DIRECTORS & STAFF

Fr. David Garretson, DIRECTOR

Early exposure to theater and ballet, combined with a high school trip to watch the load-in of a Broadway tryout in Boston (“You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, Wilbur Theatre, 1970) led Fr. David Garretson to what has been a lifelong career in the entertainment industry. Starting in 1974, with his first jobs in summer stock, and then working as an extra hand for IATSE, he eventually found his theatrical niche as a lighting designer and technical director for various ballet, theater and opera companies. He continued as a production electrician and production supervisor for numerous Broadway tours and industrial theater events, and in 1996 was appointed to be an IATSE International Representative.

In this role, Fr. David continues to organize workers, negotiate contracts, and mediate disputes. In addition to traditional theatrical productions, his assignments often entail complicated operations such as political conventions, awards shows, and multi-city festivals and music events. His goal in mediating management/worker relationships is always to get everyone to “yes.” His knowledge of production, along with his experience shouldering the responsibility of creating and managing production budgets, has been particularly valuable in representing workers. In addition, Fr. David proudly serves as a Director with the Event Safety Alliance.

In addition to his union work, Fr. David is the rector of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in New Jersey, and is the past Human Relations Director for the Orthodox Church in America. Serving as a priest at the same time as being a labor leader may seem like a strange combination of callings, but he sees it as completely consistent with the long tradition of faith leaders advocating for workers’ rights. As Fr. David likes to say, “It is my experience and belief that the faith community, in tandem with the trade union movement, are the most effective advocates for the dignity of all people.”