego a chance to inspire American audiences at this historic institution,” the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said in a statement Thursday.

Per the union, International President Matthew D. Loeb visited the Kennedy Center this week to hear crew concerns about the lack of work now that more than 20 shows have either cancelled or postponed performances since Donald Trump took over and installed his own team at the Washington, D.C. performing arts complex.

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Reactions to the cancellations have been mixed, and the conversation seemed to reach a fever pitch recently when the producers of Hamilton announced they were canceling a 2026 run in protest of Trump’s takeover.

In a statement of his own following his visit, Loeb said: “Behind-the-scenes workers need to feed our families and have neither participated in any decisions relating to booked content, nor have we considered social issues as a matter of whether we service a production in the history of our relationship at the Kennedy Center.”

IATSE has maintained the stance that, especially given the struggles below-the-line crew have faced in recent years, cancelling performances hurts more than it helps. The union expressed a similar sentiment when several Hollywood A-listers called for major award show cancellations in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in January.

“We have a contract and fulfill our end of the deal. We are the best, safest, most experienced workforce available and we’ve worked in the building since it opened 53 years ago, throughout all the challenges and successes the institution has seen,” Loeb’s statement continued. “It is our hope the Center can continue to offer the best to the public when it comes to promoting world-class productions, while protecting freedom of speech and expression, free of censorship in the spirit of foundational democratic values.”

There are seven IATSE locals represented at the Kennedy Center — Local 22 (Stagehands), Local 772 (Wardrobe), Local 798 (Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists), Local 868 (Treasurers & Ticket Sellers), Local B868 (Instant Charge/Telephone Sales and Information), Local USA 829 (Scenic Artists), and ATPAM Local 18032 (Theatrical Press Agents & Managers). Touring crews also operate under IATSE contracts.