I can understand being upset coming to NY and not being able to see a show you have counted on or planned your trip around. But you have to look att he bigger picture here. Have you every asked why ticket prices are what they are or how the money in that ticket is broken down? A very small percentage goes to paying the stagehand, wardrobe member or any other crew member. Have the producers told anyone that they put a surcharge on your ticket so that they could stock pile monies for just such an event? They knew this was going to happen and they stockpiled monies so they could pay pack those ticket holders. This came as no surprise to them and they could have prevented it. So don't go blaming the stagehand who is the backbone of Broadway until you have ALL the facts and truly have walked in their shoes!

Chris
PROUD IA member since 1987

Chris, Wilkes Barre, PA

Such negative comments towards the Stagehands make me sad, and the suggestion to just go non-union seems so uninformed. I don't think any of the people making negative comments here have even a tiny idea how skilled the people behind the scenes are and how much the show depends on them. I also don't think they have any idea how much every professional stagehand has sacrificed throughout their lives to do what they love and bring the magic of theater to the public. It would take a year long college course on unionized labor and the history of the I.A.T.S.E. in America to truly outline the stagehand's position so please just believe that 100 years of quiet, peaceful and dedicated work by these people really counts for something. Also, believe it if you want or not but I don't know a stagehand out there who enjoys NOT putting on a show. They love the performances just as much as the actors and audiences and this strike is tough for them too. Good luck and please end this soon.

Dan - 10 year stagehand, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

There are people coming to this great city just to see the show you help create. You are paid more than the average hospitality worker in Manhattan. What is your problem? You are selfish. The city has provided you with a job, career, oppurtunity. What do you do? You disappoint everyone who has spent money to treat their families to unique experience. Why? Why stand outside int the cold rather than inside the theater where you agreed to work.

JKING, yourtown,

I emphatize with the stagehands but I was dissapointed last weekend after traveling from Nashville, TN to New York just to see The Color Purple. I'm a huge fan of Fantasia and wanted to see her perform. This is my second time paying for tickets to see a performance by Fantasia and not getting to see her. Jamie Foxx advertised that Fantasia was going to be a part of his show in Nashville but after going to the show we found out she was only featured in select cities. I don't know if I will ever try going back to New York to see a show since union workers can strike at anytime and you are out of your travel money, airfare, hotel and food and never see a show.

Cheryl Brady, Nashville, TN

Cheryl Brady, Nashville, TN

Is this an example of the Union fighting for the little guy against the empire owners? Or is it an example of the Union finding a strangle hold on an industry that is vulnerable to the union strike power?

The yearly average wage for a stagehand is way over a $100K, with the minimum wage during a running show being $1600/week for electricians etc, and $1200 for the least skilled. Add in the overtime, premiums, and it gets to the high average wage of $115,000/yr, more than the average city teacher pay, which is less than a $100K for a 20year master's level teacher. You see what NYC values... that which brings in the money to the city.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/26/theater/26hand.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

How much money does the average worker in a nursing home make, the one changing diapers, bedpans, the one urging an elderly lady take ONE MORE BITE of food? Show me justice, fairness, in the workplace and I'll be happy.

What do we value as a society in America?

dj of raleigh, raleigh, nc

I love the theater. I developed that love through my parents. Every year My husband and I take my parents to New York by train to see a play. My fathers heart is very bad and I know that time is not on our side. Last year my father declined to go at the last minute, expressing that he didn't feel strong enough to handle the train and crowds. My parents have been married for almost 60 years. Their first date was to see the movie Cyrano De Bergerac. I have tickets to take them next Friday. I got my father to agree to go by telling him that I will drive them into the city and drop them off at the theater. This might be the last time I will be able to see a play with both of my parents. I respect everyone involved with the theater. I am passing the love of Broadway to my children. Please try to settle this soon, it effects so many more than the stagehands.

