Choosing your Equity Name

I was recently working with a young actor and we discovered that he can’t work under his own name as someone else has registered his name with Equity. It’s a real shame because it’s a strong name, but that’s life and he has to now come up with a name he will use for the rest of his life.

Here’s my ten top tips for choosing your Equity or Stage Name:

Tip 1: Never presume just because you have an unusual name that it won’t be taken. Head to Spotlight’s website in the UK and check the name for other performers, if they’re present, sorry, tough luck, it’s taken.

Tip 2: You can’t just throw in an initial or a middle name, you can’t register Daniel T Radcliffe or be Emma Ann Watson.

Tip 3: Get in early, as soon as you are eligible, register your name with Equity, the actor’s union.

Tip 4: You can’t be a sound alike either, so Sophie Dear cannot register if there is already a Sophie Dere.

Tip 5: Never change your first name unless you really must, you are hardwired to respond to your first name.

Tip 6: Make the surname that you choose something personal to you. It could be your mother’s maiden name or your middle name. Many people choose a hero’s surname, David Tennant took the name of a favourite pop star, my friend names herself after a favourite actress.

Tip 7: Don’t choose wacky names, don’t be Chuck Water or Bingo Wings, or Eileen Over, no one will take you seriously and you have this name for the rest of your professional career. Avoid anything that you might mock if you heard it mentioned on the television!

Tip 8: Remember this isn’t a legal name unless you change your real name which some people do. Remember to get paid by the name on your bank account.

Tip 9: Take your time, this is a big decision!

Tip 10: Ask your friends and family and listen to their responses.

If in doubt, message me and I’ll tell you what I think, remember to include your headshot too though!