Chicago Audition and Equity V. Non Equity

I decided not to go to the Broadway Musical Chicago Audition due to possibilities of inclement weather. This turned out to be fortunate for me because, according to a friend, there were so many people at the audition that no non-equity dancers were seen.

For those of you who don't know, dancers who are members of the Actor's Equity Union are called equity dancers. Being a member of equity (that is, receiving the coveted "Equity Card") allows you certain perks - you get paid more, you can get free healthcare, the union monitors your contracts and working conditions, and so on. While dancers can me members of equity, so can shows, theatres and production companies. When a show is a member of equity they must abide by the rules of Equity.

All shows are required to hold an equity casting call once per year, whether they need replacements or not. Non-equity dancers can attend these calls, but they might not get seen at all. If they are seen, they will be seen after all the equity dancers have been auditioned.