Actor's Equity - 2007/05/14 11:12I know I just posted a forum like two seconds ago, but something just popped into my head that I've been meaning to post, but keep forgetting.
I've been wondering, exactly how does one go about getting their equity card? If someone could explain the processes to me, It'd be much appreciated, because I've been wondering for a while now.
Thanks Name: Bruce Current Production: None. Upcoming Auditions:
The Butler Did It Singing (Chandler)
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margyjohnson
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Re:Actor's Equity - 2007/05/14 11:23All I know is that you have to be in an Equity productiion to get an Equity card. If you get a part in an Equity production then you can apply for it. Otherwise not. Generally they say that unless you are doing a whole lot of Equity shows you should not get it as it can keep you from getting other parts that are non-Equity.Favorite Shows: Once on this Island, Wicked, Hairspray, Legally Blonde Dream Roles: Ado Annie/Oklahoma, Galinda/Wicked, Elle Woods/Legally Blonde Favorite Role: Ti Moune in Once On this Island Jr In Production: Best of Broadway Revue, Elle Woods/Legally Blonde
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goopy
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Re:Actor's Equity - 2007/05/14 17:08There are certain requirerments for eqiuty. Theatre must have an E.M.C. program and certain amount of stage time is needed to enroll in equity. I belong but it has been along time since I joined, You might check A.E. A. web site,it will have the info you want. Pay and benefits are better through equity, but continuous work is more plentiful without the card. You may work in a non equity theatre,with certain guidlines. Hope that helps!Retired from the business after more than 35 years doing mostly character roles, Concentrating now on musical theatre, teaching and directing. Active in A.E.A. and S.A.G. Love to help young performers get started
Retired from the business, after over thirty five years. Do mostly character spots now, teach and direct theatre now, and still active in A.E.A. and S.A.G.. Love to help young people get started
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HasBeen
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Re:Actor's Equity - 2007/05/14 21:43I got into Equity simply by being cast in an Equity show on Broadway. That's definitely the quickest way, though not necessarily the easiest. When you go to Broadway auditions, they will see all of the Equity actors first, and only then will they audition the non-equity people. The first equity show in which I got cast was a huge open call audition, and I remember distinctly: I was number 666 of "non-equity men." that gives you an idea of how many people auditioned.
There are two other way to gain membership:
- You can earn credits toward membership by performing in Equity theaters as a non-member union. I'm not sure of the details, but you have to have a certain number of months (not necessarily all at the same theater or same production) in order to qualify. It's sort of like an apprenticeship program. You might want to check with the Equity theaters in your area to see if they offer this program. This is the way most people join.
- You can be "waived in" if you have been a member in good standing of one of the other performers unions (SAG, AFTRA) for a certain period of time, though I'm not sure how long.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that once you are a member of Equity, the rules about performing in non-Equity shows are quite strict. If you are young and not living in New York, it could limit your opportunities.
Henrik
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kristine415
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Re:Actor's Equity - 2007/05/16 11:49in "breaking into acting for dummies" (a book i highly recommend) it gives a few "common ways to become a member of Equity"
providing proof you're wated for a role in an Equity-recognized production company
working for up to 50 weeks in Equity productions (know as the Equity Membership Candidacy Program)
providing proof that you've been paying member of an affiliated Four A guild (such as SAG or AFTRA) for at least a year and that you've had at least one role as a principal performer with that union.
that's what the book says word for word. it also says that AFTRA is an open union, so you can join by simply paying an initiation fee. so you could pay the fee to become a member then once you have that prinipal role, you could join Equity. BUT it also warns that just because you can join AFTRA doesn't mean you should because once you're a member of AFTRA you can't work non-union productions...thus limiting your chances for getting a part. also the book says that at the time it was written, they were considering merging SAG and AFTRA to better serve actors that work in both film and television....so it could become a lot more difficult to get a membership in the near future
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londonmarriott
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Re:Actor's Equity - 2007/05/30 10:26kristine415 wrote: BUT it also warns that just because you can join AFTRA doesn't mean you should because once you're a member of AFTRA you can't work non-union productions...thus limiting your chances for getting a part.
This goes for Equity as well - once you're in, you can't do non-Equity shows. Depending on where you're located, sometimes it's best not to join. I'm in Chicago, where there are way more non-Equity than Equity opportunities, so while I have points, I'm not joining and I know several others who won't join. However, Equity does keep track of points once you start earning them, and isn't too happy when actors put off joining for a long time, so I'd say contact Equity and decide which is the best track for you, and make sure when you join you'll still have plenty of acting opportunities!_________________________________________ Terrorizing the stage since 1993
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