BONNIE RISI, DOYLESTOWN, PA

my husband recently surprised me witha trip to New York but more important tickets to see Fantasia in the Color Purple, I fell in love with her voice after watching the American Idol. The Color Purple is one of my favorite films so the two together is a dream come true. We are due to see the show in three days time. I don't want to travel unless I can see the show but would now loose all the money to cancel the trip at the eleventh hour. I can't express how disappointed I am. The strike has took all the shine off our trip. I cant even reschedule as Fantasia is only in the show until 6Th January and work commitments prevent us from travelling another time. Needless to say I won't be travelling to New York again the risks of an outside force ruining our short break are too great.

Jackie Heald, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK

such a shame that greed and the inability to talk and negotiate will result in disapointment for so many. we are flying to New york this weekend, first time ever for our daughters 18th birthday, and have tickets to see Les Miserables. this will hardly make us sympathetic towards the stagehands "plight".

anita Thorpe, fort worth, texas

This is such a big disappointment to my family and I. I have waited 40 years to go to New York and see a broadway show. We have reservations to stay in the city and take our children to see Hairspray. It was a ton of money for us to buy these tickets to see a show. I don't know when we will be able to bring our children back to New York. With the cost of the plane tickets, hotel and food while we are there we may not be able to afford to come back. It is too late to cancel our trip and get our money back. I don't even know how to begin to tell my children they may not get to see a show while we are there. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS SOON.

Lisa, Athens, GA,

I realize that all of us struggle when it comes to doing more than just paying our bills, when we really want to improve our way of life. So, I understand the stagehands side of that.

I will be a first-time visitor to NY in just 3 weeks. I have dreamed of seeing The Lion King since it has been in production. So, I hope that both sides will find a common ground and settle their differences so that people like me and the many others who have commented will get to keep their dream alive--seeing their favorite Broadway show in the greatest city, with the greatest actors, greatest stagehands, and greatest producers. If they will all value each other for the fantastic work they all do, they might be able to see how the "whole" works together and then can come to an agreement that satisfies both sides. But for any involved who might be reading this--PLEASE HURRY!!

Cathy Collins, Hixson, TN

I hope that there is a resolution to this strike immediately. My wife and I are driving to New York from Virginia this weekend for the sole purpose of seeing a performance of The Color Purple; which by the way would be our first Broadway experience. If the show doesn't go on as scheduled, not only would be be very disappointed about not seeing this performance, but it would also make us leery about purchasing tickets for future Broadway productions. Please consider that fact that this strike not only affects you, but also the theater patrons that are ACTUALLY paying your salaries.

Gregg Owens, Woodbridge, VA

I am so disappointed. I am flying there in 2 weeks from California and was excited to go see a show. That is why we stay in Times Square. I have already purchased airline tickets and a hotel room close to the theatre. Now my birthday has been ruined!! Totally unfair to the consumer.

Hegenbart Family , Riverside , CA

As i read many of the comments about vacations to NYC spoiled because of the strike, it reminds me that we are all connected. It's no different than being stuck in traffic because someone got into a car accident. Yes, there are inconveniences in the world...not everything will go your way all the time (or perhaps most of the time)
If we could all complain a little less and instead ask "how can I help?" we might begin to find solutions to our "problems" Especially during this time of Thanksgiving...what are you thankful for? Health? A roof over your head? A warm bed? A mother who cares about you? Food on the table? A computer that allows you to voice your concern?
Certainly it sucks to have your show cancelled, but it's NYC!! There are a thousand ways to explore that great city from museums to parks and neighborhoods and Lady Liberty. Make lemonade out of lemons. And remember that we are not promised anything in life-we take risks, sometimes they pay off, and sometimes they don't

Linda, La, OH

Please settle this strike as soon as possible. My daughter and I have been planning our trip for months and have tickets for Wicked this Saturday night. Now, everything else is selling out that wasn't affected by the strike and it's impossible to book anything. Our trip will be ruined if this isn't settled.

