Why Performers Quit Musical Theatre (And How to Stay In)
The Truth Every Performer Needs to Hear Before Taking Their Card
If you’ve been told that joining Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) will unlock every Broadway and regional audition... it's time for a reality check.
As someone who's been on both sides—non-union and union—I'm here to break down the truth about AEA membership. Whether you're trying to get seen at EPAs or debating if now is the “right time” to take your card, this post will help you make an informed decision based on real-world experience.
🎭 What Has Changed with Equity Membership?
Thanks to Open Access, anyone with qualifying experience can now apply to join Equity directly. But more members = more competition. What does that mean?
Fewer EPA/ECC slots
More union actors in the sign-up pool
Shorter audition days with fewer time slots
Less guaranteed visibility—even for Equity members
👉 Some actors are waiting hours as alternates just to maybe get seen. And others are joining the union only to find it didn’t fix their audition struggles.
❌ Common Myths About Equity Membership (Debunked)
Myth 1: “Once I join, I’ll get seen at every audition.”
➡️ Reality: Many union members still can’t get time slots especially in major cities like NYC.
Myth 2: “Only Equity members get hired for Broadway and regional shows.”
➡️ Reality: Many performers land Broadway contracts while still non-union because they’re right for the role.
Myth 3: “If I’m not Equity, I won’t be taken seriously.”
➡️ Reality: Non-union performers often get cast at Equity houses. Most regional contracts only offer a few AEA slots per show.
💡 When Should You Actually Consider Taking Your Card?
Take your Equity card when:
You’re consistently booking work at AEA houses
You’re ready to focus on higher-level opportunities (and okay with booking less often)
You’ve built up your materials and experience and joining won’t limit your ability to gain more
Avoid joining if:
You’re still building your resume
You want to perform at smaller houses or do non-union tours
You’re hoping the card alone will solve your visibility problems
🎯 The card is a tool, not a ticket.
🎶 Still Not Booking? It Might Not Be the Union, It Might Be Your Materials
Before making the leap, make sure your audition book is doing the heavy lifting for you. I created a free resource to help:
📥 Download My Free Audition Book Song List Guide
It includes:
The top categories casting directors expect
Song suggestions by genre and show type
Examples of how to make your book current + relevant
🧭 Final Thoughts: Make the Right Move for You
Becoming an AEA member is a big step. But it’s not a guarantee of success and it’s certainly not a fix-all. If you're unsure, stay non-union a little longer while gaining experience and building momentum. I did, and it made all the difference.
You are your best advocate…not the card.
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Are you considering joining Equity? Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram @ashleelynnespinosa—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And if you’re still navigating audition season, make sure to check out this free toolkit ↓
🔗 Performer Resources to Help You Stay Ready
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
Want to keep this conversation going? Every Tuesday, I send my best strategies straight to your inbox — no fluff, just the tools and real talk you need to grow your creative career with clarity, confidence, and joy.
