For a young actor, there are benefits to being non-union. You can get as much experience as possible before moving up to union status. There are two major unions for actors: Actors Equity Association (AEA) and Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists(SAG/AFTRA). Remember, once you have joined a union you can only do union work. My theory is to wait until one of the unions notifies you that you have to join. The drawbacks of remaining non-union are you receive very very low or no pay, and no protection from non-payment or slave labor hours. Non-union work tends to only lead to more non-union work and the work tends to be very low profile. You are working with other non-union (or rather inexperienced actors and crew) and finally you don't want to (let me see....how can I put this nicely) get older without union affiliation; your "career" cannot expand or grow if you stay non-union. Ultimately, you want to be part of a union.

UNION MEMBERSHIP

AEA: Actors Equity Association
This union covers everything theatre. I would not be surprised if there are at least one hundred different types of theatrical contracts.

SAG/AFTRA: Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
This union covers everything that is shot on film, television, and all radio, including film and TV voice-overs which is when your voice is used over film pictures. Internet work is usually covered here too.

BENEFITS OF UNION MEMBERSHIP

The benefits of unions are that they will provide health care for you, your spouse or significant other. It includes health, dental and eye care. They also provide great discounts on merchandise and services. Every time you work under a union contract a certain percentage of your salary goes toward your pension so hopefully when you are ready to retire you will have enough money to live on. It also protects you from abusive employers. The drawbacks are that it prevents you from doing non-union work and the membership fees can be very expensive.

The Costs of Membership:

Well over a thousand dollars per union. Membership dues are a percentage of your salary per year. If you don't work, you still have to pay a nominal fee every quarter. UNIONS