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EQUITY, NON-EQUITY AND YOU!
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Equity, Non-Equity and You!
What's the difference? And how does one get an Equity card?
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By: Ryan Saab
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| Equity Logo - Many singers and dancers audition for equity shows. |
During your search for auditions, you've undoubtedly come across the terms Equity and Non-Equity. What does that mean anyway? And what type of auditions should you be looking for. Don't worry it's simple enough. Here’s how to make sense of performer’s unions…
What is Equity?
Equity is the union for stage professionals (Singers, Actors and Dancers). All Broadway shows work under Equity contracts. Many theatres across the country also offer equity contracts. Since Equity is a union it has set up rules (including how much each actors MINIMUM pay should be) to protect it's members.
For instance, if you are in rehearsals under an Equity contract, there will be an equity monitor there to make sure you get breaks when needed. This person will also make sure the overall treatment of the actors is professional. And meets the standards set forth by Equity.
What is Non-Equity?
Singers, dancers and actors that do not belong to the union are Non-Equity. This set of actors will not have the protection of the Union. This can sometimes lead to being taken advantage of. Now you may immediately think that's a bad thing. Sometimes it can be. But it can also be a good thing.
There tends to be much more work for Non-Equity performers. This is great because it allows you to build up the experience you will need to receive your Equity card.
How do you get your Equity card?
There are several ways. The easiest way would be to audition for a show that is offering equity contracts (all actors in Broadway shows are required to join the union, so land a gig on Broadway and you're all set!... sounds easy enough right?)
Or work at regional theatres that offer the points program with Equity. Another easy way is, Disney World in Florida offers equity contracts for many of their shows. Get in to one of the shows at Disneyworld in Florida and you can then get your equity card.
One last suggestions is to land a contract with a sister union like the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA.) These contracts tend to be “easier” to land, and after one year, you can automatically join Equity!
There are hundreds of other ways. But the main thing is to keep pluggin' away. At some point the auditioning will pay off. Be sure to take advantage of all the great tools on Stage Door Access to help you get there. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of taking those steps to becoming an Equity member. Good luck!
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