Career Development

New England Conservatory presents: Ask the Staff

Join the New England staff in a virtual conservatory on July 11. Jessica, Ellen, Ben and Dylan will be available to answer your questions on contracts, the local industry, membership and more! Come with your questions or drop in to learn something new.

When: Thursday, July 11, 7 to 8 p.m.

Where: Zoom

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, 2024.) No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

New England Conservatory: Stay Sharp!

Not your typical class, not just another workshop, but an invigorating workout for your creative muscles. In the world of virtual casting and self-submissions, it is essential to combat complacency and stay at the top of your game. This dynamic session is designed to keep you on your toes, push your boundaries and elevate your self tape game like never before. 

Some of the benefits of Stay Sharp:

• Creative Agility
• Collaborative Learning
• Time Efficiency
• Confidence Building
• Elevated Self-Tape Quality

Stay Sharp sessions are your secret weapon against creative stagnation and the pitfalls of virtual casting. Anne Mulhall of LDI Pro will help you develop resilience, adaptability and a sharper creative edge.

There are two sessions, each limited to 20 attendees. Please register for the session that is best for you and if you must cancel, please give at least 48 hours notice so we can open up the wait list.

When: Thursday, June 13, 6-8 p.m.

Where: SAG-AFTRA New England, 20 Park Plaza, Suite 822, Boston, MA 02116

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, 2024.) No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

New England Conservatory: Stay Sharp!

Not your typical class, not just another workshop, but an invigorating workout for your creative muscles. In the world of virtual casting and self-submissions, it is essential to combat complacency and stay at the top of your game. This dynamic session is designed to keep you on your toes, push your boundaries and elevate your self tape game like never before. 

Some of the benefits of Stay Sharp:

• Creative Agility
• Collaborative Learning
• Time Efficiency
• Confidence Building
• Elevated Self-Tape Quality

Stay Sharp sessions are your secret weapon against creative stagnation and the pitfalls of virtual casting. Anne Mulhall of LDI Pro will help you develop resilience, adaptability and a sharper creative edge.

When: Thursday, June 13, 2-4 p.m.

Where: SAG-AFTRA New England, 20 Park Plaza, Suite 822, Boston, MA 02116

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, 2024.) No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

Join Bates Wilder, actor and acting coach for a fun, eye-opening workshop on developing and diversifying your acting philosophy. Come ready to broaden your mind!

An actor in film, television and stage in New England and across the country, Bates has been a professional actor and SAG-AFTRA member for over 35 years. As a teacher, Bates loves the creative art of acting and does not pull his punches as an instructor. He will let you know how he feels and will nurture your abilities and work to get the best out of you. 

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 Apr. 30, 2024 or Oct. 31, 2024.) No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

Audition Critique with Heather Whitty gives members an opportunity to receive one-on-one audition feedback from a seasoned casting director and acting coach.

When: 2p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 23

 Where: SAG-AFTRA New England Office

20 Park Plaza, Suite 822

Boston, MA 02116

 Heather Whitty of Whitty Studios will review your headshot and resume. She will give you tips on what to highlight and what to edit. She’ll also have you read a prepared monologue and your audition will be taped and she will give you immediate feedback. Each session lasts 15 minutes and members walk away with honest and constructive advice.

 Slots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who register will be notified via email of the time slot assigned. Due to space limitations, we ask that you arrive no more or less than 15 minutes before your assigned time slot.

 You will receive your specific time slot within the afternoon window by May 13.  Please do not show up without a confirmation.

You must bring the following:

• A copy of your headshot and resume.
• A prepared monologue 
• Something for taking notes.

 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.

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 Apr. 30, 2024 or Oct. 31, 2024.) No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

Audition Critique with Heather Whitty gives members an opportunity to receive one-on-one audition feedback from a seasoned casting director and acting coach.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 23 

Where: SAG-AFTRA New England Office

20 Park Plaza, Suite 822

Boston, MA 02116 

Heather Whitty of Whitty Studios will review your headshot and resume. She will give you tips on what to highlight and what to edit. She’ll also have you read a prepared monologue and your audition will be taped and she will give you immediate feedback. Each session lasts 15 minutes and members walk away with honest and constructive advice.

Slots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who register will be notified via email of the time slot assigned. Due to space limitations, we ask that you arrive no more or less than 15 minutes before your assigned time slot.

You will receive your specific time slot within the morning window by May 13. Please do not show up without a confirmation.

 You must bring the following:

• A copy of your headshot and resume.
• A prepared monologue 
• Something for taking notes.

