updates | March 15, 2026

How do you become a Aabp?

To join the AABP, you must prove that you have worked fifteen (15) days as a background performer within the 12-month period immediately preceding your application for membership. You can complete, print and sign this application form in advance and call ACTRA Toronto at 416-928-2278 and ask for Member Services.

What is preference of engagement ACTRA?

Under the terms of the NCA, preference of engagement is given to members of ACTRA (including full, apprentice, and ACTRA Additional Background Performer members)If after auditions the Engager establishes that a Performer of the type required is not available within the ACTRA membership, upon provision by the Engager to …

What is an ACTRA apprentice?

Join ACTRA as an Apprentice Member Within the union, an Apprentice Membership gives you the applicable rights and privileges of a Full Member, including full non-voting participation in ACTRA membership meetings. You are eligible to become an Apprentice Member if you hold at least one qualifying work permit.

How do you get ACTRA credits?

To join as a Full Member, a performer must have at least three qualifying credits. The first qualifying credit can be an Acting Credit, an Education Credit, or 1600hrs/200 days of work as a Background Member. Second and subsequent credits must be Acting Credits.

What is Cipip?

CIPIP stands for Canadian Independent Production Incentive Program (discount film agreement)

Can actra members do non union work?

Being a Member of ACTRA also means you will refuse to work non-union. To work non-union not only undermines your union but it means you won’t have access to certain work standards provided by your union, such as minimum rates, and pension and health benefits.

How do I become an ACTRA apprentice?

New acting graduates can apply to become an Apprentice member within 60 days of receiving a degree or diploma in acting from an eligible post-secondary institution. Land a qualifying role in a production under ACTRA’s jurisdiction and apply to become an Apprentice member.

How much do ACTRA members get paid?

The hourly rate as a Non-Union & AABP Background Performer is $14.25/hour with an 8-hour minimum pay, not including the unpaid lunch hour. (This means that if you only work two hours, you are still always paid for eight hours. Anything over eight hours will still pay $14.25/hour.)

Why should I join ACTRA?

- ACTRA ensures members have a safe work environment. – ACTRA ensures members are paid for both their work and the future use of their image. – ACTRA administers an industry leading insurance and retirement plan for performers. – ACTRA provides training and professional development opportunities.

How much do actra members get paid?

Can actra members do non-union work?

What are the benefits of joining actra?

Benefits of Full Membership 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 you make a living as an extra?

The payment model for extras is very simplistic and standard. It usually breakdowns down into two ways of paying extras: per hour (rarely) and per day (most common). Extras do not get paid much, but if you’re doing this on a regular basis, you can definitely make a living.

Do extras ever become actors?

Extra work doesn’t necessarily get an actor noticed by casting directors or agents, but it can be a valuable way of gaining experience on set. It can sometimes result in being upgraded to a speaking role, or helping an actor get his union card. Yet, working as an extra can be worthwhile.

How much does it cost to join ACTRA?

When you purchase your third work permit, advise the ACTRA Membership Department that you want to become a Full ACTRA member. The initiation fee is $1600, less total permit fees paid for all qualifying credits earned as an Apprentice in good standing, plus your annual dues of $195.

Can ACTRA members do non-union work?

Do you have to audition to be an extra?

Why Become a Movie Extra? There’s no audition. Don’t worry, they won’t ask you to sing or dance, or even read a script. That’s because being an extra doesn’t require too much skill.

Is being an extra worth it?

Is it worth being an extra?

Do extras need headshots?

GOOD HEADSHOT: A professional photo is not necessary for extra work. This one is framed correctly on a neutral background. It works just fine! A professional photo is not required.