What is the Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) Program?

What is the Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) Program

For aspiring actors and stage managers, becoming a member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) can be a significant milestone in their careers. However, the path to union membership can often seem elusive, especially for those who are just starting out and have not yet accumulated enough experience under union contracts. The Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) program provides an opportunity for emerging theater professionals to earn points toward Equity membership, giving them a step-by-step pathway to eventually join the union and enjoy its benefits.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the EMC program is, how it works, and what it offers to actors and stage managers looking to build their careers in theater.

What is the Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) Program?

The Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) program is a special program created by Actors’ Equity Association to allow actors and stage managers to begin their journey toward full union membership before they meet the required number of work points. Instead of immediately joining Equity, candidates in the EMC program can accumulate “EMC points” by working in approved professional theater productions, ultimately qualifying them for union membership.

In the past, an actor or stage manager had to earn a certain number of points by working in Equity-approved productions to qualify for membership. The EMC program allows participants to gain those points through specific, non-Equity employment. After earning 25 points in the EMC program, candidates can apply for Equity membership, although they still need to accumulate the full 50 points to become fully vested.

How Does the EMC Program Work?

The EMC program is designed to give emerging theater professionals a structured way to gain experience in the industry and work towards union membership. Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility to Join the EMC Program

To join the EMC program, candidates must meet the following basic criteria:

• Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
• Professional Experience: Candidates typically need to have some previous experience in theater, whether through formal training (such as acting school or drama programs) or through non-union theater work. However, you don’t necessarily need to be a professional actor or stage manager to begin the program.

Once eligible, candidates can apply to join the EMC program through Actors’ Equity Association.

2. Earning EMC Points

EMC candidates earn points by working in non-Equity productions that are approved by Actors’ Equity. The amount of points earned depends on the type of work performed and the specific conditions of the production.

• How EMC Points Are Earned: For each week of work under an approved production, an actor or stage manager earns one EMC point. To gain eligibility for membership, candidates must accumulate 25 points. Once they have reached 25 points, they can apply to join Equity as a full member, although they still need to reach 50 points to be fully vested.
• Approved Productions: The productions must meet certain criteria set by Equity. These can include regional theaters, small theater companies, and other approved professional engagements that follow Equity’s standards.

3. Transition to Full Membership

Once an EMC candidate earns 25 points, they are eligible to apply for full membership in Equity. However, to become fully vested, the candidate must accumulate a total of 50 points from approved EMC work. Once these 50 points are earned, the candidate can apply to join the union as a full member and access all of the benefits that come with Equity membership, including union wages, health benefits, pension plans, and job protection.

4. EMC Status and Benefits

While candidates are in the EMC program, they don’t yet have the full rights and benefits of Equity members. However, the program still provides several advantages:

• Resume Building: By working under an Equity-approved contract, candidates gain valuable experience that will help build their resume and improve their chances of securing higher-profile, unionized jobs in the future.
• Training and Networking: EMC candidates often have access to workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities with professional actors and stage managers in the unionized theater community. This exposure to industry veterans can be invaluable for career development.
• Pathway to Equity Membership: The most significant benefit of the EMC program is that it provides a clear path to becoming a full member of Actors’ Equity. It allows candidates to gain experience and points while still working in professional theater, eventually leading to the coveted Equity card.

Why Join the EMC Program?

For aspiring theater professionals, the EMC program offers a structured and gradual path to union membership without requiring full union status upfront. Here are some key reasons why joining the EMC program can be an important step in your theater career:

1. Build Experience and Credibility: Working under Equity-approved contracts provides valuable professional experience that can boost your credibility as an actor or stage manager. It signals to potential employers that you are working within industry standards and adhering to professional norms.
2. Access to Union Work: The EMC program opens up the possibility of working on higher-quality productions that are unionized or close to becoming unionized. While you won’t have all of the benefits of Equity membership until you join, you can gain experience working in professional settings that are known for offering better pay, working conditions, and career growth opportunities.
3. Networking Opportunities: The EMC program offers actors and stage managers the opportunity to network with union professionals and employers who may be hiring for Equity jobs in the future. You can meet industry leaders, directors, and producers who can offer you advice, mentorship, or future work opportunities.
4. A Clear Path to Membership: The program is structured, so you know exactly what you need to do to join Equity. By earning EMC points through approved work, you can systematically move toward union membership without waiting for a major breakthrough or securing a big-name role.

Conclusion

The Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) program provides a valuable opportunity for emerging actors and stage managers to gain professional experience, earn points, and work toward union membership. It offers an alternative path to joining Actors’ Equity Association, especially for those who may not yet meet the requirements for full membership. Through the EMC program, candidates can build their resumes, gain exposure to the theater industry, and eventually secure the benefits of Equity membership, including better pay, health insurance, job protection, and more.

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