Equity Actors- Page 2

[Joshua488]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:20pm

It's true.

You might see a job that you want, but in order to audition, you need to be Equity.

Then once you're Equity, you might see a job you want, but it's a non-union job, so you can't do it.

Being a member of a union is a double-edged sword.

[matthius202]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:21pm

that's SOOO frustrating to me.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:27pm

yeah..ive been frustrated ALOT...and when I haven't gotten work in awhile, i wonder WHY im paying the SAG dues. ughh it's all so complicated, yet at the same time, not so much.

[matthius202]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:30pm

why can't we all be sutton fosters...and just have someone go...hey you're amazing. THE END.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:31pm

because once you make it up to the top, you will be able to think about the amazing journey you went on, and will have the pride that you were very hardworking. B/c if you aren't there is NO way you will make it. ever.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:32pm

amen to that matthius. lol. Question though: say I became Equity from doing a show or w/e... but if I went to a city far from NY could I still not do a non-eq show there? Or if technically not are they gonna check and make sure? I know someone at a theatre where I have done stuff who is a "proud member of equity", but the theatre is non-eq and everything.

[matthius202]

Posted: 2/15/05 at 9:34pm

i'm also EXTREMELY poor...another hinderance. haha...but yeah. so where are ya'll from?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 1:45am

Once you join Equity, you may not act without an Equity contract or permission from Equity. Sometimes Equity will give you the ok to do a non-Equity project, especially if you live far from Equity theatres. Sometime a non-Equity theatre can use a guest Equity contract. People who do not follow procedure can get into a lot of trouble.

The person who is auditioning for SETC--if an Equity theatre wants you at that audition, go for it. It's really not as "political" and maddening as it probably seems to some of you right now.

The advise is this--don't join Equity until you are ready. And auditioning is easier in NYC if you are Equity--but you don't have to be Equity to get an Equity job. If they want to hire you, they will make you Equity. And in most cases (though not all has we all have seen bad performances) if you are good enought to get hired in the part, you are good enough to be Equity. It's a personal decision.

But I don't see it as being such a dilemna. If you want to act on Broadway, you have to be Equity. If that's your goal, then work towards it. If not, then stay non-Equity.

If you want to do film, you have to join SAG. If that's your goal, work towards it.

But these are non-profits unions that, good or bad, are there to protect an actor and/or stage manager's rights and wages, etc. And if it's not your thing, then don't do it.

There have been many brutal fights on here about the subject that I just have no desire to go through again. For me, I want to work on Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, and leading roles in regional theatre. So, the choice to work towards becoming an Equity actor was simple. It was always a given.

And after years of working in non-Equity theatres, I got tired of the low or no wages and even more tired of the shotty working conditions and scheduling problems. I went to school and have spent many years working on my craft. I felt (and every performer should) that I deserved to be treated better and compensated for my work. I should be able to make a living as an actor when I have the chance to do a show. For some people, it's a hobby--and there is nothing wrong with that.

So, you just have to make those decisions for yourself. What do you want? And how do you get there?

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 2:43am

There are so many talented people in this world. Equity is designed to 'protect' actors, but most importantly, it's designed to protect THEIR actors. I'm all for non Equity work. If a producer can get actors to work for less, then I support them in doing it. I cannot believe how much these Broadway shows cost now just because these unions have put such demands on producers. If you want to be rich, become a doctor or a big name star; chorus people don't have, in my opinion, the 'right' to a 1381 minimum plus pension and health. Especially when there's mile long line of people just as good willing to take less.

Next time you sit down for an overture of 8 players, mostly keyboards, in a Broadway pit, thank those unions for making it impossible to do anything better.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 2:55am

oh that is so wrong in EVERY way.

1. Yes, Equity protects the actors who are members, but you make it sound like some kind of elitist club. It's not. If you are good enough to get work, you can become Equity.

2. How dare you say that an actor doesn't deserve a good wage for their work? And do you realize how much money an actor has to put into their career? And those actors on Broadway (even in the chrous) have business expenses, too: agents, voice lessons, gym, dance classes etc. to be able to do the work that I would think someone who is a member of THIS board would appreciate. Do you really only think doctors and lawyers deserve good wages? Shouldn't you care more about the people working in a field that you are interested in?

This is a VERY competitive field. EVERYBODY wants to be on Broadway. You are not ENTITLED to be on Broadway just cuz you want it and just cuz you'd take scraps for pay.

I'm sorry, but "one's opinion" or not, every single dissenting opinion I read about Equity is obviously written by someone who is a bitter actor or works on the producing end. Or just flat out doesn't know jack about professional theatre.

