By Eric J. Little

"I finally joined Equity this year. I say finally because I've been working in professional theatre for close to 10 years now. The process started for me when I was in Grad School studying acting at LSU. We worked on a professional stage with Equity actors all the time and that's when I started really learning about the union and its benefits. So eventually I got that $100 to start my EMC process and I was off. I continued to work and collect points. Then I started having conversations with other actors and casting directors about when to join-what would be the right time, etc. So I think that slowed down the process of joining for me. I knew I wanted to join but I just didn't know when. But I still kept working and collecting points and then one day I looked up and realized I had enough points. So I decided to join. Of course what do they do on my first Equity show? Make me the deputy. But what made this year sweeter, was I just won an award for a role in 'Superior Donuts,' which was also one of my first shows as an Equity Actor. And it was presented to me by a National Officer of Equity. So once again, finally, I can say I am proud to be a member. "