Expert: Rusty Meyers - 10/15/2007

Question
I am a seasoned and trained performer.  I have been on stage since the age of 3 (now in my forties).  And for the last 4 years have toured with show music in 6 states.
As of yet, I've avoided the unions and having an agent.

But my career is picking up.  Wineries seem to like us and they are calling.  Also I was offered a deal in my local area (Sun Valley, ID) for a paid theatre performance.

They are willing to offer me an equity contract, if I want.  Or they will just pay me.

What are the advantages of joining unions?  Is it worth it?  My friends in equity seem to be jumping through a lot of hoops to find enough work to even qualify for benefits.
Does the union limit you from performing in different venues (heard horror stories of this from others)

Also, is it time to get an agent and how do you find one that doesn't want you to do all the work while they collect their fees?  One agent who contacted me, wanted me to provide a list of my contacts so he could book.  Seemed to me that I would give him all my work and he would just collect.

Thanks in advance for your answer!
Jan

Answer
I'm not sure what you need me to answer, I am assuming that you are a performer (actor) yet you didn't say "musical theatre", you said show music.

What has taken you so long to have been asked to join or at least inquire?

If you aren't getting offers by union gigs then don't join.

I joined when I was 2o, I should've waited, but I was being offered union jobs so I joined.

It's a double edged sword, joining means better wages and conditions (usually) but there are less union jobs than non union ones.

Do you make a living (full time) as a performer?

Do you have a "fall back on job"?

You are absolutely limited by what you can do by joining (any of the unions, albeit AEA, SAG, AFTRA.

Is it time to get an agent?

Is all you do theatre?

If so don't bother with an agent, they rarely can negotiate more than scale, and if they can't do that or at least get thier commission on top, what's the point in giving your money to them or doing nothing.

Most theatre auditons can be found on your own, now Film, TV & Comm are different.

I don't see the big rush into Idaho for that type of work to join those other unions either.

If you are being offered the same money as the AEA people are take it, just remind yourself that they (AEA) provides health & pension benefits too, for it's members.

So try and negotiate a little more if you don't join to get your own insurance.

Pension is going to be tough to get at your age, you need 10 years of vesting before you start acquiring it.

That's great that your career is picking up 40 years after you started it, most people take longer.

I turned 50 this month and I'm still waiting for my career to "take off", or is it fall off.