Join Equity

We represent actors, choreographers, comedians, dancers, drag artists, theatre directors, models, singers, stage management, storytellers, stunt performers and co-ordinators, theatre and fight directors, set, costume and lighting designers, TV and radio presenters, variety, circus, cabaret and light entertainment artists, voice artists and supporting artists

Examples of professions we do not represent include:

• writers
• session musicians who do not sing
• camera operators, sound engineers 
• fitness instructors

To see if you are eligible for membership check out our Who can join Equity? page.

If you are re-joining and were a full member before, you don't need to provide evidence again.

Full membership

To join Equity as a full member, you need to demonstrate either that:

You have earned £750 or more from professional work in the entertainment and performing arts industry. We can accept contracts, invoices, emails, letters, wage or payslip that confirms the following details: 

• • The dates you worked
  • The type of work you did (i.e. dancer, stunt performer etc)
  • How much you were paid

OR

You can provide proof of membership of an FIA-affiliated union.

OR

You have undertaken a job on an Equity contract (excludes Equity student contracts).

Education and Training

Anyone who is undertaking eligible education or training receives a 75% discount on the lowest priced band of annual membership subscription. When you go through the join process, you will be able to search for your course or training to check if you are eligible. 

Subsidised membership: Graduate, Aged 66 & Over and Under 18. 

Subsidised members are entitled to a 50% discount on the lowest priced band of annual membership subscription. You are eligible for these memberships if:

You earn £40,000 a year or less from the industry

AND

• Are aged 10-17 (inclusive)

OR

• Are aged over the age of 66 (regardless of length of service)

OR

• Graduated from an eligible course in the last two years

We aim to provisionally approve applications within 7 working days, however occasionally it may take slightly longer if we have a high volume, or if there is an issue with your application. 

Following provisional approval. all applications are formally approved by Equity’s Council. Our Council meets nine times a year and we will notify you by email once your application has been approved.  

The quickest way to renew your Equity membership is online. Once logged in to the Members area, you should see a “membership” section, which will allow you to renew your membership. You can also give us a call on 0207 670 0207 if you are having difficulties renewing online.

How much you pay is based on how much you earn. Annual subscription rates are based on an average of your gross earnings from the previous three tax years. 

When you go through the join process, you will be shown how much your fees will be before you pay. 

Subsidised members are entitled to a 50% discount on the lowest priced band of annual membership subscription. This includes those who:

• Earn less than £40K a year AND
• Are aged 10-17 (inclusive) OR
• Are aged 66 or over (inclusive) OR
• Graduated from an eligible course in the last two years
• Education & Training Membership members currently undertaking eligible education or training receive a 75% discount on the lowest priced band of annual membership subscription. 

All members, irrespective of their rate or category of membership are entitled to a £6 a year discount if they pay by Direct Debit. Monthly rates listed below include direct debit discount.

2026 subscription fees

Subsidised members (see above) receive a 50% discount on the below fees. Education and Training membership costs £49.20 a year if paying by card or £3.60 a month if paying by Direct Debit.