Non-Member Artists

As per Equity’s Bylaws:

Within the theatre discipline, and where a reciprocal agreement does not provide for a different process, the Association may admit an Artist as a non-resident permittee only in circumstances that do not disadvantage Association members. Learn more about reciprocal agreements [link].

The Theatre may submit an application for an Artist with:

• Demonstrated public recognition or “star” status, or
• Skills that are unique or essential to the success of a production, and not available within the existing Equity membership.

Equity reserves the right to approve, refuse, rescind, or extend non-resident permits.

Application Process

The Theatre must submit a letter of application to Equity which must be received at least ninety (90) days in advance of the start of the Artist’s proposed engagement. The letter must contain:

• Detailed information regarding the engagement
• Detailed information regarding the Artist, including:
  • Headshot and bio
  • Articles about the Artist’s work (links, pdfs)
  • Media clips of the Artist in action
  • Demonstration of awards or special recognition
• Relevant correspondence with the Artist
• If applying under unique or essential skills, a list of Equity members considered for the position, and reasons why they were either unsuitable or unavailable

Equity will engage in such research, consultation, and discussion as required, in its sole discretion, to reach a decision on granting a non-resident Artist permission to work within our jurisdiction. Equity may request additional documentation from the Theatre.

In the case of an application being denied, the Theatre may appeal for reconsideration only if additional information becomes available that would further demonstrate “star” recognition or unique or essential skills.

Accepted Applications

If an application is accepted:

• The Artist must be signed to a full Equity contract as a non-resident permittee.
• In lieu of working dues or basic dues, the Artist working as a non-resident permittee must pay the permit filing fee set out in Equity’s Bylaw 36 and an amount equivalent to the appropriate insurance premium by source deduction for each permit.
• The Theatre is responsible for providing the Artist with the appropriate visas, health and travel insurance, and all other pertinent documentation for work in Canada.
• The term of membership of a non-resident member is restricted to the period of engagement in the production on which the application was made. Equity may re-admit the Artist as a non-resident member within the ensuing six (6) month period.