Joining Equity not only supports the work of the union staff that works on your behalf, it also gives you a voice in the union's governance along with access to membership benefits. You can read more about union benefits here.
Membership applications are sent via email to all eligible Cast Members in Parades and Characters on a rolling basis, as we receive updated employee lists from Disney.
If you have not received an application but believe you are eligible, please email membership@actorsequity.org.
Equity's initiation fee will be waived for everyone joining through Magic United between now and when your first contract is ratified. Your first basic dues payment of $88 are due in May or November, whichever comes first after your application is processed.
Application Form. Complete both pages of the membership application. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the application. You may sign the application electronically.
Equity Name. Your Equity Name should be your preferred professional name. All performing arts unions generally prohibit the issuing of a professional name that is identical (or similar sounding) to that of an already current member of the union. If a conflict exists, you will be advised at the time that you submit an application to join Equity that you may have to change your professional name for Equity’s records.
Equity's dues structure has two components: Basic Dues, currently $176 per year, which are billed at $88 semi-annually each May and November and Working Dues, currently 2.5% of gross earnings under Equity contract, which are collected via weekly payroll deductions after the contract is ratified.
If you are delinquent in the payment of dues for a period of two years, and you did not apply for inactive status, you are considered out-of-benefit and membership is automatically terminated. Members are therefore strongly urged to remain in good standing with Equity.
If you opt not to join Equity, please be advised that you will still be subject to the 2.5% working dues deduction. You can email membership@actorsequity.org to notify the membership department that you wish to be an agency-fee payer only. Read more about Equity’s financial core policy.
For questions about the benefits of union membership, please reach out to organizer Megan Esber at mesber@actorsequity.org.
For questions about the joining process or the dues structure, please reach out to the membership department at membership@actorsequity.org.
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