Expert: John T. Aney - 6/26/2007

Question
I am aware that to act on Broadway you need an Equity card. What is
that and how can you get one? Also, how important is going to a college
and majoring in theatre. Would this help your chances of being cast in a production?Thank you!


Answer
I can tell you what you are asking, but I also will warn you about setting your sights on Broadway.

Getting on to Broadway is more rare, probably, than getting onto a pro sports team or getting elected to Congress.  Broadway is a high-risk, high failure endeavor.

Think about what you enjoy - do you want to go on Broadway because you love the theatre?  Well, then focus on doing theatre, and not on getting on Broadway.  You will be much happier that way.  Do you want to go on Broadway to become famous?  My advice to you in that case is that the chances of that happening are astronomically small, and you will most likely be miserable as long as you chase that dream.

OK, lecture out of the way.  An Equity card merely represents your membership in Actor's Equity, the union for actors.  In order to get your Equity card, you have to earn points by working as a non-Equity actor in a show with Equity actors, or else get hired by a company that only hires Equity actors.  The problem is, there are hundreds of thousands of Equity actors out there.

Going to college is absolutely essential.  Regardless as to whether it helps you get cast, you should always expand your education.  Majoring in theatre is a great idea, but keep your mind open to other parts of theatre other than acting (set building, designing, costuming, directing), and also keep your mind open to other majors.

If you truly love theatre, I guarantee you can work in the theatre for the rest of your happy life.  If you just want to be on Broadway and become famous, I can 99% guarantee that you will be miserable and poor for a long time.  Make your choice.

jta