Becoming an ACTRA Additional Background Performer

To become an ACTRA Additional Background Performer, you must prove that you have worked as a background performer twenty-four (24) days within the 12-month period immediately preceding your application for membership.

You can complete, print and sign this application form in advance or just visit your local ACTRA Branch office to apply. You will need to give ACTRA:

  1. proof of at least twenty-four (24) work days as a background performer during the past twelve (12) months,
  2. a current photo, and
  3. your resume.

You must provide a photo and resume so that you can be included in the ACTRA member database.

Maintaining AABP Membership Status

To maintain your membership you will have to work fifteen (15) work days as a background performer per year: with a year defined as the period of twelve (12) consecutive months commencing March 1st of each calendar year.

Entering ACTRA's Apprentice Program as an Additional Background Performer Program

If you are an ACTRA Additional Background Performer with well-documented proof (i.e. vouchers or cheque stubs) of 200 on-set engagement days or 1,600 hours over the preceding four-year period on ACTRA sets, you may apply to the Apprentice Program.

Like all Apprentice members, ACTRA Additional Background Performers who are admitted to the Apprentice program are required to take ACTRA Toronto's Member Training Intensive.

Why Become an ACTRA Additional Background Performer?

ACTRA Additional Background Performers have the benefit of the union's negotiating power with producers, leading to: better wages, better working conditions, improved job opportunities and protection under ACTRA's collective agreements. They also have the opportunity to apply for the Apprentice Program.

The ACTRA Additional Background Committee identifies and investigates issues of concern to ACTRA Additional Background Performers, monitors relations between performers and agents, looks at the establishment of a central casting system to better protect and promote background performers, and debates and presents proposals to ACTRA's negotiating committees.