Actors hub

Equity is the trade union for actors, whether you perform on stage or on set.

From the West End and Fringe theatre to the BBC, Netflix and student films, Equity is here to support you however and wherever you act. Get clued up on everything you need to know about working as a professional actor – from the minimum you should be paid to the maximum hours you should work, as well as specialist industry advice including castings, panto, self-tapes and more. Plus find out how you can get involved with your trade union to improve the acting industry for everyone.

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How actors' pay and conditions are set

As an actor, on stage or on set, your minimum pay and conditions are enshrined in collective agreements. These are negotiated between Equity (representing workers) and individual employers or management associations. In film and TV, we have agreements with the BBC, ITV, SKY and the Pact, as well as agreements with major streaming platforms. In theatre, we have agreements with SOLT, UK Theatre and ITC. We also hold a number of house agreements with individual theatres and production companies.

Understanding collective agreements