Hello!!

My name is Natalie Soto and as many of you might know, I'm an audio technician. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a blue collar, union household, with my mom being a secretary for the DOE and my father being an engineer for the MTA.

From a young age I was taught that hard work and determination were the most important traits I could have when I grew up, and I knew that to be true because I saw it in my mom and dad.

When I was presented with the opportunity to join Roundabouts theatrical workforce development program I didn't hesitate because I knew very certainly that this was the career I wanted to pursue and this program was going to be the best way to get me there.

Along with all of the trade skills I acquired through this program, I also gained a respect and desire to join local one. I met with the teaching artist and mentors that were members themselves, and knew I wanted that for my future.

The foundation that TWDP was able to provide for me, ultimately is what led me to feel confident in my unionization of the Atlantic theater. Crew members had decided that we were ready for the hard work, dedication, and love, that we had for the Atlantic, to ALSO benefit its workers.

On March 24th, 2025, Myself, and the crew at the Atlantic, were able to unionize!

Because of this unionization, and my involvement in it, I was offered my local one card.

I have been able to successfully gather all of the materials I need to obtain my card except one thing; the initiation fee. It's a very steep cost for the average off Broadway worker; so I'm asking now for donations of any amount to help get me closer to my goal of becoming a union member.

Thank you for your time.

-Natalie S.