Cathy Fisher , Beckley , WV

I am completely outraged about this. Next week My family and I are flying out to NY. We are coming from CALIFORNIA! Our trip is soley based around taking our daughters to see The Little Mermaid! We have had our tickets for months not to mention our plane tickets, and hotel reservations! My dauhgters ages 8 and 10 have been doing a count down until the day we leave. They are SOOO upset! I even took them shopping for special outfits for this show ! It is a really big deal for us as we HAVE NEVER been to NY before…This was a special family trip for us and it is being ruined!

VERY IRRESPONSIBLE! People come from all over the Country to see your plays!!!! Is the Union and producers going to reimburse my Hotel and plane tickets!!!!!

Gail, Corona, CA

i think this is rediculous.... our whole family sees a broadway play together each year for christmas, and that is the only time we see eachother, and we're all bumbed about this. JUST GIVE THE GUYS A RAISE!!!!! we were alll SOOOOO exctied, and my family is coming from all over the country, so this is a total bummer.... it's a real big shame

Ali Malecka, Darien, CT

My sisters and I have planned this trip to NYC since April. One of my sisters has lung cancer and this is the one thing she wanted to do. See NYC and a Broadway Show. I am deeply disappointed in this strike. I wonder how much time was spent at the negotiating table before they decided to strike. We are due to go to NYC this weekend (Nov 16th) and are trying to decided what to do. I realize stagehands need to negotiate, but the price patrons are paying for this strike as well as area businesses, it just seems selfish to me. I hope they hustle to clear this up quickly. Although from reports over the weekend, it seems to me like no one at the negotiating table is in a hurry to clear this up for the miost important people - the customers.

Brenda, Weare, NH

Stagehands are more essential to the show then the actors. You can stand and sing anywhere,but for a Broadway show you need lights, sets, and everything else that adds the magic to Broadway. This is what the stagehands provide, the magic. Many of you are upset because your vacations planned around Broadway shows were disrupted, however these stagehands are what is making your trip worth taking. They give up every evening at home with their kids, every weekend soccer game, weekend birthday parties, etc to make your vacation worth taking. Appreciate that and as others have said contact the correct people so they will be more inclined to resolve the strike.

Becca O. , New York City,

We have been planning and looking forward to the Macy 's Day Parade for 3 years... I have been looking forward to taking my daughter to the Phantom of the Opera for years and after saving and saving for this trip... Now it seems $s are being disputed..and the poor producers and stage hands can't decide who should get all these $s..... Just like all high priced entertainment including baseball, hockey, etc... when there's lots of $$s being made... people get greedy... go ahead and forget about all the patrons.... go ahead and hurt yourselves fighting for the $s... Hopefully the patrons will go on strike against you.... Won't be much to fight about then... I don't know whos right or wrong ,producers or stage hands...but you should think about US as No.1 and work it out FAST....

Dbeam, Here, KY

My mom has taken her very dear friend to NY to celebrate her 80th birthday. They had a week of shows planned. This will probably their only chance to do this. I feel so bad for them as their trip was planned around the broadway shows. They have travelled from the Cayman Islands and have been booked for months. Their week is now ruined. That and a lot of money to boot......

Sheree, George Town, Grand Cayman

I have never understood why they don't just ignore the union and hire workers who are willing to work for what they offer. After all, according to a radio talk show this afternoon, these "stagehands" have six-figure incomes. Is it fear of union-lead violence?

Scott Schuckert, Quakertown, PA

I purchased two tickets to take my friend to see Hairspray for her sweet 16 on Nov. 18th. We were really looking forward to seeing this particular cast perform. I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS! I understand that the stagehands have the right to go on strike, but it bothers me that they almost show no feeling towards the THOUSANDS of people spending money on tickets, and transportation. I just really hope that this works out by Sunday, but I have some serious doubts.

Phil Green, Philadelphia,

I am angry. My daughter and I are traveling to New York during Thanksgiving week on a trip we have dreamed of for many years. She gave me tickets to Wicked for Mother's Day. It is extremely disappointing that we cannot see that show. Please try to resolve the dispute as soon as possible. Open communication is the way to an acceptable solution.

