Non-Equity at an EPA Audition
Non-Equity at an EPA Audition
Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#0
Posted: 3/17/05 at 2:33pm
The theory goes: you’re a non-equity actor and you see a listing on the Backstage/Playbill/AEA website for an Equity Principal Audition. You crash, er, show up at, the audition to put your name on what one monitor has called the “not-yet-Equity” list (and thank you for that small courtesy, whoever you may be!) Now, the theory continues, if you do get seen and called back and eventually cast, you get your contract and thus get to join Equity. This works for Broadway and established Off-B’way companies and big-name regional theaters, yes? But what about some small regional outfit holding auditions outside NYC? Does getting cast through *any* successful EPA audition confer Equity membership, regardless of the theater’s size or location? Or is it based on contract type (SPT Tier 6, in this case)? Or do you just get candidate credits if it's on the EMC list? (I checked; this one isn't)
Thanks in advance, from a veteran of Off-Off-B’way looking to move on to the next level.
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#1
Posted: 3/17/05 at 2:40pmNo it doesnt.....you have to negotiate getting the card.....there many backdoor ways of getting that card.....
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/1/04
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#2
Posted: 3/17/05 at 2:47pm
Plain and simple, you just have to be signed to an Equity contract. It doesn't matter the size of the theatre.
Updated On: 3/17/05 at 02:47 PM
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#3
Posted: 3/17/05 at 2:55pm
Tom is correct. It's the contract that your role is under. You COULD get cast at a regional theatre through an EPA or Equity chorus call, but still be offered a non-Equity role if that is the role you get.
(and to clarify, regional theatres are allowed to cast non-Equity actors in various roles (usually ensemble) which allows non-Equity actors the chance to earn EMC points and/or gain experience)
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#4
Posted: 3/17/05 at 2:58pm
Hi Bobby! So, assuming they wanted to cast me, I would have to ask them for an Equity contract? Isn't there a danger that they could just decide to hire me without the contract to save money or something?
And if there's other "backdoors" besides EMC and sister unions, I'd love to know more about them!
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#5
Posted: 3/17/05 at 3:02pmPosted that last before I saw jrb's response... In this case, there's no ensemble, just 3 principal roles (one of those rare comedies that NOT a musical!) So if they're only looking for principals, wouldn't they have to offer a principal contract?
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#6
Posted: 3/17/05 at 3:12pmHello! Yes there is ALWAYS the money issue. But alot of my friends have gotten there card by being promised it at the end of the run. How they do that is make you Equity the last 2 weeks of the run, they pay you, then you pay them back....Im not sure how legal it is to do that....but its a pretty common thing to have happen.
re: Non-Equity at an EPA Audition#7
Posted: 3/17/05 at 3:13pm
most likely.
Here's my standard "How to Join Equity post":
"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. :) "
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