ABSTRACT
If it is your intent to become an Equity stage manager, don’t wait for an Equity job to get acquainted with the union. Understand the benefits and disadvantages of union membership. Go out of your way to meet a union stage manager. Discuss working within union restrictions, advantages and disadvantages. If you live in a city with an Equity office, get to know the people in the office. The union office is not a placement service, but the union staff is in a good position to know what producers are anticipating productions or casting. Bulletin boards in the union offices frequently display information useful to stage managers. Sometimes the union has available handouts, such as lists of union-approved theatres where you might apply for work.
