The non-Equity world of acting is a vague one in terms of contract logistics: Will the theater or tour management provide housing? Are they paying for your travel? What will life with the theater be like? As a result, it’s imperative that you look out for yourself and know what’s ok and what’s definitely not ok when it comes to non-Equity work.
A few months ago, I found myself in a situation that was quickly becoming unlivable. It was the result of a theater job that promised—albeit vaguely—a livable housing situation that I assumed would be fine, but after some time, it was clear that it wasn’t a healthy or realistic way for me to live.
There might be reasons to wait to join the union. Find out more here.
How did I find myself in this situation? I got vague answers from the theater owners who knew they were skirting important details on housing and, unfortunately, I didn’t push for adequate answers. My lack of understanding, their lack of explanation, and my realization that there’s a line that cannot be crossed when it comes to getting work and caring for your self-worth ultimately led to me breaking a contract.
If you find yourself with an offer for work that includes housing, you need to pay attention and be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot live with (or without).
Will you be sharing a room with a castmate or have your own bedroom? How many cast members will be sharing the house, apartment, or hotel room? Will you get to meet them before you move in? Will you have a full kitchen? Will you be sharing a bathroom? How many bathrooms are there? Will you get a designated parking space? How far is the theater from the home? Etc.
Don’t feel pushy or guilty asking these questions if the answers aren’t clear in the contract. Get as specific as you need in order to feel comfortable signing something. There is a difference between being bougie with accommodations and ensuring your basic needs are being covered and met. These details are need-to-know, not just nice-to-have.
READ: How to Read Your First Contract
To some, questions like this may seem like overkill but rest assured, they are not. There is no reason to shy away from asking specific questions and expecting exact answers. If you don’t receive the answers you’re looking for, continue to ask until you are comfortable with all details of the contract.
Take note if your questions aren’t being answered outright—avoidance could be a clue that things are not as above-board as they seem. I understand that theater jobs can be few and far between, but you should not allow yourself to be put in a position that is less than liveable or, worse, completely unsafe in the name of adding a line to your résumé.
How do you know if the company is legitimate before you sign a contract? There are a few giveaways you should always look for:
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Did they make you fill out a tax form, specifically a W4? Properly filed tax forms can help if you’re fired as you can then apply for unemployment.
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Are they being vague when you ask specific questions about your contract in terms of lodging and travel?
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Is the over-all language of their email exchanges professional?
Actors weigh in on to take the leap to Equity or not.
If you do find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and feel like you can voice your concerns, do. While attacking or taking on management is not the right approach at this point, your castmates or other members of the production may be having similar issues and having an open, honest conversation can be useful.
If you’re still not confident this is a legit gig, my best advice would be to follow your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Unfortunately, not all theaters are in the business of treating their actors well. As a non-union actor, you must look out for yourself.
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The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.