 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.

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 Apr. 30, 2024 or Oct. 31, 2024.) No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

Join the Nevada Local Conservatory for a panel discussion that includes a SAG-AFTRA franchised agent, casting director, independent filmmakers and producers. Come meet with industry professionals, hear what they have to say and get your questions answered. 

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.

Meet our Panelists:

Jaki Baskow

Celebrating over 45 years in business, Baskow Talent is a full-service talent agency owned and operated by Jaki Baskow. As a SAG-AFTRA franchised agent, Jaki has worked on over 700 movies, television shows, commercials, infomercials and videos. Named one of the top 10 celebrity star brokers, Jaki has coordinated events in Italy for clients including Kevin Costner, Tom Selleck, Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Sharon Stone and Jennifer Lopez. She owns The Las Vegas Speakers Bureau and has booked well-known keynote speakers and actors. Jaki loves mentoring new talent and after all  these years is still passionate about getting them job opportunities.

Marilee Lear

For the past 28 years, Marilee Lear has been a Las Vegas CSA Casting Director, casting such projects as Casino, Con Air, Leaving Las Vegas, Lethal Weapon IV, Mars Attacks and many more. Marilee also has over 60 project credits that include national commercials, industrials, video games for Westwood Studios, movie shorts, scripted and reality television shows. In 1999, Marilee received the Governor’s Industry Appreciation Award and in 1997 she was honored as a Distinguished Woman in Southern Nevada. Other philanthropic endeavors include being a  Trustee of Nevada Zoological Society, past President of the Women's Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars and an avid supporter of the Shade Tree Shelter for abused women and children. Marilee is currently casting and producing a movie on the life of the Learjet family starring Mel Gibson.

Deborah Richards

Writer and director Deborah Richards is a creative visionary with 30+ years of experience in the digital arts. Her work over the decades has spanned from the dawn of the digital audio revolution as a musician and studio engineer to creating for brands such as EDC, Walmart, History Channel and Trufusion as a filmmaker. She is a four-time Southwest Production Emmys® Winner and the 2022 Nevada Woman Filmmaker of the Year. She has directed over one hundred TV commercials and has several feature films to her credit.

Deanna Shapiro 

Deanna Shaprio is an award-winning director/producer/writer. Specializing in independent projects, Deanna has been producing and directing for over 20 years with numerous well received feature films, short films and music videos to her credit. Deanna most recently helped produce the soon to be released PureFlix series, Destination Heaven, starring Harry Lennix and her film, “Tyson’s Run” is currently in the Top 10 on Netflix. Deanna has also been a member of SAG-AFTRA for over 40 years and has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows and films. 

​Jill Wichert

Jill Wichert may be a newbie when it comes to producing, but she is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Having a daughter that was an actress in tv and film, Jill has learned the ins and outs of the business. Jill is currently co-producing several feature films with various production companies ranging from independents to studios, such as Amazon. Jill has taken on several roles within the movie making process although producing is first and foremost. She has done everything including paper producing, location scouting, casting, product placement and working with A list talent. She is also the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for the Christian Influencers Convention.

RSVP: Free for members to attend. A reservation is required on the form below (you must be logged in to see the form).

Non-members can attend for a fee of $20. Non-members, please click on this link to purchase a ticket and secure your spot.

This event is open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Apr. 30, 2024). Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

Looking to refine your audition skills for both stage AND screen? Join us for a special workshop designed to fine-tune your auditions and translate performances more specifically for theatre and film. From blocking and delivery to framing and physicality, we will discuss what makes a tape sink or swim in each medium to put you in the running for the gig!

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 Apr. 30, 2024). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 

THE GAME NIGHT GAME SHOW!  
A mashup of our favorite trivia game shows, with an Industry twist...okay, 3-4 twists.

Presented by the Next Gen and Conservatory Committees, The Game Night Game Show will be a fun evening of food, beverages, camaraderie and SAG-AFTRA themed trivia games modeled after your favorite game shows!

Want to be part of the fun? Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

• Fly solo or bring a friend (union or pre-union**) 
• Bring a snack to share
• Prepare for a trivia night like no other with your chance to win "100 Grand" (as well as some serious bragging rights!) 

(If you are feeling uncertain of your trivia skills - fear not, this is a team activity and you can TOTALLY copy off of your neighbor's test.)

Join us and, who knows, you may even learn a thing or two about your next contract!


**Game nights are open to invited pre-union/non union performers hosted by an attending SAG-AFTRA Member

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, 2024 or in compliance with the November 2023 dues extension program).

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.