So, dd has the option of joining Equity on this project. Is that a good or bad idea? I don't expect her to be doing much professional theater as a child because of the grueling schedule; after this we'll probably focus on commercials, TV etc. But I'm trying to figure out if it would benefit or harm her as an adult, when she WILL probably want to do some theater.

On the one hand, I know it's hard to join Equity, so maybe being an Equity member will be a huge advantage. On the other hand, I know that with SAG, everyone says don't join until you absolutely have to, because once you join you can't do non-union work, and beginning actors NEED non-union work. I don't know if that's the same with Equity, where you shouldn't join unless you have to, or if it's something you should jump at the chance to join.

Thoughts?

Would she be able to get points as a future member instead of joining? That way, when there are AEA auditions, she will go ahead of the nonunion kids. If it were my dd, I would hold off as long as I could for the very reasons you mention.

If you are signed with an agent, your DD will attend the agent auditions, so there's no need to join equity for an auditioning advantage.

Equity is $1,100 to join plus another $118 a year. (plus 2.25% of earnings) Your DD is quite young. If she is talented and wants to continue in theater there should be other opportunities for her as she reaches adulthood.

If she is being offered the opportunity to join Equity now - then she can choose to decline but she would not be allowed to earn points - b/c they are offering the membership. We were in a similar situation and that is how it was explained to us....not sure where you are but I would contact closest Equity office and they can explain it to you further. They are usually very helpful.

What did you end up deciding to do, YouveGotAFriend? Join or not join?

Once your child joins equity they can no longer do ANY non union work.

I thought if it is on Broadway you need to join.

Anyone who joins AEA to participate in an equity production can withdraw from AEA when they're done with the show. However if they book another equity show after withdrawal they will have to pay the initiation fee and annual dues again. Kids 14 and under are eligible for temporary juvenile withdrawals to participate in non-union shows. After age 14 Equity considers waivers on a case by case basis for community theater, etc.

quote:

Kids 14 and under are eligible for temporary juvenile withdrawals to participate in non-union shows. After age 14 Equity considers waivers on a case by case basis for community theater, etc.

Oh, that's really good to know...so if she DOES end up joining, she could still do non-union shows as a child?

I guess what I'm really trying to figure out is which would be better for her down the road, not so much now. If she's 21 and just finished college and wanting to really pursue acting as a career, is she better off having that Equity card and able to audition for Equity productions, or would it be too limiting (would she be missing out on too many non-union opportunities)?

There are no limitations to performing non-union under age 14. You simply send a letter to AEA advising of the production your child will be in with the opening and closing dates. They also ask that you call with the date equity status should be reinstated.

As for an adult missing non-union opportunities. Equity waivers are a possibility. Or they can withdraw from AEA. I wouldn't recommend withdrawing in NY where there are plenty of AEA opportunities including readings and workshops.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate all the information and advice!

TMR - we did decide to join and that was a few years ago and we have not been unhappy with our decision - we are in NYC area however - and yes, children under 14 can get permission to do non-union work but is it important that you follow their rules and do this properly. Should your child decide to perform elsewhere and not have proper permission this could her him/her down the line. Good luck whatever you decide to do - sounds like a pretty good problem to have

LOL, thanks, that's a good point!

We're in the NYC area too, so looking at everything that's been said, it sounds like overall, it WOULD be a good idea to join. It won't prevent her from doing non-union theater up to age 14, which is good; after that, it would limit her non-union opportunities, but it would also open up Equity opportunities that she wouldn't be able to audition for otherwise. And it sounds like they DO sometimes grant waivers for things like community theater, so it wouldn't necessarily TOTALLY shut her out of non-union altogether. (We have a community theater near our home, and the cast list for productions often says "So-and-so appears by permission of Actors Equity.") So...I think we WILL go for it.

Again, thank you SO MUCH for all the information! I really, really appreciate it!