How to Secure Your Equity Card

Written by Christina Nicholson

July 21, 2017

Most actors figure out their performing passion at a young age and decide to study drama or musical theatre in college. No acting path is exactly the same, and there really is no right or wrong way to break into professional acting. These experiences are your own. However, securing your place in a union such as AEA (Actors Equity Association), can make securing jobs a lot easier. Here’s how you can secure your Equity card:



Actor, Chris Kurzer a member of SAG-AFTRA says, “As a professional actor, my goal is to be a proud member of the unions that support and encourage artists.  As I work toward my AEA card, I hold strong to my SAG-AFTRA eligibility and am actually planning my future location/residence with respect to where ‘the work is’ and remaining true to earning my membership instead of ‘walking into’ the unions.  There’s a huge sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with earning, struggling, working toward a goal and achieving something as prestigious as a SAG, AFTRA or AEA union status.  Support, protection and resources from these unions are what keep the arts alive and keep productions rolling to provide entertainment and discovery.”

Just as there is no one right or wrong way to break into professional acting, there are three routes to secure your Equity card and gain membership with AEA. Since 1913, Actors Equity Association has been providing actors with many opportunities to be a part of the union.

First, actors can gain membership from other professional performing unions: Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), Guild of Italian-American Artists (GIAA). If joining AEA with the help of membership from another union, being in good standing, and paying dues are required.



Second, an actor can land an Equity contract by being offered a role. This is the most efficient way to earn your Equity card.

Actor Justin Trisler secured his Equity card in 2017 with the Walt Disney World Company. “I had to audition for a show that used Equity actors. I did not have to be a part of Equity to audition. Once I completed the callback, the directors decided to choose me for the show and offered me an Equity contract. I signed it and later had an introduction meeting with the AEA representatives who gave me all the information I needed about becoming a member. I chose to take my Equity card; you have the option not to take it. I then paid my dues, which are annual.”

Auditioning for an Equity role and signing a contract is the most efficient way to become an AEA member.



Lastly, an actor can secure their Equity card by using credit from theatrical work from specific Equity theatres. The credit will need to add up to 50 weeks’ total. This route is called the Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC).

Once you’re in and have paid the registration fees, next is the initiation fee of $1100, which you have two years to pay. Then the basic dues are $118 a year. The working dues are 2.25% of your gross earnings under the Equity contract. Earning your Equity card may take you one of three ways, but in the end you have joined a union established in 1913, and you have gained several union privileges and benefits, including health insurance, exclusive Equity auditions only, the right to vote in the union, and many more resources to further your acting career.



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Christina Nicholson works for the Walt Disney World Company. She earned her B.A. in human communication and minor in mass communication from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as an editorial intern for a fashion magazine, and as a copywriter intern for an advertising agency. Christina enjoys acting, commercial modeling, yoga, outdoor adventures and writing.