Ask here as well http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/
Is that you can’t work in a non-Equity production or is it that you can’t unless you get their permission? And how hard is it to get that permission?
Or are you eligible for the card but can wait before you join Equity?
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/7932319/#Comment_7932319
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1796565-how-soon-to-get-equity-or-sag-cards.html
Or are there certain colleges that are Equity schools?