The Union you have when you don't have a Union

Being a member of a Union in any industry can be a costly venture, and for many, maybe a little needless. After all, the unions are there to support those workers, performers and so on who are actually being paid for their services. They protect your pay, ensure you get paid (when you do actually get paid) the right amount and offer you legal advice assistance when you struggle to get your pay.

What about those of us who do it for love, whose only payment is a warm feeling in their heart and the applause of the audience? Who toil day after day on a hobby or passion? Those of us who throw away any thought of a life simply for the pleasure of being on-stage?

For those of us who fill this category of people, there is Actors Inequity. The union for those who can't afford a Union. Base in Ohio, USA, these guys have established a group for non-professional theatrically mind individuals like you and me. This from their home page...

Actors' Inequity

We celebrate the actors, musicians, dancers, singers and entertainers of the world who perform for the sheer joy of it. Those who carry an Actors' Inequity card carry a statement that says, "I have a day job."

What we stand for

Actors' Inequity wants to keep the fun in performing. We want the right to entertain at any time (or, any time we can get time off). We want pizza after performances, reviews in the local paper, butts in the seats and support when we finally get fed up with our jerk of a boss, chuck it all and decide to "go Pro."

Actors' Inequity
Performing because we love it ... and we got cast.

For a minimal $5 (US) a year you can be a regular member.
For $25 (US) you can become a lifetime member.
For $35 (US) you can be an Honorary President!

And what do they offer... What do you expect for Inequity? Have a look at the website and find out more.

some may consider this a little bit of fun and maybe it is. I think for those of us who have more passion then cents, it is just that little bit extra to show how deeply comitted we are to the cause. I am a lifetime member. Will you be?

PS If you do join, tell 'em Jeff sent you.

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