How do you get into the unions? That's a fundamental question for every actor. The requirements are easy to understand—if not always simple to fulfill—but the bigger issue for many actors may be deciding when the time is right to get your union card. Below, we go over the basics for joining the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Actors' Equity Association. Then we get some advice from professionals across the country on the subject of when to join.
When Can I Join?
SAG: A performer becomes eligible to join SAG in one of three ways: by performing a speaking role in a SAG film, videotape, television program, or commercial; by working as a SAG-covered background player at full SAG rates for a minimum of three days; or by being a paid-up member of an affiliated performers' union (ACTRA, AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, or AGVA) for a period of one year and working at least once as a principal performer in that union's jurisdiction.
AFTRA: Any person who has performed or intends to perform professional work in any one of AFTRA's jurisdictions is eligible for membership.
Equity: Performers can qualify to join Equity by securing employment under an Equity contract; by being a member of a sister union (SAG, AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA, or GIAA) for at least one year and working as a principal, as an under-five, or for at least three days as a background player under that union's jurisdiction; or by working 50 weeks as part of the Equity Membership Candidate Program.
The requirements are presented here in only the broadest strokes. It's advisable to visit each union's website to read the fine print. And then, of course, there are the initiation fees.
When Should I Join?
Peggy Hickey, choreographer, Los Angeles: "Women especially should wait and work with as many people as possible to create connections. Taking your card too soon can cut your career short unless you are amazing and lucky."
Michael Walters, actor, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: "If an actor does join Equity, they need to be living in a market where there is work. Sadly, as the economy worsens, the number of available contracts in the regions seems to be drying up as these theaters become rather inbred."
Samantha Daniels, agent, Los Angeles: "Stay SAG-eligible as long as you can. There are a lot of nonunion jobs to be had. It's harder to book bigger SAG jobs right now, and the experience on set is invaluable. Obviously, it's always better for the long haul to be in the union—especially for TV work."
Larry Poindexter, actor, Los Angeles: "As soon as you can get [your SAG card], get it. The benefits so outweigh any detriments.... Even with the advent of so much nonunion work,...to make a living you need to do work in the big leagues, and those are union."
Rebecca Green, actor, New York: "Those first few years of working as non-Equity were extremely valuable. I was offered my card twice, which I turned down because I didn't think I was ready yet.... I knew it was time to make the leap when I was offered an Equity first national tour. Had I taken [my card] earlier...I wouldn't have had the time to build the confidence one needs to compete as an Equity actor. I think it's a different journey for everyone, and the best answer is to know yourself."