Create PA: Pittsburgh Film and Theater Works! is a partnership between the Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Public Theater to reinforce the growing local entertainment industry by supporting rising professionals and emerging youth in achieving their career goals by providing job training.
CREATE PA: Pittsburgh Film and Theater Works! is a workforce training program made possible from the generous support from the Pittsburgh Film Office, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund program.
Consider a career in the Wardrobe Department of Film and TV Productions!
Do you love fashion and clothing and have always dreamed of working on the sets of TV shows and movies?
This Fall, Reel Works and the Pittsburgh Film Office are partnering to launch the IATSE Local 489 Wardrobe Training to prepare Pittsburgh’s diverse talent with the essential skills, credentials, experience and attitude that costumers need to work successfully on set of TV and Film Productions in the Wardrobe Department – and a first step toward a union career!
Eligibility, Must be:
- Interested in fashion, clothing, sewing and working behind the scenes or on set for TV and Film.
- A highly flexible, team-work oriented person who is charismatic and dependable.
- At least 18+ years of age and legally eligible to work in the US.
- Must be able to provide proof of residence within PA and be in commuting distance to Pittsburgh.
There is no fee for this program. Each trainee is paid a stipend during the training.
Interested in learning more and joining the Fall 2023 cohort?
Register for our required Info Session on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 6-7 PM ET here.
Questions? Email [email protected] with the subject: IATSE Wardrobe Training
We acknowledge that access for media professionals from marginalized communities is an area of growth for the media and entertainment industry. We strongly urge those with the following identities to apply: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQIA+, women and non-binary people, people living with disabilities, and others with lived experience being part of marginalized communities to apply for this training.
Please check back for updates for announcements on new training programs!
Film Industry Workforce Training Updates
If you are interested in upcoming workforce training classes in Pittsburgh, please submit your contact information here to receive the latest updates!
Congratulations to the 2023 Graduating Class of the Production Assistant Training Program!
Congratulations to the 2023 Graduating Class of the Hair Stylist Training Program!
I.A.T.S.E. Studio Mechanics Hair Stylist Training, Local 798
The IATSE Entertainment Industry Hair Stylist Training is a training in partnership with I.A.T.S.E Local 798 and Reel Works to prepare early-career professionals for successful union careers in the Hair Department for theater, film, and television production.
Congratulations to the 2023 Graduating Class of the Electric Department Training Program!
The I.A.T.S.E Studio Mechanics Electric Training, Local 489 is a training partnership with I.A.T.S.E Local 489 and Reel Works to prepare early-career professionals for successful union careers in the Electric Department in film and television production.
Congratulations to the 2022 Graduating Class of the Grips Department Training Program!

I.A.T.S.E. Studio Mechanics Training, Local 489
The Studio Mechanics Training is a training partnership with I.A.T.S.E Local 489 to prepare early-career professionals for successful union careers in the Grip Department in film and television production. This paid intensive training is taught by union members with essential work readiness skills provided by Reel Works staff. Graduates will qualify for placement on the permit list for local union productions, thanks to the IATSE Local 489.


