The Journey to your card [Equity Card]

[AngActing]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 11:59am

Hello my friends . . .

Because I am always curious to hear, listen and learn about other people and their stories. I'd love to hear from all your wonderful Equity members out there!

There has been a couple of threads about open calls, Equity calls, American Idol contestants getting to Broadway without auditions and the alleged lack of talent of Broadway singers or deserving certain roles.

How did you actually get your card? "Crashing" Equity calls and finally getting cast? Going to open calls for regional theatre groups? Getting points? Being in SAG and qualifying for AEA? Being in AFTRA and then earning an AEA card?

There are so many ways to get one . . . how did you do it?
And your advice to us who have been working, for years, or a few months to get ours? Would the advice be different for each situation? Have you been on Broadway, yet?

Thank you for taking your time to answer my questions! I have many friends already in AEA and have certainly collected their advice and stories, too. Now, I just want to spread out my statistics . . . for my own personal research and growth in this business.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 12:19pm

My journey began in 1998 in Houston. I was an intern with Theatre Under The Stars to fulfill my MFA at the University of Houston. I had an incredible semester as a PA on two shows, studying under the Equity Stage Managers.

After graduation, I was cast in the ensemble of Zorro The Musical at TUTS and joined the EMC (Equity Membership Candidate) Program. I paid $100 that applied to my join fee years later and was locked into the join fee for 1998 (quite a savings).

I earned points for each week of rehearsal and performance on Zorro. I was also allowed to use 11 points from my time as a PA.

From 1998 - 2002, I was in various productions at TUTS, the 5th Ave Musical Theatre Co. (Seattle), the Alley Theatre, and Stages Repertory Theatre. I was cast in all of these productions* as a non-Equity actor as regional theatres usually have a mix of Equity and non-Equity throughout their seasons. I played a variety of roles, learning so much about how to be a professional actor. I earned points for each week of rehearsal and performance.

In 2002, after being in the World Premiere of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, I reached 50 points and was eligible to join Equity. Knowing that I was about to move to NYC, I did so.

Thus, I have been a proud member of Actor's Equity since 2002.

*in 2000, I was cast in Shakespeare's R&J at Stages Repertory Theatre. All of the parts were under Equity contract. I could have joined right then. But, I knew that joining Equity at that time would likely end my work in Houston as theatre companies were not going to be happy about suddenly having to pay double for me (this is often how it is for most locals--you have to move to a new city to get respect as more than that sweet, Non-Equity kid). And as it turns out, I was not cast in 2 productions in Houston that took place between my joining and moving to NYC. I was able to take the role in Shakespeare's R&J without joining Equity because Texas is a right to work state.

And sidenote--at no time was I misused as a non-Equity actor at an Equity theatre. I wasn't made to paint sets or mop floors or any of those things that I have heard people having to do as an EMC. I was always treated as a professional actor.

[Pippin]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 12:23pm

I graduated from college in 2004. In 2005, I was cast in the Prince Music theatre's production of "Bright lights, Big City". I was offered a non-eq. contract, so my manager negotiated with the theatre give make my Equity, giving me a bigger paycheck.

the only catch was, once I was offered the equity contract, for some reason they said if I didn't take it, I couldn't do the show. so I really had to consider if I wanted to become equity that young in my career. I decided I'd do it, and became an equity actor just like that. that was about 16 months ago, and I am still paying off my initiation fee, but it was worth it.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 12:28pm

That's one of the real kickers. In theory, you can't get into an Equity show without an Equity card and you can't get an Equity card without having been in an Equity show. I've known my share of starting actors through the years and this has always been a challenge. But somehow -- and I'm sure that people with far more experience than I have in this matter -- it gets done, one way or the other.-

[AngActing]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 1:52pm

Thank you . . . I just can't stop hearing and loving these stories! It confirms my belief in "law of attraction"; which is, if you believe in your dreams and never lose sight of your goal [i.e. to be a professional, paid Actor in theatre, film, etc.] you will find your way, your road to get what you truly desire!

I am not yet eligible . . . my work has been in Equity showcases; still, I know my time draws near. It is nearer every day, of course. JRB I do love how EMC works -- wish I had been better aware of it when I first came to NYC (almost 20 years ago) as I definitely did work to get me points. I love that you really work and get the experience of being a "professional working actor" and then you are really ready for your card.

