Founded in 1937, AFTRA, also known as The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is the second largest performers’ union that represents a wide variety of talent, including actors in radio and television, as well as radio and television announcers and newspersons, singers and recording artists (both royalty artists and background singers), promo and voice-over announcers and other performers in commercials, stunt persons and specialty acts.
As of 2005, the union currently has approximately 80,000 members in affiliated locals in major cities throughout the United States (44,000 of whom hold SAG memberships as well).
This is a must union to join if you are to be considered a “professional” actor. You can find out more info by visiting AFTRA.com.
