IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb warned artists and producers against the cancellation of a show at the Kennedy Center, citing the impact on wages of workers behind the scenes.
Roeb visited the Kennedy Center workforce this week, including Union’s leading stage hand, wardrobe experts, makeup artists, scenic artists and ticket sellers. His visit and statements to artists and producers were cancelled after many upcoming engagements were cancelled at the Kennedy Center after President Trump reviewed the board and became chairman.
“Behind the scenes workers need to feed their families, and do not take part in decisions related to booked content, nor do they consider it a question of whether to serve the production of relationship history at the Kennedy Center,” Roeb said. “We have a contract and we’re at the end of the deal. We’re the best, safest, most experienced workforce, and have been working in buildings since opening 53 years ago. That the centre can continue to provide the best in general when it comes to promoting world-class production.
Many artists and producers cancelled the show at the Kennedy Center. We have cancelled the show, including Issaray. Issaray says that the producer is the head of programming as Hamilton cites the producers citing the launch of the Kennedy Center president. 2026 Engagement.
The Kennedy Center issued its own statement that the cancellation was made by the artists themselves or due to “lack of sales or artist availability” rather than changes to politics or programming.
“IATSE is urging artists and producers to consider behind the scenes workers that will enable world-class live performances at the Kennedy Center,” the union said in a statement.
“When the production leaves, it leaves more than just an empty stage. They leave an important opportunity for skilled middle-class workers to acquire (a) living in the arts and forget about the opportunity to inspire American audiences at this historic institution.”
In total, more than 20 shows have been cancelled at the Kennedy Center since Trump was appointed chairman on February 12th. Trump’s former German ambassador, Rick Grenell, has been appointed interim executive director, saying his goal is to “make art again.”
