Use this page to help answer frequently asked questions. Click on the Membership type to sort the FAQs or choose All to view all of the questions.

Prospective Members

-Do I have to be an SDC Full Member or Associate to participate in the exchanges, panel discussions, One-on-Ones, or DCNs?
You do not have to be a Full Member or Associate to attend DCN panel discussions or One-on-Ones; however there is occasionally a nominal attendance fee, which is reduced or waived for Members and Associates.
-Do I have to be an SDC Full Member or Associate in order to apply for the Foundation Observerships and Fellowships?
SDCF Observerships are open to the public.  SDCF Fellowships for emerging artists are also open to the public.  Fellowships for established artists are limited to SDC Full Members and Associates.  For more information click here,  and if you have questions about Foundation Observerships or Fellowships, please send an email to Foundation@SDCweb.org.
-I am a non-Member Director or Choreographer who works mostly overseas. If I join, will my work be covered?
SDC is a national labor union and at this time covers stage work in the United States only. However, some contracts cover work that begins in the U.S. and has additional companies overseas.  Please contact Contract Affairs (email Contracts@SDCweb.org) for more information.
-I am a non-Member Director or Choreographer who is not a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible to join SDC?
If you are a non-Member Director or Choreographer who is not a U.S. citizen you may be eligible to join, depending on which contract you are working under.  Please contact Member Services (email Membership@SDCweb.org) for more information.
-Will it cost a theatre more money if I become an SDC Member?
In most cases it shouldn’t.  SDC contracts set minimum terms for fees, pension and health contributions. Often the compensation a theatre is already offering professional Directors and Choreographers is within SDC minimums. If you need additional information on what contract applies to a particular employer, please contact Contract Affairs.
-How do I know if a theatre is an SDC theatre or non-SDC theatre?
Once you become a Full Member every theatre is an SDC theatre. Our contracts cover activity from Broadway to academic institutions to festivals.  Please get in touch with Contract Affairs (email Contracts@SDCweb.org) to see which contract you should be filing for your work.
-Does SDC cover Associate and Assistant work on a contract?
SDC currently covers Associate work in the following jurisdictions: • Broadway & First-Class Tours o If you are an Associate Member or Full Member working as an Associate or Resident on a Broadway production or first class tour, the elective SDC Associate Contract is available for you to request. If secured, Associate Members are required to upgrade to Full Membership prior to the effective date of their contract. • Non-Equity Tours o If you are a Full Member working as an Associate on a Non-Equity Tour, the producer is required to file an SDC contract for your work. o If you are working as a Restager on a Non-Equity Tour, regardless of your Membership status, the producer is required to cover you on an SDC contract. This contract requires that you join SDC or upgrade to Full Membership prior to the first rehearsal date. • Regional Musical Theatre o If you are a Full Member working as an Associate or Assistant at a theatre covered by the Regional Musical Theatre Agreement, the theatre is required to file an SDC contract for your work. If your Associate or Assistant work is outside of these jurisdictions, you can be a Member and still take these jobs. Please contact Contract Affairs (email Contracts@SDCweb.org) for more information on the above or with questions regarding other jurisdictions.
-Will joining SDC prevent me from accepting work?
As a Full Member you must file contracts anytime and anywhere you direct or choreograph. We have a variety of contracts, including contracts for theatres that do not have a Collectively Bargained Agreement with us. Should you encounter a theatre or producer who is concerned about hiring you because you are an SDC Member, please let us know (email Contracts@SDCweb.org). However, being an SDC Member should never prevent you from working.
-Can SDC help me get an agent?
SDC cannot help you find an agent, but we can provide you with names of talent agencies that represent Directors and Choreographers.
-Can SDC help me get a job?
We are not an employment agency. We are a union. However, we do post job listings in our Member Portal, which Members and Associates can access. We also encourage everyone to take advantage of our unique networking opportunities. We are continually working to expand Union jurisdiction which will create more job opportunities for Members.
-Once I am accepted, how long until I’m officially a Member?
After your application has been approved and payment has been made, you will be voted into Membership by the Executive Board at their next meeting.
-What is the difference between being a Full Member and an Associate Member?
The most fundamental difference is that Associates do not file contracts and Full Members must file each and every time they work. For more information go to the SDC Membership page of the website. And you can always call or email the Member Services Dept (ext. 236, Membership@SDCweb.org) for more information.
-Is there a point at which I am required to join SDC?
Joining requirements vary by contract. Please contact Member Services if you’re unsure if you’re required to join.
-How much does it cost to join SDC?

