A person who is considering the pursuit of solely
making a living or a living wage as an actor in the US
eventually has to consider joining the performing
unions, notably Screen Actors Guild (SAG), American
Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and
Actors' Equity Association (AEA).

It strictly depends on the individual - their desire,
persistence, and maturity to honestly evaluate their
talent.

 My feelings are: when the non- union actor or actress
has achieved a certain level of skill and competence
in the craft, and garners decent-sized roles, gets
good, honest feedback on their work, and has worked at
quality theatres for a period of time, then THAT would
be the time to say "Am I worth it? I bring talent and
dedication to my work and I would like to be
compensated fairly for what I bring to the theatrical
workplace."

  In most cases, the best way to be FAIRLY compensated
for your time, talent and PROFESSIONALISM is to join
the performing unions.

  Tom Helmer - AEA actor and stage manager
               SAG actor
               Philadelphia Actors' Equity Association
               Liaison Committee Chairman           back