Entertainment is the only industry that deliberately pollutes its own air. We do it with chemical haze, fog, and smoke, or with airborne dusts and powders, fake snow, combustion chemicals from fire bars, and pyrotechnic smoke. A tiny pyrotechnic device called a squib or bullet hit was a source of lead fume on the set, but hopefully producers will use a lead-free squib that won a technical Oscar this year. We may be exposed to these special effects chemicals when they are used near us on locations or in theatres, when we dress a set, touch up scenery or props, clean or repair costumes, or attend a show or rehearsal. Both the EPA and the FDA have provided new data on the toxicity of some of these chemicals. Learn about these chemicals and how we can use them safely.

"Whether you're coming from Watchout, QLab, Isadora, or another media server, this four-hour workshop will give you the vocabulary and skills to navigate Disguise with confidence on your next production.

We’ll cover topics like mapping, calibration, compositing, file naming, versioning, speccing servers, triggering Disguise from other departments, and more. While this isn't a programming workshop, it will give you the skills and language needed to collaborate effectively with programmers and engineers on Disguise shows.

This class is geared toward projection designers, associate projection designers, and animators working in theatre who have some-to-no prior Disguise experience. This workshop assumes a basic understanding of projection design concepts."

Join us for What Do You Mean When You Say Retirement?, a session hosted by our Benefits & Support Services Liaison, Sid Solomon, SHRM-CP, designed to make retirement benefits clearer and easier to understand. The session will walk through key benefits you may be eligible for as you reach retirement age, including union health and retirement benefits such as Pension, Annuity, and 401(k), as well as Medicare and retired status within USA 829.

This 90-minute session, led by your Benefits & Support Services Liaison, Sid Solomon, will take a friendly and accessible look at how our members qualify for health coverage, pension benefits, and participate in annuity and 401(k) plans, while also digging into other benefits & support services to which you're entitled. And while it’s especially geared toward newer members, everyone is welcome. Seriously, if you’ve always been a little confused by how your benefits worked but weren't sure who to ask, Benefits 101 is for you.

There will be opportunities to ask questions throughout the session, and every single question--big or small, simple or complex--will receive a personal response from Sid, either during or after the orientation. So if you’re available, join us and get to know your benefits a little better.

Date: May 30
Time: 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 10 AM PT
Location: Zoom

Can I negotiate for myself? How can I get the best deal for my upcoming job? If these questions sound familiar, or you have others about the business of working as an art department or costume department coordinator, this workshop is geared specifically towards the business aspect of being a Coordinator in Motion Pictures.

The session will explore essential negotiation principles and provide practical tools to strengthen your approach at the bargaining table. Whether you're new to negotiating or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers valuable insights to help you advocate effectively for yourself and your work.

Member Orientation is a lively, welcoming session where members—new and seasoned—come together to connect, learn, and build community. It’s a great refresher if it’s been a while, or a perfect starting point if you’re just getting involved.

We’ll cover the essentials every member should know, including:

Your rights and responsibilities as a member

How to access and use your benefits

Working under a union contract

Navigating the USA 829 website and member resources

You’ll also have time to ask questions, connect with other members, and hear directly from union staff about how USA 829 supports you and your craft.

No matter their design category or role on the production, union stewards serve as the eyes and ears of the union at the workplace through which we can address issues and safeguard our contract. This training includes the who, what, where, when, why, and how of being a union steward, accountability structures and appointment procedures, insights into the rights and roles of stewards, new communication tools, and a microsite. Build our union power by becoming a steward!