by Melissa Skipworth, Exhibit City News
Imagine you are the Account Director for a 100’ x 200’ booth space. The show is just hours away from opening and this project is massive! Filled with heavy rigging, audio equipment, intricate lighting design, large video walls, and staging equipment. Not to mention all the exhibit properties installed. All these elements are critical to creating the perfect atmosphere to showcase your clients’ products and light up the presenters being filmed every day of the show. With all the moving parts to oversee, you need someone who can handle the technical side of the project. That’s where the professionals come in—hiring the right stagehand crew ensures your show runs flawlessly and makes you a hero in the process. The stagehand teams’ impact on your clients’ show is undeniable.
Executing a successful show takes a lot of planning and hard work. IATSE stagehands, like Ann McGrath, are the unsung heroes who help bring your vision to life. Ann is a proud member of IATSE Local 720 for the last 24 years. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, specializing in lighting design and stage management, Ann’s expertise is evident in all she does. Her journey to becoming a stagehand began after college, where she spent a few years on tour before settling in Las Vegas and joining the union.
“One of the many benefits of working with IATSE,” Ann explained, “is that there’s no disparity between men and women’s pay. Being a part of IATSE means everyone is paid equally, based on their position and department.” For Ann, and many others in the industry, this is a game-changer. Equal pay not only fosters fairness but also creates an environment where talent and dedication are the sole factors that define success. This is just one of the many advantages it offers.
In addition, they provide opportunities for members to serve on committees and take on leadership roles. It also offers unlimited continuing education for all technical departments, allowing members to expand their skills and stay current in a competitive industry. “The education provided by IATSE has been invaluable,” Ann said proudly. “It’s helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
The union’s collective bargaining agreements, worksite protection policies, and ongoing educational opportunities are just some of the reasons Ann is an advocate for IATSE. “Our quarterly dues are a small price to pay for all the benefits they provide,” she explained. “These benefits not only make our jobs easier but also ensure our long-term career growth and stability.”
Ann’s gratitude for the union extends beyond the benefits of collective bargaining and equal pay. During the pandemic, IATSE 720 demonstrated its commitment to its members by opening a food pantry in Las Vegas to support families during one of the most challenging times in recent history. “Knowing that the union had our backs when so many industries were at a standstill for eighteen months meant everything,” Ann shared. “They made sure our benefits never ran out and that we could put food on the table to take care of our families the entire time.”
The union has also afforded her the opportunity to serve on the Education & Diversity committees. These opportunities have been instrumental in helping her develop a stronger professional network and expand her knowledge of the industry. “When employers see you consistently showing up on time, working hard, and going above and beyond, it makes a lasting impression,” she said. “This job is rewarding in so many ways, especially when you’re able to see the results of your hard work.”
For Ann, being a stagehand is more than just a job—it’s a calling. She encourages other women who are considering joining or currently members of IATSE to take full advantage of every opportunity available. “Show up on time, ask questions, and always look for ways to improve,” she advised. “The union provides so many resources to help further your career. Take advantage of every learning opportunity.”
Ann’s commitment to her craft has inspired others, including her own family. As a working mother, she’s proud of how her career has shown her children the value of hard work and technical skills.
Her journey was filled with opportunity and gratitude. She is proud to be part of a union that not only supports its members but also strives to make the industry more inclusive and equitable.
Although the work of stagehands often goes unnoticed by audiences, their impact on our industry is undeniable.
This story originally appeared as a truncated version in the Q1 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 68. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_q1_2025/68.
