Permit Access Fund – Performer FAQ

How do I apply to the Permit Access Fund?

Permits for ACTRA Toronto Apprentices and AABP: Since members pay their permit fees, you can apply directly to the Fund by completing this PAF Performer Form. Once a decision is made, the performer will be notified.

Permits for non-union performers: please refer to this heading under the Producer section of the FAQ.

When will I be notified about the decision of my application?

Permits for ACTRA Toronto Apprentices and AABP: After ACTRA Toronto confirms we have received the required signatory paperwork from the Production, the performer should be notified if their application has been successful within five (5) business days.

Permits for non-union performers: After ACTRA Toronto receives the required signatory paperwork as well as the completed Permit Access Fund Performer Form, the producer should be notified if their application has been successful within five (5) business days.

Why do I need to self-identify in the performer application form?

This initiative is intended to support performers who identify as belonging to the Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or Persons with Disabilities/Disabled Person communities.

ACTRA Toronto relies on the performer to self-identify and indicate the communities to which they belong.

The Performer Form allows for the performer to self-identify within these communities in a confidential manner.

ACTRA Toronto is committed to maintaining your confidentiality, and the details of how you self-identify will not be shared with the producer/production.

Why should I join ACTRA?

ACTRA is a national union of professional performers standing together to negotiate fair pay, decent working conditions and respectful treatment in the workplace. We welcome new members and look forward to working with you as you develop your career as a performer. To learn more about the process of joining ACTRA and the many benefits, click here.

What happens after my first qualifying work permit?

After your first work permit, you now qualify to join ACTRA as an Apprentice! ACTRA’s Apprentice Program allows performers who are new to ACTRA to work on ACTRA sets and earn credits toward Full membership. To learn more, click here.

What happens after my third qualifying work permit?

After your third qualifying work permit is processed, ACTRA Toronto's Membership Department will reach out to provide you with all the information you need to become a Full Member! Apprentice Members may deduct from their Full Membership fee the cost of any qualifying Apprentice Member credits used toward earning their Full Membership and their initial Apprentice Membership fee.

When a third qualifying work permit is issued through the Permit Access Fund, performers are automatically given extra time to join the union and qualify for installments on their Full membership fee. This option is open to all performers in need, not just those who are part of the Permit Access Fund. If you would like more information about this option, regardless of your Permit Access Fund involvement, please contact our Membership Department.