Career Development

James Cagney Boardroom- Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated. 

Demo Reels: 

• What they are and why they're crucial
• The evolution of the demo reel in the digital age
• Overview of current industry standards / Structure and tips on making the best demo reel
• Assessing your content (Is this a good clip? / Effectively Using Outside Opinions)
• How to effectively utilize your demo reel
• Content Creation Companies: What are they and what do they do?

Self Producing:

• "Just go shoot it yourself!": Dispelling the Myth of Easy Self Producing
• You're Not Alone and Why You Absolutely Shouldn't Try to Be
• Getting started: From Idea to Production
• Breakdowns and Budgeting
• The End Goal: Balancing the Purpose with the Process

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.

James Cagney Boardroom - Lobby Level 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.
 
Have you thought about the way dialogue gets dubbed into a movie? Or who does the ensemble voices in animation, either TV or film? There is another side beyond the principal cast that plays a vital part in this process, but is little known. Looping is the process and loop groups are the ones doing the work. Join us as we unravel the mystery behind this part of our industry.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Questions? Contact the Los Angeles Member Education department at (323) 634-8277.

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

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

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. 

James Cagney Boardoom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

Learn how to make your life experiences the subject of a “killer” stand-up set! This workshop will go over stand-up comedy basic rules including setup, premise and stage etiquette, and selected individuals will have the opportunity to test out freshly minted material before the end of the workshop. Taught by Cool Beans Comedy regular host Matthew Moore and producer Corey Craig, with a collective 20 years of stand-up comedy experience.

Questions? Please contact the Los Angeles 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.

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

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.

SAG–AFTRA Cagney Boardroom or Frank Maxwell Room
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

If you haven't been to an orientation in a while, step up to bat, get in the game! It's not just for new members, it’s for ALL members. In this three-hour program, you will gain a plethora of valuable information jam-packed with helpful hints, facts and expertise to motivate and guide your journey. Learn how to USE the union as both an ally and resource to propel your career.

Attendance is required for the entire meeting to receive a Conservatory application outside of the open enrollment period.

Please see below schedule for upcoming member orientations. 

• All meetings are approximately 3 hours long.
• Validated parking is available in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza parking lot - enter off of Curson Ave.
• Attendance is required for the entire meeting to receive a Conservatory application outside of the open enrollment period.
• No RSVP necessary.
• For more information, please contact the Los Angeles Member Education Programming Department at (323) 634-8277.
• Please bring current membership card or receipt for admittance.

This meeting 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.

Upcoming 2019 Member Orientation Dates:

• March 20, 10 a.m.

 

• April 17, 6 p.m.
• May 15, 1 p.m.
• June 19, 10 a.m.
• July 17, 1 p.m.
• August 21, 6 p.m.
• September 18, 10 a.m.
• October 16, 1 p.m.
• November 20, 10 a.m.
• December 18, 1 p.m.

 

Questions? Contact the Los Angeles Member Education Department at (323) 634-8277.

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

If you need an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, please contact the Member Education Department at (323) 634–8277 at least 7 days prior to the event with the accommodation you are requesting.

James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

Are you interested in producing a New Media project with a budget less than $50,000, but don’t know where to start? Do you have questions regarding the rates, terms and conditions of the 2017 New Media Agreement? If you are creating a dramatic entertainment program for initial release on a new media platform, then this workshop is for you!

During this workshop, SAG-AFTRA staff will explain:

• The intent and scope of the 2017 New Media Agreement;
• Included rates, terms and conditions of the 2017 New Media Agreement;
• Required signatory and productions documents;
• The online signatory process; and
• Additional information required when submitting an application for a New Media project.
• This workshop is free and open to anyone interested in producing entertainment content for new media. Please note you do not have to be a SAG-AFTRA member to attend. Seating is limited and RSVP’s are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. If you sign up for the workshop but cannot attend you must cancel your reservation no later than 24 hours before the event.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The New Media Agreement does not apply to commercials, interactive games or programs that will have an initial release in traditional media (Network TV, Basic Cable, Pay TV, DVD, Theatrical, etc.). These types of projects are signed under other SAG-AFTRA Agreements. For information on these other SAG-AFTRA agreements, please contact the respective SAG-AFTRA department.

Questions? Contact the New Media Department at NewMediaEvents@sagaftra.org or call (323) 549-6446.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

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

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

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

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 Associate Executive Director Jane Love and Senior Business Representatives Ryan Hastings and Jess W. Speaker III for their popular “SAG-AFTRA 101” class. This 90-minute conversation will provide attendees with information on performer’s rights and protections, present an overview of some of the key elements of the Commercial, 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.

At the end of the presentation, there will also be an opportunity to address questions. If there is a question you would like addressed, please submit it in advance to Ryan Hastings at ryan.hastings@sagaftra.org.

James Cagney Boardroom- Lobby Level 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

This popular workshop taught by veteran character actor David Dean Bottrell (Modern Family, Blacklist, Mad Men, Boston Legal) addresses how to make the most of your three minutes in the room. We will review 10 creative and practical approaches on how to prepare sides, work with bad readers, overcome nerves and make a solid impression every time you audition.

