If being in SAG requires that you have a speaking role,but you have to already have a speaking role to be one?

Question

how can i become an actress w/o violating SAG rules,and thus, get into SAG? can an extra have a speaking role that qualifies you for membership?

Answer 1

As the above poster mentioned, you can do non-union films and ahve speaking roles. This is how actors start out and how you build your resume with actual roles instead of a lot of extra work.

As for SAG, yes you can get in through the voucher system. Also, if you book a principal role in say a SAG commerical, then you will have to join immediately.

Bottom line, if they want you, they'll cast you. The difficulty is getting those auditions for SAG projects if you're not SAG. In NY and LA, it's impossible. Other markets may see a variety of actors.

So, don't worry about it quite yet. Build your resume doing non-union work and community theatre or small professional productions.

Answer 2

Seems like a catch 22, doesn't it?  

You can have a speaking role in a non-SAG film.  

If you are not union but get cast in a SAG film, you can join.

If you're an extra, you can join SAG if you've worked for a minimum of three days as a SAG-covered extra at full SAG rates and conditions.

I would recommend you do a lot of non-union work first.  You'll get experience (and more work).