Equity vs. Non- Equity

[Wicked_fan]

Posted: 2/28/06 at 11:55pm

I know that there are alot of experienced people when it comes to broadway on this board, and I need some advice.

So I'm a theater major and very very enthusiastic and set on moving to NYC after college to pursue a career in Musical theater...

But I kept hearing different things when it comes to equity.
I know you need an equity card, but I was wondering which would be better to do...

Go to NYC with an equity card already, or go to NYC and try out for non equity tours and such and get some more experience and the points for your equity card?

thanks!

[M J R]

Posted: 3/1/06 at 1:06am

You dont get points toward equity for doing a non-equity tour. I highly recommend getting in with a strong regional theatre scene and getting your card there BEFORE coming to New York.

Read the equity website for more info about ways to get your card....

www.actorsequity.org

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 3/1/06 at 1:16am

If you are a GREAT dancer, especially male, you should look into moving to NYC now. The easiest Equity auditions for a non-Equity performer to get into are the dance calls.

If you are not a GREAT dancer, MJR is right. Build your resume regionally. Earn points at Equity regional theatres. It's a great training ground.

And both MJR and I are from Houston. It can be an excellent city for this. Of course, Chicago is. I hear great things about Dallas and Seattle. Not sure which other cities around the country have been good to performers.

Updated On: 3/1/06 at 01:16 AM