HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
#0HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/9/04 at 11:54pmI am wondering, How does an actor go equity? and is there more than one union? is there a better one? should I be in a union?is it nessicary?
#1re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/9/04 at 11:55pmBend over.
BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"
judy_in_disguise
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/31/04
#3re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/9/04 at 11:59pm
Im not understanding?
I am serious about this.
#4re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:02amDid you visit the Equity website? www.equity.org
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#5re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:05am
that website is not for actors. its an electrical company.
is there another site?
#6re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:07am
Sorry - here is the website:
http://www.actorsequity.org/home.html
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#7re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:09am
Thanks very much
Any tips you would feel like giving a young starter?
Are you equity. Is it worth it and is it nessicary?
LadyGuenevere
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/28/03
#8re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:10am
Are you a woman?
If the answer is yes, it's probably not worth it.
#9re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:11amBecause you have to lie down too.
BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"
#10re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:12am
I am not yet Equity.
If you ever want to audition for Broadway, or most National Tours - then you should join Equity. Sometimes, it is a requirement for auditions.
This doesn't mean that you can't get work if you DON'T join Equity. Just depends on what you audition for.
I'm certainly no authority or spokesperson for Equity - I'm sure someone else can give further advice.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#11re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:20amIm a man. I want to try for national tours and eventually a broadway stage. How does one go about attaining Equity status. Is it easy.
#12re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:23amHow do you feel about wearing a mini beret on your penis?
BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"
#13re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:25am
The website should explain about joining.
I, personally, would recommend joining - if you are serious about it - and know that you will get the years of rejection.
Or - you can sway sumofallthings way - but I have been there, didn't get me far. 
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
#14re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:27amGot you far enough though.
BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"
#15re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:27am
Maybe cuz ur a bad lay! Just joking. Thanks for all the help everyone. and yes i know i have to prepare for lots of rejection.
#16re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:29amBut what about the beret?
BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"
#17re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:45am
If you live outside of NYC, then you will want to work at Equity theatres in your city (or nearby major city) as a local, non-Equity actor--often in the chorus. You earn points per week of rehearsal and performance. After 50 points, you can join Equity. In the meantime, you are growing on the professional stage and earning the experiences to fill out your resume.
You can also be offered an role that happens to be on an Equity contract. Unless you are in a right to work state, you will have to join Equity to take the role. Joining outside of NYC is a tricky question as there isn't as much work for Equity actors.
I would join before coming to NYC if you can. Otherwise, you can do non-Equity auditions and try to be seen at Equity auditions here.
It's really all about timing. And, yes you have to join Equity to be on Broadway, Off-Broadway or an Equity National Tour. Lead roles in regional theatre are also Equity.
AEA is the union of stage actors and stage managers. For film, you would join Screen Actors Guild. There are also unions for radio/tv and opera, etc.
You can find much more info at the AEA web site. And, feel free to ask any other questions---this really is a lot to try to cover in one post. :)
bronxboundexpress
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/15/04
#18re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:47amIf you're asking about how to get in a Broadway show, see the thread below about getting "down on you knees."
#19re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 1:06amI'm gonna take you there.
I starred in a short film called Magnetic Personality. Check it out!
judy_in_disguise
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/31/04
#21re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 1:19am
Judy, it's been a very interesting day.
Life is a mystery.
Everyone must stand alone.
I starred in a short film called Magnetic Personality. Check it out!
judy_in_disguise
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/31/04
#23re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 12:54pm
I agree with JRB that you should join Equity before moving to NYC, but joining while living in other cities takes some serious examination.
I live in Dallas and have no desire to join Equity at this point. Too few theaters offer Equity contracts. If and when I decide to move to NYC, I can join by virtue of being a member in good standing of one of the sister unions, which is another way to join besides the ones mentioned.
Also, to clarify, though Equity contracts at regional theaters most often go to lead performers, this is not always the case. I am currently involved in a production with four leads; two are Equity, two are not. It depends on the contract under which the theater is operating how many contracts they can offer. It, like the rest of this discussion, can be complicated!
How to Join Equity
"I am open, and I am willing,
For to be hopeless would seem so strange.
It dishonors those who go before us,
So lift me up to the light of change."
Holly Near
#24re: HOW TO BECOME EQUITY??
Posted: 8/10/04 at 1:18pmIf you live in NYC or intend to live in NYC, then it would be wise to be Equity. If you plan to live elsewhere, then if you become Equity, plan on not working much. There just aren't enough Equity theatres outside NYC to really make a living or to perform often unless you plan to do chorus for a regional musical theatre company.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
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