And all I can say on that is--think what you what to think. Those of you who either want to work in professional theatre or love and support professional theatre will understand what I am trying to say.

Updated On: 2/16/05 at 02:55 AM

[camthom]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 3:08am

I work in professional theatre and I love professional theatre, however I feel that Equity defeats it's own purposes on so many different levels. They are there to support the actor in their lifestyle. And they do this to an extent, but to another extent-Do you HONESTLY feel you work more often as an Equity actor, than you did as a non-equity actor? At any given time, less than 3% of all Equity actors are employed in an Equity contract. Point blank, there are FAR more non-equity jobs than Equity. Some of which are great gigs, with decent money-hell, some even provide insurance!

As an equity actor, I worked very consistently. Most of my friends did not. We've all heard an Equity card referred to as "the little blue career stopper." Does that saying come out of thin air?

and to BWayBoi-Broadway shows are not so expensive because of Equity wages-in fact, in most cases, the people opening the curtains are making more than several of the people on the stage. Yet another reason to see Equity as non-competitive...Producers don't take it seriously. Mostly because they are too damned afraid to stand up and actually make a definitive statement. I spent days watching Production Contract negotiations where Equity whined their way through and barely ever clearly stated "If we don't get this, you don't get US." What kind of union can't even do that?

Here's what I think. At one point in time, when actors in covered wagons were being left in the middle of the country with no food, no water and no way of getting home, there was a purpose for Equity. It formed and served a great purpose, but what benefits does being an Equity Actor ACTUALLY provide?

Health Insurance? for the elite few.

Dental Insurance? oops-they took that away from people in the middle of a term when many were owed it according to their agreements with their own union. Darn! No more dental for actors at all.

A Broadway Job? for the elite few-in fact non-equity actors CAN indeed work on Broadway in a Roundabout or MTC Production

Access to EPA's or chorus calls? Anyone can get an audition if they have an agent.

The Equity Lounge. That's what Equity provides. A place to look at available apartment postings and discuss what little work there actually is for Equity actors...with other Equity actors.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 3:17am

Now--those are valid issues, camthom. And, I would like to say that even though I have disagreed with you on a couple of things, my above comments were not aimed at you.

There are problems, and Equity needs to be a stronger union like SAG.

The irony is that if Equity became as strong as SAG, then those who hate Equity altogether would be even more mad because all professional theatre would be Equity (all professional film work is SAG).

Yes, there are more roles for non-Equity shows. But, I would rather wait for the Equity parts than go back to those conditions and wages. That works for me. Each person has to make their own choice--if one wants to quit Equity to do more shows, they should. But anyone who wants to work on Broadway has to put up with the system, which at its best does work for the actors and stage managers.

And, yes, the issue with Equity running up the costs of a show are ridiculous--the actors' wages are the lowest percentage of the budget.

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 9:48am

are you kidding me? one of the lowest parts of the budget? Equity aims for the total Equity package to be atleast 20%. Let's see, in Wicked, that's 2.8million. And for what? People that are just as good as non Equity talent. I'm not arguing that MANY Equity people are worth their salaries, what I'm saying is that if you want to command a good salary, go and earn it. Bernadette Peters takes home 30 times her minimum salary owed by Equity every week, and producers don't seem to mind. It's all about market value. If actors were hard to find, and good ones harder, then I'd say go for it. It's only because talented performers are like rodents... there are more poluting the world every day. Why should producers be stuck hiring people at a wage that many are willing to work below?

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 11:05am

You don't even want to try to figure our the CAT (Chicago Area Theatre) Contracts and Equity.

There one there was non-Equity theatre last season, which is now technically an Equity Theatre because they hired two Equity actors per production regardingless for how large the cast is. And since they do musicals their casts are usually very large.

Doesn't that really sound like a non-Equity theatre who is able to get two exemptions from Equity per show? The remainder of the talented non-Equity cast is making peanuts.
Updated On: 2/16/05 at 11:05 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 12:06pm

What that means WCA is that all of that theatre's shows will have an Equity stage manager as well and will have to follow Equity rules during rehearsals and the run--breaks, etc.

This is how many small theatres make the transition to Equity. And all of the non-Equity actors should be able to earn points in the EMC program.

I don't know the specific rules, but I know that whenever I worked as a non-Equity actor at any Equity theatre--as small as the one you described or as large as they get--with little to no exception, I was given the same breaks, schedule, and respect as the Equity actors. And, I was paid--not as much as the Equity actor, but better than doing most non-Equity theatre and certainly better to be paid at all. Plus, I was given the chance to work and learn with Equity actors, who most were worth learning from.

