To Equity or Not to Equity: That Is the Question

Guys.

I did it. After YEARS of wondering if it was the right time for me to take my Equity card, I finally bit the bullet and applied!

We all hear about Equity Vs Non-Equity, the pros and cons of both, should I take my card, etc, but I feel like people don’t talk about how scary and anxiety-inducing this decision can be.

I am not going to lie, this decision has not been an easy one. I have been a non-union actor for over 12 years, and have been lucky enough to stay booked year after year. I have never had representation or a manager, and have gotten to take some really cool contracts as a non-union actor that have allowed me to perform all over the states as well as internationally.

So why take my card now?! Well, to be honest, I want protection. I want solid pay. I want live-able housing and normal work hours. I am at an age where my health plays a big role, and if I cant have access to these healthy conditions, I can’t do my best work. That’s what a union is all about.

That being said, I have had BIG anxiety this week applying for my card. That’s mainly because this past week it has really hit me: I will not be able to submit or work at at least 75% of the theaters I have been submitting to throughout my career, or have worked at previously. As the fall audition season has been amping up, I am scrolling through Playbill and Actors Access and other audition sites, and realizing many projects that I would love to submit and be considered for are no longer an option for me as a Union actor. The anxiety of feeling like a small fish in a big, elite pond is real, as is wondering if I will book work in the next year, or even two years.

I am so used to hustling, finding auditions on my own, filming, submitting, attending live auditions. I am so used to making it a part of my everyday morning routine to check 4-5 audition sites to see what’s been posted. I have never once had to stop and think, “Am I even allowed to submit for this?!” And that - is a strange new thing.

If I don’t rip the bandaid off now, I fear that I never will. And I think I will never know how this AEA thing plays out if I don’t try it. It’s hard to know that I could be potentially passing up work (and some solid work at that) as a non-union actor, but the beautiful thing about this is that if I give it a go, give it some time, try my hardest, and in a year or two feel like it’s not the right decision for me, it’s not a be all end all decision.

My advice to actors considering taking their card? The timing of taking it is going to be different for every. single. person. I never wanted to rush this decision for myself, and always told myself that I would not want to apply until I felt really confident in my brand as an actor, my skillset, and what I bring to the table as a performer. Until I was in a place where I could afford potentially not working or getting a contract for a while. Until I was in a place where I could afford continuous training, coaching, etc. Until my resume had some solid credits and lead roles on it.

And for me, that time has finally come.

I will keep you all posted on how this goes, so be sure to follow along on IG: @nosweatrep for all the latest updates!

Happy Auditioning, Everyone!

XOXO,

Alyssa

No Sweat Rep Founder