Stagehands' union is an integral part of Pittsburgh's cultural scene

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A small, fluid group of employees who work backstage at theaters, concert halls and stadiums often finds itself front and center of the dramas that unfold in Pittsburgh’s performing arts scene. It’s called stagecraft: The 200 or so members of Local 3 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees are crucial to every major concert, opera and play staged here. Stagehands were in the thick of the legal battle over the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Their specialized skills can transform the look, sound and feel of a performance. At the same time, the working conditions under which they operate can shut down a rehearsal and infuriate directors — especially since they often represent a major cost of production.