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Every actor’s career has certain milestones - your first callback, first paying gig, first good review. Joining SAG-AFTRA is one of these pivotal milestones. The Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Radio Artists represents over 160,000 individuals in various fields across the entertainment industry. Membership not only provides access to better working conditions and protections but also opens the door to a wide array of career-advancing opportunities. If you're eager to embark on this journey, here's a comprehensive guide on how to become a member of SAG-AFTRA:
Understanding SAG-AFTRA Membership
To join SAG-AFTRA, you first need to understand the basics of the union. Let's delve into the nuts and bolts, membership benefits, and path to becoming SAG eligible.
What is SAG-AFTRA and its benefits?
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, affectionately termed as SAG-AFTRA, is a performers union that represents approximately 160,000 film and television actors, broadcast journalists, radio personalities, and other media professionals worldwide. Its principal objective is to preserve and expand the working rights and wages of members through Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with production companies.
Joining SAG-AFTRA isn't just about a membership card; it's a gateway to numerous benefits. Members are guaranteed a base rate of pay on all SAG projects, whether it's a SAG film, TV show, or a radio program, as well as fair working conditions. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA membership can provide health care, pension/retirement income, discounts on various services, and even legal representation for disputes you might encounter in the industry.
What does it mean to be SAG-AFTRA eligible?
SAG-AFTRA eligibility signifies that you've met certain preconditions set by the union and are now eligible to join at any time. There are several different paths you can take to reach SAG eligibility.
Joining SAG-AFTRA: Eligibility and Requirements
What are the 3 Ways to Get into SAG-AFTRA?
There are three pathways towards official membership:
- Union-Affiliated Work: Getting hired for professional work as a performer on a union project is the most common way non-union actors join. As an initial non-SAG actor, the production company may have to submit a Taft-Hartley Waiver to hire you instead of a union performer. The best way to get union auditions is through working with an acting agent, but you can also find casting calls online at websites like Actors Access and Casting Networks.
- Background Actor Vouchers: Working three days (for three vouchers) as a background actor under a SAG contract makes you SAG-eligible.
- Work with a Sister Union: Being a member in good standing of an affiliated performers' union (such as ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and having worked and been paid at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction earns you SAG membership.
Remember, regardless of the avenue, you must contact SAG to initiate the joining process.
The Application Process
How much does it cost to join SAG-AFTRA?
There are two main fees to think about when joined a union- your initial membership fee and annual dues. SAG’s amounts change, but currently the initiation fee is $3,000.
Your annual basic dues are comprised of two parts: a fixed base cost (currently at $236.60 per year) and any work dues you accumulate. Work dues come from SAG gigs you perform on and are 1.575% of your contract rate (up to $1,000,000).
So as an example, let’s say you join the union this year, but do not land any SAG work. Your total amount owed to the union would be $3,236.60 (your joining fee + your base yearly dues). The next year, let’s say you earn a total of $12,000 from SAG-AFTRA contracts. The total you would then owe your union is $425.60. This number comes from your yearly base dues of $236.60 + your work dues of 1.575% of $12,000 ($189).
What to expect during the application process
To begin your application process, use SAG-AFTRA’s online eligibility checker. If SAG does not have your work history, you will also need to gather necessary documentation as proof, such as:
- Paycheck Stubs - These must indicate date(s) of employment, performer's name and social security number, production title, signatory company and wages paid.
- Performer Contract - It must be the original contract with the performer's name and social security number, date(s) of employment, production title, signatory company and wages paid.
- Payroll Printout - This should include the performer's name and social security number, date(s) of employment, production title, signatory company and wages paid.
Once you've compiled and submitted your documents through the nearest SAG office in person or through email via employmentverification@sagaftra.org, you can then contact your local SAG office to set up an admissions appointment. Read more about the process on SAG’s website.
