A person sitting alone on a stool surrounded by empty chairs on a stage, with a spotlight casting shadows in a dark, empty theater or performance space.
IATSE Local One union logo featuring a gold and navy blue Maltese cross design with the letters I-A-T-S-E arranged clockwise on the five points of the cross, and a central shield containing the word 'ONE'

Launch Your Career in Entertainment Stagecraft and Technology

About

IATSE Local One

Since 1886, Theatrical Protective Union Local One has served the entertainment industry in New York City; in 1893, Local One along with stagehand representatives from ten sister cities founded the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.).

We are the Brothers and Sisters who fabricate, install, maintain, and operate the lighting and sound equipment, the scenery, and special effects which delight audiences attending Broadway shows, concerts at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, and productions at The Metropolitan Opera and throughout Lincoln Center.

We work on top-notch broadcasts from CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS, CNN, Nextstar/PIX, StudiosUSA, FX, and numerous cable TV studios.

We make the presentation of major corporate industrials and special events possible.

Need a crew? We are lighting directors, property persons, stage and studio electricians, set carpenters, sound and audio technicians, moving-light operators, riggers, special effects people, and teleprompters.

Whatever your production needs may be, however big or small, Local One will make it happen.

Local One is New York.

Join the next generation of skilled technicians behind Broadway, Television, and Live Events.

Our apprenticeship program offers a chance to learn entertainment technology while working alongside industry veterans in New York City’s theaters, television studios, and production facilities.

Ready to start your journey? Registration for the 2025 test will be open from November 3-7 2025.

To be among the first to be notified of when registration opens, sign-up here: SIGN UP FOR INFORMATION

Stage with colorful spotlights, including yellow, red, and blue, directed towards an empty performance area with red curtains in the background.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

What is the IATSE Local One Apprenticeship?

The IATSE Local One Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to launch a thriving career in entertainment technology. Over the course of 2-3 years, you'll gain hands-on experience in theatres, television studios, lighting and sound shops, or scenic fabrication facilities throughout our jurisdiction.

What You'll Experience

Real-World Training: Work with state-of-the-art equipment in active production and fabrication environments, from Broadway theaters to major television studios.

Expert Mentorship: Learn directly from Local One members who've mastered their crafts over decades in the industry.

Comprehensive Skills: Develop skills across disciplines including lighting, sound, rigging, carpentry, and emerging technologies.

Career Pathway: Complete your apprenticeship with full membership status and access to some of the highest-paying technical positions in the entertainment industry.

Ongoing Education: Expand your knowledge through our Technical Entertainment Training (TET) Fund classes and professional development opportunities.

Where You'll Work

Our apprentices are placed in one location throughout Local One's jurisdiction for the duration of their Apprenticeship:

  • Manhattan theatres and production facilities

  • Manhattan based television studios and broadcast centers

  • Lighting and sound equipment shops in Westchester County and Manhattan

  • Scenic fabrication workshops

  • Venues in the Bronx, Westchester, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

What you can expect to Earn

Apprenticeships are full time placements working under a collective bargaining agreement specific to their placement. They receive competitive wages, health insurance, and Local One Benefits. Wages range from $24-$34/hr and are dependent on the venue an Apprentice is placed. You’ll be given specific information at time of placement.

Your Journey to Membership through an IATSE Local One Apprenticeship

  1. Apply and Test: Register for $100 and take a general knowledge assessment

  2. Get Placed: Top 20 scorers are accepted and placed based on numerical placement

  3. Learn and Grow: Complete 2-3 years of full-time, paid, with benefits apprenticeship

  4. Become a Member: Graduate from your apprenticeship with full IATSE Local One membership status

Application Process

Step 1: Register

  • Cost: $100 registration fee

  • When: Registration opens Monday November 3 at 10am ET and closes Friday November 7, at 11:59pm ET

  • Important: Absolutely NO refunds will be given after registration window closes

Step 2: Take the Assessment

  • Test Date: Test may be taken starting Thursday November 13 6AM ET

  • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes in one sitting

  • Format: Online with recorded video proctoring

  • Deadline: Must be completed by 9 PM EST on Saturday November 15

Step 3: Results & Placement

  • Selection: Top 20 scorers are accepted

  • Placement: Based on numerical placement - ie: top score gets first available placement, etc

