Equity’s Rules & Important Tips for Members

• Familiarize yourself with the Constitution and By-Laws with the Member Portal so that you are aware of the most important rules by which Equity governs itself, as well as the rights and responsibilities of its members.

• The Constitution and By-Laws defines some actions as “conduct unbecoming a member,” and any of these may result in expulsion, suspension, fines or other discipline. These actions include: violation of any provision of the Constitution; actions harmful to the welfare of Equity, its Officers or Council; violation of a lawful rule or order of the Council; engaging in any business in conflict with the objectives of Equity; accepting work in the jurisdiction of another union in the 4As (SAG/AFTRA, AGMA, AGVA and GIA) with an employer who has refused to bar- gain in good faith or against whom the other union’s members are engaged in an authorized strike. If you have questions about any of these, call a Regional Director who can guide you.

• If you function as an employer on an Equity production (the definition of "employer" can be found in the By- Laws), you will be placed in Conflict of Interest, during which time you will not receive notice of, or be entitled to attend Membership Meetings. This is to ensure that our meetings at Equity encourage members to speak freely, without fear of retribution from their employers.

• Always be sure to have a signed contract from your producer and return your counter-signed copy to Equity before your first rehearsal. This enables Equity to ensure you are getting what you deserve under the contract.

• Be sure to read the contract for your show carefully before you begin working so that you know your rights and obligations. All Equity contracts can be found in the Member Portal of the Equity website. Familiarity with these documents helps protect you.

• If something is going on in the Equity company in which you are working that doesn't seem right according to the contract, be sure to let your Deputy or your Equity Business Representative know right away. We are here to help.

• If you experience, or if you see a cast-mate experience, harassment or bullying in the work place, call your Business Representative, Senior Business Representative or Regional Director immediately so that they can help.

• If you are offered work in Equity's jurisdiction without a contract, be sure to contact Equity and speak to a Senior Business Representative to discuss your options prior to accepting so that you don't run the risk of being subject to internal union discipline and possibly losing your membership.

• Members are prohibited from accepting employment in any capacity in non-Equity productions by Troika, Networks and Big League. Further, if you are offered work by other companies in a non-acting or non-stage management capacity, such as being asked to choreograph a show, potentially in Equity's jurisdiction that is not organized, be sure to contact an Equity Regional Director or Senior Business Representative before accepting this work to be sure you are permitted to do so. Accepting unauthorized work that the Council has previously de- termined doesn't support the best interests of its members may subject you to internal union discipline, including losing your membership.

• Be sure to pay your basic dues on time to avoid late fees and the risk of losing your membership. If you are hav- ing trouble paying, contact the Membership Department so they can give you options. • If you intend to stop actively pursuing work in the theatre, contact the Membership Department to talk about going on a Temporary Withdrawal or Suspended Payment status to avoid dues and fees during your hiatus. Remember that these statuses do not permit you to accept non-Equity employment.

• If you are considering entering into a contract with an agent for representation, keep in mind that Equity members are required to use agents franchised by Equity. This ensures that the agent is adhering to a set of rules that Equity has negotiated for your protection, and that unresolved disputes you may have with the agent can be resolved with Equity's participation.

• Keep all of your contact information up to date with Equity so that you are certain to receive all important docu- ments and correspondence. Be sure to do the same with the Actors Federal Credit Union and the Equity-League Funds since all are separate entities and changing your address with one doesn't change it with the others.

• Please be sure to treat fellow members, production personnel and Equity staff members with courtesy and respect so that we can all help ensure a professional workplace.