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How to Become a Union Actor

Joining an actors’ union has many advantages for those interested in pursuing a professional acting career. Whether you perform for the stage, television, film or all acting mediums, there is a union available that will negotiate fair pay rates, safe working conditions, provide healthcare and retirement benefits, and other services to help actors succeed in their craft. Most actors’ unions require performers to have some acting experience in professional-level productions in order to qualify for membership. Hiring union actors is generally more costly for production companies, but the benefit is access to a larger pool of experienced actors. Becoming a union member can be achieved by first learning about the unions available and their requirements for joining.

Instructions

  1. Sceen Actors Guild (SAG)

    • 1

      Get a job as a principle or speaking performer in a SAG film, television, videotape or commercial production. You may also qualify by working three days as a SAG background performer. These three days can be worked for the same or different production companies.

    • 2

      Apply for SAG membership if you are a member of an affiliate performer's union such as ACTRA, AEA, AFTRA, AGMA or AGVA for at least one year.

    • 3

      Keep any signed contracts or pay stubs as proof of employment and submit them to your local SAG office via their website www.sag.org or by mail at:

      Screen Actors Guild
      Membership Services Department – Proof of Eligibility
      5757 Wilshire Blvd.
      Los Angeles, CA 90036

    • 4

      Pay the membership fee of $2277, as of publication.

    Actors Equity Association (AEA)

    • 5

      Get hired under an equity contract. This can be accomplished by auditioning and securing a role in an equity theatrical production. Usually, theater companies will post their union status when they are advertising for the audition. If you are unsure, contact the company directly for more information.

    • 6

      Apply for AEA membership as a member of a sister union such as SAG or AFTRA. You must be a current member in good standing with a sister organization for at least one year to apply.

    • 7

      Participate in the Equity Membership Candidate Program. This program allows actors or stage managers in training to apply for AEA membership by working a total of 50 weeks at an Equity theater. Candidates will pay an initial $100 fee with their application.

    • 8

      Pay the initiation fees. As of publication, the initiation fees are $1100. Actors Equity Association will accept an initial payment of $400 that will go towards your membership fees. The remaining balance of $700 is due in six months.

    American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)

    • 9

      Determine if you will be working on AFTRA projects in the future. You can figure this out by determining how many jobs you audition for or are interested in that require AFTRA membership. If there are a lot of AFTRA jobs in your area, it may be a lucrative investment to join.

    • 10

      Submit your application. You can do this online at the AFTRA website or by mail.

    • 11

      Pay the initiation fee. As of publication, the fees are $1600.

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Screen Acting

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