San Diego Musical Theatre Workers Vote to Unionize With IATSE Local 122

Production workers at the San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) have voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122.

The newly formed union unit consists of 18 members. This group includes audio technicians, spotlight operators, deck crew, stage managers, and assistant stage managers, as well as wardrobe department staff, stitchers, and dressers.

Organizing Process and Management Resistance

Workers first initiated contact with representatives from IATSE Local 122 in December 2025 to seek representation.

The effort to organize faced resistance from SDMT management, which conducted an anti-union campaign. This campaign included personal appeals from management urging employees to reject the union.

Management also attempted to hold a captive audience meeting as part of the anti-union effort. However, the meeting was cancelled because no workers confirmed their attendance.

Union and Worker Perspectives

Robert Morales, a Business Representative for IATSE Local 122, stated that organizing the theatre helps the union increase density to improve industry conditions.

Building the theatre community has always been a priority for our Local. By organizing SDMT, we continue to build union density which in return helps us negotiate better contracts for everyone and uplift the industry.

Robert Morales, Business Representative for IATSE Local 122

Patricia Lutz, the Wardrobe Supervisor at SDMT, noted that collective representation provides workers with a mechanism to hold the company accountable for job security and working conditions.

Having union representation means I have a voice, that I am not alone when it comes to holding the company accountable for safety and working conditions. I am looking forward to working with the company to make much needed improvements and to have better job security….

Patricia Lutz, SDMT Wardrobe Supervisor

About San Diego Musical Theatre

The San Diego Musical Theatre is a community theatre that operates in an intimate venue with 172 seats.

In addition to its musical productions, the organization operates the SDMT Academy, a program designed to teach theatre arts to young people within the community.