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 12:30pm

Not to argue, JRB...but if I understand you correctly...

A theatre can hire a couple of Equity actors, an Equity stage manager, follow Equity rules regarding breaks, run-throughs, etc...while the remainder of the onstage talent is non-Equity...

And call it an "Equity" production?


Updated On: 2/16/05 at 12:30 PM

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 12:35pm

yes, and no. Equity will authorize a contract specifically negoiated for a certain theatre, conceeding that they need to only hire a certain number of Equity people per show. However, the following season, Equity will raise that number, and so forth. The idea is that the entire show will be Equity contracted sooner or later. It's a sneaky, yet good, idea. I don't disagree with it, though. Many theatre like to bring in star talents which require Equity contracts; it's the only way theatre get what they want (stars) and Equity gets what it wants (jobs).

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 12:41pm

BWAYboi, you are so wrong.

I don't know of a single regional theatre that is ALL equity. There are minimums set for a theatre's season. And certain roles are determined to be Equity contract roles.

In a musical, it's usually that half the chorus must be Equity. I believe that principal roles are the same, depending on the theatre. I have played a principal role as a non-Equity actor at a major regional theatre.

In addition, right to work states such as Texas allow a non-Equity actor to take an Equity contract without joining Equity. This was my situation in 2000. I wasn't ready to join Equity, so I didn't. But I was on (and paid and treated) an Equity contract.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 12:47pm

And to answer your question, WCA, yes. That's how it works. A small theatre has to transition. Trust me--there's a HUGE difference in the environment of even the smallest Equity theatre production and non-Equity. I will lay most of that praise to the Equity stage managers.

[matthius202]

Posted: 2/16/05 at 5:25pm

woohoo..i got ya'll riled up. :)

[jasonvanemburgh]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 1:11am

Equity protects performers the way, say the players unions protect baseball players. Regional theatres are contracted on tiers, which are decided by the size of the house. In other words, the more the producers make off a show, the more they are obligated to pay the actors, which is fair. The baseball players salaries are so high because those players sell the tickets and in turn the team sells the broadcasts for revenue. The players salaries are in ratio to what the owners make. There are thousands of people who would line up and play for less, but the quality would suffer. The same is true for Broadway and such..the tickets are $100, so the salaries are higher. I am an actor who has spent considerable time and money studing my craft. When I recieve a salary, I deserve it. A baseball player can spend countless years toiling in the minor leagues or non-equity if you prefer, and pays his dues. If you were in the pipefitters union and only worked 12 weeks a year, should you be entitled to health insurance? I dont think so. The previos gentleman who was bitching about his health coverage might want to think about sharpening hos craft, then maybe he might work enough to get his cavities filled

[camthom]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 2:36am

Actually, I can work 52 weeks a year as an equity actor and still never have my cavities filled, as Equity took away any dental coverage two years ago.

I work plenty and actually have health insurance, but it's not through equity. My craft is plenty honed and I've received plenty of acclaim for what I've done, but speaking for the 98% of Equity actors who are not currently working, as well as the more than 99% of equity actors who are uninsured through equity, we joined the union for protection, and we simply are not getting what we bargained for.

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 2:52am

Equity, as it is now, won't make it. It will crash with the strengthening of producers and then all this will be over. Some Equity actors are great, and some are horrible. I know that I'll never be able to get through to many of you, so I won't try. I'll just be happy letting you all know that I know that Equity is an unreasonable union, and will not last forever.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 3:19am

bwayboi--guess what! that dude in your avatar---is EQUITY. That entire cast is. Equity is not going to crash. I think you are very ignorant on the subject--and THAT is one reason you will never convince anybody of anything.

[jasonvanemburgh]

Posted: 2/19/05 at 4:13pm

well, speaking as an actor who likes his guaranteed salaries and working conditions, Equity is OK in my book. True, there are more non-equity jobs. There are also more nursing assistant jobs (you know, the ones who clean out the bed pans) than surgeons. Id rather work less jobs in a year and have them be Equity, than work a bunch of inferior non-equity jobs. Granted there are some good non-equity tours I've seen recently, but they are far and between. If you are working in Equity productions the caliber of everyone is usually better. And I dont know about you, but ID rather make a decent salary under good working conditions with other actors who challenge me on a daily basis, than the inconsistency of non equity. So anyone who doesnt like the union, should just drop out, go back to waiting tables at Bennigan's and do his summer stock production of Little SHop of Horrors and tell everyone how they are a professional actor.