Your Newest Proud Union Member!

5 Reasons why I joined Actor's Equity Association

I’m so excited to share I recently joined Actors Equity Association! This rite of passage has been a goal of mine for quite some time. I decided to become a full-fledged card-carrying member with my last Equity contract. I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision and elated over this milestone in my career. I thought I’d take a moment to share my reasons for joining in case anyone reading this is contemplating joining too.

5 Reasons Why I Joined Actor's Equity Association

1. My Goal is to Be a Working Actor.
   Minus a few exceptions, most nonunion work does not pay enough to cover the cost of living in Chicago. Non-union jobs often require working additional multiple side gigs/survival jobs to make ends meet. That “grind” or “hustle” many performers wear like a badge of honor became increasingly unsustainable. Equity jobs pay more and thus allow me to manage my multiple chronic health conditions by prioritizing quality over quantity in my workload.
   

2. I Wanted My Time Back

   Last audition season, I spent countless days waiting around at the Equity building to maybe be seen. I wanted my time back. I wanted the ability to schedule my appointments for times during the day when I am least symptomatic. Having access to the Equity portal saves me so much time too. I used to spend so much time emailing theaters to see if they would take virtual submissions. Now, I can easily view what theaters outside Chicago are taking submissions in my Equity Portal.
   

3. Health Insurance, Pension and Other Benefits
   Since I travel so much for work I want secondary insurance not confined by state lines. AEA has a lot of other members in the same boat so, once I’m eligible, I imagine there will be more flexible options than what I currently have as my secondary insurance. I’ve had a 401K through Equity since my first Equity contract. I’m eager to continue contributing to that. Also, I learned after joining I get an Equity discount to my favorite restaurant, a surprise perk!
   

4. I’m Ready and I Think My Resume Shows That.
   I’ve played 3 Equity principal roles; a supporting character in a meaty play, a triple-threat supporting role at the largest and oldest outdoor theatre in the country alongside Broadway Veterans, and an original leading role in a new musical at the Kennedy Center. Aside from the pandemic shutdown, I’ve been consistently working and touring since I graduated college. It was about time I believed in myself and took the leap of faith.

5. It’s a Declaration of My Values.
   Joining the union is my way of declaring live theatre is an essential part of society and the economy, actors deserve livable wages and safe working conditions, and discrimination has no place in the theatre. I’m most proud to be a union member for this reason.

Originating Artemis in Through the Sunken Lands at the Kennedy Center.

---

ConfiKids Gala

Consider Donating to ConfiKids - Founded in 2017, ConfiKids, Inc, is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide opportunities for children of limited financial means to participate in enrichment activities. I recently spoke at their Gala fundraising event and had the chance to meet and mentor some of the kids enrolled in performing arts programs. I’m so glad I got to witness firsthand the amazing work they do. I highly recommend you check them out especially if you’re local to Massachusetts.

Tell Congress to Fund Dysautonomia Clinician Education Now! Most doctors and other medical professionals receive no training on autonomic disorders during their formal education. The lack of clinician education on autonomic disorders leads to prolonged diagnostic delays, frequent misdiagnosis, long wait times, and difficulty accessing high-quality dysautonomia care after a diagnosis is made. But we have the power to change that!

‘Quiet On Set’ - a docu-series about the toxic culture behind some of the most iconic children's shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

---

Heartbreak High Season 2 - School is back in session and already has another 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you liked Sex Education, Do Revenge, or Heartstopper, you’d likely enjoy this series too.

Snails on a Bike Productions - I saw this production recently and thoroughly enjoyed it; both on the play and production side. The Chicago-based production company specializes in found spaces/site-specific works. This play took place in a room in a local gym just like in the play.

Scout’s Zee.dog Leash - I’ve been stopped multiple times on the street recently and asked where I got Scout’s leash. We’ve had it for years but, it’s super durable and still holding up well. It’s fully adjustable; perfect for switching between my seated or standing height depending on the day. Plus it comes in some nice colors. (Use this link and you’ll get $10 off and I earn $10 towards my next Zee.dog purchase as well, a win win.)