From: owlglass-AT-avalon.net
Subject: Re: PUPT: puppeteers union
Date: Sun, 08 Feb 2004 09:27:47 -0600 (CST)


Hello, All.  
           A year or two ago my performing partner, Teri Jean, and I joined the 
Local 1000 of the American Federation of Musicians 
<http://www.local1000.com/>. 
           It's a "local" union for touring performers, most of whom are 
musicians (but they also take in puppeteers, New Vaudeville folks, etc).  
We heard about it performing at a festival that John McCutcheon, 
president of the union, was also performing at.  We vacillated and 
researched for awhile, then decided to join, less for the legal protection 
than for the ability to buy into health insurance and pension plans.  The 
health insurance could be better (but then the plan we were buying 
independently was lousy and 3x as expensive), but it covers us, our 
husbands, and minor children.  It's very good on doctor visits and 
prescription drugs, but has sort of a low ceiling on disasters.  The 
pension plan is very good (who ever thought a free lance puppeteer could 
have a pension?).  We decided to join because we're both married to 
freelancers, so benefits are not part of our lives.  What kind of life planning 
is that.....? 
            I'm definitely not advocating for the union, but I suggest you look at 
their website if you're interested.   
Cheers!  Monica 



Quoting Yvette Edery <art_goo-AT-yahoo.com>:

> 
> Hi all,
> 
> Just something I was wondering about: why is there no puppeteer's 
union
> to protect our rights and interests as artists? I'd like health
> insurance and a lawyer to protect my work. I think as professionals we
> deserve those priveledges? Has anyone ever started one? Do only SAG 
and
> AFTRA puppeteers deserve protection? I would like to believe everyone
> does and I wanted to know if it has been considered before or if I need
> to take on yet another project.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Yvette Edery
> 
> 
> 
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