How To Join

Eligibility to Join
You may apply for Membership by any one of the following methods:

Equity Contract
You may join the Association by virtue of employment under an Equity contract. Applications for joining Equity are only valid during the term of the contract. Certain contract types also have a length-of-employment requirement before a membership application becomes valid; the Membership Department will advise you at the time of joining.

Four A's
Associated Actors and Artistes of America Affiliation
Membership is also available by virtue of prior membership in a performing arts sister union (see 4A's list in right hand column).

• Applicants must be members of a sister union for at least one year
• Must currently be members in good standing of their parent union
• Must have worked as a performer under the union's jurisdiction on a principal or "under-five" contract or at least three days of extra ("background") work

With your application, you must include a written statement from your parent union stating that you meet the requirements above along with a least $400 towards your Initiation Fee.

Please note: this sister-union policy is not applicable to non-resident aliens.

Equity Membership Candidate Program (EMC)
This program permits actors and stage managers-in-training to credit theatrical work in an Equity theatre towards eventual membership in Equity. After securing a position at a participating theatre, you may register as a candidate. The $100 registration fee will be credited against any future Initiation Fee when you become eligible for membership. Eligibility under this program requires a total of 50 weeks of EMC work at participating theatres.

If you are joining Equity through the EMC Program, at least a $400 initial payment is due with your application.

Aliens/Foreign Actor Rules
There are certain eligibility restrictions that are applicable to Non-Resident Aliens. You will need to submit proof of US citizenship or Resident Alien status with your application for membership if you were born outside of the US.

Click here for Membership Information and Procedures.