Classes

Are you ready to learn how to create your own content?? This is the event for you!  This is a 6-week series that will take you from writing to shooting to editing a short film, and everything in between.

The class is limited to 25 SAG-AFTRA Chicago members in good standing, who will be split into teams to work together on producing a short film.  Attendance at every class is mandatory, so only register if you are able to make it to the scheduled classes.  All classes (except post production) will be held on Monday nights from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, (dinner served at 5:30 pm) with the post production class being held on a Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm.  Each week will include speakers who are experts in the topic of the day, to help you to be successful in your short film producing journey.

The agenda for each week is as follows:
 

Week 1- September 18: Screenwriting

Week 2 - September 25: Tech night - learning about camera, sound, lighting, directing

Week 3 - October 2: Learning about SAG-AFTRA paperwork and other legal issues.

Week 4 - October 9: Hiring cast and crew, creating character breakdown, etc.

Week 5: Shoot your film!

Week 6: October 28: Post production

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

The New Orleans Local Women’s Committee is hosting a Self-Defense Program in the New Orleans area. Taught by SAG-AFTRA member and stunt performer Alex Coker who is also a police officer, firearms and active shooter instructor, protection specialist and a veteran Army Staff Sergeant. He will share his tips in a lecture format regarding firearm safety, knives, other device options and unarmed combat responses. This program is designed to bring self-confidence, empowerment and a no fear mentality. Participants should bring an open mind and instruments to take notes.

What:  Self-Defense Training

When: 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, August 29

Where: Exact location in New Orleans will be provided at a later date.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Click here to RSVP by August 21.

This event is open New Orleans Local members. No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

Please join us for a Saturday morning Reiki session.  Agent and Reiki master Donna Simons-Dunn will be joining us via ZOOM! Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.

After Reiki, stick around for a good old fasioned pancake breakfast in the KRC.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Virtual Studio Jams are a way to plug in with other union members, get practice in the medium, work on industry-relevant material, and share feedback as you flex your muscles in a low-pressure setting - your own house!

Our On Cam Jam is a perfect place to get up on your camera to work on sides, scenes, or the kind of copy that interests you! This is a great time to ask self-tape questions and discuss technology with other members.

Our VO Jam affords voice actors a time and place to work on copy, listen to feedback, ask all your tough tech questions, and make tweaks and revisions to get in tip top shape for the next voice gig!

We also offer Free Form days to work on whatever you want to work on with Center Director Melissa Pryor.

RSVP here.

Please Note:

Studio Jams are intended for union performers in good standing and are offered as a benefit of membership. By claiming your seat in this series, you are confirming that you are a union performer in good standing and are participating in the series in order to share and receive developmental feedback intended for the growth and development of professional union performers. In participating in the series, you also confirm that you are pursuing work and development to work only under union agreements and contracts.

Our virtual jam sessions take place via zoom - you will receive a confirmation email with zoom room info when you confirm your 'seat' in the jam. If you do not receive it or have any questions or problems, email Melissa- melissa@thekaufherrcenter.org.

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA members in good standing.

 

Please join Casting Director Jenny Ravitz on Thursday, May 25 for a Co-Star Audition class that you won’t want to miss! This presentation will focus on the best ways to prep, what your function is in the storytelling, and how to analyze the script to answer questions about character. At the end of the presentation, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions. 

Jenny Ravitz is a New York-based casting director whose past work includes the hit NBC series Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med, FBI: International (CBS), and the indie film "Pretty People," which debuted at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. She is currently working independently and recently cast projects for Ars Nova, 5th Avenue Theatre, and Paper Mill Playhouse. She is an advocate for artists with chronic pain and illnesses and was named the 2021 Volunteer of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation of New York.  

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru April 30, 2023, or Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Join the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local for the popular “SAG-AFTRA 101” workshop. This conversation will provide attendees with information on performer’s rights and protections, present an overview of some of the key elements of the Commercials, Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast, Television, and Theatrical Agreements, discuss the benefits of membership, and share the resources available to members of SAG-AFTRA. This presentation is perfect for new and veteran members alike. 

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Our On Cam Jam is a perfect place to get up on your camera to work on sides, scenes, or the kind of copy that interests you! This is a great time to ask self-tape questions and discuss technology with other members.

