<p>Once again, there is no attempt by either of the unions to <em>prevent</em> qualified performers from joining. For the benefit of anyone who is or might be confused by the post above:</p>
<p>There are three pathways to Equity membership:</p>
<p>1) Employment under an Equity Contract</p>
<p>2) Prior membership in a performing arts sister union (Four A’s)
Applicants must be members of a sister union for at least one year, in good standing and must have worked as a performer under that union’s jurisdiction on a principal or “under-five” contract or at least three days of extra (“background”) work</p>
<p>3) Completion of 50 weeks as an Equity Membership Candidate (EMC)
This program permits actors and stage managers-in-training to credit theatrical work in an Equity theatre towards eventual membership in Equity. After securing a position at a participating theatre, you may register as a candidate. Eligibility under this program requires a total of 50 weeks of EMC work at participating theaters.</p>
<p>The hurdle to be cleared is gaining employment on an Equity contract or securing a membership candidacy. These are completely appropriate measures of the actor’s ability to succeed in the union marketplace. So it’s a bit odd to say AEA “won’t let them join”. The unions are happy to welcome new members who have a reasonable expectation of being able to compete for union work. The entity that determines whether an individual is qualified is the AEA signatory employer, not the union itself. The measure is one of employability, not talent. Talent is an ineffable thing for which there is no standardized measure. Employability is the criterion that matters to the unions. That is measured by, no surprise, gaining employment.</p>