How Can I Join SAG-AFTRA (or Work While Non-Union)?

If you’re an actor, voice artist, dancer, or media professional in the U.S., you’ve probably heard about SAG-AFTRA—the powerful union representing over 160,000 performers. Joining the union can be a huge step for your career, but what if you’re not quite there yet? What if you’re curious about working as Non-Union, or you’ve heard whispers about something called Fi-Core?

Let’s break it all down.

What Is SAG-AFTRA?

SAG-AFTRA stands for Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. It’s the union that protects and advocates for media professionals by securing fair wages, safe working conditions, health and pension benefits, and more.

SAG-AFTRA members typically work on major studio films, network TV shows, union commercials, and other higher-budget productions. The union enforces contracts that ensure actors are paid minimum rates (or more), receive residuals, and are treated fairly on set.

👉 Learn more about SAG-AFTRA

How Do You Join SAG-AFTRA?

There are three main ways to become eligible to join SAG-AFTRA:

1. Get a Taft-Hartley Waiver

If you’re cast in a union production as a Non-Union actor and the production files a Taft-Hartley report on your behalf, you become eligible to join after 30 days of work.

More info on Taft-Hartley:
👉 SAG-AFTRA Taft-Hartley Info

2. Work as a Principal Performer in a SAG-AFTRA Project

If you book a principal role (not background) on a SAG-AFTRA project, that can grant you eligibility—even without a Taft-Hartley situation.

3. Membership via a Sister Union

If you’ve been a member of Equity, ACTRA, AGMA, or AGVA for at least one year and have worked as a principal performer, you may be eligible under the Sister Union Rule.

Once eligible, you can apply to join. As of 2024, the initiation fee is $3,000, plus semi-annual dues.

👉 Join SAG-AFTRA

What If I'm Not in the Union Yet? (Non-Union Work)

Working Non-Union is common for emerging talent. Non-Union productions often include:

Indie films
Student films
Commercials without union contracts
Voiceover gigs, online content, branded videos

Pros of Non-Union Work:

Easier to book roles
More flexible casting
You can build experience and your resume

Cons:

No minimum pay standard
No residuals
Limited protections and benefits

Still, Non-Union work can be valuable early in your career. It helps you build reels, relationships, and confidence.

What Is Fi-Core (Financial Core)?

Fi-Core, short for Financial Core, is a controversial “middle ground.” If you want to work both Union and Non-Union projects, you can resign from full SAG-AFTRA membership while still paying base dues to retain your right to work on union jobs.

Key Points:

Fi-Core allows you to work Union and Non-Union jobs legally.
You lose some member privileges, like voting, holding office, and being listed in SAG-AFTRA’s directory.
You are not allowed to advertise yourself as a SAG-AFTRA member.

👉 SAG-AFTRA’s Position on Fi-Core

Important Note: SAG-AFTRA strongly discourages Fi-Core. It’s seen as undermining union solidarity, and the industry can be split on how it views Fi-Core performers.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some actors stay Non-Union for years to build credits and avoid limitations. Others join SAG-AFTRA as soon as they can to access better pay and protections. Fi-Core is a niche option with specific risks and rewards.

The key is to know your goals, weigh your options, and be strategic about the work you pursue.

Have questions or want advice specific to your career? Drop a comment or reach out!

🎭 Break legs out there. 🎬

*This post is informational only and not affiliated with SAG-AFTRA. Always consult with industry professionals or legal counsel for career decisions

Want personalized feedback on your next self-tape?
🎬 Book a 1-on-1 coaching session with one of our working professionals at Online Acting Studio
Let’s get you booked!

Latest Articles

We're Online Acting Studio

Whether you’re just dipping your toe in or are already a working actor, we’re bringing the industry’s leading instructors in one place to help you grow.