The following report from the 31st Conference of the Theatre Musicians Association in Dallas, TX held on July 27 and 28 was submitted by Stephen Green, Vice President TMA SoCal Chapter.
TMA President Heather Boehm and Local 72-147 Dallas/Ft. Worth President Stewart Williams, who served as our host, opened the conference by greeting the assembled delegates and attendees.
Much of the discussion centered on challenges posed by non-union touring productions and potential strategies for organizing within that sector.
The following AFM staff gave reports:
● George Fiddler, AFM Touring/Theatre/Booking Division Director Michael Epphart, AFM Trade negotiator/ contract administrator,
● Gabriel Kristal, AFM Director of Organizing
● Caren Franke, Midwest Region field organizer
Stephen Wade, President of the Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) was among the attendees as the ROPA conference followed on the heels of the TMA conference.
TMA Chapter reports were given by:
Mark Pinto, Boston
Alex Navarro, Houston
Susan Janda, Minneapolis/St Paul
Debbie Brooks, Dallas
Brad Linden, Detroit
Additional reports were heard from Northern California, Pacific Northwest, Washington D.C, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Southern California, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Chicago, and the newly revived Toronto Chapter.
AFM International President Gagliardi addressed the conference and focussed on ideas for health coverage for more musicians. Local 47 President Sazer offered suggestions about expanding access to the Entertainment Industry FlexPlan.
Allistair Elliott, AFM Vice President from Canada, offered his experiences and perspective.
Election of officers were held to close out the conference. Happily, all three current officers, Heather Boehm, President; Nancy Chaklos, Vice President and Mark Pinto, Secretary-Treasurer were elected by acclamation.