Amid Union Push, Two Casa Bonita Performers Tell All
Oct 21, 2024
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WM. Riley Holmes and Joshua Emerson, Casa Bonita performers advocating for unionization, share their insights on the unique challenges within their roles. They discuss the push for safer working conditions and fair pay amid the revitalization of the beloved eatertainment venue. The duo tackles the complexities of maintaining artistry in a corporate environment and reflects on the impact of rowdy patrons on their performances. Matthew Campbell sheds light on the intersection of entertainment and labor, tying it all to the upcoming Denver Film Festival.
Performers at Casa Bonita are pushing for unionization to address safety concerns and advocate for fair wages and job security.
The environment at Casa Bonita significantly changes during late hours, leading to increased safety risks and a rising need for better management protocols.
Deep dives
Unionization Efforts at Casa Bonita
There is a significant push for unionization among performers at Casa Bonita, driven by concerns over safety and inadequate pay. Many cliff divers, puppeteers, and magicians have reported feeling unsafe in their roles, with some workers sharing troubling stories about management's failure to uphold promises made during hiring. The performers are motivated by their love for Casa Bonita and aim to create a workplace where they feel respected and safe. They are seeking to address issues such as fair wages, job security, and proactive safety measures in their workplace.
Challenges Faced by Performers
Performers at Casa Bonita frequently encounter challenges that impact their ability to deliver safe and enjoyable experiences for guests. For instance, the atmosphere becomes increasingly rowdy during late hours, leading to incidents where performers have faced harassment from over-served patrons. Specific incidents, such as one performer being struck by a lime thrown by a guest, highlight the potential dangers faced by staff in a high-energy environment. These experiences contribute to a growing consensus that improvements in safety protocols and management responsiveness are necessary.
The Role of Alcohol in Guest Behavior
The increased availability of alcohol at Casa Bonita has created a duality in the guest experience, shifting the atmosphere significantly as the evening progresses. As the restaurant fills with more intoxicated guests later in the night, performers report an uptick in rowdy and sometimes aggressive behavior. This environment, termed by staff as the 'danger hour,' poses challenges to both safety and the overall guest experience. Performers express a desire for enhanced communication regarding guest behavior expectations to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Expectations for Management and Future Changes
Performers at Casa Bonita are not only advocating for their rights but also seeking to collaborate with management for positive changes within the establishment. They emphasize the need for improved safety standards, functional security measures, and fair compensation reflective of industry standards. Many employees recognize the creative and iconic potential of Casa Bonita but feel hampered by inconsistent management practices and lack of support. The future of the establishment hinges on meaningful dialogue and steps taken by owners to prioritize performer welfare and nurture a sustainable working environment.
In the documentary “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker depict themselves as saviors of the Pink Palace, spending unexpected millions to bring Lakewood’s beloved eatertainment icon back from bankruptcy. But a few weeks after the documentary’s premiere, it’s become clear that the South Park creators haven’t figured it all out quite yet. Two Casa Bonita performers — WM. Riley Holmes and our regular guest Joshua Emerson — join producer Paul Karolyi today to talk about why they and more than 70 of their colleagues have petitioned to form a union with IATSE and Actors Equity, and discuss Matt and Trey’s response.
We broke the story of the Casa Bonita performers pushing to unionize in our newsletter Hey Denver last week. Subscribe now and never miss another important update!
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