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The World of Non-Unions

To get steady work in top of the line studio films, Broadway shows, or network television it is almost essential to join one of the acting unions (SAG, Equity, AFTRA). But every day there are thousands of performers working outside this system - as non-union actors - either by choice or necessity. The importance of a union membership with regards to success really depends on how you measure success.

The best example of regular non-union work is in community theater. Over 7,000 non-profit theatre troupes create more than 45,000 productions each year, according to the American Association of Community Theatre. Repertoire includes anything from plays and musicals to children’s works and new premieres. These companies often consistently hire local performers. Though they receive little to no pay, these actors get to do what they love - and in that sense, they are successful.

Non-union work is almost always a necessary step for those right out of school. Working on smaller projects like student films and local theater allows young actors to gain practical experience and professional credits, which are necessary to later move on to possible union work. Another benefit is that non-union talents work together and are therefore exposed to new writers, directors, and producers before they get into the bigger leagues of the unions.

Though recent graduates are usually forced to remain non-union until they receive an offer, some actors simply choose to not enter the unions in their careers. The rules can seem unnecessarily restrictive in some cases, especially in regards to dues and working-hour maximums. Unions also limit the kinds of production staff actors can work with to only other union members. While a union writer or director could technically take non-union work under a different name, there is no way for an actor to slip through the cracks of non-union because they will be seen.

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