Q: I want to start auditioning for parts. I noticed that a lot of casting calls require union membership. Do I need to belong to a union to get cast?

A: You're right. Many available parts on InstantCast and other services require you to belong to a union before you can even think of auditioning. Actors unions like SAG (Screen Actors Guild), AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), and AEA (Actors' Equity Association) can greatly benefit its members. Unions offer health care, access to a credit union, pension plans, and many offer seminars or workshops to help members find work. Most importantly, unions protect your rights and make sure you get paid.

Sure, you're going to run across many casting calls that require union membership. It's important, however, to understand that just because there are a lot of calls that are strictly for union members, there are also plenty of calls for non-union members. The truth is if you're just starting out you may not be eligible to join one anyway. Unions require a certain level of experience and can charge you initiation fees and regular dues. Besides, even if you do qualify and join, in many cases you can only work at union jobs.

That said, what's important to know is that if you are just starting out in acting, there are more than enough non-union roles available out there that can build your reel and raise your experience level. The first step is to get out there and work as much as you can before tying yourself to a union and all of its requirements. InstantCast, for one, has plenty of daily casting calls for non-union members like you to get cast and get the experience you need to launch your acting career.

So don't be scared off by any casting call's "union" status. Get out there, build your reel and portfolio with non-union parts, and jumpstart your career. A little legwork will go a long way.

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