About David Dean Bottrell
Bottrell has taught for the UCLA Professional School of Acting, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Temple University, the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory and the former AFTRA Member Education Program. Bottrell is the author of Working Actor: Breaking In, Making a Living and Making a Life in the Fabulous Trenches of Show Business published by Ten Speed Press and available now on Amazon. www.WorkingActorTheBook.com

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

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

Questions? Contact the Member Education department at (323) 634-8277.

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.
 

Nationally renowned audiobook narrator and teacher Sean Pratt will be sharing his technique and insights with Miami Local members in Orlando. 
 
Day 1
 
Sean will offer a special Friday night workshop Tell Me A Story – Nonfiction Audiobook Narration Technique for working voice actors. He’ll dig deep into such techniques as the “The TED Talk” performance concept he uses; how to find the “spine of the paragraph”; how to find clues in the book’s language to create variation in your narration; and how to use the “four voices of nonfiction” to sharpen your narrative. Nonfiction narration makes up 25 percent of the audiobook market. Thus, it stands to reason that a narrator should master this genre in order to expand possibilities for working in the audiobook industry.
 
When: 7 – 10:30 p.m., Friday, March 22
 
Where: Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
4850 Millenia Blvd.
Room # 126
Orlando, FL 32839
(For directions, click here.)

Cost:

• $150 general; $120 for SAG-AFTRA and AEA members. Paid by check or PayPal. Limited to eight people who will read with Sean.
• If you wish to audit the class: $75 general; $60 for SAG-AFTRA and AEA members. 

RSVP: Contact seanpratt@comcast.net. Please write “Tell Me A Story” in the subject line and let him know if you’re a SAG-AFTRA member.

Day 2
 
Sean will present Let Me Tell You a Story – An Introduction to Audiobook Narration. This 3.5-hour workshop will cover the basics of recording audiobooks for commercial publishers. He’ll discuss the basic equipment you’ll need to do the job and the art, effort and attitude of narrating audiobooks. Materials will be provided.
 
When: 1 – 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23

Where: Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
4850 Millenia Blvd., Room # 232
Orlando, FL 32839
(For directions, click here.)

Cost:

• No charge for SAG-AFTRA or AEA members.
• $40 for both Saturday and Sunday (Day 3) sessions for non-members.
• $25 for either session for non-members. 

RSVP: Contact Susana Carrillo at (305) 663-7092 or susana.carrillo@sagaftra.org.
 
Day 3
 
The talk turns to Building Your Home Narration Studio – How to Do It Without Going Broke! In this 3.5-hour workshop, Sean will guide the beginner and budget-conscious voice actor through the process of setting up a studio at home. You’ll walk away from this session with an understanding of all you need to know in terms of equipment and your work environment to get you started.
 
When: 1 – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, March 24

Where: Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
4850 Millenia Blvd.
Room # 232
Orlando, FL 32839
(For directions, click here.)

Cost:

• No charge for SAG-AFTRA or AEA members.
• $40 for both Saturday and Sunday (Day 3) sessions for non-members.
• $25 for either session for non-members. 

RSVP: Contact Susana Carrillo at (305) 663-7092 or susana.carrillo@sagaftra.org.

Mr. Pratt has been a working actor for over 30 years and an audiobook narrator for 20 years (a.k.a. Lloyd James), recording over 1,000 books in almost every genre. He has earned eight AudioFile Magazine Earphones Awards and five Audie nominations from the Audio Publishers Association.

Tom Todoroff, acclaimed New York producer, director, actor and acting coach, comes to Miami March 16-17 to lead his two-day acting intensive. 

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17

Where: The Vanguard Theater 
1501 S. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(For directions, click here.) 

The intensive will focus on scene study, monologue study, audition technique and career counseling. Both mornings begin with a voice and speech class. Performers will work on prepared pieces and receive personalized coaching from Todoroff thereafter. All attendees will learn to transform nervousness into intense excitement; be expressive rather than impressive; strengthen and find their true inner voice; think like a producer and much more. Walk away with a deeper understanding of the art, the business and the spirituality of acting.

Enroll as a performer to work one-on-one with Todoroff or sign up to observe.

Cost: SAG-AFTRA members receive 20 percent off tuition.

Performers (work with Todoroff directly): $359 ($287.20 with SAG-AFTRA discount)

Returning Observers: $99 ($79.20 with SAG-AFTRA discount)

Newcomer Observers: Just $20 (Newcomers are those who have not attended a prior Tom Todoroff event.)

To register visit, click here. 

Questions? Email FLintensive@TomTodoroff.com.

Learn more about Tom Todoroff and TT Studio training, visit www.tomtodoroff.com.

Todoroff has acted opposite, directed and/or coached Peter O’Toole, Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson, Liam Neeson, Sasha Alexander, Allison Janney, Tony Goldwyn and Claire Danes among many others.

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement by the union nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

Join us for a lively discussion about the Washington DC theatre scene with casting consultant Naomi Robin. Naomi shares her insights into the casting process, drawing on her 13 years of experience as casting director of Theatre J. For many years, Naomi was a professional stage actress based in NYC, working all over the U.S. and in Canada. She followed that with many more years as a SAG/AFTRA V.O. talent, doing thousands of spots and long-form narrations.

This special conservatory offering is a great opportunity to ask questions, mingle and network with your colleagues!

 

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

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