How Long Does It Take to Become an EMC?

How Long Does It Take to Become an EMC?

Becoming an Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) is an important milestone for any actor who dreams of joining the prestigious Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union representing professional actors and stage managers in the United States. However, the path to becoming an EMC, and ultimately a full member of AEA, is not always a straightforward process. This article explores the steps involved in becoming an EMC, how long it typically takes, and the factors that can impact this timeline. Along with real-life examples, this article will break down what aspiring actors can expect from the EMC journey.

1. What is an EMC?

Before delving into the timeline and process, it is essential to understand what an Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) is and why it matters in the acting world.

An Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) is an actor who is actively working toward joining the Actors’ Equity Association, the union that represents professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States. The EMC program is a stepping stone for actors to gain the necessary experience and credits required to become full members of Equity.

The EMC program allows actors to work in union-affiliated theaters while they accumulate points toward Equity membership. These points are earned by performing in specific productions that are recognized by Equity. After accumulating the required number of points, actors can apply for full membership in the union, which brings benefits such as higher pay, better working conditions, and more significant opportunities in professional theater.

2. What Are the Requirements to Become an EMC?

Before an actor can begin their journey toward becoming an EMC, they must meet certain basic eligibility requirements.

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to become an EMC. While some younger actors may be involved in theater productions, the EMC program is for adult actors who have completed their formal education and are ready to begin their professional careers.

• Theater Experience: An actor must have worked in a specific number of union-approved theater productions in order to accumulate EMC points. These productions must meet certain criteria, such as being produced by Equity-approved theaters or specific non-Equity theaters that have entered into agreements with Equity.

• Equity Waiver: Some theaters have an Equity waiver, which allows non-Equity actors to work in unionized theaters for a certain amount of time before joining the union. These theaters can provide valuable opportunities for aspiring actors to start their EMC journey.

3. How Long Does It Take to Become an EMC?

The time it takes to become an EMC varies depending on several factors, such as the number of Equity-approved productions an actor participates in, the availability of work, and the actor’s personal career goals. On average, it takes around one to two years for an actor to accumulate the necessary points to become an EMC, but this timeline can fluctuate.

Here’s a breakdown of how the process works and what factors contribute to the time it takes to become an EMC:

A. Accumulating EMC Points

The EMC program operates on a point system, where actors earn points for each week they work in an Equity-approved theater production. Typically, actors earn one point per week of work, and these points are accumulated over the course of multiple productions. The number of points required to become a full Equity member is 50 points.

• Example: If an actor works in a union-affiliated production for 10 weeks, they will earn 10 EMC points. If they work in another production for 15 weeks, they will accumulate 15 more points, for a total of 25 points.

In theory, an actor could accumulate 50 points in a year if they worked consistently in union-approved productions. However, the availability of such opportunities is a major factor that can influence the timeline.

B. The Availability of Work

The time it takes to become an EMC depends heavily on how quickly an actor can secure work in Equity-affiliated theaters. While some actors may land back-to-back roles in union theaters, others may face long periods of unemployment or have difficulty finding enough work to meet the point requirements.

• Example: A young actor in a large theater city like New York or Chicago may be able to find more opportunities to accumulate EMC points quickly. They might land roles in regional theaters or off-Broadway shows, which offer numerous chances for EMC candidates to earn points. Conversely, an actor in a smaller market or less competitive theater scene may find fewer opportunities to accumulate points at the same pace.

Actors must also consider the seasonal nature of theater productions. Many theaters only produce a limited number of shows during certain times of the year, and an actor may have to wait for auditions or casting calls to align with the availability of work. Therefore, the availability of work plays a significant role in determining how quickly an actor can earn enough points to become an EMC.

C. Type of Productions Counted Toward EMC Points

Not all theater productions count toward EMC points. The production must be Equity-approved, meaning it is recognized by the union as a professional theater that adheres to the industry’s guidelines and standards.

Some examples of theater productions that may count toward EMC points include:

• Equity-affiliated Regional Theaters: These theaters are part of the union’s national or regional networks and are known for their professional productions.

• Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows: These highly competitive, high-profile shows often provide many opportunities for EMC candidates to gain points.

• Summer Stock Theater and Touring Shows: Regional or touring theater companies, especially those that run seasonal programs, may offer an opportunity for actors to work in Equity-approved productions.

• College and University Productions: Some college and university theater programs are approved by Equity for their professional training and production opportunities, giving students and recent graduates a chance to gain EMC points.

It’s important to note that actors cannot earn points for working in productions at non-Equity theaters unless these productions are officially recognized by Equity or are part of an Equity waiver agreement.

4. How to Accelerate the Process of Becoming an EMC

While the process to become an EMC can take time, there are several ways actors can accelerate their progress:

A. Pursue Work with Equity-Affiliated Theaters

One of the most straightforward ways to accumulate points quickly is to focus on landing roles in Equity-affiliated theaters. These theaters offer guaranteed points and provide professional training and experience that can benefit an actor’s overall career.

• Example: An actor who lands a role in a regional theater production that runs for 12 weeks will earn 12 EMC points. If the actor is able to land another similar role, they could reach the 50-point threshold within a year or so.

B. Audition for Regional and Touring Productions

Regional theater companies and touring productions often provide opportunities for actors to work for extended periods of time, which can help them accumulate points faster. By auditioning for these companies and securing roles, actors can add multiple weeks of work to their EMC tally.

C. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking is an essential part of any actor’s career. By building relationships with directors, producers, casting agents, and other actors, an actor can increase their chances of finding Equity-approved work and advancing quickly in the EMC program.

• Example: An actor who has built relationships with key figures in a theater scene may receive personal recommendations or invitations to audition for specific roles, giving them an edge in securing high-quality Equity work.

D. Consider Acting Schools or Apprenticeships

Some professional acting schools, workshops, and apprenticeships provide opportunities for aspiring actors to work with established theaters, which can help them accumulate EMC points faster. These programs often offer immersive experiences that help actors hone their craft while also earning union credits.

5. Real-Life Examples of EMC Journeys

The experience of becoming an EMC varies from actor to actor. Here are a couple of real-life examples of how aspiring actors navigated the EMC program:

• Example 1: Sarah’s Journey to Equity Membership
  Sarah, a 23-year-old aspiring actress, started her career by performing in small, non-union theaters after graduating from drama school. After a year of gaining experience, she landed an apprenticeship at a regional Equity-affiliated theater, where she performed in two productions over the course of a summer. By the end of the summer, she had accumulated 20 EMC points. Over the next year, Sarah continued to land roles in union productions, and after working with two additional theater companies, she reached the required 50 points to become eligible for full Equity membership. Sarah became a member after just over two years of active participation in the EMC program.

• Example 2: Mark’s Slow Climb to Equity Membership
  Mark, a 28-year-old actor, faced challenges in securing regular Equity work in his smaller regional market. He spent two years working with a combination of non-Equity and regional theaters, earning a few EMC points along the way. Mark had a couple of long gaps between jobs, which extended the time it took to reach the 50-point threshold. After a total of three years working steadily toward EMC membership, Mark finally accumulated enough points and officially joined Actors’ Equity.

6. Conclusion

Becoming an EMC is an important goal for aspiring actors seeking to join the ranks of professional, unionized theater. While the process can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on the individual’s opportunities, dedication, and networking, it is an achievable and important milestone. The EMC program provides valuable experience, access to Equity work, and the chance to work toward full membership in Actors’ Equity. By focusing on securing roles in Equity-affiliated theaters, networking, and staying persistent, aspiring actors can make significant strides toward realizing their dream of becoming full Equity members.

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