Welcome to the IATSE Local 251 Education Page!

This page is under construction, but when it is finished, it will include information on educational opportunities with IATSE Local 251, in the Madison area, online, with other Locals in the area, and beyond. I will also include links to apps, books, websites, movies, and other materials that pertain to stage work and labor.

If anyone is interested in teaching or organizing a class or educational outing, please reach out to me at education@iatse251.com. I would also love to get your suggestions on your favorite apps, websites, books, and other resources.

Thanks and remember – the more you learn, the more you learn!

Stephanie Wild – IATSE 251 Education Chair.

Certifications

Certifications are one way to increase your value as a stagehand. Some jobs require certification to prove that you have received valuable safety information regarding the operation of equipment. Certifications do not necessarily prove familiarity with the equipment and it may take some practice to be able to operate a piece of equipment comfortably and independently.

Some recommended certifications help you to be a better co-worker. Mental Health First Aid and First Aid/CPR/AED training are recommend for everyone to increase our capacity to handle emergencies as they arise.

Equipment Certifications

1. MEWPS – Also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, including Scissor Lifts, Boom Lifts, and Single Person Lifts (Genie lifts)
   • IATSE 251 has two trainers that occasionally offer classes
   • Sunbelt and other manufacturers offer certification classes in person
   • While several online certifications exist, these do not provide skills testing on the piece of equipment

1. Forklift
   • IATSE 251 has two trainers that occasionally offer classes
   • Sunbelt and other manufacturers offer certification classes in person
   • While several online certifications exist, these do not provide skills testing on the piece of equipment

Safety Certifications

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30– Approximately 10 – 30 hours of Basic Safety Instruction on the laws that govern safety on the jobsite. These classes are required on many construction sites and in some geographical areas for stage work. Classes are offered in General Industry and Construction. The IATSE Training Trust Fund has created OSHA 10 classes that pertain more to stage work than the regular classes. The IATSE Stagecraft Department has recommended that all stage workers take an OSHA 10 course. OSHA 30 courses are generally targeted at supervisors, which would include stewards, heads, and touring personnel.

1. IATSE 251 has offered in person OSHA 10 training. The last class was in October 2019
2. IATSE Training Trust Fund – The TTF lists all upcoming OSHA 10 Entertainment classes being sponsored by the TTF. These classes are FREE to anyone working under an IATSE contract. Currently, the classes listed are only online, but once in-person classes become common again, it is possible to attend an OSHA 10 class being offered by another local
3. Event Safety Alliance – The ESA occasionally hosts online OSHA 10 and 30 classes that focus on Event Safety. Current rates for the OSHA 10 courses are $85 – $100.
4. Lankey and Limey LTD – Lankey and Limey occasionally offer OSHA 10 and 30 courses. Check the website for details.

Safety First by the IATSE Training Trust Fund – a series of 20 online modules recommended by the IATSE Stagecraft Department for all stage workers. These trainings are FREE to anyone working under an IATSE contract and can be taken on your own schedule.

Event Safety Access Training – Event Safety Alliance created this brief overview of safety considerations in the event space. This is an online course comprised of 8 modules you can take on your own schedule. Cost is $9.95.

Emergency Training

Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid gives you tools for recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis and helping someone through it. This training is offered through the Behind the Scenes Charity to specialize in the unique struggles of our industry. If the certification is obtained through Behind the Scenes, the Training Trust Fund will reimburse the $125 fee upon proof of certification.

CPR/First Aid/AED – CPR/First Aid/AED training can enable you to assist in the unfortunate event of an injury on the worksite. The Training Trust Fund will reimburse according to the following stipulations: First Aid/CPR/AED Certification – up to $100 | Live classroom courses are offered through the American Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, and American Heart Association. Online only courses are not eligible for reimbursement.

STOP THE BLEED – STOP THE BLEED training and certification prepares you to respond to a massive blood loss. The training is online and free at https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/online-course/

Incident Command System – The incident command system is utilized by emergency during disasters, but is also practiced during special events like large concerts and festivals. The Event Safety Podcast recently did a couple episodes about the importance of understanding the mechanics of the ICS for event professionals. The FEMA website offers many courses for free with ICS 100 and 700 offering a good introduction.

Skill-Based Certifications

ETCP – ETCP certifications are offered in the areas of Arena Rigging, Theatrical Rigging, Portable Power Distribution, and Entertainment Electrics. These are not meant to be entry-level certifications, as they each require a significant number of hours worked and/or educational degrees from accredited institutions. These certifications can open the door to head positions within these departments as well as training positions. The Training Trust Fund will reimburse up to $550 for the cost of the exam one time, in addition to renewal costs.

CTS – CTS Certification by AVIXA is intended for Live Event workers in the growing field of AV. The Training Trust Fund will reimburse up to $300 for the cost of the exam one time, in addition to renewal costs.

SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) Rigging Certifications – SPRAT Certification indicates a demonstrated ability for a rigger to use Rope Access techniques safely to access areas that may not be accessible from traditional safety lines. The Training Trust Fund will reimburse up to $1600 for SPRAT Certification.

3G Welding (TIG, MIG, Stick) – The Training Trust Fund will reimburse up to $550 for these welding certifications.

Dante – Free training on an audio over ethernet protocol that is utilized in many audio systems including Overture Hall. It is an industry standard for all audio personnel.

Skills

Electrics

ETC (Electronic Lighting Controls) in Middleton, WI offers training in Lighting controls, DMX troubleshooting, Console Operation, Networking and more through its Learning Stage courses.

Audio

Rigging and Carpentry

Delong Rigging – One Shot Rigging is a comprehensive set of videos on a wide range of rigging topics including Counterweight Rigging Systems and Arena Rigging.

Chicago Flyhouse – Offers low-cost Online Training at both Essential Skills and Premium levels. Flyhouse Films contains Youtube videos on a number of Rigging topics.

ETC (Electronic Lighting Controls) in Middleton, WI offers training in its Prodigy Automated Rigging system and more through its Learning Stage courses.

EPS Solves Training – Online classes, information about in-person classes, and free videos

IATSE 470 has a fantastic collection of Rigging Resources on their site and occasionally offer classes in Theatrical Rigging, Ground Rigging, and Arena Rigging

Wardrobe

AV and Video

ETC (Electronic Lighting Controls) in Middleton, WI offers training in Console Operation, Networking and more through its Learning Stage courses.

AVIXA – A large collection of AV classes. A partnership between AVIXA and the IATSE Training Trust allows for several classes to be taken for free by workers under IATSE contracts.

Hair and Makeup

Props