Eastern Region Examinations and Portfolio Reviews
NOTE FROM OCTOBER 8, 2024: Our addresses have changed. THE ADDRESSES ON SOME FORMS MAY BE INCORRECT. Please use the below addresses for your respective region:
Eastern Region Address: 37 West 26th Street, Floor 9, New York, NY 10010
Central Region Address: 111 N. Wabash Ave, Suite 2107, Chicago, IL 60602
Western Region Address: 6285 East Spring Street, Suite #108 Long Beach, CA 90808
Categories
Exams are given in the Eastern Region in four categories of membership: Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design, Scenic Art, Art Department Coordinator and Computer Artist. Working Projection Designers and Costume Department Coordinators interested in making application: click here.
The most common way to gain membership in the Union in the Eastern Region (NYC) is by way of individual Category Exam / Interviews, as described below. See How to Join for information on the Professional Membership Application process, and see Apprentice Program for Scenic Artists - NYC for details on that program. (Please NOTE: USA 829 has an Apprenticeship Program FOR SCENIC ARTISTS ONLY. There is NO SIMILAR PROGRAM FOR ANY DESIGNER CATEGORY).
In addition to the Exams given in all categories on a regular basis in New York City, the Eastern Region now gives limited Exams in New England and Washington DC for those who live and work in those areas. See Exams: Eastern Region - Beyond NYC for details.
IATSE TTF Safety First! Online Training Requirement
Applicants who have successfully completed an exam/review and who have been recommended for membership by an exam committee are required to complete one of two selected online safety courses as part of the final membership application process. The IATSE TTF Safety First! Online Courses promote safe working conditions by providing information, tools, and resources to recognize potential hazards and minimize risks. Health and Safety has always been a priority for Local USA 829, and training is available to ensure Artists and Designers have the skills and knowledge they need.
All Applicants Must Download These Three Documents:
Please be advised that the Union will not be responsible for delayed receipt of forms or fees caused by Post Office negligence.
Additional Category-Specific Documents
SCENIC ARTISTS MUST DOWNLOAD THESE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Please Note: These Documents are for the TRACK A EXAM and the TRACK B “OPEN” EXAM. Applications are currently being taken for the next TRACK B “OPEN “ EXAM scheduled for Winter 2025-2026.
ART DEPT. COORDINATORS MUST DOWNLOAD 2 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:
COMPUTER ARTISTS MUST DOWNLOAD 4 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Please Note: As of Fall 2023, the Computer Artist Exam steps have been revised. Please review the current CA Exam Booklet (linked above) for all details.
COSTUME DESIGNERS MUST DOWNLOAD 4 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:
LIGHTING DESIGNERS MUST DOWNLOAD 3 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:
SCENIC DESIGNERS & STORYBOARD ARTISTS MUST DOWNLOAD THE FIRST 2 FILES AND 1 OF THE OF 3 EXAM INFORMATION DOCUMENTS BELOW:
SOUND DESIGNERS MUST DOWNLOAD 3 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Eastern Region Office - Mailing Address
Mail or deliver any hard copy application materials (as specified in the Category-Specific Exam Info Letters above) to:
ATTN EXAM COORDINATOR
UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS LOCAL USA 829
37 W 26TH ST FL 9
NEW YORK CITY NEW YORK 10010
NOTE: Neither the Exam Coordinator nor anyone in the Business Office can answer specific questions about any Category Exam. Please read the CATEGORY-SPECIFIC “INFORMATION” DOCUMENTS above for contact names and numbers or e-mails of the people who you should contact for more information.