What is a 'Union'?

Question

I've been researching the profession of acting, and I got into the topic of Equity Actors.

I really have no sure idea as to what a union/equity actor is, so can anyone explain this?

Answer 1

Once you do an Equity Production (professional) you begin to accrue points, once you have enough points you can join AEA, the stage actors union (which mean you can only do professional productions)

Here is more info www.actorsequity.org

Answer 2

A union is a collective bargaining unit of employees which negotiate working conditions, hours, benefits, and pay rates with the employer.

There are different unions for different kinds of labor roles.  automobile workers, steelworkers, firemen, teachers, and yes, actors have them.

Actors tend to belong to one of three unions: Actors Equity Association for stage actors and stage managers (AEA), American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for radio and television and commercials (AFTRA), and the Screen Actor's Guild for movies (SAG).

If you are a young actor new to the profession and without much of a resume, I do not recommend joining a union as you cannot take non-union work.

Once you get more experience, you should join.  The unions provide health benefits and protection from unscrupulous producers.