The League of American Theatres and Producers (League) and IATSE Local 1 (stagehands) have announced a contract settlement which guarantees the union's services for Shubert and Jujamcyn shows through July 2002. The settlement comes as welcome news to holiday theatregoers, many of whom were concerned that a strike would disrupt their theatre plans.

Talks between the stagehands and the League came to a head yesterday, Nov. 29, when a last ditch effort was made to reach a settlement, thus averting a strike.

In a joint statement titled "No Cause for Concern" the League and the stagehands union announced the details of the settlement.

"We are happy to announce that the Local One stagehand's union and the League of American Theatres and Producers have reached an agreement that will extend their contract for three years (until July 2002)," the paper read. "This agreement will be ratified at a special meeting of the full Local One membership in the next 14 days. Broadway shows will continue on their planned schedules."

-- By Murdoch McBride