EMC Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Equity’s Open Access membership policy is being extended indefinitely. Going forward, Equity membership will be offered to all theatre workers who can demonstrate they have worked professionally as an actor or stage manager within Equity’s geographical jurisdiction. This means that anyone who would qualify to become an Equity Membership Candidate now qualifies to become a full Equity member.

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You could think of it that way, or you could think of this as granting you all the remaining points you need to complete the program. Either way, you no longer need to keep track of your points – you can join the union at any time.

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Yes. You can join the union when you’re ready. Any fees you have paid to the union will be credited towards the initiation fee, regardless of when you choose to join.

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Current EMCs will maintain audition access for a three-year period. As of May 8, 2026, EMCs will no longer be recognized for prioritized audition access and will be seen on the same basis as other non-Equity actors.

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There are three steps to becoming an Equity Membership Candidate:

  1. Obtain an eligible position at an Equity theater that participates in the EMC program.
  2. Complete the EMC registration form provided by the producer. (Please note: the union does not provide these forms to individuals.)
  3. Return the completed form, with the non-refundable $200 registration fee payable to Actors’ Equity Association, to the producer for filing with the union. (Be sure to keep a copy of the completed form and proof of the registration fee for your files.)

Please note: the EMC Program is being phased out, and Equity will stop admitting new applicants to the EMC program effective May 8, 2023.

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As an Equity Membership Candidate, you are able to gain professional experience while working toward your union membership. The EMC program is a great opportunity to build relationships with theatre professionals in all aspects of the business while learning about the union and the field, which will help you make future career decisions.

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To protect individuality, Equity policy does not permit the duplication of names among its members. Be aware that the name you use as a non-professional may not be available when you become eligible to join Equity and that you cannot secure a name until you officially join.

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A list of EMC theaters is posted on Equity’s website. The list is updated periodically. To confirm if a theatre is utilizing the EMC program, check with the Membership Department in your regional Equity office.

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You are certainly permitted to add EMC to your résumé if you are a registered candidate and current with all required payments. Adding EMC is a personal choice, but is also a distinction that shows you are pursuing Equity membership.

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You can call the local Equity office and ask for the Membership Department. Someone in the department can review your weeks with you. Always fill out the EMC registration form each time you accrue weeks at a participating theater, and keep a copy for your records in case of any discrepency.

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After completing the program, you are eligible to join Equity for five years. During that time, if you work at an Equity theater, you must be signed to an Equity contract. You may work at non-Equity theaters prior to joining.

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If you are registered in the 50-week program prior to January 1, 2018 you can still work up to 50 weeks as an EMC, or join any time after 25 weeks, as long as all EMC and non-Equity work is complete. You will use the new form to continue to report points any time you work at an EMC-eligible theater but you do not need to enroll in Phase II to work more than 25 weeks.

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EMCs are welcome to continue along their path to Equity membership. However, you can also become a member immediately through Open Access, and any fees you have paid to the union will go towards the initiation fee.