Message from the Local President
The SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local has hundreds of members across the Great Lake State. I was thrilled to visit our incredibly active and talented West Michigan members at one of their regular Coffee Connections in Grand Rapids. My thanks to member Nancy Wagner, who volunteers to coordinate these get-togethers, which have become a terrific way to brainstorm, organize, share information and simply socialize. Our West Michigan members are planning some exciting workshops to bring performers together with industry leaders. Bravo!
SAG-AFTRA Coffee Connections may be coming to a coffee house near you. Watch your email for announcements. My sincerest gratitude goes to SAG-AFTRA member/former board member and Local Communications Committee Chair Debra Port for her tireless efforts to launch the Connections last year. They have blossomed into a tool that is being replicated at SAG-AFTRA locals across the country. Thank you, Debra!
Members Sammy A. Publes, Greg Rogers, Rocky Rector, Nancy Wagner, Jayne Bower, Ralph Lister and Joseph Scott Anthony at the Coffee Connections in Grand Rapids.
SAG-AFTRA Michigan broadcasters have been well represented on the union’s Broadcast Steering Committee. I am so proud to serve as vice chair of the BSC. Amy Lange, an award-winning broadcast journalist and shop steward at WJBK-TV Fox 2 is my alternate. The BSC is a constitutionally mandated committee of SAG-AFTRA. When my fellow SAG-AFTRA broadcasters ask me whether broadcasters have a national voice, I can enthusiastically answer, “Yes!” Look for an update from the BSC autumn meeting in our next newsletter.
In solidarity,
Jayne Bower
SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local President
Message from the National Board Member
Hello My Union Friends,
Last month, your Michigan Local had a great member turnout for a workshop on how to self-tape for auditions. We had veteran members alongside newcomers to the business who were eager to learn the latest of these audition practices.
The workshop was divided into two segments: The first was voiceover recording and the second was on-camera self-taping. Focus was given to what kinds of recording equipment and computer software are needed to complete your audition. Technologies have become so advanced that members don't have to leave their homes to audition for projects in Chicago or anywhere else in the country. The workshop paid great detail to the correct way to self-tape your audition. The feedback from members attending the workshop was very positive. Members felt they were given the knowledge needed to take their skills to the next level. If you weren't able to attend the workshop, I’m sorry, you missed a good one. The good news is there are plenty of workshops still to come. Make sure you are receiving e-blasts from SAG-AFTRA so you get the latest information.
Phil Elam and Peter Tocco at the workshop.
Other good news for the Michigan local is that the film incentive has been renewed for another year. So, as one of the major filming projects comes to an end, know that there will be more movie auditions to come in the spring.
Until next time, see you on set.
Peter Tocco
Get to Know the Salon
The salon had its debut after our self-taping audition workshop on Aug. 4. As one dictionary defines “salon,” it is a regular meeting of writers, artists, musicians, etc. We had a lot of fun at our first salon. The variety of presentations was exciting, and we’re looking forward to seeing what you come up with next. We had poetry, monologues and singing, just to name a few. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive. We shared ideas, took chances and were very entertained. Please look out for an announcement for our next salon and come out and join in the magic! Hey, that’s a great idea: Maybe someone could do magic!
Nicole Hakim Yohn
First Vice President
One Member's Experience with the Salon
By Mattie Majors, Local Member
The salon that followed the workshop about creating an audio or video audition was, in a word, wonderful. I was not sure of what to expect because I’d never heard the term used for anything but a room. I was educated that evening.
Several of us workshop attendees went to the area where the salon was to take place, took seats and began chatting. After a short while, without any fanfare, it was time for the performances to begin. One after the other, the true performers who made up the rest of the group took to the stage.
The first presentation was The Jabberwocky, something everyone could relate to from childhood. I could not help but smile and relish the feeling of happiness; I hung on every twisted word. Then a piece from The Shawshank Redemption, another reading and then … music — music from a soul that was on the mend, trying to reconnect with the love of her life; a voice that was still healing. She not only reached her voice, she reached each of us. It was deeply moving.
The salon experience is something I speak of frequently. It was surprising: so different, so full and rich. It felt like a group of old friends unabashedly opening up and sharing their inner selves with everyone, even though in reality we were little more than strangers to each other.
Would I attend another salon — just schedule it. It was a great way to connect with fellow performers/actors/talents. It broke the ice and inspired — all in one. For those like me, a nonperformer, it makes getting up on that little stage something to shoot for — a step up to another level. That’s a good thing.
