How to Get an EMC Card

How to Get an EMC Card: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of acting, one of the essential steps to progressing toward a professional career is becoming part of a recognized union. For actors in the United States, the Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) Program provides an important pathway to membership in the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union that represents professional stage actors and stage managers. While joining AEA offers many benefits, including better pay, job security, and access to more prestigious roles, the road to membership often starts with obtaining an EMC card.

An EMC card is a stepping stone that shows you have started the journey toward becoming a full member of Actors’ Equity. This card can open doors to more opportunities within professional theater, allowing you to work with companies that have contracts with AEA and gain the necessary work experience to eventually join the union.

In this article, we’ll explore what an EMC card is, why it’s important, the steps required to get one, and provide examples of how actors can navigate the process.

What is an EMC Card?

An EMC card is a membership card issued to actors who are actively working toward full membership in the Actors’ Equity Association. The EMC program is designed for actors who have not yet accrued the required number of professional credits or experience to become full Equity members but are working in the theater industry under certain conditions.

The EMC card is part of a program that allows actors to accumulate points by working in non-union theaters that are eligible to participate in the Equity Membership Candidate program. Once an actor has accrued enough points, they can apply for full membership in AEA. The EMC card serves as a recognition of an actor’s eligibility for full membership once the required number of work credits has been met.

Key Benefits of an EMC Card:

• Work Opportunities: The EMC card allows actors to work in theaters that are affiliated with AEA, even before they achieve full union membership.

• Track Progress Toward Equity Membership: The card is a way for actors to accumulate work hours and credits toward eventual Equity membership.

• Eligibility for Health Benefits: Depending on the actor’s progress and the work they complete, they may also become eligible for health and pension benefits, which are offered by the AEA for qualified members.

Why Get an EMC Card?

1. Access to Unionized Theater Jobs: Many professional theaters only hire Equity actors, meaning having an EMC card opens up more job opportunities in respected theater companies. Although these jobs may not be union gigs at first, the experience helps build a resume and makes you eligible for full membership.

2. Start Accumulating Points Toward Equity: To become a full member of AEA, an actor must accrue a specific number of points (based on the number of weeks they work in an eligible theater). Getting an EMC card is the first step toward earning those points and officially becoming a union member.

3. Health and Pension Benefits: As an EMC candidate, you may be able to access health and pension benefits, depending on the theater you work for and the number of weeks worked.

4. Professional Recognition: While it doesn’t grant full membership, having an EMC card signifies to theaters and directors that you are actively working toward union membership and are committed to pursuing a professional acting career.

The Eligibility Requirements for Getting an EMC Card

To be eligible for the EMC program, certain requirements must be met. The process is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to know what’s required before applying for an EMC card:

1. You Must Be an Actor: The EMC program is for actors, and specifically for those who wish to work in the theater industry. Stage managers are also eligible to apply for membership in the AEA through a similar process, though they have different qualifications.

2. You Must Work in an Eligible Theater: In order to start accumulating points, you must work in a theater that is recognized as part of the EMC program. This includes many non-union theaters that are willing to hire EMC candidates and provide them with the opportunity to accrue points.

3. Start Earning Points: An actor earns one point for each week worked under an eligible production. The total number of points needed to join AEA as a full member is 50 points, but these points can be accumulated over time. Keep in mind that the work must be done in a theater that is signed up for the EMC program and is recognized by AEA.

4. Ages of Candidates: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an EMC card. However, there is no upper age limit, so anyone who is interested in working toward union membership can apply.

How to Get an EMC Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we know what an EMC card is and why it’s important, let’s walk through the process of how to get one. The steps are relatively simple, but they require dedication, time, and the willingness to engage with eligible theaters.

Step 1: Join an EMC-Eligible Theater

To get started, you need to be employed in an EMC-eligible theater. These theaters must be registered with AEA and provide the opportunity for actors to earn points toward their full Equity membership. Most of these theaters are smaller, non-union companies that have agreed to allow actors to work toward joining AEA by participating in the EMC program.

• Contact Theaters: You can start by researching theaters in your area that are part of the EMC program. Many theaters will list their union affiliations on their websites, or you can directly contact their casting departments to inquire about their eligibility for EMC candidates.

• Auditions: Once you’ve identified eligible theaters, attend auditions for roles in those theaters. When you’re cast in a role in an eligible production, you can begin accumulating your EMC points.

Step 2: Register for the EMC Program

Once you’ve been cast in a role with an EMC-eligible theater, the next step is to register with AEA to officially begin your participation in the EMC program. This step involves submitting your registration information to AEA, which then allows you to officially start earning points.

• Fill Out the Application: Actors can apply to the EMC program by filling out an application with AEA. This application typically requires basic information about the production and the theater company you’re working for, including dates and hours worked.

• Provide Documentation: Some theaters may ask you to provide additional documentation, such as proof of employment or a contract, to ensure you are eligible to accumulate points.

• Wait for Confirmation: Once your application is processed and you’ve been accepted into the EMC program, you will receive your EMC card. This card signifies that you are now an official candidate for Equity membership.

Step 3: Accumulate Points

With your EMC card in hand, you can now begin to accumulate points. To become a full member of AEA, you need 50 points, but these can be earned gradually as you continue to work in eligible theaters.

• Tracking Points: Each week that you work in an eligible production counts as one point. Make sure to keep records of your weeks worked and submit them to AEA for credit.

• Working with Multiple Theaters: You can earn points from working in multiple EMC-eligible theaters as long as they are part of the program. Keep in mind that only certain types of work and roles count toward your points, so always verify with AEA that the work you’re doing is eligible.

Step 4: Apply for Full AEA Membership

Once you’ve accumulated the required 50 points, you can apply to become a full member of AEA. This process typically involves submitting your final points along with an application and paying the appropriate dues.

• Dues: In addition to meeting the point requirement, becoming a full member of AEA also requires the payment of initiation fees and annual dues. These fees vary based on your contract and location, but they are necessary for obtaining full membership.

• Interview Process: Some actors may need to undergo an interview or consultation with AEA representatives to finalize their membership application. This step ensures that actors understand their rights and responsibilities as union members.

Examples of Actors Who Have Gone Through the EMC Process

1. Julia Roberts: Before becoming a household name in film, Julia Roberts worked in regional theaters and was a member of the EMC program before officially joining AEA. Early roles in regional theater helped her gain experience and accumulate the necessary points to pursue a film career.

2. Tom Hanks: Similarly, Tom Hanks spent years in regional theater productions and participated in the EMC program before making the transition to Hollywood. Hanks’ experience in the theater was pivotal in shaping his approach to acting, and the EMC program provided a crucial stepping stone to Equity membership.

Conclusion

Getting an EMC card is a crucial step for aspiring actors who wish to become members of the Actors’ Equity Association and establish themselves in the professional theater world. By working in eligible theaters, actors can accumulate points, build their resumes, and eventually transition into full Equity membership. While the process can take time and dedication, the EMC card opens up valuable opportunities for actors to grow in their craft, gain access to better roles, and move toward a career in professional theater. Through persistence and commitment to the craft, an EMC card can ultimately lead to a more rewarding and successful acting career.