Although the number would suggest otherwise, the Pittsburgh local is truly the oldest and first local in the International.

The organization as we know it was Chartered as:

KNIGHTS OF LABOR  (1887)

NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYES (1 E)   (1893)

INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYES (1E) LOCAL NO.3  (1897)

Records show that the organization's roots date back to the 1850's under the names Theatrical Men's Association, Theatrical Machinist's Assembly. Theatrical Mechanical Association, and Theatrical Protective Assembly. Pittsburgh Stagehands have been proudly serving the Pittsburgh Theater, concert, movie and television venues for over 140 years.