Equity's dues structure has two components: Basic dues: $176 annually, billed at $88 twice a year each May and November. Working dues: 2.5% of gross earnings under Equity contract, which are collected through weekly payroll deductions.
The Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC) permits actors and stage managers in training to credit theatrical work in certain Equity theatres towards eventual membership in Equity. Candidates must complete at least 25 creditable weeks of work at any of the participating theatres.
Equity agreements allow entrepreneurs to secure funding for their start-up by giving up a portion of ownership of their company to investors. In short, these arrangements typically involve investors providing capital in exchange for shares of stock which they will hold and potentially sell in the future for a profit.