British Actors' Equity

British Actors' Equity is the trade union representing performers and creative practitioners across the United Kingdom. It covers actors, dancers, singers, stage managers, directors, designers, and variety artists working in theater, film, television, and digital media.

Joining Equity UK is open to anyone who has worked or is working as a professional performer in the UK. There is no audition or qualification requirement beyond professional work. Membership dues are based on a sliding scale tied to your earnings.

Equity negotiates minimum rates and working conditions with employers across the UK entertainment industry, from West End theaters to BBC productions. It also provides legal advice, insurance, and career support services to members.

Dues are calculated on a sliding scale based on annual earnings, making membership accessible to performers at all income levels. Contact Equity directly for current rates applicable to your earning bracket.

British Equity is essential for actors working professionally in the UK. If you are an American actor considering work in the UK, understanding Equity's jurisdiction and any reciprocal agreements with SAG-AFTRA is important. British Equity has reciprocal agreements with SAG-AFTRA, ACTRA, and other international performer unions that facilitate cross-border work, meaning your UK Equity membership is recognized when working in partner countries and vice versa. The union has a long and storied history stretching back to its founding in 1930, and it has been instrumental in establishing minimum rates, safe working conditions, and performer protections across the British entertainment industry. With the UK's film and television industry experiencing significant growth — driven by major studios like Pinewood and Shepperton and the expansion of UK-based streaming productions — Equity's role in protecting performer rights has never been more critical.

British Equity's dues are calculated on a sliding scale based on your annual earnings from performing work, making membership accessible regardless of your income level. As of 2025, the minimum annual subscription is approximately £132 for members earning under £10,000 from performing work, with rates increasing proportionally for higher earners up to a maximum of approximately £396 for those earning over £40,000. There is a joining fee of £39 that is paid once upon initial membership. Students and graduates can access reduced rates through Equity's student membership program. Unlike SAG-AFTRA's one-time initiation fee of over $3,000, Equity UK's lower entry cost makes it significantly more accessible for performers at the beginning of their careers. The union also offers a reduced rate for performers who are members of partner unions through reciprocal agreements.

Any performer working professionally in the UK should join British Equity, as the insurance coverage alone is worth the modest annual subscription, and the union's negotiated rates and legal support provide essential protections in an industry where informal agreements and exploitative practices can affect performers at every level. American actors planning to work in the UK should research Equity's reciprocal agreement with SAG-AFTRA before traveling, as this agreement streamlines the process of working across borders and ensures your rights are protected under UK employment law. If you are a student or graduate considering a performance career in the UK, take advantage of Equity's reduced student membership rates to begin building your union affiliation early. For performers who primarily work in non-traditional or unregulated sectors such as corporate events, themed entertainment, or digital content, Equity is still worth joining for the insurance and legal support, even if the union's negotiated rates may not directly apply to your work.

Familiarize yourself with the specific Equity agreements that cover your area of work — West End theater, touring productions, BBC, ITV, film, and commercial work all operate under different agreements with distinct terms, and understanding the relevant agreement ensures you know your rights and minimum entitlements. Attend Equity branch meetings in your area, as these gatherings provide direct access to union officials, networking with fellow performers, and the opportunity to participate in union governance by voting on policies and electing representatives. Take advantage of Equity's free legal advice line before signing any contract, as the union's solicitors can identify unfavorable terms and advise on negotiation strategies specific to UK entertainment law. If you are planning to work internationally, research the reciprocal agreements between Equity and the performer unions in your target countries, as these agreements can simplify visa and work permit processes and ensure your pension contributions are recognized across borders. Keep your Equity subscription current even during periods when you are not actively performing, as lapses in membership can affect your eligibility for certain benefits and your standing within the union's democratic processes.