How to List SAG-AFTRA Status on an Actor Résumé

How to describe SAG-AFTRA membership or eligibility accurately on an actor résumé, with links to official union guidance.

By Greg James Blount, founder of Green Room Acting Studio · Published 2026-01-22 · Updated 2026-08-25

Annotated actor résumé header showing where to list SAG-AFTRA member, eligible, or non-union status and when to update it — Place your verified SAG-AFTRA status in the header and update the résumé and casting profiles whenever that status changes.

If you are a SAG-AFTRA member or have been told you are eligible, describe your current status accurately. Union eligibility and joining rules can change and may depend on the work or agreement, so verify your status directly with SAG-AFTRA.

Displaying SAG-AFTRA on Your Résumé

Members commonly place "SAG-AFTRA" below their name or in the contact block so it is easy to find. Follow your representative's preference and do not claim membership before joining.

SAG-AFTRA Eligible vs Member

SAG-AFTRA Member — You've joined the union and pay dues
SAG-AFTRA Eligible — SAG-AFTRA has confirmed that you meet an eligibility route but you have not joined
Non-Union — No union work yet

Be precise. Misrepresenting union status can disqualify you from auditions.

Union vs Non-Union Credits

All your credits go on your résumé regardless of whether the project was union or non-union. The credit itself doesn't change — only your current status label does.

Updating After Must-Join

If your status changes, update your résumé and casting profiles before your next submission. For current eligibility and joining information, consult SAG-AFTRA's official "Steps to Join" guidance at sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/steps-join or contact the union.

The Actor's Résumé Builder lets you store multiple résumé versions — one for union submissions, one for non-union, each with the correct contact block.