ACTRA

What is ACTRA?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

VIDEO CREDIT: REEL CANADA / REEL OPPORTUNITIES

What is the average pay rate for ACTRA Members

AVERAGE PAY RATES FOR UNION MEMBERS

🎭 Film/TV Actors (Union – ACTRA members)

Day rate: $700–$1,000+ (for principal performers)
Weekly rate: $2,500–$4,000+
Background performers: ~$15–$20/hour (with some union minimums)

🎭 Theatre Actors (Union – CAEA members)

Small theatre companies: $500–$1,000/week
Large productions (Stratford, Mirvish, etc.): $1,500–$2,500/week

📺 Commercials

National commercial (union): Can earn $2,000–$10,000+ depending on usage
Buyouts and residuals can significantly increase earnings

🗺️ AVERAGE ACTOR SALARIES BY PROVINCE

📍 Ontario (Toronto)

Major hub for film & TV production
ACTRA Toronto is very active
Average salary: ~$55,000/year
Recurring TV role: $3,000–$6,000/week
Day players/guests: ~$800–$1,200/day

📍 British Columbia (Vancouver)

Huge industry (Hollywood North)
ACTRA BC & UBCP handle union jobs
Average salary: ~$50,000/year
Many U.S. shows are shot here — potential for SAG/ACTRA crossover rates

📍 Quebec (Montreal)

Strong local market, lots of French-language content
Union: UDA (Union des artistes)
Average salary: ~$40,000–$50,000/year
Quebec actors sometimes earn less per project but may work more consistently in local productions

📍 Other Provinces (e.g., Alberta, Nova Scotia)

Smaller markets, fewer productions
Average salary: ~$30,000–$40,000/year
More theatre and indie film than major TV/film

For additional information – contact your local ACTRA Office:

ACTRA NEWFOUNDLAND / LABRADOR

How many permits/credits do I need to become an ACTRA member?

You need 3 permits/credits to become an ACTRA Member.

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The following information is from the ACTRA Toronto – Permits Page – https://www.actratoronto.com/permits/

Non-members or Apprentice Members* working on ACTRA Toronto sets must pay a permit fee.

Permit fees are tax-deductible, so remember to keep your receipts.

You must obtain a permit before work begins. You can submit a permit application in person (appointment only) at ACTRA Toronto’s offices or by email.

To make an in-person appointment to submit a permit application at the ACTRA Toronto offices, please send your appointment request directly to the Business Representative assigned to the production. The names and email addresses of the ACTRA Toronto Business Representatives for each production are listed on the What’s Shooting page.

*Qualifying work permits towards ACTRA membership are now capped at three (3) for Canadian permittees who choose not to join the union.

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For additional information contact your local ACTRA office:

ACTRA NEWFOUNDLAND / LABRADOR

How much does a permit cost?

For the cost of permit fees see the ACTRA PERMITS Page: https://www.actra.ca/permits/

Note: You must obtain a permit before work begins.

For additional information contact your local ACTRA office:

ACTRA NEWFOUNDLAND / LABRADOR

What are the dues and fees associated with becoming a Full ACTRA Member?

To become a Full Member, the initiation fee is $1,600, plus $195 for basic annual membership dues.

If you are applying as an Apprentice Member, you may deduct from your $1,600 Full Membership fee the cost of any qualifying Apprentice Member credits used toward earning your Full Membership, as well as your initial Apprentice Membership fee ($75).

If you are applying as a Member of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA), you may deduct a $475 reduction from your $1,600 Full Membership fee.

Full Members pay working dues of 2.25% of gross earnings each year, up to a maximum of $4,000, in addition to the basic annual membership dues ($195), which are invoiced every year in March.

SOURCE: ACTRA TORONTO – HOW TO JOIN

For additional information contact your local ACTRA office:

ACTRA NEWFOUNDLAND / LABRADOR

I am new to acting and I just booked my first commercial, it is a union commercial, should I join ACTRA?

If you are represented by an agent, this is a discussion you should have with your agent before making a decision.

If you are not represented by an agent, consider seeking advice from a reputable industry professional, mentor, or performers’ union to ensure you’re making an informed choice.

As a non-union performer, am I allowed to work on an union production?

Yes

You must obtain a permit before work begins. You can submit a permit application in person at your local branch or send it to your branch by email.

ACTRA PERMITS Page: https://www.actra.ca/permits/

For additional information – call your local ACTRA Office:

ACTRA NEWFOUNDLAND / LABRADOR

As a union performer, am I allowed to work on a non-union production?

No.

Please contact you local ACTRA office to clarify your membership rules:

ACTRA NEWFOUNDLAND / LABRADOR

How do I build my resume as a union performer?

Building your résumé as a union performer takes time, strategy, and persistence. Here are some tips to help you get started and grow your experience:

Start with smaller roles: Look for union productions offering supporting, day player, or background roles. These can help you gain on-set experience and earn additional credits.
Attend open calls and auditions: Some union projects still hold open auditions. Stay informed by checking casting websites like eBOSS Canada, Casting Workbook, or agency breakdown services.
Use your apprentice credits: If you’re an Apprentice Member of ACTRA, build your credits by taking qualifying roles to work toward full membership.
Create your own work: Consider writing or producing short films or digital projects under a union co-op agreement. This can demonstrate your initiative and give you meaningful material for your demo reel.
Take professional training: Keep your skills sharp by studying with recognized instructors. Well-known coaches and studios can also help strengthen your résumé.
Network within the industry: Attend industry events, workshops, and festivals to meet casting directors, producers, and other performers who can open doors to opportunities.
Stay current and professional: Keep your headshot, résumé, and demo reel up to date. A clean, professional presentation shows you take your career seriously.

What type of work do ACTRA Members do?

Perform in hundreds of different film and television productions shot in Toronto’s multi-billion-dollar-a-year film and television industry.
Work in Canada’s largest commercial production market, where radio, television, and digital media commercials are created for audiences in Canada and around the world.
Perform on air for both public and private broadcasters, including CBC TV and Radio, TVO, CTV, and other Ontario-based networks and specialty channels.
Appear in thousands of smaller productions each year — including corporate and web-based videos, independent films, digital media, and other recorded content.

SOURCE: ACTRA TORONTO – HOW TO JOIN