When Kathleen Freeman started the SAG Conservatory in 1974, it was a grand experiment. A group of working actors “paying it forward.” Fellow members teaching and encouraging actors to persevere and continue pursuing their careers surrounded and supported by peers and mentors pulling, pushing, being led by and following each other. It was a beautiful idea, nurtured and grown by an amazingly talented and prolifically working visionary actor. We hope that if she could see where the Conservatory is today, she would be proud and happy that her vision and focus worked and continues to thrive, grow, adapt and expand 50 years from its inception.
The L.A. Conservatory has grown from a small group of members offering simple classes, workshops and social opportunities to a larger group of member volunteers and a membership of thousands. Like other groups and organizations, we were stymied by COVID and are just now getting our feet under us and wind in our wings. In September, we will once again hold our yearly Conservatory Intensive, formerly known as the Summer Intensive, the first after a four-year absence. We have developed an extensive curriculum offering our basic foundational classes and workshops in addition to many new practical classes that will teach our members how to hyphenate, and help them expand their career opportunities through all of the different contracts available to us. Classes are and will continue to roll out as we examine member feedback, hear your specific requests and interests, and work to program to those needs.
Remember, just as we are the union, we are the Conservatory. Run by members for members — with support from our wonderful staff. Our active participation will continue to strengthen and diversify the tools it has to offer. Please consider joining the Conservatory for a small annual fee today and let’s keep the momentum going toward the goal of being successful, empowered and consistent storytellers and performers. We hope to see you all in person soon. For more info, contact conservatory@sagaftra.org.
In solidarity and support,
Kevin McCorkle, Co-Chair, Los Angeles SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Committee
Victoria Hoffman, Co-Chair, Los Angeles SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Committee
Hilary Ward, Co-Vice Chair, Los Angeles SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Committee
Carrie Certa, Co-Vice Chair, Los Angeles SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Committee