(For information about talent agents and for advice on becoming an extra for TV or film see: Resources for Dancers.)
Many dancers who work in professional companies are members of a union. In fact, some companies actually require union membership.
Some of the Benefits of Union Membership include: (only a partial list)
- Contract agreements
- Payment for overtime and sick leave
- Health insurance and pension benefits
- Regulations to promote safe working conditions
- Assistance in resolving conflicts in the workplace
The drawbacks to union membership, however, include:
- Required payment of initiation fees and annual dues
- Union rules may prevent members from accepting work with non-union companies.
THE MAJOR UNIONS REPRESENTNG DANCERS (Note: Each website below should contain audition information):
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
AGMA is a labor union that represents dancers in ballet or modern dance companies, opera singers, concert performers and production staff. AGMA is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Membership information is available at: http://www.musicalartists.org/
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
Performers on Broadway and in other musical theater productions are commonly members of Actors’ Equity (AEA). This union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Membership information is available at: http://www.actorsequity.org/
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)
In March 2012, members of the two unions—SAG and AFTRA—approved a union merger. This new entity is known as SAG-AFTRA. Dancers who have worked in film have been previously represented by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), while dancers in television have worked under representation of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). SAG-AFTRA is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Membership information for the recently merged union is available at: http://www.sagaftra.org/
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) represents performers in such settings as theme parks, circuses, cabarets, variety shows, Las Vegas showrooms, dance revues, arena performances and special events. AGVA is also an AFL-CIO-affiliated labor union. Membership information is available at: http://www.agvausa.com/