Karen Joseph, Mercer,

As we do not know the entire story I think it's more than fair to say we cannot judge. I think the fact that the union has not gone on strike in 100 years speaks volumes. This is not a group to hastily go on strike, simply because. And let me remind most of you, if it weren't for unions, we would not have the 40 hour work week, we would not have overtime pay and we would not have benefits with our jobs. That is something to remember. Strikes are never convenient and they frequently make things difficult for others, but there's usually a good reason for them. But, remember what the unions have done for all of us.

Adrienne, Emeryville, CA

Interesting that the stage hands decided to strike on the opening night of a children's play - Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas AND the 10th anniversary of the premier of The Lion King. We are flying across the country from a suburb of Seattle to celebrate our son's 9th birthday, and we get to tell him that he can't see his favorite movie as a on stage as a play because....why? I'd like some stage hands and union execs to come explain this to he and his seven year old sister. It's not the $$ or the time spent planning the trip, but the disappointment of our children that has us thinking that we won't be visiting Broadway ever again. Thanks to the adults who can't work this out:)

Colleen, Medina, WA

Well my school planned a huge New York trip last year and in that trip we were going to see Legally Blond. My mom paid a lot of money for me to go on this trip because she knows how much theater means to me. We leave this friday and were planning to see Legally Blond and The Rockettes on Monday and Tuesday. What else are we going to do with 46 people on a Monday and Tuesday night? Especially since all of the parents already factored in the money it cost for the broadway show tickets! I am pretty ticked.... couldn't this strike just end already?

Brittany, St. Louis, MO

It is unfortunate that people like Mr. Navis are given a forum for expressing such unfounded rumors and opinions. It is certainly clear that he doesn't know anything about the real inner workings of the Broadway Theatrical Industry, just as some of the members of the League of American Theater Owners and Producers have shown. The real cost of these shows lies in the elaborate, spectacular Lighting, Scenic, and Costume packages that are requested and approved by the Producers. It is the highly technical skills of the stagehands and their high work ethics that get these shows off the ground. Not to mention the 16 hr, 7 day p/week, 30 straight days p/month schedule without seeing their wives and children except for fleeting glances in the middle of the night or on speaker phone. I doubt Mr. Navis would last one day loading in a large scale production in a Broadway theater, maybe he should just stick to his video games at his cubicle and leave the "real" work to Skilled Union Men.

Mike, New York, NY

I think it's a bit pathetic that people earning about $80,000 each year BEFORE we figure in all the extras have the nerve to go on strike when there are PLENTY of New Yorkers still looking for work and would love a job that pays half of what these guys make. I say that if you are dissatisfied with your job and its perks (like getting paid even if there is no show in your theater and the fact that you only work a few hours each day) then quit and find something more to your liking. Let a real New Yorker have the job.
Unions are, for the most part, the reason that ticket prices are so high. (Some theaters have to employ musicians even though the theater is dark or is showing a non-musical production.) These guys could never make it in the real world.
Jennifer, thye reason they are striking is just plain selfishness and inconsideration. I think the union should pay for your plane ticket.

Ed Navis, Little Falls, NJ

If the strike was such a surprise to the League, why had they put aside 20 million in a strike fund? They were well aware when they left the table on Thursday that a strike was eminent. If they wanted to save the theater patrons from the expense of coming to town to see their shows, they could have made a press release earlier. They have to share the reponsibility of "dark houses" and unhappy patrons.

S. Powers, Dallas, Texas

I paid for a round trip airline ticket just to see Legally Blonde, and they had to go on strike- HOW BOGUS ! Like fer sure- they should have the decency to go on strike when it's more convienent for me !

Jennifer Huizingh, Grand Rapids, Michigan

When my daughter was 8 years old (she is now almost 15) I asked her what her "dream trip" would be...she immediately said, "to go to New York and see some broadway plays!". I have spent the last 6 months planning and saving for a trip to NYC arriving this Thursday, November 15th. I have bought tickets to Wicked, Mamma Mia, and Hairspray. I have spent a small fortune only to find out we will not see any of the shows.

Thanks a lot.

