Union vs Non-Union: What Goes on Your Acting Résumé

How to display SAG-AFTRA, AEA, and non-union status on your actor résumé and what it means for casting submissions.

By Greg James Blount, founder of Green Room Acting Studio · Published 2025-11-15 · Updated 2025-11-15

Actor résumé contact header examples comparing SAG-AFTRA member, SAG-AFTRA eligible, AEA member, and non-union status labels — Use the status label that accurately describes your current membership or eligibility, and place it near your name and contact route.

Your union status is one of the first things casting directors and agents look for on an actor résumé. Display it correctly and understand what it means for your career.

Displaying Union Status

List your union affiliation prominently near your contact information: - SAG-AFTRA — for film, television, and commercial actors - AEA (Actor's Equity Association) — for theatre actors - Non-Union — if you haven't joined a union yet

Does Union Status Affect Your Credits?

Your credits are your credits regardless of union status. A non-union actor's student film credit is listed the same way as a union actor's indie film credit. However, some productions specifically seek union or non-union talent.

SAG-AFTRA Must-Join and Your Résumé

When you book a SAG-AFTRA eligible project, you typically must join the union within 30 days. Update your résumé immediately after joining — your union status affects which auditions you can submit for.

Theatre: Equity vs Non-Equity

Theatre actors should list AEA membership or note non-Equity status. Regional theatre credits are valuable regardless of union affiliation.

The Actor's Résumé Builder includes a union status field that formats correctly on your exported 8×10 PDF.