This would really only apply if the non-Equity person didn't want to join the union when cast in an Equity show.
And yes, there actually are some people who prefer to retain their non-union status a little longer because they believe they get a lot of work that way (even with the inferior and sometimes scary work conditions involved).
Although it is rare, I have known people who turn down a chance at union work because it means giving up their non-union careers.
Frankly, that would be an unwise professional choice in the long run, but at various points in an actor's career there are different needs. It is a big step for some people who work regularly in principal roles in non-Equity shows to step up and then compete with Equity people (many of whom are much more experienced and well known).
And you can't have it both ways --- you can't take the Equity work AND keep working non-union in the future too.
But it most certainly isn't the casting agent who's to blame as was indicated to you.
Updated On: 2/21/04 at 04:32 PM
