Author Topic: AEA...to be or not to be?  (Read 4387 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Meg_23_c2o

  • New to Town
  • **
  • Posts: 14
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA
AEA...to be or not to be?
« on: May 16, 2008, 11:19 am »
I've recently been offered the opportunity to receive my Equity card from a local summer theatre, but I'm not sure if it's worth taking.  I've been job hunting for awhile, and it seems that there are a lot of theatre that hope to get someone without their Equity card because it's less hassle.  Can anyone advise me on what to do?  Is it really easier to find a job with an AEA card?
Superman can leap tall buildings in a single bound.  Stage managers have to lift up the buildings so everyone else can walk under them.

Scott

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 252
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: AEA...to be or not to be?
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2008, 01:28 pm »
In my opinion, one should not turn down a job that comes with the enticement of getting your Equity card.  Joining Equity is a positive step in creating a professional stage management career and resume.

ReyYaySM

  • Permanent Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 360
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA
  • Current Gig: Freelance
  • Experience: Professional
Re: AEA...to be or not to be?
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2008, 03:44 pm »
Here are two links to other threads related to this topic that may be of interest:

Being offered my card, good idea?
Too soon to be Equity?

The first thread also includes a link to information on the use of the Taft-Hartley act. 

Best of luck to you as you make your decision!

theatreannie

  • New to Town
  • **
  • Posts: 36
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: IATSE, SMA
  • Current Gig: Production Stage Manager- Rutgers Theater Company
  • Experience: College/Graduate
Re: AEA...to be or not to be?
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2008, 06:18 pm »
The question is whether you think you will be able to get your next job as an AEA ASM or SM.  If you feel confident in that ability then absolutely take your card.  I know that I do not yet quite have the skills for that so I wouldn't take my card right now.

MatthewShiner

  • Forum Moderators
  • *****
  • Posts: 2478
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Affiliations: AEA, SMA
  • Current Gig: Freelance Stage Manager; Faculty for UMKC
  • Experience: Professional
Re: AEA...to be or not to be?
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2008, 11:57 pm »
My gut reaction is that if you are not sure it is the right time, it might not be the right time.

Although, if you are professionally minded, and ready to work only at the union level - then there should be no hesitation to take the card.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

 

riotous