How Do I Get EMC?
Becoming an Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) is a significant step for actors looking to join the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the professional union for stage actors and stage managers in the United States. The EMC program provides a pathway toward full Equity membership, allowing aspiring actors to accumulate points while working in eligible theater productions.
If you are an actor interested in gaining EMC status, you might be wondering: How do I start? Where do I find eligible work? How long does it take? This article will guide you through the process, from eligibility and requirements to examples of actors who successfully became EMC candidates.
1. What is the EMC Program?
Before diving into how to obtain EMC status, it’s important to understand what the program is and why it matters.
The Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) program is a structured way for actors to gain eligibility for joining Actors’ Equity Association. Through this program, actors can work in Equity-affiliated theaters while accumulating points toward full membership.
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Benefits of EMC Status:
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Provides an opportunity to work in Equity-approved professional theater productions.
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Allows actors to earn points toward eventual full Equity membership.
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Gives actors access to some union protections and networking opportunities.
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Allows priority audition slots for Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) after 25 points.
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How the Point System Works:
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Actors earn 1 point per week of work in an Equity-approved production.
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A total of 50 points is required to qualify for full Equity membership.
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2. Steps to Get EMC Status
The road to becoming an EMC involves several key steps. Below is a detailed breakdown of how to start the process.
Step 1: Find an Equity-Approved Theater
To begin earning EMC points, you need to work in a theater that participates in the EMC program. Not every theater is affiliated with Actors’ Equity, so it’s essential to research and target Equity-affiliated regional theaters, repertory companies, and professional playhouses.
How to Find an Equity-Approved Theater
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Check the Equity Website – Actors’ Equity Association maintains a list of affiliated theaters.
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Look at Job Listings – Websites like Playbill, Backstage, and BroadwayWorld post union-affiliated audition notices.
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Network with Industry Professionals – Directors, producers, and fellow actors can help connect you with EMC-approved theaters.
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Attend EPAs (Equity Principal Auditions) – While EMC candidates don’t get full priority, you may still be seen by casting teams.
Example: Finding an EMC-Approved Theater
Case Study – Julia’s Journey: Julia, a young actor in Chicago, searched for EMC-approved theaters. She found a listing for an Equity-affiliated summer stock theater that was hiring non-Equity actors but offered EMC points. She auditioned, got cast, and started accumulating EMC points.
Step 2: Get Cast in an EMC-Eligible Production
Once you identify a theater that participates in the EMC program, the next step is to audition and get cast in a production that offers EMC points.
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Equity vs. Non-Equity Roles: Some productions allow both Equity and non-Equity actors to perform. EMC candidates are often cast in ensemble or supporting roles, but they still earn points.
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Types of Productions That Offer EMC Points:
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Regional Theaters (e.g., The Guthrie Theater, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival)
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Summer Stock Theaters (e.g., Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Muny)
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Shakespeare Festivals (e.g., The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park)
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Touring Theater Companies (certain national tours allow EMC candidates)
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Example: Getting Cast in an EMC-Eligible Show
Case Study – Mark’s First EMC Role: Mark, an aspiring actor in New York, auditioned for a regional production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at an Equity-affiliated theater. Although he was cast as a non-Equity ensemble member, he was enrolled in the EMC program and started accumulating points.
Step 3: Enroll in the EMC Program
Once you are cast in an EMC-eligible production, you must officially enroll in the Equity Membership Candidate program.
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Paperwork & Registration: The theater’s Equity representative or stage manager will provide you with the necessary EMC application form to complete.
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Fee: As of recent years, the EMC enrollment fee is $200 (which later applies toward your Equity membership fee).
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Confirmation: After submitting your paperwork, Equity will officially recognize you as an EMC candidate.
Example: Registering as an EMC Candidate
Case Study – Alicia’s EMC Enrollment: Alicia booked her first EMC-eligible show at a repertory theater in Minneapolis. On her first rehearsal day, the theater’s Equity deputy gave her the EMC paperwork. She filled it out, paid the fee, and was officially enrolled in the program.
Step 4: Accumulate EMC Points
After enrolling, you start earning 1 point per week of work in EMC-approved productions. The more Equity-approved jobs you land, the faster you reach full membership.
Timeline to Accumulate EMC Points
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1–2 years: If working consistently in Equity-affiliated productions.
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2–4 years: If working part-time or sporadically.
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4+ years: If struggling to find Equity-approved work.
Example: Accumulating EMC Points
Case Study – Ryan’s EMC Progress: Ryan worked in three different EMC-approved theaters over two years:
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10 weeks at a summer stock festival = 10 EMC points
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15 weeks at a regional theater = 15 EMC points
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25 weeks on an Equity national tour = 25 EMC points
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Total: 50 points → Eligible for full Equity membership
Step 5: Become Eligible for Full Equity Membership
Once you accumulate 50 EMC points, you can apply for full Equity membership. At this stage:
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You pay the remaining membership initiation fee (minus your EMC fee).
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You gain access to Equity contract jobs, better pay, and health and pension benefits.
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You no longer need to compete for non-Equity work.
Fast-Track Option: If you book an Equity contract before reaching 50 points, you may be able to skip the rest of the EMC process and join immediately.
3. Common Challenges & Solutions in Getting EMC Status
Challenge 1: Lack of Equity Theater Opportunities
Solution: Broaden your search to regional theaters, summer stock, and Shakespeare festivals.
Challenge 2: Not Getting Cast in Equity Productions
Solution: Take on understudy or ensemble roles to get your foot in the door.
Challenge 3: Unclear Information About EMC Eligibility
Solution: Speak with Equity representatives or stage managers to confirm whether a show qualifies for EMC points.
4. Final Thoughts: Is EMC Right for You?
If you are serious about a career in professional theater, the EMC program is a valuable stepping stone toward joining Actors’ Equity Association. While it requires dedication, finding Equity-approved work and accumulating points is achievable with the right strategy.
By following these steps—finding Equity-affiliated theaters, securing roles in EMC-eligible productions, registering, and accumulating points—you can work your way toward becoming a full Equity member and gain access to a world of professional theater opportunities.
For actors passionate about making a career on stage, getting EMC is one of the best ways to gain experience, build credibility, and open doors to bigger opportunities in the industry. So start auditioning, networking, and securing those EMC points—your Equity journey awaits!
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