Two major organizations have announced their financial support for the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), with still another organization accepting a permanent seat on the Certification Council.

At a recent meeting, the General Executive Board of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) voted to contribute $75,000 to the development of ETCP. Announcing the donation, International President Thomas C. Short said, “Assuring safety on the job is of paramount importance to our members. The new certification program is a step toward achieving a more secure working environment for our members.”

IATSE was formed more than a century ago and is the largest labor union in the entertainment and related industries. IATSE appointed Anthony DePaulo, 11th International Vice President; Brian Lawlor, 13th International Vice President & Division Director of Stagecraft; and Tim Wade, Chair of the IATSE Labor/Management Safety Committee; to serve on the Certification Council.

Clear Channel Entertainment has made a substantial $100,000 donation to the ETCP program. Brian Becker, Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Entertainment, stated, “We put on more than 30,000 live entertainment events around the globe each year, and our top priority is creating a memorable experience for the fan. A lot of factors go into making that happen and having a safe setting to enjoy the event is one of them. We are proud to take the lead in supporting a program like this that will benefit our entire industry.”

“This program could not go forward without the support of the industry leaders like Clear Channel. It is essential for the success of this program to have support from the employers of entertainment technicians," said Tim Hansen of Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA).

ETCP is developing and will be implementing a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians. The ETCP Fundraising Campaign is seeking funds for the development stage of the program which is expected to become self-supporting once the initial development phase is complete. The target for the campaign is $750,000 and Clear Channel's and IATSE’s contributions brings the total pledges received to date to over $460,000.

Clear Channel Entertainment and IATSE join USITT as Executive Producer contributors, ETCP’s highest fundraising level.

Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates, and/or exclusively books approximately 130 live entertainment venues including nearly 100 in North America and more than 30 in Europe.

ETCP will set standards for safer working practices and reduce workplace risk in all entertainment venues. Industry experts will develop rigorous assessments, conduct examinations, and award credentials to qualified entertainment technicians. ETCP will focus on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of performers, crews, and audiences. For more information, visit www.etcp.esta.org.

In a related move, the International Communications Industries Association, Inc. (ICIA) has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s Certification Council. ICIA serves as the pre-eminent provider of education, exhibitions, and information services to its worldwide membership and the AV communications industry thus enhancing their ability to conduct business successfully, profitably, and competently. The association is widely known for the prestigious InfoComm exhibition and conference.

The ESTA Certification Council is the governing body which is managing the development and implementation of ETCP.

ICIA has appointed Don Guzauckas Jr. CTS, ICIA Rental and Staging Council Chair, ICIA Board member and General Manager of HB Group; and Lou Nanni, ICIA Director of Certification and Workforce Development; as its representatives to the Council.

Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., ICIA Executive Director, stated, “ICIA is pleased to support ETCP as it will be a benefit to our members and their customers.

“ICIA members provide staging services for many kinds of events and are always concerned about safety. ETCP will move us all forward.”

ESTA Certification Council members represent the diversity of the entertainment industry. Members are key leaders in entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia and represent AMPTP, CITT, IATSE, IAAM, TEA, and USITT. With the help of these members, the key areas of electrical skills and rigging skills have been identified for initial development in the Entertainment Technician Certification Program.

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