What Is a Non-Equity Tour? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever bought a ticket to a theatre show on tour, you might have noticed that some shows are marked “Equity” and others are not. But what does that mean? Equity tours and non-Equity tours have important differences that affect the actors, crew, and the audience’s experience.

Whether you’re a performer thinking about your career or just curious about what happens backstage, this guide will explain what a non-Equity tour is and how it differs from an Equity tour.

Key Takeaways

• Non-Equity tours have different pay and benefits: Unlike Equity productions, non-Equity actors don’t receive union wages, health insurance, or pension contributions, which can mean lower pay and fewer protections.
• Audience experience may vary: Some non-Equity shows are as good as Equity productions, but others might have fewer resources, different set designs, or less experienced performers.
• Producers use non-Equity tours to save money: Since non-union actors don’t require Equity wages or benefits, producers can cut production costs, sometimes leading to cheaper ticket prices.

How Equity and Non-Equity Tours Work

In professional theatre, the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), often called Equity, is the union for actors and stage managers in the United States. It makes sure its members get fair pay, health insurance, pension benefits, and good working conditions.

When a production is an Equity tour, it follows union rules, meaning performers and crew are protected by Equity contracts. These shows usually have bigger budgets, famous performers, and large productions.

A non-Equity tour is not linked to the union. This means non-Equity actors do not have the same protections as Equity members. While these productions can be good opportunities for new performers, they often have lower pay, fewer benefits, and sometimes longer working hours.

Why Do Producers Choose Non-Equity Tours?

For producers, money is a big factor in deciding between an Equity tour or a non-Equity tour. A union tour requires them to pay actors and stage managers based on the AEA’s minimum salaries, and also contribute to pension and health insurance plans. These costs can add up fast, making it more expensive to produce and tour an Equity show.

By choosing the non-Equity route, producers can save money. They don’t have to follow union wage rules, so they can pay non-union actors less. While this makes production cheaper, it also means performers might get less pay, have fewer protections, and sometimes work in tougher conditions.

What This Means for Performers

For actors and stage managers, choosing between an Equity or non-Equity tour depends on their experience, career goals, and financial needs.

Many non-Equity actors are just starting out, seeking roles to gain professional experience. These tours might not provide Equity wages or benefits, but they offer exposure, travel, and the chance to perform in big cities.

However, performers must weigh the pros and cons. Equity tours offer better pay, a regulated schedule, and benefits like health insurance and pension contributions. These benefits lead to a more stable theatre career, but joining Equity can also limit job options because not all productions hire union members.

Some actors stay non-Equity for a few years to gain experience before deciding whether to join the Actors’ Equity Association. Others join as soon as they qualify for an Equity card, to ensure fair pay and protections.

How Non-Equity Tours Affect Audiences

For audiences, the difference between an Equity tour and a non-Equity tour might not be easy to see.

Many non-Equity shows offer great performances with skilled actors. However, some important differences can affect the theater experience:

• Ticket Prices: Non-Equity productions usually have lower costs, which can sometimes mean cheaper ticket prices. However, some non-union tours charge as much as their Equity counterparts, even though they pay performers less.
• Production Value: Equity productions often have bigger budgets, leading to larger sets, better costumes, and a more polished appearance. Non-Equity productions might have simpler sets and fewer special effects.
• Performer Experience: Equity tours usually include Broadway actors or performers with a lot of experience. Non-Equity actors can still be very talented, but many are at the start of their careers.

Some of the most popular Broadway shows, like The Lion King and Mean Girls, have had both Equity tours and non-Equity tours over the years. While both types can be fun, the level of experience and production quality often varies.

Choosing Between Equity and Non-Equity Tours

For performers, choosing between Equity and non-Equity work depends on career goals. Those who want work right away might take a non-Equity job to build their résumé. Others might wait for Equity productions to get proper pay and benefits.

For audiences, deciding between an Equity tour and a non-Equity tour may depend on ticket prices and personal expectations. If you want the most polished, Broadway-level experience, an Equity show is usually the safer choice. However, if you’re open to seeing new talent in a more affordable setting, a non-Equity production can still be a great night out.

Overall

Equity tours and non-Equity tours each have their own pros and cons. For performers, Equity membership offers financial stability and protections, but non-Equity productions can give valuable early-career experience.

For audiences, Equity shows often have higher ticket prices, but also a higher level of polish and professionalism.

Understanding the difference can help actors make informed career choices and theatre lovers decide which productions best suit their expectations.

FAQs

What is a non-Equity tour?

A non-Equity tour is a touring theatre production that does not follow Actors’ Equity Association rules. Performers are not union members, and the production is not required to provide union benefits such as minimum salaries, pension, or health insurance.

Are non-Equity actors less skilled than Equity actors?

Not necessarily. Many non-Equity actors are talented performers early in their careers. Some go on to join Equity after gaining experience in non-union productions.

Do non-Equity tours cost less for audiences?

Sometimes. Non-Equity tours can have lower ticket prices, but some producers charge Broadway prices while paying performers less. Researching specific productions can help determine whether the price matches the value.

Can a non-Equity actor join Actors’ Equity?

Yes. Non-Equity actors can join Actors’ Equity Association by working in an Equity production or through the Equity Membership Candidate (EMC) program, which allows them to earn points toward membership.

Are all Broadway tours Equity tours?

No. Some Broadway tours start as Equity productions but later transition to non-Equity versions. Checking a show’s official website or reviews can confirm whether it’s an Equity or non-Equity tour.