How do I know when I have enough points to get my actors equity card?

Question

I was just wondering how many weeks you need to perform (in an equity theatre I mean) or how many points you needed in order to get your actors equity card. I've done some research but I don't understand the process of how it works to get it. Thanks.

Answer 1

You need 50 weeks/points.  Weeks and points are the same thing.  Once you get 50 weeks Equity will contact you.  Those 50 weeks do not have to be at the same theatre.  You can get 10 here, 8 there, and so on, and there is no time limit for accumulating the 50 weeks.  As far as vouchers, I've only heard of that for SAG (Screen Actors Guild), not Equity.  And yes, you can be a non-Equity actor and get a gig at an Equity house.  When you get your first gig at an Equity house/theatre you can register for the Equity Membership Candidate Program, through the theatre, for $100.  For every job thereafter at every equity theatre, you need to fill out a registration form, again through the theatre.  It is the theatre that submits this form the Equity.  This allows Equity to keep track of your weeks.  When you sign the form, you will know how many weeks you are getting credit for.  Normally the number of weeks include rehearsal and the run of the show.  So if you rehearsed for four weeks and you had a four week run, you will get 8 weeks toward EMC.  Once you become an EMC candidate (an actor who is currently accruing points/weeks) you should put it on your resume.  I hope I'm not insulting you by giving you any info you already have.  Hoped this helped.

Answer 2

The Equity website (link below) should help you.

In short, you need 50 points under the EMC program. That's one point per week, for 50 weeks at a participating theater.

If you are a member of a sister union (e.g., SAG or AFTRA), you only need 25 points.

Or else, if you get a contract that requires you to join Equity, you don't need more points; you just pay the money and join.

Answer 3

With no real offense meant, might it not make more sense to connect directly with them???????????

Answer 4

You need three vouchers from being in performances  Its kinda like a catch 22.  You cant get a card unless your eligible and have parts, and you cant get parts unless you have a card.  Its best to get an agent and have them help you.  Good luck