"it's also not mandatory" "The film and performance arts unions have made every movie and television show you've ever seen." Gotcha. But the best part is this: "competency is required to join the union" Rich beyond belief. The only people who would believe this are the people being sold to, to join. Or perhaps, it's just that the performing arts unions are distinctly different from every. single. other. union. in existence. Not saying there are not, in fact, competent people who are members of said unions, but you are mistaken that union membership guarantees competency. Are they licensed and require continuing annual educational requirements? Or perhaps this is why I've never heard a poor VO or witnessed an abysmal acting performance (or maybe it's just that those had fake membership cards?)