Work as a principal performer or a performer with a speaking role in a SAG production. This includes roles in SAG-covered films, television shows, commercials and videotape. Acceptable proof includes a signed contract or pay stubs that show your name, social security number, the name of the production, the dates you worked and the salary paid. OR:
Work as a background actor in a production by a company with a SAG agreement. You must work in the production for at least three days. Save a pay stub containing your name, social security number, name of the production and the production company, the dates you worked and the salary. You may also have the production fax a payroll printout with this information to SAG.
Join an affiliated union for at least one year. This membership will suffice if you cannot fulfill either of the above steps. Affiliate unions are The Actor's Equity Association (AEA), The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) or The American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). During your membership, you must work as a principal performer and receive at least one payment.
Visit SAG's website to check your eligibility if you are unsure whether you qualify for membership. You must call SAG at 323-549-6769 to inquire about eligibility if you are a foreign citizen, do not have a social security number, or are seeking eligibility through your membership in an affiliated union.