How to join the actors equity association?

Question:I really want to join the actors eqiuty association so i can start doing professional shows. How do i get an equity card? im attending an open call for a professional theatre march 1st, if i get a role there will that get me started? I have heard many equity members say thats how they got their equity card.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I really want to join the actors eqiuty association so i can start doing professional shows. How do i get an equity card? im attending an open call for a professional theatre march 1st, if i get a role there will that get me started? I have heard many equity members say thats how they got their equity card.

this is the details page

http://www.actorsequity.org/membership/h...

you have to perform in a certain number of equity signatory productions.

There's 2 ways to join Equity --

1. Pay them a ton of money.

2. Get a part in a show that requires everyone be Equity, and have them sponsor you.

Option 2 is DEFINITELY the best one. You can still audition for things without Equity membership, and if a company wants you bad enough, they'll sponsor you.

The thing is, if you are in Equity, you can no longer work for thigns that DON'T take Equity members, and that's sometimes how you get your best practice. There are also professional shows that let Equity AND non-Equity people both work together, and those are also ways to get practice.

If you get your card now, you run the risk of you just not really being quite ready, and getting a card would keep you from doing some shows. But if you're really good now, a company will be willing to sponsor you for your card just to get you on the team.

...Also, if you get sponsored through a show, Equity takes a little bit of your weekly salary towards that fee each week, and then gives you two years to pay up the rest, instead of asking you to pony up the whole amount right away if you do it yourself.

To get an Equity card, you need to get Equity contracts. Professional shows do not necessarily have equity contracts (most do, but some don't). In the UK, it is not a requirement to be an Equity member to work in professional theatre, but if you have a problem with your working conditions, you won't be able to get their help if you are not a member (even if on an equity contract) As you spelled Theatre the British way, I have linked you to the UK Equity website for the information. Good luck with the open call.

EDIT
If you are in the UK, Equity membership does not stop you from taking any professional work as it seems to do in the USA. If you are a member and work on a non-equity contract, they probably won't help you if you have a problem. They can't stop you working for who you wish! They don't take a portion of your salary each week. You declare at the end of each year how much to pay (It starts at ￡100 for a year and goes upwards depending on how much you have earned). (Amazing how many have only made the minimum!)