Expert: Rusty Meyers - 2/28/2010

Question
QUESTION: Can one "go financial core" with Actor's Equity?   I have been getting confusing information regarding this.   According to what I see online, Equity actors in the Chicago area do this on a regular basis.  However, upon calling AEA membership, they said that Equity "does not have a financial core status".  I also read this online in another blog as well.  Here in the San Franciso area, no one has ever heard of it!
I would really appreciate the facts, here, as I am considering quitting the union.   Thanks so much.

ANSWER: There is no such thing as Financial Core with Actors Equity as far as I know.

But there may be a different name for it, or something that is available in a different city, but I doubt it.

If you are vested with AEA I would make absolutely sure what your options are, not to jeopardize or lose any of your pension years.

I went F/C with SAG a few years ago and wanted to do the same thing with AEA.

I am vested with both of these unions, but nothing like F/C was available (at the time) for me with AEA.

I am currently in a a show that AEA doesn't have jurisdiction over, but if they did (or find some way to get some) I will merely drop out.

Playing that "catch me if you can" game isnt cool in my book.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  I don't think I have the work credit to be vested, but will check that out.  

I found a whole discussion on a blog somewhere in Chicago about actors working "financial core".  There's also a lady in Florida who actually puts it on her resume!  (Maybe Florida is a right to work state....).

I'm curious-- what kind of show is that that "AEA doesn't have jurisdiction over...."

Answer
You would know if you were vested, they send you something every year to let you know how many years that you have.

I live in a right-to-work state too, and that certainly may have something to do with it, but I don't think that AEA has the F/C option.

Check with AEA and ask them as to what you are allowed and not allowed to do.

You really should aleady know these answers.

I know that I had to check every time that I moved to a different state.

If you are not getting any work with AEA companies or there aren't any AEA companies in your area, then just go on honorable withdraw (if it's a dues paying issue) to save some money.

But a reminder that going HW dosn't mean that you can do non-Equity productions.

There are a few things that you can do, just check like staged reading.

However if you aren't close to being vested (depending on how old you are) and when you joined and how much more stage you think you will ever do again are all variables on dropping out totally.

You should ask your coach or agent these questions along with AEA.