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In this article, we'll discuss how to become "SAG Eligible," or in other words, how to get qualified to be able to join SAG-AFTRA.
You'll learn the exact steps to take, plus why you might want to wait on becoming eligible. Related Guide: Access Netflix Auditions WITHOUT Being in SAG-AFTRA (or having an agent) 
SAG EligibleSAG-AFTRA stands for Screen Actors Guild & American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. It's the union for actors and performers who work in screen, radio, and voiceover, and it has over 160,000 members. SAG and AFTRA used to be two separate unions, but they combined into one entity called SAG-AFTRA on March 30th, 2012. Joining SAG-AFTRA is something most actors aspire to because they'll be guaranteed higher wages, health benefits, strictly enforced protections on set, pension plans, and lots more. Joining the union is often considered a rite of passage for actors because of how difficult it can be. Many actors feel validated as true professionals when they finally join SAG-AFTRA.
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"This helped me in just 10 minutes with what I've been struggling with for like 10 years. HOW."
-Tatiana R.
Should I Become SAG-Eligible?
Most new actors look at SAG-AFTRA and think to themselves, "If only I could get my SAG card... then tons of new opportunities would open up to me!"
But is that really true? Will tons of opportunities actually open up the moment you join?
Sadly, the answer is no. In fact, most actors find it harder to get auditions once they join because of something called Global Rule One.
Global Rule One: "No member shall render any services or make an agreement to perform services for any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union, which is in full force and effect, in any jurisdiction in which there is a SAG-AFTRA national collective bargaining agreement in place. This provision applies worldwide."
Basically, this means that once you join SAG-AFTRA, you're no longer allowed to work in non-union jobs anymore. You're going to find it much more difficult to get acting work because your competition will be WAY more fierce – you'll be competing for jobs with the best of the best actors – union, high-level performers who have been acting for many years and are competing for roles in bigger, higher-budget projects.
You'll no longer be able to submit yourself for independent internet projects, student films, and even industrials anymore. And joining SAG-AFTRA does NOT make it any easier to get an agent – in fact if you join the union without an agent, you'll probably be in the worst place possible because most self-submission audition opportunities (those found on Backstage and Casting Networks, etc.), are for non-union jobs.
"But what if I only want to become SAG Eligible?"
Well, just keep in mind that once you become SAG Eligible, you can no longer work in any more SAG-AFTRA productions without being forced to join (and pay the hefty initiation fee).
Crazy Story: I know of an actor who became SAG Eligible on a low budget, unprofessional project. A few months later he was offered a Recurring role in a SAG-AFTRA network television show, but because he didn't have the $3,000 initiation fee saved up, he was unable to join the union and had to turn down the role! It also angered the producers that he specified he was SAG-Eligible when he didn't have the money to join (meaning he kind of... wasn't eligible). Don't make the same mistake.
For that reason, I recommend you read the below questions to determine whether you should realistically start working towards becoming SAG Eligible:
You should be able to answer yes to at least 3 out of 4 questions above. If you can't, I recommend waiting a bit longer before trying to become SAG Eligible.
You should also have the initiation fee ready in your bank so when opportunity strikes, you can join at a moment's notice (unlike the actor I mentioned).
But is that really true? Will tons of opportunities actually open up the moment you join?
Sadly, the answer is no. In fact, most actors find it harder to get auditions once they join because of something called Global Rule One.
Global Rule One: "No member shall render any services or make an agreement to perform services for any employer who has not executed a basic minimum agreement with the union, which is in full force and effect, in any jurisdiction in which there is a SAG-AFTRA national collective bargaining agreement in place. This provision applies worldwide."
Basically, this means that once you join SAG-AFTRA, you're no longer allowed to work in non-union jobs anymore. You're going to find it much more difficult to get acting work because your competition will be WAY more fierce – you'll be competing for jobs with the best of the best actors – union, high-level performers who have been acting for many years and are competing for roles in bigger, higher-budget projects.
You'll no longer be able to submit yourself for independent internet projects, student films, and even industrials anymore. And joining SAG-AFTRA does NOT make it any easier to get an agent – in fact if you join the union without an agent, you'll probably be in the worst place possible because most self-submission audition opportunities (those found on Backstage and Casting Networks, etc.), are for non-union jobs.
"But what if I only want to become SAG Eligible?"
Well, just keep in mind that once you become SAG Eligible, you can no longer work in any more SAG-AFTRA productions without being forced to join (and pay the hefty initiation fee).
Crazy Story: I know of an actor who became SAG Eligible on a low budget, unprofessional project. A few months later he was offered a Recurring role in a SAG-AFTRA network television show, but because he didn't have the $3,000 initiation fee saved up, he was unable to join the union and had to turn down the role! It also angered the producers that he specified he was SAG-Eligible when he didn't have the money to join (meaning he kind of... wasn't eligible). Don't make the same mistake.
