ACTING IN MANITOBA
ACTRA is the union of professional performers in movies, television, radio and digital productions. ACTRA Manitoba has a membership of performers, including actors, singers, stunt performers, dancers, voice specialists and others. The Independent Production Agreement (IPA) negotiated with the Producers’ Associations sets the minimum working conditions and rates in most feature films and television series. Other Agreements include commercials, NFB and broadcasters.
Getting started
Here are requirements to become an ACTRA Actor (PERFORMER)
Apart from a solid work ethic, successful actors and performers have a commitment to training. There are Universities, colleges and private actor training programs. Contact ACTRA Manitoba for information.
You must provide proof of citizenship or permanent residence status.
You must hold at least one qualifying work permit. This includes work for principal and acting roles as well as stunt but excludes work permits for background performing. Performers are auditioned for roles. Low budget and independent productions that have signed an agreement with ACTRA are often good places to audition. The Winnipeg Audition Network often lists these types of opportunities.
Here are requirements to become an ACTRA Background Actor
Check Background Actor (Background Performer) description
Specialized training is not a requirement but Film Training Manitoba’s Set Orientation Course and Working as an Extra: Intro to Background Performing Course are recommended.
You can also get on set by doing extra or background acting work. You will be able to see what happens on set and see how film technicians work together. ACTRA Manitoba lists Background Casting Directors
Contact ACTRA Manitoba for information about joining ACTRA as an Additional Background Performer. You will need the following:
Proof that you have worked as a Background Performer 15 days within a 12-month period under ACTRA’s jurisdiction immediately preceding your application
Current resume
Current photo
If you have never worked on a film set you can get on set by volunteering as a background actor. You will be able to see what happens on set and see how film technicians work together.
Some resources for volunteering opportunities:
You can also get on set by doing extra or background acting work. You will be able to see what happens on set and see how film technicians work together. Register to be listed on background casting databases:
NEXT! Casting (Lori Stefaniuk)
nextcasting@hotmail.com and lori@nextcasting.ca
www.nextcasting.caKari Casting (Kari Rieger)
info@karicasting.ca
www.karicasting.caMadLib Casting (Heather Madill and Libid Zyla)
www.madlibcasting.comDJT Casting (Derek James Trapp)
djtcasting@gmail.com
On Screen Manitoba is your connection to the Manitoba media production industry. We can help to guide you to the appropriate resources and opportunities.
Please contact us for more information.