Introduction to IATSE Local 168

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists & Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada has been expanding throughout the years.  Gradually, the stage employees and movie operators have been joined by a great variety of other craftspersons in other fields of the entertainment industry. The organization is best known as the I.A.T.S.E., but is often shortened to simply I.A.

Our local represents the many fine craftspeople, technicians, and Front of House personnel in the theatre and entertainment industry. Local 168 was re-chartered on October 1, 1992, and has continued to grow and expand, both in its membership and venue affiliations. Our jurisdiction in the areas of Stage and FOH is for all of Vancouver Island.  On occasion, we will also help out Local 891 if they require union members for a film shoot on Vancouver Island.

Presently, the local maintains a working relationship with the Royal & McPherson Theatres Society, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Tidemark Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Christie Lites Vancouver, Sharp’s AV, Medico Vancouver, Pacific Audio Works, Concert Works Canada Ltd, University of Victoria / University of Victoria Student’s Society, House of Blues Canada, Local 891, and Local 118.

The newest endeavor of the Local in early 2005 was to create our own company named, Victoria Stage Incorporated (V.S.I.).  V.S.I. was mainly setup to secure the stage labour for the new Victoria Save-On Foods Memorial Centre. V.S.I. currently holds the stage labour contract for the arena and will also be used to secure smaller contracts.