Kate Matthews, Macon, GA/USA

We have tickets to see RENT on 11/17. I agree with the strike. They say the stagehands are overpaid. Try to do that job. God bless them. They have families too. The stagehands are not the little people. They are the backbone of the show.

Denise Ragnoli, Philadelphia, PA

Yes, it sucks for the audience members. But, at the same time, the theatres need to listen to the stagehands' demands and this will get cleared up very quickly. Stagehands are the unsung heroes of the theatre, and this is their only means of getting the producers' attention.

Sarah, Kansas City, KS

Well I'm 14 years old and I was supposed to see "Spring Awakening" November 10th at 7, and i have upcoming tickets to "Les Mis" on the 17th. I had been waiting to see Spring awakeing for MONTHS and gave up all plans and events that i normally would've attended just to see that show. I even gave up being involved in my Stage Crews Run crew position to work during there shows, which i would've gladly taken had i not had tickets (that were non refundable). I was so dissapointed when i heard about the strike the morning that i was supposed to see the show I had waited so long and given up everything for nothing.

And i now have tickets for Les Mis with my stage crew on the 17th, I highly doubt the strike will be over by then but i'm keeping my fingers crossed!

They'll Transfer my tickets to a later date however it definetly leaves a young kid like me Rather Dissapointed.

Maddy , Allentown, PA

The reason to strike is so people like theater goers put pressure on the producers to accept the union's demands. If you want to go to the shows this season, call or fax the producing entities and say, "acquiesce to the union's demands, they are NOT asking for the world." If the producer's are unwilling to accede to these demands, then it's well within the union's rights to say, if we don't eat, you don't eat. People who go to these shows are oblivious to the fact that management has always taken a dim view of labor, cast them as the enemy and tried to maximize profits without acknowledging that they stand upon the backs of those who actually do the work. So producing entities don't make a killing by giving the union what they ask for, so they producing entities only make a living...guess what, join the rest of the world.

D M Ferguson, Albuquerqu, nm

I am very mad. My husband is taking me to New York for our 25th anniversary overThanksgiving. We have tickets for a Broadway Show. We really never liked New York but since 911, we thought the city was not so bad. We were debating whether to go to Las Vegas or New York. Just my luck that our play is cancelled. I am angry because I probably will never get this chance again. I am mad at the producers AND the stage hands. Grow up and talk to each other and solve your disputes like adults.

Elaine, Perryville, USA/Missouri

Musicals are my favorite things.i think it a bummer that they had to get cancelled because of picketers. They could try to solve it in court or on paper instead of these dramatic ways that cause the actorss to lose money and new york to lose money in revenue. One of the main reason people even go to new york is to see the great broadway shows!bring them back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

natalie woods, here, az

I was suppose to see Legally Blonde on Saturday November 10 at 2:00pm. My entire trip was based on the show, I was to fly to NYC and home again in the same day. I flew in from Grand Rapids Michigan at 9:59am. Got to the Palace theatre at 11:15am to find the picketers. I was so upset. So I spent the next 3 hours wandering Times Square alone then decided to go to the airport and then waited another 3 hours for my return flight back to Grand Rapids. My ticket money for the show will be refunded, but not my money for my flight! I agree with why they are striking, just wish it would have happened on Friday night so I would've have time to change my flight.

Jennifer Huizingh, Grand Rapids, Michigan

My daughter has been given the gift of her life to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Mike Miller Dancers. This is her senior year and her senior trip. The only thing she REALLY wanted to do was to see WICKED. Her father and I had to pay several hundred dollars(not counting the thousands it took to get there for the week) for her to go see this wonderful show. Please help her dream come true. SETTLE THE STRIKE!

Freida Grimes, Jacksonville, Texas

Why are Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Pygmalion and Cymbeline not effected by the strike?

James L. Borke, Augusta, Georgia

I could care less. If they closed Broadway completely somebody would save a helluva lot of money. I say close it down permanently.

Marsha, NY, NY

Regardless of the outcome, it will always be "The Stagehands who stole Christmas"! Let the bums starve and then go non union.

Laughing In Miami, Miami,