Student Membership

"I'm delighted that Equity is offering its experience and expertise to students. If only I could have joined when I was at college!"
Tony Robinson

If you are on a full-time higher education course (not BTEC Certificate or BTEC National Diploma) lasting for one year or more which is preparing you for work in the entertainment industry in one of the following areas, you can become an Equity Student Member:
actor - stage manager - theatre designer - theatre director - dancer - choreographer - singer - variety artist - circus performer - professional broadcaster.

What do you get?
  • Regular information on what's happening in the industry and the union
  • The option to reserve your professional name
  • Opportunities to meet experienced performers
  • Special discounts on insurance and other concessions
  • Eligibility to join the Actors' Centres around the UK
  • The chance to attend special seminars and workshops
What does it cost?

It costs £15 to join, which includes one year's subscription and the name reservation fee.  We reserve your professional name as long as it is not in use by another Equity member.  The subsequent annual subscription is £10 and we will contact you when it falls due. Click here to get your application form or contact any Equity office. Also the colleges that teach these courses should have application forms, so ask your tutor.

What happens on graduation?

If you are on a NCDT or CDET accredited course or studying theatre design or studying singing at a conservatoire or on the musical theatre course at the Royal Academy Of Music you may move into full membership on graduating without having to provide proof of work. There is a special Graduate Application Form available if you fall into one of these categories.

If you are on a non-accredited course then you can continue at the student rate for up to two years after graduating which allows time for you to get professional employment and become eligible for full membership, as explained on the how to join page.

Please note: Students who come from overseas and are not EU citizens, but are studying in the UK cannot move into full Equity membership on graduation from any course unless they are legal to live and work in the UK.

When you move into full membership the amounts you have paid as a Student Member are deducted from costs of joining.

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