What is the Difference Between SAG E and Must Join?
Understanding Key Membership Terms in the Screen Actors Guild for Aspiring Performers
(By Ray Reese)
What Does SAG-AFTRA Mean and Why It Matters
The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is one of the most influential labor unions in the entertainment industry. It represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, journalists, and other media professionals. Membership in this union is often seen as a hallmark of professional status for performers working in film, television, commercials, and voiceover projects.
SAG-AFTRA negotiates contracts that provide minimum pay rates, working condition protections, pension and health benefits, and residual payments. For many performers, joining SAG-AFTRA is a major milestone—but before joining, actors often pass through phases of union eligibility, namely “SAG Eligible (SAG E)” and “Must Join” status.
What Does It Mean to Be SAG Eligible (SAG E)?
When an actor is deemed “SAG Eligible,” it means they’ve worked on a SAG-AFTRA production in a principal or speaking role and now meet the criteria to apply for union membership. This is not automatic enrollment—rather, it’s an invitation to join, giving the actor the option to work on union and non-union productions (with some limitations).
For example, if an actor books a role with a few lines in a union-approved independent film, and that production reports the performer’s work to SAG-AFTRA, the actor becomes SAG Eligible.
Example:
Maria Lopez books a principal role in a SAG-AFTRA student film. The production submits her paperwork, and she is notified she is now “SAG E.” Maria can continue auditioning and working non-union jobs, but if she books another union job, things change.
Being SAG E is a significant advantage—it allows actors to continue working and building experience while exploring whether full union membership is the right path.
How Long Can You Stay SAG Eligible?
Technically, actors can remain SAG Eligible indefinitely—as long as they don’t book another union-covered job. This “gray area” provides actors flexibility in pursuing both union and non-union work (if casting allows it). However, actors cannot work union jobs without joining once they trigger the next status: Must Join.
Example:
John Kim becomes SAG Eligible in 2022 after a featured role in a SAG-AFTRA web series. For two years, he continues auditioning and works several non-union commercials. In 2024, he books a union voiceover gig. At that point, his status switches to Must Join before he can continue.
Staying SAG E can be strategically beneficial for actors who want to build credits or explore work options before paying initiation fees or accepting union restrictions.
What Is “Must Join” and When Does It Happen?
Once a SAG Eligible actor books a second union job (or sometimes their first, depending on the role), they are required to join the union. This status is known as “Must Join.” Actors cannot begin working on that project unless they officially enroll and pay the initiation fee.
At the Must Join stage, you’ve proven yourself professional enough to qualify as a full union member. From this point forward, you are expected to comply with union rules, which include only working on union-approved projects.
Example:
Jessica Tran, SAG Eligible after a 2023 indie film, auditions and books a recurring role on a SAG-AFTRA network television show in 2025. She receives her offer and is told she “must join” before she can work. She pays the current initiation fee and officially becomes a SAG-AFTRA member.
This is a critical transition point in an actor’s career—it marks a commitment to union professionalism but also restricts certain lower-budget, non-union opportunities.
What Are the Costs and Requirements to Join?
As of 2025, the initiation fee for SAG-AFTRA is approximately $3,000 (though it can vary slightly by location). In addition to the initiation fee, members must also pay annual dues, which consist of a base amount plus a percentage of income earned under SAG-AFTRA contracts.
Requirements to join:
Proof of SAG-AFTRA eligibility (e.g., a contract from a union production).
Payment of initiation fee.
Agreement to abide by union rules and guidelines.
Example:
Mark Reynolds receives a SAG-AFTRA job offer and learns he must pay $3,000 to join. He’s just starting out and needs to decide if he can afford this investment. After discussing it with an agent and seeing long-term benefits like residuals and healthcare, he decides to join.
The financial commitment can be daunting, but for many, it’s a necessary step toward greater opportunity.
How SAG E and Must Join Affect Casting
Casting directors often understand and even favor SAG Eligible actors. These performers have proven they can meet union standards and are “almost there.” SAG E status can sometimes give a leg up over non-union talent.
On the other hand, Must Join can impact whether or not you’re hired. If a production wants you, but you’re unable or unwilling to join immediately, they may move on to another actor.
Example:
Producer A wants to cast Carla, who is SAG Eligible, for a small role. Since the project is union, Carla must join SAG-AFTRA before filming. If she hesitates due to cost or other reasons, the role might be offered to another SAG member.
Thus, actors need to consider their readiness—both financially and professionally—before stepping into Must Join territory.
Pros and Cons of Staying SAG E
Pros:
Flexibility to work both union and non-union jobs (as long as union rules aren’t violated).
Time to build resume and skills before paying dues.
Can be a strategic pause before committing to union exclusivity.
Cons:
Limits access to full union benefits like healthcare and pension.
You may be passed over for major roles requiring union membership.
Constant “limbo” can delay career advancement.
Example:
Dante, an aspiring actor, chooses to stay SAG E for two years while building credits. He appreciates the freedom but feels pressure when major union auditions come up. Eventually, he joins to stop missing out.
Actors should evaluate their career path, goals, and financial readiness when deciding how long to remain SAG E.
What Happens After You Join?
Once you join SAG-AFTRA, you must follow union rules, including:
Only working on union-sanctioned projects.
Reporting your work and income.
Paying dues regularly.
You’ll gain access to:
Residual payments.
Health and pension plans (after meeting eligibility thresholds).
SAG Awards voting and professional development resources.
Example:
After joining, Lisa gets cast in several commercials. Because they are union jobs, she begins earning pension hours and qualifies for health insurance within a year. The move to join elevated her career and protected her working conditions.
While there are restrictions, union membership offers long-term stability for serious performers.
Can You Leave SAG-AFTRA or Go Back?
Technically, you can resign from the union, but this is rare and complicated. You must contact the union directly, and in some cases, you may still be responsible for unpaid dues. More importantly, once you leave, getting back in may require paying the initiation fee again.
Most actors who leave do so because they are no longer pursuing the industry professionally or wish to work on non-union projects without penalty.
Example:
David leaves SAG-AFTRA after several years to focus on indie filmmaking. He later tries to return and is required to reapply and pay the fee again. The union allows it, but the cost is steep.
It’s not a decision to take lightly—membership should be treated as a long-term professional investment.
Final Thoughts: SAG E vs. Must Join in Career Planning
Understanding the difference between SAG Eligible and Must Join is essential for any actor navigating the professional acting landscape. SAG E provides a transitional space to grow and explore, while Must Join is a career-defining moment that grants full access to union benefits.
Timing, financial readiness, and long-term goals should guide your decision. While joining the union is a significant commitment, it often opens doors to higher-caliber work, professional representation, and industry respect.
Whether you stay SAG E for a few months or several years, eventually facing the Must Join moment can be a turning point in your career. Be prepared, be strategic, and remember—each step forward brings you closer to becoming a working professional actor.
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