And hey, for an actual job, just as Pippin did . . . I, too, believe I would've joined. I also work, very hard at my craft and whether I get to join this year, next or in two or three -- I certainly love my journey as well!

Keep on sharing, though . . . I love it! And any advice is certainly welcome by me.

Updated On: 10/19/07 at 01:52 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 2:28pm

I'm interested in hearing these stories too, although things are different here in Chicago. Whereas in New York everyone is in a scramble to get their Equity card, in Chicago it's best to take your time. Because many theaters can afford only a few Equity members per production, if you are a union member you had better be DAMN good. There are very few actors in Chicago who are Equity and younger than thirty.

I came to Chicago in 2005 and spent over a year working at several non-Equity theatres--sometimes getting paid, and sometimes not. I then entered The Theatre School at DePaul University, where I am getting my MFA, and I have been continuing my career (still at non-Equity theatres) on winter and summer breaks. However, at this point I am going to be very hesitant about doing a non-Equity show unless it's one of the top non-Equity theatres; indeed, I feel that I'm at the point where I should be working only with union-affiliated companies. I'm hoping to do an Equity show this summer and start getting my EMC points, and to continue getting points after I graduate so that I can get my card by the time I'm thirty or so (I'm turning twenty-five in December). After paying my dues at non-Equity theatres and getting my MFA, I feel that I'll be ready to play with the big boys, but I want to take my time and get my card at a natural point in my career...which will hopefully be soon

[Neverandy]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 2:50pm

I was born with my equity card!
HAHA Just kidding.
In 1997 at 18 I got offered a job with Theatreworks/USA to do the Young Tom Edison tour. It was my first job offer from any New York audition. I was in college in New Jersey studying theater and my grade point average was plummeting from cutting class to go to auditions. I was skipped a grade in elementary school and always thought about having that extra year in my back pocket. I was studying to be a professional actor and here I was in college, with a job offer. I was very close to accepting it and taking a semester off, when I realized that it might not be a good decision to get my card so soon. So I turned down the job, but dropped out of school to put my time towards being an actor ("just for one year" I told my parents!).
So within a week I got offered another job doing a non-eq CT tour, and that led to Summer Stock, and then 2 big Non-union tours with NETworks (ANNIE in 99, RAGTIME in 2001). I bounced around doing Summer Stock and then as a Principal singer on Cruise ships. I was offered my equity card multiple times by Surflight Theater in Beach Haven NJ, but I was making money non-eq (no-really I was!) and I held off. In 2004, I was 25 and I got Offered a summer gig doing FOOTLOOSE at TRUMP PLAZA in A.C. It was 10 weeks of work, at a very good salary. It also was another offer of my Equity card. I took stock of my situation and realized that I was ready to move to the next level. I signed the contract and have continued to work steadilyfor the last 3 years. I have managed to qualify for health insurance every year (I am covered till 1/1/09!! yay!). and I have made my living solely as a performer!
I never did go back to school, and I don't really regret it. There are things that come with a degree that I wish I had, but I wouldn't trade the on-the job training I received in the three and a half years I would have been in school.
Also, I know that if I had taken that Theatreworks job 10 years ago, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. I think I would have struggled a whole lot more.
Beating your own path is the only way to go, And success is getting paid to do something you would do for free!

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 3:30pm

I'll be working my ass off to obtain my equity card sometime this upcoming year.

Auditioning for regional theatre in Massachusetts.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 4:05pm

"In theory, you can't get into an Equity show without an Equity card and you can't get an Equity card without having been in an Equity show."

Well, there are plenty of Equity theatres that can cast non-Equity actors in various roles and in the ensemble. That's how you earn the points. Otherwise, you audition and get cast in an Equity role, making you Equity automatically.

