Hello again everyone!
Today, I wanted to touch on my experience with the pros, the cons, the who's, the what's, the when's, and all that blah blah blah when it comes to joining the Actors Equity Association.
Now I know you're probably thinking "Gabriel, shouldn't that be my goal? Shouldn't I try to be in the Union as fast as I can? Isn't that where the big bucks are?"
My answer to that is Yes! ... and also No!
While yes there are many benefits to being in the AEA, there are also benefits to not being a part of the Union.
Depending on where you are at in your career, how much experience you have in the industry already, and even who you know and their position in the industry can all be factors that should be weighed when making this decision!
The AEA has quite a few benefits to joining. Sign ups through the equity portal, the ability to walk in with your card and get seen, not having to wake up and put your name on a list hoping that they get to nonequity that day. It all sounds really appealing right? I can't lie it is, but the joining fee, dues, and not being able to reap the benefits of healthcare until you book and work a large amount of hours is not every enticing.
I also want to add that it cuts the amount of work you can perform in SIGNIFICANTLY. As a Union member, you cannot work any nonunion contracts for risk of losing your membership, which is not great for resume building if im being honest.
Not being part of the union gives you more freedom in the types of jobs you can audition for, cruise work, theme parks, and quite a few national tours. However, you do not have the guarantee of being seen at equity calls, and you will have to carve your whole morning and day around being at the audition building hoping you get taken.
Personally, I bought my way into equity because I have a full time job that requires me to be in office, but I wanted to schedule getting seen after work and have the guarantee of walking in and performing 90 percent of the time. If I did not have the opportunity have this amazing full time job, I would be out there putting my name on the list and waiting with everyone else non equity to get seen.
All in all, there are quite a few factors to consider before joining the union, and I would weigh all of the pros and cons before trying to join!
Happy auditioning! Be sure to check playbill for the auditions in your area for free, and remember to take care of your mind, body, and soul while you navigate this audition season!
xoxo
GLH