For that reason, I recommend you read the below questions to determine whether you should realistically start working towards becoming SAG Eligible:
- Do you have at least 3-4 Lead or Supporting screen credits on your resume?
- Do you have a professional demo reel with at least 3 high-budget scenes in it?
- Do you feel very confident in your auditioning ability?
- Do you have a relationship with at least 2-3 casting directors?
You should be able to answer yes to at least 3 out of 4 questions above. If you can't, I recommend waiting a bit longer before trying to become SAG Eligible.
You should also have the initiation fee ready in your bank so when opportunity strikes, you can join at a moment's notice (unlike the actor I mentioned).
How to Become SAG Eligible
SAG-AFTRA offers a few key ways to become SAG Eligible, most of which can take months or years to accomplish. Before you dive in, I recommending confirming that you're not already Sag Eligible!
"So how do I know if I'm SAG-Eligible?" Use their free SAG Eligible Check Tool!
Once you've done that and confirmed you're not eligible, here are some different things you can do to become eligible to join (note that if you've already completed one of these, you might be eligible and simply not be in their system yet – if that's the case, read my guide "How to Get a SAG Card" to learn next steps):
"So how do I know if I'm SAG-Eligible?" Use their free SAG Eligible Check Tool!
Once you've done that and confirmed you're not eligible, here are some different things you can do to become eligible to join (note that if you've already completed one of these, you might be eligible and simply not be in their system yet – if that's the case, read my guide "How to Get a SAG Card" to learn next steps):
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Taft-Hartley: Non-union actors can be hired in union projects for speaking roles. The moment you are hired for a principal or speaking role on your first SAG-AFTRA production, you become eligible to join (provided the production submitted the necessary paperwork with your information on it). This is called being "Taft-Hartleyed," and is one of the most common ways of getting into SAG-AFTRA.
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Note 1: There are ways to improve your chances of being Taft-Hartley'd. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for SAG-AFTRA productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few weeks by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major SAG-AFTRA project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you)!
- Free Step-by-Step Guide: 3 Strategies to Get Casting Directors to Invite You to SAG-AFTRA Auditions (includes word-for-word email templates and a tutorial on how to become friends with any major casting director – even if you've never met)
- Note 2: Once you've performed in a principal role on a union film, you are considered "SAG-Eligible," and have 30 days to perform in as many union productions as you want. After that 30 day period is up however, you MUST join the union on the next SAG-AFTRA production you work on (unless it's as a background actor).
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Note 1: There are ways to improve your chances of being Taft-Hartley'd. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for SAG-AFTRA productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few weeks by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major SAG-AFTRA project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you)!
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Background Vouchers: If you perform three days of work as a background actor in a SAG-AFTRA production, you will become eligible to join – but only if they give you a "voucher." If the production has any vouchers left (they give them out to union actors first) you'll receive one. Your goal is to collect three vouchers, one for each day of work. Unlike with the Taft-Hartley rule, there is no time frame or limit to the number of background roles you can do in SAG-AFTRA productions before being required to join. This is typically the easiest way to become SAG Eligible.
- Note: To improve your chances of landing a background union role, you can try working in productions that are inconvenient for union actors, such as those outside a major production city like NYC or LA. You can also perform in roles that require more harsh working conditions, such as outdoor scenes in bad weather. These techniques will decrease the number of union actors looking for background work in those productions, thereby increasing your chances as a non-union actor of getting booked.
- Note 2: Background vouchers are not guaranteed. Some productions might not issue one, so be aware that this method isn't always as easy as it sounds.
- Put Together Your Own SAG-AFTRA Production: SAG-AFTRA offers plenty of agreement options for low budget productions, including the New Media, Special New Media, and Ultra Low Budget options. If you create your own project and submit the necessary paperwork and pay the necessary fees, you can make your own production a union project and then hire yourself on it! Basically you'd be Taft-Hartleying yourself with this option.
- Reciprocity: AEA (Actors' Equity Association), ACTRA (The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists), AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists), and AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) are all affiliated with SAG-AFTRA, and as long as you've been a member of one of those unions for at least a year and have performed as a principal at least once under one of their contracts, you'll generally be allowed to join SAG-AFTRA (provided of course that you pay the initiation fee).
- Be Upgraded to a Speaking Role: Similarly to being Taft-Hartleyed, you can start by joining a union production as a background actor, and if they decide to give you a line for whatever reason, you'll instantly become eligible to join the union because you're now considered a "principal" actor.
- Special Cases: If the national board for SAG-AFTRA determines that you're "engaged in work that advances the [union’s] active organizing efforts or general goals," it might decide to admit you. Note that this is extremely rare and generally outside of your control.
