I think you are kind of confused.

Sorry it's not me.

Do you think its worth joining AFTRA? Does it help in finding an agent? My daughter's only here with me (going off to college) for 6 more months, and I want to do all I can for her before she leaves. Thanks

Do you think its worth joining AFTRA? Does it help in finding an agent?

First answer, not unless she is a must join. No, it will not help her in finding an agent. There are very few AFTRA productions. Basically anybody who wants to pay can join AFTRA, so it doesn't mean much. Hope that helps.

two beautiful words:

SAG ELIGIBLE

theres a great period of time between when you or your kid has enough vouchers to join the union when you can choose between nonunion and union jobs. once you get to this point some agents will be more willing to look at you, but you can still make some money in the non sanctioned productions and not be fined.

Can non-union actors work on union projects?

Non-union talent can work Union jobs; once you do, you get Taft-Hartleyed which means you are eligible to join. At some point you become a must join (after second union job). Once you do join though you CANNOT work any non-union jobs.
The above refers to principal work not extra work.

Just wondering, When an audition says Equity, or SAG can someone not in the union, audition for the part? I have also heard that if you are with one union, you can join any of the others as long as you can pay the fee. Is that the case? Thanks much for the info. It is greatly appreciated.

Non-union talent CAN audittion for SAG roles. Anybody can join AFTRA if you want to pay the fee. If you have been a member of AFTRA for one year and you can provide proof of principal work under SAG jurisdiction you can then join SAG. Don't know anything about Equity.

AEA is the same as it's sister unions. If you have worked principal under SAG and AFTRA or under 5 (AFTRA only), after one year in good standing, you can join AEA. If you have worked as a principal for AEA, not chorus, you can join SAG after a year of good standing in AEA.

"...not chorus..."



Is chorus the AEA equivilant of SAG background work?

Thanks for the info.

I could very well be wrong about that, now that I think about it....Chorus performers may qualify after a year of membership and instead, it might refer to when AEA productions have had emc members perform on mainstages as well as "background types of roles" back in the day, which were more for large productions...similar to the supernumerary in opera productions...

Ultimately, I one would have to check with AEA membership on that one for clarification.

Just wanted to say thanks. Info was most helpful

This was wonderful. Thank you so much. I'm new and hoping someone can point me in the right direction. My son, Brian is 17, we live in VA and he's been working locally for the last year. Brian's done several independent film, several TFPs, lead in the school play, etc. Because of our VA address, we've been told that it will be difficult for Brian to get into the NY arena. However, a couple weeks ago he got his shot, and got a call from a casting co in NY and now has his 3 SAG waivers. We are thrilled!! Do we join now? Will joining SAG now, help us get more work in NY - what doors will it open to Brian? He got his waivers as a featured extra. Will joining SAG help us find principal roles. Will the casting company be able to use us more frequently? How do I find a GOOD agent?
Thanks so much!

I know you are excited about him being able to join the union. I, myself, won't be so happy when that happens for my daughter or son, unless it's for something exceptional. The reason is that once you join the union, you can no longer to ANY non-union work. In smaller markets, that can really hurt! The non-union work can be a great stepping stone to great union roles. If they see that you've been the lead in a few non-union ff's, they may take a chance on you. But, if your resume is not strong, you stand less of a chance. I also know many parents who do NOT want their child to be a "must join" because they did featured extra (background) work to get waivers. Principal roles, supporting roles, yes. But not background. That is uncredited work and actually doesn't even belong on a resume. I think that CD's would rather see non-union lead or supporting roles than to see SAG background work. Just my opinion. Most of the parents I know try to hold off joining the union for as long as they can. Especially because of the joining fee, then the percentage of everything you make each year. That can hurt if you're not making very much. Anyway, just my two cents worth. Good luck to your son!

Everything you said is absolutely true. Also, I would caution the other poster that there will be much more opportunities for her son once he turns 18. To join SAG is now close to $1500 and once you do bye bye non-union work. And then you pay dues very 6 months. For someone without many credits non-union work as a lead or supporting looks 10x better than any mention of background work on a resume. Good luck with his decision.