How can i get an equity card?

Question

I'm 15 years old and I want to go into the performing Arts carea when I'm older. Im not too sure what an equity card is but my drama teacher was talking about it saying you need it to get a job in drama or something. How can i get hold of one? I've been going to a performing arts school for 5 years .

Answer 1

Your teacher is mistaken. To get started you do not need to be a member of Actor's Equity which is the union for theatre actors. You'll need to get an education, theatrical training as well as lots of dance and vocal training. Start locally in school, community theatre, then work your way into professional and regional productions. You only become union when it makes the most sense to do so.

You do that by getting a role in a union production with a contract for the role that you will be performing, then paying the required fees to join the union. From that point forward you can no longer perform in non-union performances without a waiver from the union so unless you're in NY or you are so great that you work frequently in union productions, it will not make sense for you to be union until much later than right now.

http://actorsequity.com/membership/howtojoin.asp

good luck,
Marianne

Answer 2

You have to be 18 to get an Equity Card. The process and long and the dues are very expensive. Most actors will wait before getting a card because having one limits the kind of shows you can do. You can contact your local Actor's Equity Association office for more information or check out their website at www.actorsequity.org.