To join as a Full Member, initiation is currently $2,000 and Annual Dues are currently $240. To join as an Associate Member, initiation is currently $375 and Annual Dues are currently $90.  For more information about making a payment please click here.

-When is the right time for me to join?
The time to join varies by individual. Some join because they have signed an SDC contract but have not become a Member. Others join because they feel it’s time to take the next step in their career, and still others join because they are required to. Member Services is available to advise you and answer any questions you have--but only you can determine if it’s the right time for you.
-How do I join SDC?
To apply for Full or Associate Membership, we require a completed application and a current resume. Materials may be submitted online, emailed to Membership@SDCweb.org or mailed to Membership, SDC, 321 West 44th Street, Suite 804, NY NY 10036.
-Why should I join SDC?
SDC is a national community of professional stage directors and choreographers. By joining as an Associate or Full Member, you are making a declaration that you are a professional in your field. As a Full Member filing contracts, you are protected under SDC’s agreements for right of first refusal, property rights, and other basic protections. As an Associate Member, you become part of an esteemed community of artists.

Employers

-Where can I find an SDC Logo for our program?
You can find downloadable logos under the Contracts menu of the website.
-I would like to contact a particular Director or Choreographer. Can you give me his/her phone number or email address?
SDC staff is only authorized to release agent or manager information. If you are trying to hire a Member who is un-represented, we will do our best to forward your inquiry to that person. Actors are welcome to call the office for agent information, but please do not ask the staff to get in touch with a Director or Choreographer for you.
-Where can I find a list of SDC Members?
All Members in good standing are listed in SDC’s Member Directory Listing on our website.
-Can SDC also write a letter for the Director or Choreographer’s Associate or Assistant?
As of December 2010, SDC no longer writes O-2 letters for Assistant and Associate Directors and Choreographers. We are confident that a foreign Director or Choreographer coming over to the United States on an O-1 will have no problem choosing a talented and dedicated assistant from the large pool of remarkable artists who live here and are seeking work. Likewise, we will no longer write O-1 letters for foreign assistants and associates who are restaging work that has already been done here if the American assistant is available and willing to take the job.
-I’m hiring a foreign Director and/or Choreographer this season, and I need a consult letter for his/her visa application.
All requests are reviewed by SDC’s International Artists Committee. The following materials are required: a cover letter outlining the details of the request, a copy of the I-129 petition, the accompanying materials submitted with the petition, and the draft contract or deal memo.  The fees are as follows:
  • No charge for Members in good standing, standard service. (Turnaround time within two weeks of SDC’s receipt of all required materials.)
  • $250 for Members, expedited service.  (Turnaround time within three to five business days of SDC’s receipt of all required materials.)
  • $500 for non-Members, standard service.
  • $1,000 for non-Members, expedited service.
The materials can be submitted digitally to the Member Services Dept (ext. 236, Membership@SDCweb.org), or hard copies can be mailed to the attention of Member Services, SDC, 321 West 44th Street, Suite 804, New York, NY 10036.

