Theater union angry over proposal to add kiosks at Strathmore
But arts center CEO says kiosks would supplement ticket sellers, not replace them By Dan Schere |
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A proposal to add ticket kiosks to Strathmore in North Bethesda as in-person performances return has drawn the ire of a local theater union, which worries that machines would replace employees.
But the arts center’s CEO emphasized that kiosks would supplement ticket office workers, not replace them.
With Montgomery County lifting COVID-19 restrictions, Strathmore is preparing to start holding in-person performances regularly for the first time since March 2020. An outdoor summer concert series kicks off this weekend with a performance by noted jazz artist Wynton Marsalis on Sunday at Strathmore’s patio stage.
Despite safety protocols, film producers and unions are still grappling with how and when to get back to work after a holiday pause.
An agreement to hire from IATSE’s ranks would not only help get the country back to work faster by speeding up the vaccine rollout but provide much needed income to thousands of unemployed workers. The federal plan would pay for the costs of employing the crew members.
Tens of thousands of workers who drive the entertainment industry, in live events as well as film and television, have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic which has hit Los Angeles and California hard.