how do you get an equity card for acting (Broadway shows)?

Question

I really want to be on broadway and ive been acting and singing forever, i dont have an agent but i know i need to get one, i also heard you need an equity card too, but i have no clue how to get one!

If you have any idea about this or have any ideas that could help me get a broadway audition for (ex: rent, hairspray, momma mia, etc.) that would help also, any info you have please tell!!

Much Appreciated!

Answer 1

Some auditions require cards, some don't. Visit the actors equity websiteI(www.actorsequity.org) for specifics, but basically you start by performing at theaters that offer "points" per week of work. When you achieve sufficient points, you can get a card. Alternatively, if a theater is holding non-union auditions for an all-union show, you will be offered membership upon signing a contract. Largely it depends on the theater's agreement with Equity. A third route is to back-door through another union. If you've done any screen or film work, and become eligible to join SAG, once your membership dues are paid up you are eligible to join Equity. The same goes for AGVA. Your standard amusement park performers generally belong to AGVA, and are also eligible to back door into Equity. Be careful, though, many people who are enjoying satisfying professional careers as non-equity actors find themselves getting less work once they go union. Make sure you're really ready for this, and you've got the resume to support it.

As for auditions: check www.backstage.com for audition notices, both E. and W. coast. Don't expect to audition immediately for Broadway-you'll need to build up your resume with other professional work first, although don't let that keep you from auditioning--the more you audition the better you get at auditioning, and frankly, the people who get cast aren't the best actors/dancers/singers, they're the best auditioners. Just keep trying.

Answer 2

If you have no idea how to get an equity card, then i'm assuming you have little to no acting experience. Your best bet at getting an Equity card is working the necessary hours on a professional production as required. I'm sorry, but the gentleman above is wrong. You will not and cannot earn an Equity card by going to school. I do however strongly encourage you to go to school to learn more about the business and gain valuable acting experience. No Agent is going to give an actor with a blank resume the time of day. You need to perform in any community production you can, get that experience, then move on to auditioning for professional shows while seeking an agent. There are thousands and thousands of actors who can sing, dance, and act their hearts out all trying to get on Broadway. It is a vicious industry and one that requires relentless pursuit. So, start/keep training.

Answer 3

You don't need an equity card to audition, if the casting directors are interested in you for the role they will give you a contract. Some casting directors use equity as an excuse instead of explaining why they weren't interested in you. In order to arrive on Broadway it takes practice, sacrifice, dedication. An actress whom I forget by named said if needed to make a choice between acting and food and you'd give up food for act than you know you want it bad enough.

Answer 4

http://www.actorsequity.org/