About Actors' Equity (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth it to join Actors Equity? ›

Auditions: One of the chief perks of union membership is getting preferential treatment in the audition process. Set Equity tryout slots allow actors an added degree of predictability. While a union card doesn't guarantee that you'll land a gig, it will ensure that you at least get seen by casting directors.

Performers appearing in live stage productions without a book or through-storyline (vaudeville, cabarets, circuses) may be represented by the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). The AEA works to negotiate quality living conditions, livable wages, and benefits for performers and stage managers.

Actor's Equity Association, casually referred to as “AEA” or “Equity,” is a labor union representing theatre performers and stage managers. Other performing arts labor unions include SAG-AFTRA—representing performers in film and television, and AGVA—representing live theatre productions of the variety act kind.

Equity rules prohibit members from working, with or without pay, for any employer who is not a signatory to an Equity agreement or code, unless Equity has given prior written permission (for example, granted for performances sponsored by a religious institution or to fulfill academic requirements).

We can help you take action on individual and collective issues at work, from discrimination to holiday pay problems. And we provide legal representation if you need to take things further too. Plus you'll have access to our excellent member benefits including Public Liability Insurance and industry discounts.

Equity's dues structure has two components: Basic dues: $176 annually, billed at $88 twice a year each May and November. Working dues: 2.5% of gross earnings under Equity contract, which are collected through weekly payroll deductions.

Initiation fee: It costs $1,800 to join Equity. You must pay this fee within three years of joining, provided you've submitted your initial $600 down payment. Membership dues: Basic dues: $176 per year, broken into two $88 payments in May and November.

Members who wish to withdraw from active work or do not expect to work or seek work under Equity's jurisdiction for a period of a year or more may seek “inactive status." Regardless of your membership status, under no circ*mstances may you appear with a non-Equity company or as a non-professional or apprentice.

What is Equity? The term “equity” refers to fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality: Whereas equality means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances.

Is Equity a good thing? ›

Equity is important because it represents the value of an investor's stake in a company, represented by the proportion of its shares. Owning stock in a company gives shareholders the potential for capital gains and dividends.

Equity financing can boost a company's credibility and valuation but may require sacrificing some control and decision-making power. Royalty financing provides a steady income stream, without requiring relinquishing ownership or control, but can eat into a company's profits.

Under SAG-AFTRA and Equity contracts, actors are guaranteed a set rate of pay for both rehearsal and performance. The rate changes over time as union contracts are renegotiated, and it's influenced by the details of the production.

Joining the unions is a big step in an actor's professional career. It seems pretty clear that if you're offered SAG/AFTRA membership, joining would be a boost for your career and your work possibilities.

If you're “Non-Eq,” can you still go to an Equity audition? Yes, you can! However, you might be turned away without receiving the opportunity to dance.

Members who wish to withdraw from active work or do not expect to work or seek work under Equity's jurisdiction for a period of a year or more may seek “inactive status." Regardless of your membership status, under no circ*mstances may you appear with a non-Equity company or as a non-professional or apprentice.