Classes

Class Description: The Background Actors Onset Workshop will help to prepare the Background Performers for Principal Work. This workshop will cover "On-Set Exercises and Practical Scene Exercises." There will be a question and answer period to follow.

Note: Class size is limited to 20 participants max.

Participants will be randomly selected from those who respond, with preference being given to those who have not attended Conservatory events within the past 3 months.

As a courtesy to members on the waiting list, if you have reserved a space in this workshop and cannot attend, please cancel your reservation by Friday, May 10. Failure to do so may result in the inability to attend future workshops.

We appreciate your enthusiasm to participate in conservatory classes, but anyone who shows up without receiving written confirmation will not be granted access to the class. If you arrive late, it is up to the discretion of the teacher as to whether or not you will be admitted.

There is no charge for this event.

Directions/Parking: Public transportation is available (BART and MUNI – Walking distance from Montgomery Street Station). Street parking is also available in the immediate areas around the building.

Lucrecia Sarita Russo is a member of SAG-AFTRA and in her ninth year serving on the San Francisco-Northern California Local Conservatory Committee. Lucrecia majored in the performing arts at Santa Monica City College. She taught acting for “Deslie Cashman’s School of Dramatic Arts” and “The Russ Lewis School of Drama”. Her studies include online master classes with Jodie Foster and Ron Howard. Her experience includes personal performance as well as casting for film, theater, television, commercials and booking major musical artists nationwide.

Charlie Holliday is a member of SAG-AFTRA, former member of Actors' Equity Association, and is a working actor who has appeared in more than sixty movies and television programs. His recent credits include Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter and the Hallmark Movies of the Week The Christmas Card and Out of the Woods. Television credits include the mini-series Gone But Not Forgotten, Quantum Leap, General Hospital, and many more. In addition to his film and television work, Charlie has acted and directed in a wide range of stage productions. Charlie also teaches film and TV acting and directing and is owner/director of the Mosaic Acting Studio in Rancho Cordova, CA where he also conducts classes and has been voted Sacramento’s Outstanding Training Resource for Actors. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco-Northern California Local of SAG-AFTRA, and is the union’s liaison with the Northern California film commissioners. Charlie is also a partner in Black-Holliday-Snow Productions.

Don Black is a SAG-AFTRA member and a highly skilled producer and director of photography with over 30 years television and movie shooting experience. Don has a talented eye for directing and blocking scenes and is able to save valuable time on the set with the actors and crew during principal photography. Don’s production experience makes him prepared to overcome challenges and meet goals every day on the set or during class room instruction.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing — no guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card (paid through April 30, 2019 or October 31, 2019) for admittance.

Please join Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Senior Business Representative Jess W. Speaker, III for a look at the Short Project Agreement, SAG-AFTRA’s newest agreement for independent film producers! This webinar will cover the terms of the agreement, explain easy it is to become a signatory, and provide a walkthrough of the required pre-production, production and post-production documents.

This presentation is meant for performers and producers.

ABOUT THE SHORT PROJECT AGREEMENT

The Short Project Agreement represents a new approach to independent production in recognition of the changing patterns of exhibition of low budget short projects. The qualifications for this agreement include: a budget of $50,000 or less, a running time of 40 minutes or less, no more than 30 days of principal photography and, like all of the low budget agreements, must be shot entirely in the United States and its territories.

For more information, check out the page on the website by clicking here.

The Kaufherr Center is proud to present an Actors Fund workshop on the Myers-Briggs method for career development.
Working your work style is more than just finding a way to “do what you love and love what you do.” Join us for this one-night-only workshop and grow in the understanding of your personality type and how it informs your career and work style.
Are you an INFP? Or an ESTJ? Find out what that means and how it can impact the work you do. Knowing more about your personality type can help you discover and use your strengths to accomplish the task at hand, in or out of the industry. It also helps identify what work settings may be a bad fit and suggest solutions based on your preferences. Join your creative community in learning about this useful assessment tool from a Myers-Briggs master practitioner. 
The instructor for this class will be Actors Fund Career Counselor Maryellen Langhout.  
When:  Monday, May 6, 2019
Time:   6-8 p.m.
Where: Kaufherr Center, 1 E. Erie St., Suite 660, Chicago

Please follow this link to register for this event.

