For many theater actors, joining the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) is a major career goal—and a huge milestone. Considering Equity membership is granted once you can prove you’re a working actor, you’ve come to the right place. As the most trusted source and top casting platform for the last 60 years, Backstage can help you find and apply for the theater gigs that will eventually lead to your Equity status. With over 6,000 casting notices, there’s more than enough opportunity to prove you’re a working actor. Here’s how Backstage can help you join.
Set up a killer actor profile.
To be a professional working actor represented by Equity, you’ve got to look like one. Creating a Backstage profile—and ensuring it’s in excellent condition—is the first step. This will allow you to quickly and easily apply for theater gigs, as well as stand out to casting directors and industry professionals when they’re browsing Backstage for talent.
To better your chances of standing out in a sea of submissions, make sure your headshots reflect your current age and look, and are professionally done. (If you need some help there, just browse Backstage for a headshot photographer.) Ensure your resume is up-to-date (and honest!) and any self-tapes or relevant media is uploaded properly. Contact info is a must or else the casting director won’t be able to get in touch with you.
14 Career Actors on How They Earned Their Actor’s Equity Card Apply for theater roles and ask for an Equity contract.
One way to become Equity eligible is by applying to casting notices with a large theater company—even as a nonunion actor. If a theater has a certain number of Equity contracts but not enough actors to fill them, contracts may be granted to eligible and deserving working, nonunion actors. Therefore, it’s worth your time to browse all of Backstage’s theater gigs and apply.
Apply to work with EMC-eligible theaters.
With countless casting notices, Backstage provides the opportunity to get cast at some of the Equity Membership Candidate Program participating theaters. Membership is granted after 50 weeks (or 50 credits) of work at the union’s participating theaters—which means no job is too small or a waste of time. Consider background work, chorus, or even a one-line role a valuable experience toward earning your Equity card.
Keep up with casting news.
Keeping up with Backstage’s Casting News is essential for working actors looking to join Equity. Learn what shows are in production, what the biggest industry players are working on, and more. With Backstage’s help, you’ll be holding that Equity card in no time.
Check out Backstage’s theater audition listings!