So What is a SAG waiver?

So What is a SAG waiver?

If you see a casting notice that says "Union Status: SAG waiver", that means it is a non-union project which has been approved to use SAG Union actors. The union typically grants this status to student films at reputable schools. Most of the time, the casting directors for these films agree to audition both SAG and non-SAG actors.

In some cases SAG also allows waivers for non-union actors to work under a SAG contract. A non-union actor can get a SAG waiver in two ways:

1) If you are cast in a speaking role in a SAG production. You can audition for these roles as a non-union actor, but it can be more difficult to get an audition appointment, especially if you don't have an agent. However, if you do get a speaking role with a SAG contract, you are automatically eligible to join the union.

2) The other way is by working as an extra and receiving a SAG voucher, either because they do not have a SAG actor with the right look/abilities, or because a SAG member did not show up, and you take their place. Once you have worked as a SAG extra 3 times, you are eligible to join the union.