Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Actors' Equity Association Permanently Opens Access to Membership

Actors' Equity Association Permanently Opens Access to Membership

Previously, eligibility for union membership had been limited to those working for an Equity employer.

Actors' Equity Association is making its Open Access membership policy permanent. With a pathway to membership now available to all stage managers and actors with professional experience, the union will begin a three-year phase out of its Equity Membership Candidate Program.

Since July 2021, the union has allowed any theatre worker who can demonstrate they have worked professionally as an actor or stage manager within Equity's geographical jurisdiction to join. Previously, eligibility for union membership had been limited to those working for an Equity employer - whether by direct contract offer or through the Equity Membership Candidate program - or to members of a sibling union. When Equity first broadened access to membership, the policy included an expiration date of May 1, 2023, while union leaders would develop a plan to open access permanently.

"Open Access is doing exactly what it's supposed to do," said Actors' Equity Association President Kate Shindle. "Of course, strength in numbers is a cornerstone principle for any union. But this was never a simple numbers game. Every worker who wants a union deserves a union. Open Access is about providing a pathway to Equity membership that doesn't depend on our employers, or on our industry's hiring practices. In the 18 months since we launched, we've seen a significant increase in the diversity of our new members. Joining a union is a deeply personal decision, and I'm proud that Open Access has moved that decision into the hands of actors and stage managers themselves."

In 2020, 26% of Equity members who shared demographic information with the union had identified as people of color. Since the launch of Open Access, roughly 38% of members joining through the initiative who self-identified were people of color.

Equity will no longer admit new EMCs to the program beginning May 8, 2023. Current EMCs will maintain audition access for a three-year period. All fees paid to the EMC program may be applied to union initiation fees. As of May 8, 2026, EMCs will no longer be recognized for prioritized audition access and will be seen on the same basis as other non-Equity actors.

BACKGROUND: In July, 2021, Equity announced a new Open Access membership policy, allowing any theatre worker who can demonstrate they have worked professionally as an actor or stage manager within Equity's geographical jurisdiction to join the union. The Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) Program, established in 1978, gave membership candidates time to work alongside Equity members at Equity theaters while earning credit towards eventual membership in Equity. The program was last updated in 2017 to ease the requirements for union membership.

ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION

founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks



Related Stories
Playwright Sarah Mantell Wins The 2023 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Photo
The 2023 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been awarded to U.S. playwright Sarah Mantell for their play In the Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot.

Video: SWEENEY TODD Opening Night Brings Out Lin-Manuel Miranda, Len Cariou And More! Photo
See video from inside opening night below as original Sweeney, Len Cariou, Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Norm Lewis, Lea Salonga turn out to celebrate the Sondheim classic!

AEA & LORT Reach New Five-Year Agreement Photo
Actors’ Equity Association and the League of Resident Theatres have reached a tentative agreement for a new five-year contract. 

GREY HOUSE on Broadway Sets Complete Cast & Creative Team Photo
Final casting has been revealed for the terrifying New York premiere of Grey House by Levi Holloway, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!


More Hot Stories For You


Video: Watch SHUCKED's Broadway Backdrop Come to LifeVideo: Watch SHUCKED's Broadway Backdrop Come to Life
March 28, 2023

How does the vision of a scenic designer get translated into a Broadway backdrop? For some, it's with the help of Scenic Art Studios-  a premiere drop shop located in Newburgh, NY

Savy Jackson to Star in BAD CINDERELLA For All Sunday PerformancesSavy Jackson to Star in BAD CINDERELLA For All Sunday Performances
March 28, 2023

Savy Jackson, the Cinderella alternate in Bad Cinderella, will be going on as Cinderella tonight (March 28) and on all Sunday performances starting this weekend! 

Solea Pfeiffer & More Join Ato Blankson-Wood Led HAMLET at Free Shakespeare in the ParkSolea Pfeiffer & More Join Ato Blankson-Wood Led HAMLET at Free Shakespeare in the Park
March 28, 2023

The Public Theater announced additional casting for the Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Shakespeare’s HAMLET, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. See who is starring, performance dates & more!

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 3/26/23Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 3/26/23
March 28, 2023

Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 3/26/2023.

Matthew Broderick, Laura Benanti, Melissa Errico & David Staller to Lead THE LETTERS SERIES at Irish RepMatthew Broderick, Laura Benanti, Melissa Errico & David Staller to Lead THE LETTERS SERIES at Irish Rep
March 28, 2023

Irish Repertory Theatre will present The Letters Series, featuring Dear Liar by Jerome Kilty & George Bernard Shaw, directed by Charlotte Moore. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!