Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Getting that INFAMOUS Equity Card

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Expert: - 6/17/2008


Question
Hi, Taylor.

I've been reading up on the things to do to get your Equity Card and I just recently contacted some Equity theatres in my local area to get information about the Equity Membership Candidate Program and if they still take part in it. But my question to you is, is that the only way to get my Equity card? I've heard about other ways (non-equity open calls, etc.) but I wanted some more enlightenment on the subject.

Answer
Hi Rico,

I must confess that I have been absent from theater for a long time. My last play was 4 years ago, so I will try to help.

You may have already checked straight from the horse's mouth, but here is their version:

"There are several ways to join. You can be signed to an Equity contract by a producer, you can join by virtue of prior membership in one of our sister unions (the 4As), or you can earn eligibility by completing the Equity Membership Candidate program."

If there were any other way, I'm sure they would mention it. While the purpose of a Guild is to guarantee the quality of the craftsman, they also need to collect dues to stay in business, so if you have the goods, there is no reason they would want to block you from giving them money. Simple as that.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Taylor Sheppard

Expertise

I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.

Experience

I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.

Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).

Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.

Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).

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