Many actors just beginning, hopefully, a career as an actor, too many times think they must be with a Franchised (SAG/AFTRA) (UNION) agency, I don't necessarily agree with that premise. Most, if not all Franchised agencies work on and with Union projects. That sounds pretty good, right? Maybe not if you are non-union and their projects are union. You many not even get the opportunity to audition. While that statement is not set in stone, there certainly is a lot of merit to the substance. The brief article below is from an actor who now works for BACKSTAGE, a highly touted and well respected magazine in the entertainment industry.
Further I believe one major fact is missing here. About 90% of the members of SAG/AFTRA earn less than $10,000 per year and to join, once you finally get a principal is about $3,000. However that is the direction in which you should be headed. Just not too soon, first you need to get the proper training, the proper photos, start building a resume any way you can. Even background actors can advance their respective careers by getting an upgrade. This means playing that ‘extra’ role and then, while you are there on the set gets a chance to speak. This is the opportunity you've been waiting for correct? Now is your chance to show your skills, your ability, and your knowledge about acting.
I believe you should not try to start an acting career with a SAG/AFTRA agency without first being prepared.
Success happens to those that prepare themselves for success. There is not 'hard' standard of how one should go about this process. Find an agent, a real agent and not some sub-standard place that is trying to sell you classes. Do some research, set some goals, be realistic, and then you will be better positioned to make those all important decisions about your next step and your future, and be able to step up when that opportunity presents itself.
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