Joining ACTRA

ACTRA began more than 60 years ago when Toronto performers came together to fight for better fees and working conditions. Members by negotiating collectively as professional performers and working together to improve conditions for artists.

Most performers become Full members through the Apprenticeship Program, which means they land a qualifying role in a production under ACTRA's jurisdiction. A performer can also become an Apprentice by accumulating enough experience as an ACTRA Additional Background Performer.

Members of other performers' unions with which ACTRA has reciprocal agreements can apply to directly become Full members. To join ACTRA you must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant.

ACTRA's Full members:

• gain the many rights and protections negotiated through ACTRA agreements, including minimum rates of pay;
• enjoy preference of engagement over all other non-member performers;
• can participate in ratification votes for the ACTRA agreements they work under
• can vote in ACTRA Toronto elections;
• can play a direct role in governing their union by holding elected positions at ACTRA Toronto;
• receive health and insurance benefits through the ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society;
• participate in free professional educational opportunities provided by ACTRA Toronto; and,
• are eligible to put forward fellow performers or be nominated for ACTRA Awards in; Toronto.