any actors in the house?

[reallyrosie]

Hey Guys-My WIP includes scenes involving the hiring of actors, and I am unclear about how Actors Equity works. If you are an Equity actor, does that mean you must be paid a certain amount? What happens if you take a non-Equity job?

I'd appreciate any input from the experts out there!

Thanks.
rr

[tradergirl]

RR-- I have an equity friend I could ask for you.  Do you still need this info?

TG

[reallyrosie]

Yes, thanks TG. I saw Lear last night at a regional Shakespeare theatre (it was amazing) and I noticed that the playbill indicated who was Equity and who was not with asterisks, which I don't quite get. No hurry, but if you could ask your friend that would be great!

Thanks. rr

[jacinda]

afaik, having an Equity card means that you are in the stage actors' union.  I don't know much beyond that, but most jobs will specify whether they are equity or non, and there are more equity jobs than non, and they pay much, much better.  Also you can't just join, you have be offered the card....I think.

You can find a lot of information about Actors' Equity on their site: http://www.actorsequity.org/

[jacinda]

afaik, having an Equity card means that you are in the stage actors' union.  I don't know much beyond that, but most jobs will specify whether they are equity or non, and there are more equity jobs than non, and they pay much, much better.  Also you can't just join, you have be offered the card....I think.

You can find a lot of information about Actors' Equity on their site: http://www.actorsequity.org/

Oh, and equity is for stage only.  If you're a film or television or whatever actor, you would join the Screen Actors' Guild.  There are many many people who belong to both.