To Join or not to Join Acting Unions

This will be a blog post in progress, dedicated to educating those completely green to world of acting unions. So seasoned actors look elsewhere or read to proof for errors.

I once had to translate what "DGA" stood for in my head as director for a project I was in mentioned it very casually. Luckily, actors will not be forking over a much higher entrance to fee to the Directors Guild of America.  Actors' unions, however, still will require you to have a couple grand lying around and give you various other restrictions (or in some cases benefits.)

I mainly will outline SAG and AFTRA as these are the most pertinent for the LA industry. The union for stage actors is AEA, the Actors' Equity Association.

1. Screen Actors Guild
How to be eligible to join:
* Work as a principal or speaking role on a SAG project
* Receipt of three SAG vouchers from background work
* Being a paid up member for at least one year in ACTRA (Canadian), AEA, AFTRA, AGMA (musical artists) or AGVA (variety artists) and then having been paid as a principal at least once

Price to join:
* Initiation fee is currently $2277
* Base annual dues are $116. In addition, 1.85% of all contracts from $1-200,000, 0.5% up to 500,000, and 0.25% to a maximum of $1,000,000 are paid to the union.

What it means: Once you join SAG, you cannot work on non-union projects.

After perusing their site, I see SAG has written a FAQ for beginners.

2. American Federation of Television and Radio Artists


How to join: Anyone with the intention of being a performer in television and radio may join AFTRA. All you must do is pay the fee and dues.


Price to join: $1600 registration fee, $63.90 minimum annual due for those earning less than $2000 on AFTRA contracts. Those earning up to $100,000 will pay 0.743% of that to the union and 0.137% up to $250,000.


What it means: You can work AFTRA jobs, but not non-union jobs (though I have personally encountered a few AFTRA members who took non-union jobs as there simply was not enough work - against union rules but seems like you can slip through the cracks)


What are the benefits of joining either SAG or AFTRA? Generally, you would have higher guaranteed rates and the option of having health insurance. Of course there may be other perks like workshops or other events.


However, joining the unions doesn't guarantee you any work. In some instances, you may end up with less work as you'd be limited to only working what the union has available at a given time. If you are very marketable type, that may not be a problem for you - but that's not the case for everyone.

Pricing Information for LA Acting Studios and Classes

I believe one standard piece of advice given to all aspiring actors who are serious about pursuing their profession is to receive training.

But a big question is, "How much do acting classes in LA cost?"

In this post, I will outline a number of acting schools and their prices. A starving actor should know how much a class should be. Information is taken from firsthand auditing or directly from the studio's website. The post will be updated as prices rise - help from others is welcome. If any information is erroneous, please inform!

Aaron Speiser Acting Studio
How to begin: Students can join at any time. Audits are $25.
Monthly Price: $750/3 months, $1400/6 months, $2500/1 year, $25 registration fee for new students, class twice a week
Format: Acting technique, scene study


Anthony Meindl's Acting Workshop
How to Begin: A $595 six-week intensive course is required for all beginners, regardless of previous experience. This course has two classes a week - one actual class and one observational class. Auditing the class is free, by appointment.
Monthly Price: $250, class once a week
Format: Cold-reading, scene study, no line memorization required
Current as of May 2011


Ivana Chubbuck Studio
How to Begin: You audit a class ($20 fee) and then have your resume examined to determine which level of class you are placed into.
Monthly Price: $275 Beginning and Advanced class, once a week, $325 Master Class
Format: Chubbuck technique


Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio
How to Begin: Must interview with studio. All students will start at the same level.
Monthly Price: $315-$340 depending on teacher, twice a week. 6-week intensive is $785 with 3 classes a week.
Format: Meisner technique training
Other info: Missing a class results in a $55 fee for a make-up class. Program is structured for two years.
Current as of September 2011


Playhouse West
How to Begin: Membership is granted after a brief interview following an audit of the class. Audits are free.
Monthly Price: $200 or $195 with a book report, class twice a week
Format: Meisner technique training, beginning with repetition exercises. Other voice and improv classes available for a fee to students.
Current as of July 2011