How Do You Become an Equity Actor?

Becoming an Equity actor can be very challenging.

The Actor's Equity Association (AEA) is a stage actor's union representing more than 48,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. The union was founded in 1913 to improve the working conditions of actors and to give performers more bargaining power against producers. The union is a member of the American Federation of Labor and is associated with the international group of performance unions called the FIA. Becoming an Equity actor can take time and dedication.

Things You'll Need

• Money for dues

Instructions

1. Audition and be cast for a production being held in an Equity theater.

2. Register with Actor's Equity and pay a $100 fee that later will be used toward your initial entry dues.

3. Complete a total of 50 weeks of work on the Equity show or in an Equity theater. The 50 weeks can be spread out between multiple Equity productions.

4. Submit an application and pay your entry dues once your 50 weeks of work are completed and logged with the union. At least $400 is due with your application. Total entry dues are $1,100; additional annual dues of $118 are paid per year along with a percentage of earnings.

Tips & Warnings

• Other advantages of Equity membership include health insurance, 401k and pension plans and a uniform workweek.

References

• Actor's Equity: About Equity
• All Experts: How to Become an Equity Performer
• Be Your Art: How to Become an Equity Artist