nyc_etoile
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Re:Actors Equity - 2008/01/17 15:23
Well as far as "little perks", Actor's Equity members of course can go to Equity calls. And they can go to any non-Equity call for a show (that has an Equity contract) and be seen first even if they sign up last. Also, Equity members can get in free to any Equity Showcase performance just by showing their Equity card. An Equity card also can get you discounts on lots of things and services that are geared toward performers (ask in NYC if you can get any sort of Equity discount).
But the big reason for joining Equity is not for the "little perks". It's for the big perks. Equity is a Union, so under a union, you are entitled to health insurance, a 401(k), as well as unemployment insurance and worker's comp. These things are helpful for performers because we don't have a steady job where these things are offered. Of course, you have to work a certain number of weeks out of the year to be eligible for these things. Equity will help you find affordable housing if you are having a lot of trouble and they also have a free health clinic for actors to use if necessary. There's tax assistance (because an actor's taxes are so scrambled around) and you can join the Actor's Federal Credit Union where you can get free checking, loans, etc (They realize that actors + money = problems). Also, under a union contract, on a job, you have regulated hours so they cannot overwork you, you have regulated pay, plus various other accomodations to make you comfortable in a working situation. When you join Equity, you have to register your name because each Equity member must have a different name. This is to make sure that no one else gets credit for your work. So if your name is John Smith, and another Equity member has your name, you must register under something different, like John Q. Smith and go by that name in all professional interactions.
I hope that helped. More info on Actor's Equity can be found at www.actorsequity.org.
But remember, think hard before you join AEA because as a young actor, you will not be able to audition for a non-equity production unless they have an Equity contract and that cuts out tons of work. You will be up against other professionals and it will be much harder to stay employed.
Post edited by: nyc_etoile, at: 2008/01/17 15:26
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