If you are a non-union actor (which you likely are), can you still find work on a feature film or commercial? Yes, you can. But it is still way to early to discuss that. Right now, we are only collecting information about unions and agents.

Few actors start out by starring in Hollywood feature films. Your professional acting career, like just about every actor who ever lived in modern times, will include performing in commercials, TV, industrials, movies, radio and live performances. AFTRA, SAG and Equity (AEA) are the professional actors' unions that have jurisdiction over these areas.

The main goal of the professional actor unions is to negotiate industry-wide contracts which standardize competitive wages, safe, humane work conditions for union members and which also provide for members' welfare once they secure acting work.

Once a union member has performed acting work, the union works to assure that payment is properly made and will take action on the performer's behalf in the event that terms of a contract are breached.

The unions do not hire performers for acting jobs. Union members, like non-union actors, must locate agents, auditions and roles on their own. However, the unions do provide web-based, phone-based, print-based and in-person services that aid their members in their efforts to find representation and work.

To get current information regarding the pros and cons of joining a union and how to qualify for admission to each union, call or write to the regional office closest to you or go to their web sites. Each union's web site provides address and contact information for their various regional offices.

You probably aren't ready to join a union yet. Get information anyway so you can plan for your future. Don't wait.

The different unions have jurisdiction over different kinds of acting work.

Screen Actors Guild (SAG)

http://www.sag.org

Exclusive jurisdiction over Principal performers appearing in feature motion pictures and in all other types of productions shot on film. In addition, SAG shares video tape jurisdiction with AFTRA with respect to TV programming, TV commercials and industrial/educational programs. SAG also represents extra players in feature motion pictures, SAG television programming, SAG non-broadcast films and commercials in certain areas.

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)

http://www.aftra.org

Live television, radio programs, radio commercials, musical recordings, new technologies like interactive programming and CD ROMs. Shares with the Screen Actors Guild video tape jurisdiction for TV programs, TV commercials, industrial/educational programs. AFTRA represents performer catagories such as: actors, announcers, dancers, disc jockeys, newspersons, singers, specialty acts, sportscasters and stuntpersons. Can also cover contract and principal players, "under-5's" and extras.

Actor's Equity Association (AEA)

http://www.actorsequity.org

Acting for theatre and "live" industrial productions, stage managers and sometimes directors and choreographers.

Other Performer Unions

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)

http://www.musicalartists.org

Singers, dancers and other performers in operas and other classical music productions and concerts.

American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)

(no web site)

4741 Laurel Canyon Blvd Ste 208 North Hollywood, California 91607

Performers in Las Vegas club showrooms and cabarets, live performances in musical variety shows, comedy showcases, dance revues, magic shows and amusement park shows, arena and auditorium productions on tour.

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