[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES LOCAL 
                       UNION 51 OF HOUSTON, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate The International 
Alliance of Theatrical State Employees Local Union 51 as they celebrate 
their 100th Anniversary on February 23, 1999. Local 51, which is an 
integral part of Houston's highly successful arts community, will 
celebrate with a Gala Program in the Brown Theater of the Wortham 
Theater Center in Houston, Texas.
  The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving 
Pictures Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States 
and Canada (I.A.), which began in 1893, represents people behind the 
scenes in the manifold media of show business and exhibitions. Today, 
there are over 800 local unions throughout the United States and 
Canada. The local chapter of the Galveston-Houston Theatrical Stage 
Employees Protective Union was chartered on May 1, 1899. Houston's own 
Local 51 broke away from that larger group and is today the only stage 
crafts union in Harris County. In the early part of this century, 
members of Local 51 set up the traveling vaudeville shows and 
performances by touring companies that came to the Bayou City first by 
train, later by truck. Local 51 even supplied the personnel for the 
backstage work at the downtown movie houses. By the time Houston's 
major arts organizations presented their first performances, the Local 
was already in place to provide professional, behind-the-scenes 
service.
  Every stage craft is practiced by these dedicated men and women, 
making each a valuable link in the production of any show. From the 
moment a production or meeting is conceived until the last truck pulls 
away, I.A. technicians are on the job. Today, Local 51 boasts a work 
roster of over 400 technicians and can fill a producer's or promoter's 
crew needs with only one telephone call. The local provides a network 
of qualified technicians for projects of any magnitude.
  The members of Local 51 are known and respected worldwide for the 
quality of the work they provide. They have traveled from China to 
Singapore to Cairo and throughout the United States with the road tours 
of hits such as ``Phantom of the Opera'', ``Jesus Christ Superstar'', 
``State Fair'', ``Carousel'', and with David Copperfield. The talents 
of Local 51 are not limited to the stage. The local has provided 
convention and exhibit support for several local audio visual companies 
and in every major hotel and meeting facility in Houston.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Local Union 51 as they celebrate this 
special time in their history, and extend to all members my personal 
appreciation for their contributions to the arts in Houston.

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