Equity Contract/Card Question

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/9/09 at 6:31pm

With the exception of a Showcase code, are there any Equity contracts that if a non-union actor signs they won't get their card? Or will any Equity contract get you your card if you're non union?

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 5/9/09 at 7:56pm

Last time I checked (which I admit has been a while) you could not get your card from the Guest Artist contract.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/9/09 at 11:20pm

Thanks!

Other than that...you're good?

[MusicalComedyMan]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 12:16am

If you're signed to any 'contract' you are considered a member of equity. Codes are not contracts. But if you sign an official equity contract you are a member.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 12:29am

Awesome. I was just wondering since I know Guest Artist contracts don't count as well. Didn't know if there were any more loopholes.

[MusicalComedyMan]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 1:52am

a non equity member wouldn't be given a guest artist contract.

[dramadude]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 3:01am

You can join AEA off of any contract EXCEPT for the following:

-Showcase Code(s)
-Guest Artist / Special Appearance
-Per Performance (minimum number of performances must be met in order to join, usually used in smaller theatres)
Updated On: 5/10/09 at 03:01 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 4:42am

Pssst...being "good" has little to do with getting your equity carrd. Getting WORK gets you your card.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 8:04am

Thanks!

I'm involved with a show, that one of my dear non-union friends will be working on as well, and we wanted to double check that they'll be getting their card.

I believe it's going to be an SPT contract...

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 8:04am

Now, aren't there also some contracts under which a non union member would only earn EMC points?

[dramadude]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 9:41am

Non-union performers are only eligible for the EMC (Equity Membership Candidate) program if that individual theatre / production company offers the progam. Not all Equity houses offer EMC. There are some theatres however, that will give non-union performers EMC working weeks, then sign them to an Equity contract for the last one or two weeks of the run, making them eligible to join AEA.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 12:32pm

Your friend is not going to be guaranteed an Equity card under the SPT contract, as there only has to be a certain ratio of Equity to non-Equity actors. There are very few agreements where the entire company has to be comprised of Equity members. I think the Production contract may be the only one, as even in the LORT A you can get a special dispensation from Equity from time to time to have one non-union member in your show.

[pattilupuppy]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 12:44pm

I can tell you that I got my card under an SPT contract, usually the theatre's that are SPT are required to have so many AEA contracts for each show and they have to meet that quota.

I hope that helps, if you have questions message me.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 6:41pm

Thanks!

I know that the producer is planning on extending the contract to ALL cast members - it actually looks like most will be non union. He believes in working with Equity contracts - and is happy to give cast members their cards when he can.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 6:43pm

That's always great to hear that a producer is willing to do that, as there are clearly more costs to going above your required ratio that most people don't think about, i.e. the added health and pension payments the producer then has to make.

Congrats to everyone on your show who will be joining the union!

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 6:54pm

Yay! I'm already a member of AEA, but I'm so excited for my friends who will be involved with the show. Yeah, the producer will be extending equity contracts to EVERYONE regardless of union status.