For more information, please contact: jess.jones@kaufherrcenterchicago.com

Please park at 10 E. Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $13 cash. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. 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 exclusive event is in partnership with the Kaufherr Center and the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local.

If you work on low budget shorts or features, want to work on low budget shorts or features, or want to make low budget shorts or features...this is the seminar for you!  Learn how to negotiate for yourself, what questions to ask, and how to go about signing a SAG-AFTRA contract if making  your own film.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP. Please note that you must be logged in to see the RSVP form below. Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019 or Oct. 31, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 

Why should you be on social media at all these days? Scott & Bettina have both been active users of social media as it pertains to the entertainment industry, but both come from different perspectives. Are you a shrinking violet and not sure of how to start? Or are you focused and consistent with your branding and message? Do you want to get started on social media or are you a vet? Scott Ragle and Bettina Devin will show you the advantages and disadvantages and make suggestions as to what to embrace as well as what to avoid.

Note: Class size is limited to 12-15 participants.

RSVP: Please log in to your member account to view the registration form below to formally RSVP for this event.

• Participants will be randomly selected from those who register, with preference being given to those who have not attended Conservatory events within the past 3 months.

• As a courtesy to members on the waiting list, if you have reserved a space in this workshop and cannot attend, please cancel your reservation by April 19. Failure to do so may result in the inability to attend future workshops.

• We appreciate your enthusiasm to participate in conservatory classes, anyone who shows up without receiving written confirmation will not be granted access to the class.

• If you arrive late, it is up to the discretion of the teacher as to whether or not you will be admitted.

• There is no charge for this event.

Bettina Devin is a seasoned veteran of stage, small and large screen, voiceover and concerts, and remains a working actress/singer. Her classes include training for Acting, Singing, VO, Dialect and Accent Reduction. Most recent successes of her many working students include her longtime acting/singing student, Austin Scott, who now stars on Broadway as Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton, and Kristina Ho, who continues to coach privately with Bettina after 20 years, and can be seen in her series regular role of the comic relief character, “Betty” on the new Power Rangers series. Best known for her role as Idina Menzel's mom in the film version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Rent (directed by Chris Columbus), Bettina is a busy working actress (as well as casting director and producer) in all aspects of the entertainment industry, with in-person group and private classes in Marin, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. She teaches all over the world via the internet. Learn more about Bettina Devin here.

Scott Ragle is an actor, casting associate, photographer, and passionate cyclist. He recently helped to cast local actors for the feature film Women Is Losers, and the multi-award-winning feature film Guitar Man. A member of SAG-AFTRA since 1997, Scott has worked exclusively in the Bay Area on numerous film, commercial and industrial projects. Onstage, he’s worked with Ashland New Plays Festival, Shakespeare & Co., We Players, SF Shakespeare Festival, Shotgun Players, Thrillpeddlers, and many more local theatre companies. This June, Scott is cycling from SF to LA in support of AIDS/Lifecycle, and raising funds for the SF AIDS Foundation and Los Angeles LGBT Center. Learn more about Scott here.

Chris Game knows what you're going through. The Los Angeles–based casting director has worked as an actor, director, writer, and production assistant and has been teaching acting for over 20 years.  In this comprehensive class, Chris brings his well-rounded experiences to focus on commercial and theatrical auditions. Topics include: memorization techniques, self-taping tips, how to use the camera to maximize results, what to do when there’s no camera, script analysis and more.

When: Monday, April 15
Check-in begins at 7 p.m.

RSVP to sandiego@sagaftra.org. This event is free and open to SAG-AFTRA members only.