Our VO Jam affords voice actors a time and place to work on copy, listen to feedback, ask all your tough tech questions, and make tweaks and revisions to get in tip top shape for the next voice gig!

Please Note:

Studio Jams are intended for union performers in good standing and are offered as a perk of membership. By claiming your seat in this series, you are confirming that you are a union performer in good standing and are participating in the series in order to share and receive developmental feedback intended for the growth and development of professional union performers. In participating in the series, you also confirm that you are pursuing work and development to work only under union agreements and contracts.

****Moderated Virtual Jams are often recorded and sent to the Participants for their own playback and education. Recordings are unlisted and only available to those who actively work on copy during a Jam.

RSVP: Reservations are required here.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru April 30, 2023). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Virtual Studio Jams are a way to plug in with other union members, get practice in the medium, work on industry-relevant material, and share feedback as you flex your muscles in a low-pressure setting - your own house!

Our On Cam Jam is a perfect place to get up on your camera to work on sides, scenes, or the kind of copy that interests you! This is a great time to ask self-tape questions and discuss technology with other members.

Our VO Jam affords voice actors a time and place to work on copy, listen to feedback, ask all your tough tech questions, and make tweaks and revisions to get in tip top shape for the next voice gig!

RSVP here.

Please Note:

Studio Jams are intended for union performers in good standing and are offered as a benefit of membership. By claiming your seat in this series, you are confirming that you are a union performer in good standing and are participating in the series in order to share and receive developmental feedback intended for the growth and development of professional union performers. In participating in the series, you also confirm that you are pursuing work and development to work only under union agreements and contracts.

Our virtual jam sessions take place via zoom - you will receive a confirmation email with zoom room info when you confirm your 'seat' in the jam. If you do not receive it or have any questions or problems, email Melissa- melissa@thekaufherrcenter.org.

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

Virtual Studio Jams are a way to plug in with other union members, get practice in the medium, work on industry-relevant material, and share feedback as you flex your muscles in a low-pressure setting - your own house!

Our On Cam Jam is a perfect place to get up on your camera to work on sides, scenes, or the kind of copy that interests you! This is a great time to ask self-tape questions and discuss technology with other members.

Our VO Jam affords voice actors a time and place to work on copy, listen to feedback, ask all your tough tech questions, and make tweaks and revisions to get in tip top shape for the next voice gig!

RSVP here.

Please Note:

Studio Jams are intended for union performers in good standing and are offered as a benefit of membership. By claiming your seat in this series, you are confirming that you are a union performer in good standing and are participating in the series in order to share and receive developmental feedback intended for the growth and development of professional union performers. In participating in the series, you also confirm that you are pursuing work and development to work only under union agreements and contracts.

Our virtual jam sessions take place via zoom - you will receive a confirmation email with zoom room info when you confirm your 'seat' in the jam. If you do not receive it or have any questions or problems, email Melissa- melissa@thekaufherrcenter.org.

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

 

You are invited to join a regional member informational meeting to discuss self-tape auditions. The National Board has recently appointed a self-tape committee to explore and consider ways to improve the self-tape process. This topic has significant relevance to our actor/performer members and this is an opportunity to provide important feedback for the committee’s consideration. 

If you have comments, concerns or experiences to share, we encourage your participation.

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m. PT

WHAT: Regional Member Informational Meeting to Discuss Self-Taping

WHERE: Meetings will be held by Zoom. 

Steps to attend:

• Make sure your dues are in good standing
• Have a Zoom account that identifies you by name 
• RSVP below (you must be logged in to see the RSVP form below). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from webmaster@sagaftra.org containing information about joining the meeting.

If you cannot attend and have comments to share, email them to linda.dowell@sagaftra.org with Self-Taping in the subject line.  

Also, a reminder that SAG-AFTRA is conducting wages and working conditions meetings in preparation for the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts negotiations. The TV/Theatrical Contracts expire June 30, 2023. Watch your email or visit sagaftra.org/2023ww for scheduled events and plan to participate.  

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru October 31, 2022 or April 30, 2023, or in compliance with the November 2022 Dues Relief Extension). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.