Updating Your SAG-AFTRA Status with Central Casting
We know many of our non-union Background Actors are interested in union background work. If you recently joined SAG-AFTRA, there are some steps you need to take to update your union status with Central Casting.
What is SAG-AFTRA?
The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is a union that represents actors (including Background Actors), announcers, broadcast journalists, program hosts, voiceover artists, and other media professionals.
Non-Union Background Actors can become eligible to join SAG-AFTRA by working 3 union vouchers or by being upgraded to principal while on set (often by being given a line). If you are interested in joining SAG-AFTRA, you can learn more about eligibility and the process on their website.
How to update union status with Central Casting
If you are registered with Central Casting and need to update your union status, you can easily do so by filling out our SAG-AFTRA update form. Just select your office location, fill out the required information, and upload a photo of your SAG-AFTRA membership card, a screenshot of your digital card from the SAG-AFTRA app, or your receipt from SAG-AFTRA showing you are an active member.
After you submit, our team will review your information and proof then update your SAG-AFTRA status in your online profile within two business days. It's extremely important to fill out the form accurately and completely. If any of the information is incorrect or the proof you uploaded in not adequate, a member of our team will contact you with further instructions. This often includes sending alternative documentation of your SAG-AFTRA status that includes all of the following: name, union number, current dues period, and the word "Member." We cannot update your online profile until you submit the requested information.
If you have questions about our SAG-AFTRA updates form, you can contact our technical support team at helpme@centralcasting.com, 855.500.2055, or through Tech Support Chat. If you have questions about your SAG-AFTRA membership, those will need to be directed to SAG-AFTRA, not Central Casting.
Finding background jobs
At Central Casting, we book union and non-union Background Actors in movies, TV shows, and other productions. Once your SAG-AFTRA status is updated in our casting platform, Casting Directors will see you in searches when you fit the description for union roles.
You can also proactively look for background work on the Jobs page of our website. In their posts, Casting Directors include information relevant to role like portrayable age, portrayable ethnicity, SAG-AFTRA status, and other requirements. Read these posts carefully to make sure you fit the description, then submit as instructed. Don't forget to include any additional materials, like a current selfie or Stand-In resume.
Keep in mind, if you're not a member of SAG-AFTRA, you're considered a non-union Background Actor and should only submit for non-union roles.
To learn more about working as a Background Actor with Central Casting, check out our articles How to Read a Central Casting Job Post and 3 Things to Know About Getting Cast.
