Advice for a young actor trying to join AEA?

[Adair Haywind]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 11:27am

Hello everyone! I'm 22 years old and am currently trying to obtain an Equity Membership through the Equity Membership Candidacy Program. I've auditioned for a few Equity productions, but unfortunately haven't had any luck getting cast yet. Are there any Equity members here that would care to share their stories of how they obtained their cards, offer advice, etc? It would be greatly appreciated!

Updated On: 4/2/14 at 11:27 AM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 11:38am

I'm not sure what part of the country you live in. When I first came to NYC, many actors would get their Equity cards by doing a show with Theatreworks USA. It was a good start because you didn't need a lot of fancy degrees to get in a show. But, the quality of actors you work with greatly varies. I saw one of their shows at the Lortel and one of the actresses in the show kept eyeing the audience when she didn't have any lines. eta: I think Theatreworks hires "type" over "talent".

Updated On: 4/2/14 at 11:38 AM

[ohjustjake]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 11:56am

If you're EMC, you're best bet is to do regional productions where you can gain points. Once you have enough points, you can join. Theatreworks is also a good way to gain your card, but I firmly believe that there's no rush to join Equity, especially since you're only 22. There is so much non-eq work out there that's available to you.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 12:59pm

ohjustjake makes an excellent point. If you get your Equity card but still have a thin resume (like a lot of community theater on your resume) it will actually be worse off for you. Having an Equity card can be a trap because you're not supposed to do non-union work once you get it and that may rob you of valuable stage experience.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 4/3/14 at 12:02am

If you want to work, don't bother even thinking about Equity right now.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 4/3/14 at 12:22am

I know it seems like a catch 22 because you can't really get Equity work without a card but it's hard to get cast in an Equity show unless, well, you are already Equity. But just keep plugging along and audition for everything you can get in the room for, Equity or not, and the right thing will come along. I got my card because I was cast in an Off-Broadway show that required all performers to be union members. It just seemed like a natural progression at that point, and that's what's important. Chase the work, not the union status, and the union status will come.

[Kad]

Posted: 4/3/14 at 8:02am

The EMC program is specifically designed to have young actors accumulate experience- 50 weeks (the amount needed to earn the card) is quite a bit of time. It'll require you to look at theatres all over the country in order to earn it. Having a resume that's just show after show after show at one theatre doesn't look particularly good, either.