[allvocal]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 5:37pm

I've been all over...born and raised in California...grew up working in the same theatre as Audra McDonald, Sharon Leal, Sarah Uriartie Berry, Heidi Blikinstaff...The logical choice for me would have to move to LA...but after spending the summer after HS doing summerstock in Michigan at one of those "do everything" summerstocks.. I met a girl who lived in chicago, she said Chicago was a great theatre town so I moved there. Worked quite a bit, earning a few equity points, getting really close on great projects...but as I saw the equity theatres closing and the same equity performers going from show to show it was almost impossible to break it. So I then moved to NYC about 4 years ago. Once I got here to NYC I worked almost at once. I did the full Monty national tour, some regional gigs, and a few equity showcases in the city. Finally in the summer I got cast in the buddy holly story I begged them for an equity contract and even though they wanted to give it to me they didn't have any more to give. So I did the show anyway, THEN I got cast in the SAME show right afterwords I said I wouldn't do it unless I got an equity contract. They gave it to me which was awesome. Equity is great. Got a great agent. Did some more workshops, did the shrek reading, things are going well. Proud Equity Member.
I always here the .. I just arived in NYC and went to one audition and I'm on broadway and got my card stories.. those are crap.. most people work there butts off for years and years.. so don't get down.. keep crashing auditions, go to auditions that have equity contracts, it'll happen.

[AngActing]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 6:36pm

Proud Equity Member.

>> I just arived in NYC and went to one audition and I'm on
>> broadway and got my card stories.. those are crap..

Yeah, I know of . . . well, [I know of] no one who has that story in modern times! I mean, even those who seem to just "appear" in a Broadway show had a journey! They worked hard either in music or theatre or both.

>> most people work there butts off for years and years..

Yes, I plan on being an "overnight sensation" soon. Of course, I've been 'doing this' for twenty *COUGH* years now! Nevertheless, I'll be an overnight sensation . . . LOL!

>> keep crashing auditions, go to auditions that have equity
>> contracts, it'll happen

Agreed!

[HOUFlip04]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 10:16pm

Wow! This topic is close to home because I just got my Equity Card today.

As to my journey, well, I thought I entered the EMC program years ago when I did summer stock. Only thing I forgot was the $100 entry fee. It was kinda hard to come up with since we barely made that much a week at that theatre. Jump to 1999 where I got in the ensemble of Funny Girl at Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston. They only cast 3 women/3 men in the chorus (small-ish theatre), so I was truly honored to get in. I was featured as the Ziegfeld Tenor in Act 1 and Mr. Renaldi in Act 2. I made sure this time to pay the entry fee. And having a corporate day job helped a lot.

Next show was Scrooge the musical at Theatre Under the Stars starring Gary Beach and Rodney Hicks (Rent). Then the next 4 shows at Main Street Theatre were Oh Kay!
(2001/2002), Li'l Abner(2002), Seussical the Musical (2004), and the musical to get me over the 40 week mark was one I just did this past January (and one of my favorites), Urinetown the musical.

I guess you can say I'm a late bloomer. It was slow and steady. I had a corporate job that kept me busy as well - so I just did shows when I wanted to. Now, I'm planning to move to NYC sometime early 2008 and so glad I got my card instead of trying to get it while pounding the pavement in the city.

Right after I got the news about my union eligibility, I went to the North Shore Music Theatre's Les Miserables Union Chorus call in NYC as non-union and didn't get seen because there were too many union guys auditioning and they ended up getting typed out. I didn't mind because I knew I was going to get my card soon. And the day has finally arrived!

So, I'm headed back to NYC to do my first official Equity audition next month for the Broadway production of Les Miserables. Which is appropriate because Les Miz was one of the first shows I saw in NYC when I first visited right after high school.

[bially082]

Posted: 10/20/07 at 3:07am

I got offered a non-Eq position doing Oklahoma in a reputable regional theatre in Philly. It was an ensemble position as the Curly understudy. I took the gig, and asked for my card, they said they did have one Equity contract to play with and they gave it to me, raising my paycheck. That was after one month of auditioning in New York. I had been in the city for 6 months gearing up. After that gig ended I started working front of house at Phantom and worked for months at making friends with the music director, david lai. I asked him one day at an understudy rehearsal I sat in on to let me sing for him. After much hesitation he did, and I got the job when a position opened. Two Broadway contracts later, I'm still working on and off, sometimes with longer breaks than others. But thats the life of an actor eh?