  • Timeline: Placements commence within 14 months, some as soon as a few weeks. If you are among the top 20 scorers, you will be given a general idea of when you will receive a placement.*

    *Subject to change based on current available placements

Expectations & Requirements

  • Tests must be completed in one sitting

  • Absolutely NO refunds will be given for incomplete tests

  • Testing accommodations may be available for those who qualify*

  • Placements are based on numerical placement in the top 20 scores

  • All apprenticeships are paid full-time [based on venue CBA] positions

  • You must hold legal ability to work within the United States, neither IATSE nor Local One can offer work permits or visas.

  • Age Requirement: In order to register you must have turned 18 years of age by December 31, 2024

  • You must be able to start work within 30-days of receiving notice of placement.

*Accomodations can only be provided with proof of need

Technical Requirements & Tips

Computer Setup

  • Desktop or laptop computer (phones/tablets are not permitted)

  • Working camera for recorded proctoring

  • Stable internet connection

  • Quiet, private testing environment

    Browser Requirements

  • Google Chrome 63+ (recommended)

  • Mozilla Firefox 50+

  • Microsoft Edge 79+

  • Safari 14.02+

Suggested Resources

Test Preparation

What to Study The test focuses on aptitude, not industry knowledge. Review:

  • 5th grade mathematics (multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages)

  • Spatial reasoning concepts

  • Mechanical reasoning basics

  • Verbal comprehension skills

Test Day Tips

  • Take the test as soon as possible after receiving the link - do not wait until the last minute, to ensure you have time to work through any technical issues that may arise.

  • Ensure you have 90+ minutes of uninterrupted time

  • Test your camera and browser beforehand

  • Choose a quiet, well-lit space

  • The testing software will show that you are NOT allowed to use a stand alone calculator for the test. This is incorrect, Local One DOES allow the use of a stand-alone calculator.

  • If you have a technical difficulty during your test — Contact the VidCruiter support team immediately, through the link at the bottom of the screen, and contact us. Technical issues must be reported during the testing window. We are unable to re-open the testing links for you if you report technical issues after the testing window closes. Refunds will NOT be offered for incomplete tests due to unreported technical issues.

FAQs

  • No! Our apprenticeship program is designed to train you from the ground up. The assessment tests basic aptitude, not industry knowledge.

  • Apprenticeships typically last 2-3 years, depending on the schedule of your placement and the individual Collective Bargaining Agreements.

  • Yes! After an initial 30-day probationary period, you will be sworn in as a provisional Apprentice member[$500 initiation fee]. Upon successful completion of the 2-3 year apprenticeship you will be granted full IATSE Local One membership status.

  • Unfortunately, for the 2025 test, only the top 20 scorers will be accepted into the program. We encourage you to apply again in the future.

  • No, you get one opportunity per application cycle. However, you can apply again in future years.

  • Apprenticeships are full time placements that receive competitive wages and Local One Benefits. Wages range from $24-$35/hr and are dependent on the venue you are placed at. You’ll be given specific information at time of placement.

  • Contact the VidCruiter support team immediately, through the link at the bottom of the screen, and email apprenticecommittee@iatse-local1.org. Technical issues must be reported during the testing window. We are unable to re-open the testing links for you if you report technical issues after the testing window closes. Additionally, refunds will NOT be offered for incomplete tests due to unreported technical issues.

  • Yes, we can offer testing accomodations, for anyone with a verified need. You will be contacted after registration for further information regarding any requested accomodations. Please note: we can ONLY speak with the registered candidate.

  • No. Unfortunately we are unable to release individual test scores to any candidate. Additionally, only those scoring in the top 20 will be told their numerical placement.

  • You will be notified by email no later than November 21, 2025.

  • In order to register you must have turned 18 years of age by December 31, 2024

Registration

Registration is now open and closes Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:59pm ET

Important: Absolutely NO refunds will be given after registration window closes

REGISTER NOW
Two people working together at a desk with laptops, papers, and pens.