To become an Apprentice Member at ACTRA, conventionally, you need at least one (1) qualifying work permit. However, with the Education Credit program, you can use your degree to qualify for membership. Learn more below.

In order to become an Apprentice Member with ACTRA, you must hold at least one (1) qualifying work permit. This includes work permits in a residual category under an ACTRA agreement, for example, principal actor, acting, and stunt roles, or completion of a course of studies from eligible post-secondary schools, programs, or institutions (within one year of completion). Work permits issued for background performance are excluded.

Definition of “Credit”

• An engagement as a performer in a residual category under an ACTRA Agreement
• In the case of a multi-week engagement as a performer in a residual category, a credit is earned for each full week
• 200 days or 1600 hours of work under ACTRA contracts earned as an ACTRA Additional Background member may be used to earn a first credit
• Completion of a course of studies from schools and post-secondary schools and institutions may be used to earn a first credit, provided it is applied for within one year of completion.

Qualifying Institutions and Programs in Quebec

To qualify for Apprentice Membership under the education credit program, you must register at the ACTRA Montreal office within 60 days of receiving your diploma from one of the following programs:

• Professional Theatre (Acting) program, Dawson College
• English stream, the National Theatre School
• Professional Theatre Acting, John Abbott College
• Drama program, Bishop’s University
• Theatre Performance program, Theatre for Human Development program, or the Theatre Major program (under the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree), Concordia University

Updated: May 4, 2023