How can I find non-union talent agents in my area (Dallas)? The Union is expensive. How can I work to it?

Question

I now understand how to get good but I've researched The Union (SAG). Very expensive. Exactly how would I work my way up?

Answer 1

You don't have to join the union until you work a union show and they tell you you have to. The agent is not union or non-union, but they may choose to only work with union talent. You can work with an agent and they can guide you on this issue. You can do plenty of non-union work and never join the union, but if you do a certain amount of union work, at a certain point it's do or die so to speak. Yes it is expensive and I applaud you for not wanting to join until you have to! So many people think of it as a status thing and want to join ASAP but I say hold off until you have to!!

On Sag.org you can find agents closer to Houston (5) or ones closer to Dallas (8). It couldn't hurt to inquire with each since there are only 13 in the whole state and see what their policy is on non-union actors. Good luck!

Answer 2

Texas is a Right to Work State. There is no such thing as "NON-UNION" in Texas.

Call ANY AGENT in Dallas and schedule an appointment to join the union. I don't remember the cost to join in Texas, but it's cost less than joining in NY or L.A.

If you plan to move to New York or Los Angeles, join SAG/AFTRA in Texas, it is CHEAPER and will cost you a small fortune to join if you do it in Los Angeles or New York.

Here is the Dallas list of Agents:
The Campbell Agency
3906 Lemmon Avenue, Suite 200,
Dallas, TX 75219
Tel: [phone]

Mary Collins
2909 Cole Avenue, Suite #250
Dallas, TX 75204-1307
Tel: [phone]

Kim Dawson Agency
1645 Stemmons Freeway
Suite B, Dallas, TX 75207
Tel: [phone]

The Horne Agency, Inc.
4420 West Lovers Lane,
Dallas, TX 75209
Tel: [phone]

Ivett Stone Agency
14677 Midway Road, Suite 113
Addison, TX 75001
Tel: [phone]

Taylor Talent, Peggy
437 Southfork, Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
Tel: [phone]

The Clutts Agency
1807 Ross Avenue, #167
Dallas, TX 75201
Tel: [phone]

Tomas Agency
1017 Elm Street, Suite 105
Carrollton, TX 75006
Tel: [phone]