Joining AFTRA Could Help You Advance to the Next Level

So this pilot season, there are 93 pilots that are covered under AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), the smaller sister union to SAG (Screen Actors Guild). Many people will tell you that if you're not in an actor's union, you can't get an agent. In this increasingly competitive industry, joining AFTRA may help actors WHO ARE TRAINED AND READY to get an agent and secure more roles.

Unlike SAG, you don't have to get a union job before joining AFTRA. Anyone can join, but there are some vital caveats that you must consider before signing up:

-- You will no longer be able to do non-union work if you join. If you think you can do non-union work and not get caught, think again. The unions have ways to track this and it can lead to suspension or even expulsion from the union permanently. You may also have to pay fines. Not a risk you want to take. Also, if you join a professional union, that means that you believe you should be paid more for your work, should be eligible for health insurance and should perform in productions that are equal to your talent.

-- It will cost you $1,300 to join AFTRA and about $64 a year in dues (plus a percentage of your yearly earnings) to remain in good standing.

Check out AFTRA's website for more information. Also, here's a very helpful article regarding what you can expect after you join AFTRA.