What is ACTRA?
ACTRA
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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VIDEO CREDIT: REEL CANADA / REEL OPPORTUNITIES
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What is UBCP/ACTRA?
UBCP/ACTRA is an autonomous branch of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. UBCP/ACTRA’s more than 8,800 members from B.C. and the Yukon are integral to the approximately over 30,000 performers who have come together to build ACTRA, Canada’s strongest Union of cultural workers.
UBCP/ACTRA has some of the most robust collective agreements for performers globally, encompassing film, TV, radio, digital media, animation, voice, videogame, and commercial production. These agreements ensure that performers are paid a fair wage and are protected on set.
MANDATE: We represent, protect and advance the interests of professional performers in British Columbia and the Yukon and promote a thriving, inclusive, and diverse film, and recorded media industry in Canada.
MISSION: We negotiate fair wages and safe working conditions for all performers. We advocate for the protection of performers’ rights, and ethical and professional standards in the industry, as well as encourage and support the creation of work opportunities for our members.
WHY JOIN?: When you’re part of UBCP/ACTRA, you’re part of the strongest, full-service cultural union in Canada. Think of it like a 28,000-strong family that’s got your back.
SOURCE: https://ubcpactra.ca/who-we-are/
Why join UBCP/ACTRA?
When you’re part of UBCP/ACTRA, you’re part of the strongest, full-service cultural union in Canada. Think of it like a 28,000-strong family that’s got your back.
There are many good reasons to be part of our union – here are six:
BETTER PAY
When you work under a union contract on a union set you are guaranteed a minimum fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Full union members receive retirement contributions from producers and a portion of your earnings are automatically contributed to your RRSP so that you have solid retirement funding in place.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Once you attain full member status and choose a benefit provider you may be eligible for benefits that will allow you to access a range of health services provided by your chosen provider (either AFBS or MBT). In addition to extended medical, dental, and eye care, you may be provided with benefits for retirement facilities or homecare support. As well there are services for special needs, prolonged illness, extended disabilities, addiction treatment, and funerals. The coverage may also include your spouse/partner, and any dependent children.
WORK OPPORTUNITIES
Full UBCP/ACTRA members are considered professional performers in the industry and have access to training programs and educational opportunities to continue furthering their careers.
INTERVENTION WHEN THERE’S TROUBLE
Our collective agreements have language to ensure that you get paid a fair wage and have protections when you work. The agreements cover health and safety, work hours, set conditions, nudity, and harassment and protections for young performers.
FIGHTING FOR CANADIAN CULTURE
When you work UBCP/ACTRA, you’ll be a member of one of BC and Canada’s leading cultural organizations. Our union is a vocal advocate for the arts and the right for Canadians to have opportunities to tell their stories. Through ongoing media and lobbying campaigns that target all levels of government, we speak out for the development and protection of Canadian culture, a strong film, television and digital media industry, and increased work opportunities for members.
How to Join UBCP/ACTRA
You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to be eligible to join the union.
Membership eligibility is achieved via “qualifying credits”. It takes 1 credit to be eligible for APPRENTICESHIP and 3 credits to become eligible for FULL MEMBERSHIP
You may submit your application and supporting documents, or any questions about your eligibility to membership@ubcpactra.ca
The first qualifying credit can be:
- An Acting Credit in a professional engagement in an eligible category for which a work permit was paid. You will need to provide a copy of the contract and pay stub from the engagement when making your application.
- An Education Credit: a degree or diploma from an accredited program
- 1600 hours or 200 days of on-camera work from when you joined as a Background Member. To join as a BACKGROUND MEMBER you will need proof of 15 days of on-camera work as a Background Performer in the last 12 months.
The second, and subsequent credits must be Acting Credits.
In order to become a member you need to be a Canadian citizen or have permanent residency status.
The Union can offer Temporary Membership once you have applied for Permanent Residency.
As a Temporary Member you will be issued a union number and have the same rights as a UBCP/ACTRA Apprentice Member such as access to work opportunities on unionized productions through preference of engagement. You pay work permit fees until you are granted either Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status and have earned three (3) qualifying credits from work in a residual category on a unionized production. A Temporary Member who becomes eligible for Full Membership is entitled a credit toward their initiation fee equal to the permit fees previously paid by them, up to but not exceeding the cost of the initiation fee.
To apply for Temporary Membership, please submit the documents listed below to membership@ubcpactra.ca
- Proof of one (1):
a) Status as a Deemed Resident of Canada for income tax purposes
b) Confirmation that your application for permanent residency is being processed with immigration. We need a copy of the email or letter you received that includes your application number issued by IRCC
c) Letter of good standing from a FIA union - A copy of your work VISA issued by the Canadian Government
- Proof of at least one qualifying Acting Credit (Contract and Paystub)
- The completed Apprentice Application Form
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
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For additional information – speak to your agent or call your local ACTRA Office:
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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
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🗺️ 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
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For additional information – speak to your agent or call your local ACTRA Office:
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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 – speak to your agent or call your local ACTRA Office:
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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 – speak to your agent or call your local ACTRA Office:
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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.
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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/
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For additional information – speak to your agent or call your local ACTRA Office:
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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