Who can join Equity?

We represent actors, choreographers, comedians, dancers, drag artists, theatre directors, models, singers, stage management, storytellers, stunt performers and co-ordinators, theatre designers, theatre fight directors, TV and radio presenters, variety, circus, cabaret and light entertainment artists, voice artists and supporting artists

Examples of professions we do not represent include writers, session musicians who do not sing, camera operators, sound engineers and fitness instructors.

If you are not sure if we represent you contact membership@equity.org.uk

Evidence needed to join

If you are re-joining and were a full member before, you don't need to provide evidence again.

Full membership

To join Equity as a full member, you need to demonstrate either that:

• You have earned £750 or more from professional work in the entertainment and performing arts industry. We can accept contracts, invoices, emails, letters, wage or payslip that confirms the following details: 
  • The dates you worked
  • The type of work you did (i.e. dancer, stunt performer etc)
  • How much you were paid

OR

• You can provide proof of membership of an FIA-affiliated union.

OR

• You have undertaken a job on an Equity contract.

Subsidised membership

Equity is simplifying and expanding entitlement to discounted rates of membership. Further, for the first time all full members, irrespective of their rate of subscription or membership category will be entitled to full union benefits at work, including industrial and legal support, and full insurances. All members over 16 will also have full rights to vote in all union elections and participate in branches, irrespective of their membership subscription or category, presuming they meet all other criteria (although you will need to be 18 or older to stand for an elected position).

“Subsidised Membership” replaces and expands the categories of membership formerly known as Child, Graduate, Retired, and Long Service Membership. (If you are currently a Retired member, you will see no change in 2024 to your membership category.) The 2024 Subsidised Membership rate is £84. A further £6 a year discount is available if you pay by Direct Debit.

You are eligible for this membership if:

• You earn £40,000 a year or less from the industry

AND

• Are aged 10-17 (inclusive) OR
• Are aged over the age of 66 (regardless of length of service) OR
• Have graduated from an NQF level 4 or above (or equivalent course) in an area covered by Equity in the last two years. This must be the first time you have applied for discounted membership of Equity for this reason.

To apply, you will need to provide:

• Your date of birth OR
• The details of your eligible course (a list of eligible courses is provided as part of the online joining process)

AND demonstrate:

• Earnings of £750 or more from professional work in the entertainment and/or performing arts industries OR
• Evidence that you have undertaken a job on an Equity contract for any amount of money OR
• Membership of a union in another country which is affiliated to our international federation, FIA (a list can be found on the FIA website here).

If/when you cease to be eligible for Subsidised Membership, then you will be eligible for standard membership, at the rates set out here, or Education & Training membership if you qualify. You can change between memberships as often as you are eligible to do so.

Education & Training membership

Replaces Equity Student Membership from the 1^st February 2024 with significantly improved benefits and a 75% discount on the full membership subscription fee based on the lowest band of membership subscription.

The 2024 Education & Training rate is £42. A further £6 a year discount is available if you pay by Direct Debit.

This membership is for those who are:

• Currently studying on a course of NQF level 4 or above (or equivalent) OR
• Are currently on an Equity-approved workplace based training programme. You should ask your Equity Deputy or staff Official if you qualify. Staff contacts can be found on our website here

Education & Training members are full members of Equity with access to all democratic rights, union activities and benefits, including £10 million PLI insurance cover.

To join Equity’s Education & Training Membership, complete the online joining form, which will enable you to see if you qualify for this membership.

If/when you cease to be eligible for Education & Training Membership, then you will be eligible for standard membership, at the rates set out here, or Subsidised Membership if you qualify. You can change between memberships as often as you are eligible to do so.

Other questions about your membership? Check our Membership Frequently Asked Questions