How to Become SAG-Eligible: Think Strategically
So as a summary, how do you become SAG Eligible? Well here's the most strategic order I recommend you go about it:
- Step 1: Start saving to have as close to $3,000 in the bank as possible. Your money should be there so you can join as soon as you have to. Why? Because as I mentioned earlier, there have been cases of actors who booked an amazing SAG-AFTRA role who were required to join the union but couldn't afford the initiation fee. They lost out on the role of a lifetime because of it. Don't let this be you!
- Step 2: Build up non-union credits (while saving). Spend a year or two building up your credits so your acting resume is strong. Make it your goal to get at least 3-4 Supporting or Lead credits in student or indie non-union films. Also, make sure to ask for your footage so you can begin the process of putting together a professional demo reel.
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Step 3: Find a Union Franchised agent and begin applying for union gigs. Start looking for a union-franchised agent (you don't need to have a SAG card to get representation from one of these agencies). While searching for an agent, start building relationships with a few big casting directors by attending workshops and keeping in touch with them via social media or email.
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Note: As stated previously in this guide, there are ways to improve your chances of being Taft-Hartley'd – even if you don't have an agent. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for SAG-AFTRA productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few weeks by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major SAG-AFTRA project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you)!
- Free Step-by-Step Guide: 3 Strategies to Get Casting Directors to Invite You to SAG-AFTRA Auditions (includes word-for-word email templates and a tutorial on how to become friends with any major casting director – even if you've never met)
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Note: As stated previously in this guide, there are ways to improve your chances of being Taft-Hartley'd – even if you don't have an agent. If you're willing to put in a bit of work, you can start getting directly invited to audition for SAG-AFTRA productions, even if you don't have an extensive resume or reel. You'll cold-email casting directors (or if you prefer, meet them through classes/social media) and keep in touch for a few weeks by providing added value. Because you've given so much to them (before you expect to gain), these casting directors will feel compelled to invite you to audition for their next major SAG-AFTRA project – and you'll have a leg up on all the other actors auditioning (because the casting director already knows you)!
- Step 4: Become SAG-AFTRA Eligible using one of the methods outlined above, and then add it to your resume. At that point, you can safely join the union whenever you're ready.
Enjoyed this article?
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I hope you found this guide helpful! Understanding how to become SAG Eligible and how to join the union is important, but it's only one part of growing your acting career.
As someone who has worked with people in thousands of industries (through my headshot business), I've been able to take growth strategies that work for businesses and apply them directly to actors – to help them grow their careers faster than most would think possible (examples: one of my clients landed his first-ever Broadway role in just 4 weeks of working with me, and a brand-new actress signed with a high-level agent in just six weeks of working with me).
I'd like to invite you to my free insider newsletter where I share my best material, including:
- How to network easily and authentically with casting directors – even if you hate self-promotion.
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Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses “outside the industry” thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 6,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. Want to book more acting work by thinking different? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com. |
Some Additional Q&A
What's the Difference: SAG Eligible vs. Must Join?
SAG eligible simply means you're eligible to join the union whenever you want. That being said, there is a 30 day grace period where you can perform in as many speaking/principal union roles as you want without needing to join SAG-AFTRA. After that 30 day period is over, you become a "must join," which means you can no longer do any union work without paying the initiation fee and becoming an official member of SAG-AFTRA.
As a side note, when getting ready to join you should make sure to have two alternative Stage Names available because no two members can have the same name under SAG-AFTRA rules. They will do an official SAG AFTRA name check when you join (note that there is no way to find out all names in advance of joining).
As a side note, when getting ready to join you should make sure to have two alternative Stage Names available because no two members can have the same name under SAG-AFTRA rules. They will do an official SAG AFTRA name check when you join (note that there is no way to find out all names in advance of joining).
What Does a SAG Card Look Like?
A SAG card is credit-card sized, colored black and gold, with black covering the top 3/4 of the card and gold covering the bottom 1/4 of the card. It contains your Stage Name, Join Date, Member Number, and Card Expiration Date in the gold section, along with the words "SAG-AFTRA Member" in the top black portion of the card. To see a picture of a SAG card, click here.
How Long Can You Be SAG Eligible?
You can technically be SAG Eligible indefinitely, but unless you're just auditioning for background roles, you'll be required to join the next time you book a SAG-AFTRA production role (assuming the 30 day grace period has expired).
What Does SAG Status Mean?
"SAG Status" simply refers to your current union status. Are you non-union? Are you SAG Eligible? Or are you SAG-AFTRA (meaning you've officially joined and paid your initiation fee)? You'll want to add your SAG status to your acting resume.
Further Reading:
If you enjoyed this article (SAG Eligible: What it Means and How to Get There), you might be interested in some of these:
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