My question is about stage names. I’m not an Equity or SAG member yet, but I’ve been getting consistent work in some fantastic theatre, and have recently been cast in a show that will be somewhat high-profile. I know that there are others with my name already registered in the unions and have started wondering if I should start working under a professional name that I’ll be using once I’m in the union.

Here’s the good news about your “real name” and the unions: you can keep your name, even if it’s a duplicate of someone already in the unions. Everyone knows the tale of Michael J. Fox having to add that “J” because of an existing “Michael Fox” in SAG. Well, today, that “J” wouldn’t be required. If you are using your legal name (and you haven’t changed it in order to share the name of an existing union member just for fun), you’re fine!

Remember, the one-name-per-actor rule in the unions came about in the days before computer-aided record-keeping. The concern over duplicate names had more to do with actors receiving residual checks and contributions into pension and health that were meant for other actors than anything else. In the current landscape of record-keeping, this simply isn’t an issue anymore (or, if it is, it’s not one that name-duplication creates).

So, any of your concerns about the use of a stage name that have to do with the “union rules” can be dismissed.

Now, if you’re looking to choose a stage name for some other reason (someone very famous shares your name, you’ve never really liked your name, you don’t feel that your name is a good “fit” for you, etc.), that’s something to discuss. At length.

I’ve received headshots and resumés from actors who have changed their names multiple times in the few years I’ve been casting. That’s just confusing and frustrating. The biggest piece of advice I’d give you in choosing to change your name and in choosing a name to use is this: spend a lot of time figuring it out and then stick to it! Don’t enter into the decision lightly and definitely don’t choose a name without discussing it with advisors, mentors, coaches, agents, and managers. (Remember Joey on Friends choosing Holden McGroin?) You’re looking to brand yourself and give the industry something that we can connect with, when we consider you and your work.

Just as you would work very carefully to choose headshots that best represent your most marketable type, consider a name that represents you accurately (and one that will continue to do so as you grow older). If you are concerned that people will confuse you with a more famous actor who shares your name, rest assured that this sort of thing will be an issue only at the very beginning of your career (and it’s something you may even benefit from, from time to time). Certainly, I can understand wanting to have a unique name, but the chances are your name (no matter what it is) is shared by someone, somewhere. So, if you are generally okay with that fact, don’t make a change. If, however, your name is shared by someone so blindingly famous that you really feel the need to make a change right now, simply begin by enlisting the help of those you trust to advise you well, make a list of possible names, and then make a choice, once and for all.

Good luck to you, whatever name you choose!

Bonnie Gillespie is living her dreams by helping others figure out how to live theirs. Wanna work with Bon? Start here. Thanks!

Originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000289.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.