FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2026

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Says it’s “Proud to Stand With Him As He Fights for Working Families Across District 10 and San Francisco.”

(San Francisco, CA) – Today, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 16 endorsed Theo Ellington for District 10 Supervisor. 

“We know firsthand that when you invest in arts and culture, you’re investing in real jobs, real skills, and real opportunity. Theo understands that,” said IATSE Business Agent Jim Beaumonte. “He knows strong neighborhoods are built by creating pathways to employment, supporting local talent, and making sure growth benefits everyone within the creative economy. Theo brings people together, delivers results, and leads with purpose. We are proud to endorse him for Supervisor—and proud to stand with him as he fights for working families across District 10 and San Francisco.”

“This endorsement means a lot,” said Theo Ellington. “Growing up in Bayview, I found my outlet through documentary filmmaking, producing Bus 24: The Diversity Bus. Later, at School of the Arts, I directed a film about homelessness, in which I interviewed then-Mayor Newsom. These films were featured at the San Francisco International Film Festival and World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Today, I’m proud to be leading a cultural renaissance as Executive Director of the historic Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House. We’re launching the next generation of diverse artists, providing job training and upskilling for people seeking careers in the arts, and revitalizing San Francisco's most historic theater—and in turn, a neighborhood. When I’m Supervisor, I look forward to working with the hardworking people at IATSE to deliver good, sustainable jobs that lift up our neighborhoods and keep our special San Francisco arts and cultural scene thriving.”

IATSE, Local 16 joins a broad and growing coalition endorsing Ellington’s campaign, including the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 648, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Congressmembers Kevin Mullin and Lateefah Simon, Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, former Mayor London Breed, Supervisors Stephen Sherrill, Matt Dorsey, and Danny Sauter, and community leaders from every neighborhood in San Francisco’s District 10.

www.TheoEllington.com