Graduate membership

Enjoy a 50% discount on our membership fee for up to two years after your studies finish with full access to the union’s benefits. 

Full benefits at 50% of the cost

  • Be part of a 50,000 strong union winning better pay and conditions.
  • Public Liability insurance up to £10 million plus personal accident and backstage cover.
  • Free legal advice and representation.
  • Equity card and name.
  • Expert advice, guidance and support. 
  • Financial benefits - from a £500 bursary to help with costs of beginning a career to social security and tax advice. 
  • Discounts exclusive to Equity members. 
  • Join branches and networks of fellow performers and creatives.
  • Learn from experienced union members and meet like-minded people in Equity’s networks and local branches. 
Member benefits

How much is Graduate membership?

If you earn less than £40,000 a year (inclusive) you can enjoy a 50% discount on your Equity membership for two years after your studies conclude. This is a subsidised rate to support you as you start out in the industry. It's made possible thanks to the collective support of Equity members.

If you pay by Direct Debit you’ll receive a £6 discount on your annual membership fee. Membership costs: 

  • £8 a month if paying by Direct Debit.
  • £99 a year if paying a one-off payment by debit or credit card.

When you join for the first time or rejoin after a break, there is also a one-off entrance fee of £49.50, reduced to £32 if paying by Direct Debit.

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Decorative image: Group of Equity members outside theatre
Who does Equity represent?

Actors, choreographers, comedians, dancers, drag artists, theatre directors, models, singers, stage management, storytellers, stunt performers and co-ordinators, theatre designers, theatre fight directors, variety, circus, cabaret and light entertainment artists, voice artists, supporting artists and more.

More on who Equity represents

Eligibility for Graduate Membership

Once you have completed your course, you can become a Graduate Member if your earnings are under £40,000 per year (inclusive) and if you studied on an eligible course. 

Eligible courses

You need to have been studying on a NQF level 4 course or above that lasted at least one academic year.   

You may also qualify for Equity student membership if you have undertaken a training course via a subsidised theatre that is:    

  • 3 months+ duration.  
  • Aimed at people aged 16 years old or older.
  • Free or low cost.
  • With an organisation that has an existing relationship with Equity.
  • Training for the profession, not CPD for the existing workforce or for those with no professional credit.  
  • Supporting people to access careers in the sector where there are geographical/demographic barriers that might otherwise prevent them from going to drama school for example.
  • Strongly linked with working industry professionals.

If you have studied abroad on a relevant performing arts course and are now living and/or working in the UK, you may also qualify for Equity’s graduate membership. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, please email membership@equity.org.uk to enquire.  

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There is power in a union.

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"Being an Equity member opens a theatre family and network to you, providing important advice and being your protection if needed."

Zoe Spurr, Theatrical Lighting Designer