How to Join AFTRA

AFTRA is a union for actors the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) but it is much easier to get into. AFTRA governs mostly soap operas and radio shows, but it is getting more and more into television these days. Below is how you can join AFTRA. (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first thing that you will want to do is find your local AFTRA office. You can call the national membership department at [phone] and have them refer you to the nearest office.

2. The next thing you will need is cold hard cash. There is a one time initiation fee of $1,300 to join AFTRA, after that you will only be responsible for your yearly dues.

3. You can work AFTRA without paying the initiation fee, but after 30 days you will become a "must join" and AFTRA will take all of your future checks until the total fee is paid off.

4. AFTRA can help get you into SAG - once you have had a principal role in any AFTRA production, you will then be eligible to join SAG one year form the day you worked.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do get an AFTRA principal role - be SURE and save your employment contract to show SAG a year down the road.

Resources

• How To Make a Living as a Working Actor