United Scenic Artists. Local USA 829

The United Scenic Artists originated as the United Scenic Artists Association and received its charter from the AFL in 1918 as Local 829, an autonomous local of the Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades (formerly known as the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America [BPDPA]). The union's main purpose was to safeguard and maintain the high standards of the member crafts and to fight unfair conditions. New scenic artists received their union cards only after passing a rigorous examination; being reviewed by the union as a whole; and receiving strong recommendations from three other members at the membership meeting. To this day, the USA conducts a demanding entrance examination prior to initiation.

When Local 829 was first organized, scenic design and painting, costuming, lighting, make-up, and properites were all executed by one artist. During the 1920s, Scenic Designers and Scenic Artists became differentiated from one another. Studio Shopmen, Costume Designers and Lighting Designers became the next important classifications. During the 1930s, Display and Diorama artists as well as Mural Artists were added to the job categories of the local.

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