Full Members

-Is it true that Full Members may be granted permission to videotape a rehearsal?
Yes. According to the SDC agreement with AEA, subject to approval from both Unions, a Director or Choreographer may videotape a final run-through in the rehearsal room with no costumes or props. This tape may be used for notation purposes only and may only be viewed by members of the creative team. Please contact the Member Services Dept (ext. 236, Membership@SDCweb.org) for the full terms of the agreement and the permission forms. Videotaping requests MUST be made at least TWO WEEKS prior to the requested taping date.
-My Membership has been suspended. How do I find out how much I owe, and how can I make an online payment?
To find out how much you owe, contact Senior Business Associate Michele Holmes (ext. 240, MHolmes@SDCweb.org).  To make an online payment for any dues, initiation fees, and/or assessments, visit our homepage and click on Make Payment (on the far right), then click Member Dues and Assessments.  Enter the amount of your payment (refer to your invoice) to the right of the button, then click the One-Time Payment button. This will link you to our PayPal website for payment. NOTE: You do not need to log in to the SDC website or the PayPal website to make a one-time online payment. We will look at the contact information you provide to PayPal when applying your payment. If the name of the person making your payment does not match the name we have for you in our system, please contact SDC to alert us.
-I’m a Full Member but I won’t be working. Can I withdraw from SDC?
If you expect that you will not be directing or choreographing for at least a year and are a Member in good standing, you may place your Membership on Honorable Withdrawal.  While on withdrawal you may not accept work.  If your employment patterns change and you find that you are directing or choreographing within a year, you must return to active status. Upon your return to active Membership from your first term of honorable withdrawal you will be subject to a reinstatement fee of $50 plus then current dues.  For each subsequent return to active Membership you will be subject to an escalating reinstatement fee plus then current dues. For more information on Honorable Withdrawal, contact Member Services (email Membership@SDCweb.org).
-How do I know if I’m eligible for health insurance?

You are eligible to participate in the health plan if you are employed under an SDC contract and sufficient employer contributions are made to the SDC-League Health Fund on your behalf. Check out the Health Plan Eligibility page of the website to learn more about eligibility, and contact Manager of Plan Services Suzette Porte (ext. 227, Health@SDCweb.org) for further explanation.

-I have a question about my dues invoice. Who can help me?
Contact Senior Business Associate Michele Holmes (ext. 240, MHolmes@SDCweb.org) and she’ll be glad to assist you.
-What contract should I be filing for an upcoming show?
Only Full Members are eligible to file contracts. SDC’s Collectively Bargained Agreements can be found in the contracts section of our website.  If you’re not sure which contract you should be filing, please get in touch with Contract Affairs (email Contracts@SDCweb.org) and they’ll be able to help you.
-I’ve lost my Membership card. How do I get a new one?

Call or email the Member Services Dept (ext. 248, Membership@SDCweb.org) and we’ll replace it for you.

-What’s the best way to let you know I’ve moved or changed my contact information?
You can make the change directly through the Member Portal by choosing the "My Profile" tab, or you can contact Member Services and they’ll be happy to take your new information.
-How can I change my name?
Please contact Member Services if you would like to change your name. Your name change may not be identical in spelling to a name registered to another Member.

Associate Members

-How do I know if I’m eligible for health insurance?

You are eligible to participate in the health plan if you are employed under an SDC contract and sufficient employer contributions are made to the SDC-League Health Fund on your behalf. Check out the Health Plan Eligibility page of the website to learn more about eligibility, and contact Manager of Plan Services Suzette Porte (ext. 227, Health@SDCweb.org) for further explanation.

-I have a question about my dues invoice. Who can help me?
Contact Senior Business Associate Michele Holmes (ext. 240, MHolmes@SDCweb.org) and she’ll be glad to assist you.
-I’ve lost my Membership card. How do I get a new one?

Call or email the Member Services Dept (ext. 248, Membership@SDCweb.org) and we’ll replace it for you.

-What’s the best way to let you know I’ve moved or changed my contact information?
You can make the change directly through the Member Portal by choosing the "My Profile" tab, or you can contact Member Services and they’ll be happy to take your new information.
-How can I change my name?
Please contact Member Services if you would like to change your name. Your name change may not be identical in spelling to a name registered to another Member.