My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

State Theatre Production Staff Files Petition To Unionize

The group seeks to establish industry-standard wages and full benefits for all production staff and future employees.

By:
State Theatre Production Staff Files Petition To Unionize

Production staff members at Maine's State Theatre recently filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board, according to Portland Press Herald.

The group of around 35 stagehands have joined forces with the Portland-based International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 114, in their movement to establish industry-standard wages and full benefits for all production staff and future employees.

State Theatre manager Lauren Wayne has not yet responded to questions about whether the venue intends to recognize the union.

The group has stated that if management fails to voluntarily recognize the union by 5 p.m. Thursday, they intend to hold a labor board election. Devon Medeiros, the business agent for IATSE Local 114, says he's "extremely confident" that the vote would go in their favor. 

"They have really reasonable demands," he said. "They're not asking for anything that isn't what we would determine are both an industry standard or a regional standard. They're not looking to negotiate the State Theatre out of business."

"We are a diverse, highly skilled group who deserve to be valued with more than just high praise," stagehand Brian Cormier said.

Read the full story at Portland Press Herald.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best New Musical - Top 3
1. The Lost Boys
36.4% of votes
2. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
24.3% of votes
3. Schmigadoon!
22.9% of votes

Don't Miss a Maine News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Hairspray in Maine Hairspray
Maine State Music Theatre (6/03-6/20)
Billy Strings – 2 Day Pass in Maine Billy Strings – 2 Day Pass
Cross Insurance Arena (7/24-7/24)
Seussical in Maine Seussical
Royal River Community Players (6/12-6/21)
Small Town- A World Premiere John Mellencamp Musical in Maine Small Town- A World Premiere John Mellencamp Musical
OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE (10/01-11/01)
Rainbow Kitten Surprise in Maine Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Thompson's Point (9/13-9/13)
Shrek the Musical - TYA Version in Maine Shrek the Musical - TYA Version
Maine State Music Theatre (6/08-6/08)
Captain Jack & The Strangers: A Tribute to Billy Joel in Maine Captain Jack & The Strangers: A Tribute to Billy Joel
Maine State Music Theatre (7/26-7/27)
Robin & Clark's The Little Mermaid in Maine Robin & Clark's The Little Mermaid
Maine State Music Theatre (7/20-7/20)
The Producers in Maine The Producers
OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE (8/27-9/26)
Tick, Tick...Boom! in Maine Tick, Tick...Boom!
UMaine Machias Performing Arts Center (6/20-6/21)