Get Member Temporary Withdrawal/Suspended Payment Form - Actorsequity

To join Equity, one can enroll in the Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC), which allows actors to accrue “Equity points” when gigging at a theater with a union contract. After 25 weeks of work at Equity theaters, actors can apply for membership.

Actors must complete at least 25 weeks of work at any of the participating theatres. The weeks do not have to be consecutive and may be accumulated over any length of time. After completing 25 weeks, members may also opt to enter "Phase II" and remain an EMC for up to 25 more weeks.

Answer Obtain an eligible position at an Equity theater that participates in the EMC program. Complete the EMC registration form provided by the producer. ... Return the completed form, with the non-refundable $200 registration fee payable to Actors' Equity Association, to the producer for filing with the union.

For the next three years, EMCs may continue to utilize EMC access to Equity auditions while working both union and non-union jobs until they opt to join Equity. Candidates still must complete any non-union theatrical acting or stage managing jobs before joining the union.

The EMC program allows actors and stage managers earn points towards eventual membership. By performing at participating Equity regional and summer stock theatres, actors can collect points toward their membership. Each week worked at a qualifying Equity theater equals one EMC point or credit.

If you do NOT choose to join within the five-year period, your accumulated weeks of credit will expire, your registration fee will be forfeited, and you will not receive the credit toward a future initiation fee.

One may be excused from future dues in the following manner: Temporary Withdrawal – Members who are in good standing (paid to date) with a zero balance are eligible for Temporary Withdrawal. Suspended Payment – Members who have outstanding dues or assessments are eligible for Suspended Payment.

All termination notices must be in writing with a copy to Equity. If you go 90 days without a bona fide offer of employment, then you have the right to terminate the contract. You may not terminate if you are currently employed. An agent and an actor may at any time agree to terminate the Exclusive Management contract.