This is the hallmark to becoming a working actor, here is what you need to know in order to become a member.

HOW DO I QUALIFY TO JOIN SAG?

A performer becomes eligible for Screen Actors Guild membership under one of the following two conditions:

1.  Proof of Employment

a.  Principal Performer Employment Performers may join SAG upon proof of employment. Employment must be in a principal or speaking role in a SAG film, videotape, television program or commercial. Proof of such employment may be in the form of a signed contract,a payroll check or check stub, or a letter from the company (on company letter-head). The document proving employment must provide the following information:
-   applicant’s name
-   applicant’s Social Security number
-   name of the production or name of the commercial (product name)
-   the salary paid (in dollar amount)
-   the specific date(s) worked.

  b. Background Actors may join SAG upon proof of employment as a SAG-covered back-ground player at full SAG rates and conditions for a MINIMUM of three work days subsequent to March 25, 1990. Employment must be by a company signed to a SAG Agreement under which the Producer is required to cover background actors. Proof of such employment must be in the form of a signed SAG voucher, plus an original payroll check or check stub. Such documents must provide the same information (name, Social Security number, etc.) as listed above.

*  Background actors:   SAG is currently revising the entrance for background performers by developing a point system in which union and non-union jobs, along with educational seminars and sanctioned events count toward eligibility.

2.  Employment Under an Affiliated Performers’ Union
Performers may join SAG if the applicant is a paid-up member of an affiliated performers’ union (ACTRAQ, AEAS, AFTRA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and has worked at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

For more information visit the Screen Actors Guild