How it works

The ADC and IATSE Local ADC659 are two separate organizations that work together to improve working practices and conditions for live performance designers across Canada.

ADC provides Student and Associate memberships, while IATSE Local ADC659 provides Full membership (with a portion of dues supporting ADC’s programming initiatives). Individuals interested in becoming a member of ADC or IATSE Local ADC659 must complete an application form, provided below.

All applications are subject to a $25 application fee to ADC. For applicants to IATSE Local ADC659, a further $225 initiation fee is payable upon acceptance of your membership. All IATSE Local ADC659 contracts are subject to 2% working dues.

Please direct any questions about student or associate membership to ADC’s Executive Director, Denyse Karn (denyse@designers.ca) or about full membership to ADC659’s General Manager, Louise Plunkett (gm@designers.ca).

Become a member today and join our national design community!

Why Join?

Full membership benefits include:

  • Access to members-only resources and educational archives.
  • Use of IATSE Local ADC659’s standard contracts for Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and independent live performing arts companies.
  • Access to ADC659's health benefit program (*eligibility criteria apply)
  • Eligibility to purchase voluntary extended coverage through the AFBS's Arts and Entertainment Plan.
  • Access to the Canadian Entertainment Industry Retirement Plan.
  • Dispute-resolution assistance and advocacy initiatives.
  • Exhibition opportunities.
  • Participation and voting privileges at General Membership Meetings.
  • Contributing to shaping the future of theatrical design in Canada through ADC programming and initiatives.
  • Opportunity to add your voice to the ADC by sitting on committees or the Board of Directors.
  • An online profile in IATSE Local ADC659’s searchable Designer Directory.

Membership Types

ADC Memberships range from students to experienced professionals

Student Membership

FREE
+ $25 Application Fee
Open to students who are registered in an accredited academic institution and not currently engaged in professional design
  • Access to ADC Newsletter
  • Access Online Programs
  • Access to IATSE Local ADC659 Contracts
  • Profile in the designer directory
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Access to health insurance plan
Apply Now

Associate Membership

35
+ $25 Application Fee
Open to emerging designers, designers that are new to Canada, or designers who have filed fewer than five design contracts
  • Access to ADC Newsletter
  • Access Online Programs
  • Access to 5 IATSE Local ADC659 Contracts
  • Profile in the designer directory
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Access to health insurance plan
Apply Now

Full Membership

505
+ $300 Initiation Fee
Open to designers with a minimum of three (3) professional production credits with a theatre company or independent producer
  • Access to ADC Newsletter
  • Access Online Programs
  • Unlimited Access to IATSE Local ADC659 Contracts
  • Profile in the designer directory
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Access to health insurance plan
Apply Now

Honorary Members

Awarded to individuals recognized by the ADC as having made significant contributions to the field of live performance design in Canada.
Headshot of set and costume designer Susan Benson.
Susan Benson-Whitfield
Desmond Heeley
Les Lawrence
Headshot of set and costume designer Cameron Porteous.
Cameron Porteous
Francois Barbeau
Brian JacksonBrian Jackson
David Lovett
Headshot of set, lighting, and costume designer Phillip Silver.
Phillip Silver
Headshot of sound designer Todd Charlton.
Todd Charlton
Costume design and illustration by Mary Kerr.
Mary Kerr
Headshot of costume designer Martha Mann.
Martha Mann
Headshot of lighting designer Michael J. Whitfield.
Michael J. Whitfield
Ann Curtis
Edward Kotanen
Heather McCallum
Herbert Whittaker
Alison Green
Headshot of set designer Murray Laufer.
Murray Laufer
Tanya Moiseiwitsch
Peter McBoyle