Chris Game is a filmmaker, theatre director, casting director, actor, acting teacher, writer and producer. Game has taught all disciplines of acting including scene study, comedy, commercials, master classes, procedural and script writing in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and San Francisco.  As a casting director, his credits include television, film, music videos and commercials. In addition to casting Kelsey Grammer and Jason Segel in film projects, he has cast talent in major commercial campaigns that include Swiffer, Wendy’s, Pepsi, Mercedes Benz and more. Game has directed five films and three web series and as an actor can be seen in HBO’s Veep, Young and the Restless and in an upcoming Ron Howard production.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing — no guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card (paid through April 30, 2019) for admittance.
    

Frank Maxwell Room – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

Calling All Commercial Performers: Let’s Talk #AdsGoUnion!

Join us for a discussion on how we can increase union commercial work! Staff and members will use this time to chat about the state of the commercials industry, what the union is doing to grow more work opportunities, and how members can be part of the solution. Parking is free and snacks are provided.

If you miss this meeting, don't worry! Our next meeting date is:
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. PT, Monday, April 8.

Questions? Please contact the SAG-AFTRA #AdsGoUnion team at AdsGoUnion@sagaftra.org.

You must RSVP to attend You must be logged into the website to see the RSVP form below. Spaces are limited. 

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of younger performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON THE APP (paid thru April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE.

Frank Maxwell Room 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.
 
Learn a new and distinct perspective on the acting process, a technique called F.I.R.E. Acting. John Ruby combines his experiences working in casting, acting and teaching to structure his unique approach that will help you unlock your creativity and feel empowered anytime you are acting! Ruby will discuss the four pillars of F.I.R.E Acting and how you can easily apply them to your next audition, play, TV show or movie role.  

Topics will include: 

• Reducing the nerves and finding ease in your acting
• Freeing your imagination 
• Finding the emotional anchors in a scene 
• Learning how to make strong and individualistic choices for auditions
• Fulfilling the needs of a part and bringing yourself to the role
• Booking the room AND the job

Questions? Please contact the Member Education Department at (323) 634-8277.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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. 
 

Library Building - Room 102
N Western Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90027
Parking is free.

This class is restricted to members, ages 0 – 17 and their parents. Members 18 years of age and older will not be permitted to attend this class.

Geared toward the youth performer and their parents, this class will explain exactly why social media is necessary in our current and changing entertainment industry, how to grow your social media pages exponentially and use them for your future career. This class will also cover protecting yourself as a young performer on social media and professionally creating a presence.

About Ryan Walker
Ryan Walker is the founder of TSMA Consulting (The Social Media Advantage) a nationally recognized social media entertainment firm with a focus on actors. Ryan has a background in casting for Pixar including Coco and Hulu’s East Los High.

Late Policy: If you arrive late, you may be allowed in class, but may not be allowed to work. At 15 minutes late, you will NOT be allowed in class.

No Shows: You are responsible for canceling your confirmed and waitlisted registrations. Failure to do so will result in forfeiting ALL classes for 60 days. As a reminder, you cannot cancel online after 6pm the night before the class.

Questions? Please contact the Conservatory Program Manager Bethalyn McKie at Conservatory@sagaftra.org. 

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited. 

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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 monologue class is interactive and will cover topics that include how to select the right monologue that fits you, how to prepare and perform your monologue and the all-important audition. Other topics to be discussed include talent agents, marketing yourself and honing your skills through training.  
 
When: 7:30 – 10 p.m., Monday, March 18
Check-in begins at 7 p.m.
 
Where: Musicians Hall 
1717 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
 
RSVP to sandiego@sagaftra.org.
 
Lorenzo Rodriguez has acted in film, television and theater for over 30 years. Lorenzo has studied the acting methods of Stanislavski, Meisner and others. Rodriguez utilizes this knowledge to mentor actors and teach classes, while also incorporates information regarding the business side of the industry.

The event is free and open to SAG-AFTRA members only. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of younger performers under 18 years old are welcome. RSVP as noted above. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card or digital card on the app (paid through April 30, 2019) for admittance.