Artists are workers—and every worker deserves a safe, fair, and equitable workplace. Join Lawyers for the Creative Arts and Natalie Robin of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE for a practical, empowering session on the fundamentals of unionization and collective advocacy. Whether you’re already part of a union, curious about organizing, or simply seeking better conditions where you work, this webinar will give you the tools to take action. You’ll learn: How to start the conversation with your fellow workers about collective advocacy Ways to build support and momentum around workplace issues Tactics to improve conditions and pay—even without a union The step-by-step process of unionizing your workplace, including researching local unions, seeking voluntary recognition, and filing an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) This free educational session will wrap up with an open Q&A—your chance to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others passionate about building stronger, fairer workplaces in the arts. About the Speaker: Natalie Robin is a Philadelphia-based lighting designer, educator and organizer whose design work focuses on new American plays and musicals, contemporary dance and site-specific performance. She believes that design is dramaturgy and is interested in how the generative text for work can be found in movement as much as in language. My work expresses emotional narratives through light as an ephemeral and time-based medium. She uses she/her pronouns. She loves musicals. Natalie is the full time staff organizer for United Scenic Artists / IATSE Local USA 829, for whom she served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Eastern Region. She aims to advocate for transparency, inclusion and deepened organizing within the union and community. She was part of the NYS AFL-CIO/Cornell Workers’ Institute Union Leadership Institute, Class of 2022. She has had many longtime artistic homes, and one of the longest is Target Margin Theater, of which she is an Associate Artist. From 2017-2023, Natalie was the Program Director of Theater Design & Technology in the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. At the 2019 Prague Quadrennial, she was invited to speak on a panel entitled “Pedagogy: Conversations about teaching of performance design: views, perspectives and evolutions.” She has since led workshops to help educators engage with design students by deconstructing the traditional capitalist, hierarchical, ego-driven collaborative structure. She has also been a contributing writer for Live Design and Stage Directions. BA: Columbia. MFA: NYU/Tisch. Member: United Scenic Artists IATSE Local USA 829. Natalie Robin of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE
