Joining SAG-AFTRA
Joining SAG-AFTRA is often considered a pivotal step. But, is joining SAG-AFTRA overrated?
Let’s debunk the myth surrounding SAG-AFTRA status and consider:
- timing properly when you should join;
- focusing on individual acting career goals, and;
- living your acting journey to the fullest.
Let’s break down seven excellent reasons to stop worrying about joining SAG-AFTRA.
[Read also: SAG-AFTRA: When Should You Join?]
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Working Outside the Union
Contrary to common belief, you are not shutting the door on roles by staying non-union. Many actors find substantial work outside the union circuit, and many casting directors prioritize talent over union affiliation.
Moreover, some states in the USA discourage Union affiliation (the “right-to-work” states), making it harder for Union actors to work consistently in their local market.
Before joining the union, you must consider:
- where you live;
- where you intend to work;
- how much you rely on income from acting.
Joining SAG-AFTRA when living and working mostly in a “right-to-work” state means fewer opportunities. Unless you have a good financial plan with income outside of acting or traveling to work, it may be wise to stay non-union.
[Read also: How to Be a SAG-AFTRA Actor in a Right-to-Work State]
Making Financial Sense of Joining SAG-AFTRA
Union life comes with costs. Annual dues, initiation fees, and project-related expenses can take a toll on your wallet. Staying non-union lets you skip these financial hurdles until the timing aligns better with your career and financial stability.
Moreover, paying your bills is something that cannot be ignored. Unless you have consistent acting work, paying dues is just an extra cost to your life.
A good agent or manager can advise you on the best course of action. If they are able to:
- get you many good auditions,
- pitch you for the best roles, and
- negotiate your contracts to get you optimal pay,…
…then you should listen to their advice. Otherwise, you may be just fine waiting for a big break before joining SAG-AFTRA.
[Read also: 3 Secrets About How Agents Pitch Actors]
Many Actors Never Joined Before They Were Famous
Your acting journey doesn’t depend on union gigs. Some of the most celebrated actors kickstarted their careers outside unions, proving that a nice portfolio –Â not union status – often paves the way to success.
Actors outside of the USA, for example, build their entire careers often without joining SAG-AFTRA. They may only join once they have work in the USA that requires them to do so.
[Read also: 3 Easy Ways to Start Your Acting Career While in School]
Indie Work Without Joining SAG-AFTRA
Independent projects and emerging platforms offer plenty of opportunities for non-union actors. These spaces are breaking norms and becoming stepping stones for actors aiming to build versatile and impactful careers.
Indie filmmakers do not always make their projects under SAG-AFTRA rules. Unless they want to hire a union actor, they are free to work independently, and being a non-union actor is better if you want to work with them.
[Read also: 5 Things To Know About SAG-AFTRA Vouchers]
Joining SAG-AFTRA “Later” versus “ASAP”
Timing is important. Joining SAG-AFTRA is a marathon, not a sprint. Premature union membership might:
- not be cost-effective,
- force you to compete for SAG-AFTRA roles before having solid experience, and
- get you stuck in background work because you don’t have a solid acting resume yet.
Waiting until the right moment when union benefits sync with your long-term goals is better than rushing things and derailing your acting career. When a project under a SAG-AFTRA agreement comes your way, the union will let you join when you are hired. Moreover, after a few union projects, you become a “SAG-AFTRA Must-Join” actor – in that case, you know it’s time.
[Read also: Can Background Acting Ruin My Career?]
Every Experience Counts
Sometimes we are so hyper-focused on the paperwork that we don’t enjoy the work. Acting experience comes in several forms, and many do not require joining SAG-AFTRA. Here are some examples:
- theater productions (professional or not),
- many independent movies,
- student movies,
- acting work outside of the USA,
- much of the content that is produced for channels like YouTube.
These types of acting experiences are as important as union work, and may even get you more name recognition than if you had prioritized joining SAG-AFTRA.
[Read also: Starting an Acting Career at 50 in 2024?]
Acting is a Journey, Not a Destination
Your acting journey is unique to you. Every day you wake up happy to embark on your next role or prepare for a great audition is a great day. The anxieties that come with acting are many – from financial instability to inconsistent work.
When you focus on enjoying your work and growing as an actor, you use your time wisely. Joining SAG-AFTRA is simply a paperwork part of your whole journey.
Joining the union does not guarantee a level-up to your auditions and pay. To some actors, the opposite may happen, and they may feel stuck. For that reason, do not stress out about when you should join the union. Just embrace your opportunities and do your best work always.
[Read also: SAG Voucher Tips: How to Get 3 Vouchers!]
Conclusion
 Joining SAG-AFTRA is not a solution for actors’ career struggles. While it offers perks, you must understand that success in the industry comes in different forms.
Non-union actors can find:
- great roles,
- financial flexibility, and
- personal growth opportunities that align with their unique journeys.
Ease your worries about SAG-AFTRA, focus on honing your craft, and let the practical aspects of your acting journey guide your decisions. The industry’s diversity welcomes actors from all walks, and your success isn’t determined by union affiliation. Keep it simple, stay true to your path, and remember – there’s more to acting success than a union card.
[Read also: Why Focus and Passion Matter Against the Odds]
At Teacup of Wisdom, we share knowledge and insights about the entertainment industry from the actor’s point of view to inspire and empower your acting journey.