Should I Put SAG Eligible on My Acting Resume?

Should I Put SAG Eligible on My Resume?

What SAG eligibility means and how listing it affects your acting career

(By Tonya Tannenbaum)

(Photo: Anna Shvets | Pexels)

What Does “SAG Eligible” Mean?

Becoming “SAG Eligible” is a significant milestone for aspiring actors. It means you’ve worked a union job under a SAG-AFTRA contract but haven’t yet joined the union officially. You’re allowed to join at any time, but you’re not required to do so immediately.

This status allows you to continue auditioning for both union and non-union roles (depending on the project and rules) until you book another union job. At that point, joining SAG-AFTRA becomes mandatory.

Being SAG Eligible signals to casting directors that you’ve achieved a certain level of professionalism and are trusted to work on union sets—a badge of credibility, even if you haven’t paid the dues just yet.

If you’ve earned SAG Eligible status, you should list it prominently on your acting resume—typically under your name and contact info at the top or within the “Union Affiliations” section.

Here’s a quick example:

John Doe
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890
Union Affiliation: SAG Eligible

Some actors even include this designation next to their name on casting websites such as Casting Networks, Actors Access, and Backstage. Including “SAG Eligible” can help your profile appear in searches filtered for union actors.

SAG-AFTRA members enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

Minimum wage guarantees

Health and pension plans

Residuals

Safe working conditions

Professional industry recognition

Listing that you’re SAG Eligible tells casting agents and producers that you’ve worked under union rules and have the experience and professionalism to deliver on set. It also distinguishes you from non-union actors, especially when the production is aiming for union standards but can still cast eligible performers.

For example, an indie film working with a “SAG New Media Agreement” might prefer SAG-Eligible actors who can legally work without triggering the need for full union membership.

There are a few paths to becoming SAG Eligible:

Principal Role in a SAG-AFTRA Production: Book a speaking role in a union film, TV show, or commercial.

Taft-Hartley Act: If you’re a non-union actor and are cast in a union role when no union actor was available, the production can file a Taft-Hartley report, making you eligible.

Background Vouchers: Working three days as a background actor on a SAG production and receiving union vouchers each day.

Example: Jane, a background actor in Los Angeles, worked three consecutive days on a SAG-AFTRA TV drama and received union vouchers for each. She is now SAG Eligible and can start listing it on her resume.

There are several clear advantages to adding this designation:

Credibility: It shows casting directors that you’ve been vetted by a professional production.

Versatility: You can still audition for non-union projects (unless hired again under a union contract).

Visibility: On casting platforms, this tag helps you appear in filtered searches.

Opportunity: Producers on ultra-low budget union projects often look for SAG Eligible actors because it saves them from triggering union membership requirements.

Example: A director casting for a low-budget horror film uses Breakdown Services to find “SAG Eligible” actors. Your resume appears because you listed the eligibility correctly.

While there are many upsides, it’s wise to understand the drawbacks:

Limited Non-Union Roles: Some non-union projects may mistakenly believe they cannot hire you.

Expectation: You may be perceived as having more experience than you do.

Future Pressure: After booking another union role, you’ll be required to join SAG-AFTRA and pay initiation fees (which can be over $3,000 depending on your region).

Example: Mike, a SAG-Eligible actor, auditioned for a commercial that required heavy improvisation. The casting team hesitated because they assumed he was already in the union and might require higher rates.

There are rare situations when listing “SAG Eligible” could backfire:

If you plan to remain non-union indefinitely: Some productions might skip over you if they think you’re about to “go union.”

If you’re just starting out: If your resume lacks other solid credits, leading with “SAG Eligible” might feel disproportionate.

In non-union markets: In cities where union work is rare (e.g., smaller regional towns), non-union productions might misunderstand or avoid your resume.

That said, if you’re actively pursuing union work or based in a union-heavy city like Los Angeles, New York, or Atlanta, listing it is almost always a net positive.

Many casting directors appreciate seeing “SAG Eligible” on a resume. It offers them flexibility: you bring union-level professionalism without requiring union commitments (yet).

Quote:

“SAG Eligible tells me you’ve been on a professional set. That’s huge. It means you’ve already jumped through some hoops and held your own.”
— Tina Jacobson, Casting Director (NYC)

However, transparency is key. Never claim you’re SAG Eligible if you’re not. Casting teams often verify credentials, and misrepresentation can end careers before they start.

If requested, you may need to provide documentation to prove your status. This might include:

Pay stubs from your union job

Taft-Hartley paperwork

Copies of SAG-AFTRA vouchers

Once you become eligible, SAG-AFTRA typically sends an official letter or email confirming your eligibility status. Keep this for your records.

Pro Tip: If you’re submitting to a role online, uploading this verification as part of your electronic portfolio can further cement your professionalism.

Yes, in many cases. Joining SAG-AFTRA is a serious commitment, and it locks you out of most non-union work. Many actors remain SAG Eligible for months—or even years—until the right opportunity (or role) justifies full membership.

Example: Sarah became eligible in 2022 but held off joining until she landed a recurring TV role that required union status. She used her eligibility as a stepping stone, not a roadblock.

This flexibility can be advantageous, allowing you to:

Continue growing your resume

Gain more set experience

Build a reel

Save money for initiation fees

Saying you’re “SAG Eligible” when you aren’t can severely damage your reputation. Always ensure that your union status is accurate.

Also, don’t confuse SAG Eligible with “SAG Member.” Casting directors know the difference and may disqualify you if they discover you’re misrepresenting yourself.

Best Practice: Only add “SAG Eligible” after your first union job has been confirmed and documented.

Absolutely—if it’s accurate and you’re serious about progressing in the acting profession. Being SAG Eligible sets you apart from the crowd. It shows that you’ve reached a professional tier and are prepared for the responsibilities of working on union productions.

Just remember:

Always be truthful

Know your market

Use it as a stepping stone, not just a label

Keep documentation handy

With this in mind, listing “SAG Eligible” on your resume can open doors, make you more discoverable, and give casting professionals the confidence to book you. It’s a quiet signal that says, “I’ve arrived—and I’m ready for the next level.”

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