To apply, please contact your local ACTRA branch to set up an appointment. You will need to complete an application form, present proof of your 15 workdays as a Background Performer and provide a current photo and résumé.
Is there an actors union in Canada?
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada.
Can anyone join ACTRA Canada?
Only Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible to join ACTRA. As a condition of membership, all ACTRA members agree not to work on non-union productions.
How do you qualify for ACTRA?
To join as a Full Member, a performer must have at least three qualifying credits. The first qualifying credit can be an Acting Credit, an Education Credit, or 1600hrs/200 days of work as a Background Member. Second and subsequent credits must be Acting Credits.
Can non-union actors do union work ACTRA?
UBCP/ACTRA’s By-laws and Constitution prohibit union members from auditioning for, or working on, any non-union production in recorded media. Accordingly, there are significant consequences for full members, apprentice members, and background members found to be participating in a non-union production.
How do I join an acting union?
You can join SAG/AFTRA in one of three ways: By being cast and hired to work in a principal or speaking role for a SAG signatory producer. After a minimum of one year’s membership in an affiliated performers’ union, with proof of principal work under that union’s jurisdiction. Three days covered SAG extra work.
How much does it cost to join the actors union?
How much does it cost to join SAG-AFTRA? The SAG-AFTRA initiation fee is $3,000. Once you’re in, you pay an annual base fee of $227.42 and an additional 1.575% of SAG-AFTRA-protected earnings up to $750,000.
How much do ACTRA actors make?
The typical ACTRA Actor salary is $25,000 per year. Actor salaries at ACTRA can range from $10,060 – $64,588 per year. This estimate is based upon 5 ACTRA Actor salary report(s) provided by employees or estimated based upon statistical methods.
Can a foreigner become an actor in Canada?
Jobs in Canada for Actors and comedians
One of the biggest questions when moving to Canada is “will I be able to find work as an Actor or comedian in Canada?”. The simple answer is Yes, you will! (Of course each Actors and comedians level of training and experience is a core factor, as is the case in any country.)
Is Canada good for acting?
Jobs Prospects
Acting: Acting is a diverse career in Canada, and multiple opportunities are available in various fields. The job opportunities are endless, ranging from acting in films and TVs to acting in improv shows.
How much do non union background actors make in Canada?
There will be a $25.00 charge on all NSF cheques. The hourly rate as a background performer is $15 per hour with an 8 hour minimum for Non-Union performers. (This means that if you only work two hours, you are still always paid for eight hours). Union rates apply for ACTRA members.
How many ACTRA branches are there in Canada?
nine autonomous branches
ACTRA is a federation of nine autonomous branches united in a strong national organization to advance the rights of performers across Canada.
How do I get a work permit for ACTRA?
You must obtain a permit before work begins. You can submit a permit application in person at your local branch or send to your branch by email. Permit fees for New Media Commercials are 50% of the above rates.
How long does it take to become a union actor?
After 25 weeks of work at Equity theaters, actors can apply for membership. Another way to join Equity is to get cast in a production that mandates a union actor plays the role. To join SAG-AFTRA, one must have proof of employment as a principal role, or evidence of three days of work as a background actor.
Is it better to be union or nonunion actor?
Union productions are required to provide certain protections for the safety of actors, including having insurance, restrictions on time spent on set (especially for children), breaks for meals, privacy, chairs, and much more. Non-union productions aren’t required to do any of that.
Do you have to pay union actors?
How much do you have to pay actors on a union production? On a union production, minimum pay rates for talent are regulated by SAG-AFTRA. SAG maintains several different “agreements” to guide performer wages, primarily split according to production type and budget level.
How do I break into the acting industry?
How to Break Into Acting
- Learn, Learn, Learn. The first thing I recommend is to come into the ring as prepared as possible.
- Get a Gig That Pays the Bills.
- Make Connections.
- Get a Great Headshot.
- Learn How to Audition.
- Start Putting Yourself Out There.
- Stay Positive and Focused.
How do I get an acting job without an agent?
How to Get Acting Jobs Without an Agent
- Create your own work.
- Read industry publications.
- Work on student films.
- Attend Equity Principal Auditions.
- Reach out to casting directors, directors, and producers.
- Beware of having a chip on your shoulder.
- Be generous about recommending talented friends and colleagues.
Can non union actors do union work?
A non-union actor can audition for and be hired for a union project. And depending on the project plus governing union, the actor can easily be hired either as union or non-union.
Is it hard to get a SAG card?
To get a SAG card as an extra, all you need to do is perform as an extra (background actor) for three full days on set and make sure to ask for your SAG vouchers each day. Then, follow the instructions in the rest of this guide and you’ll be able to join!
Is it better to be a union actor?
Union actors maintain greater control over their brand.
However, when it comes to commercials, SAG-AFTRA warns, “Overexposure can damage your career because advertisers won’t hire performers associated with competitive products.” To protect actors, the union offers commercial contracts with residuals and safeguards.