Career Development

Calling all future television and radio newsperson, reporters, sportscasters, disc jockeys and announcers:

This program is FREE and open to all college students interested in learning more about careers in the television and radio news broadcast industry. The day will consist of panel discussions exploring career paths and getting a job in the competitive world of broadcast, as well as group and individual critiques of demo reels and résumés (bringing materials is optional).  Lunch will be provided.

When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Ken Howard Boardroom
1900 Broadway – 5th Floor
New York, NY  10023
Between 63rd and 64th Streets

Whether you major in broadcast journalist or communications, or just want to learn more about the profession, the annual mentoring program is right for you!

SAG-AFTRA is the union that represents broacasters.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete the form below to RSVP. Space is limited so RSVP early to guarantee your spot!

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Conservatory presents Self-Taping for the Actor with Jim Dougherty
When: Monday, March 18
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: KMRC
1 E. Erie, Suite 660
Chicago, IL
 
As technology shifts and cell phone cameras become comparable to DSLRs, actors have better tools than ever to put themselves on tape. This workshop will cover:

•    New material to improve the quality of cell phone audition videos.
•    Concepts and theory.
•    Lighting, sound and wardrobe.
•    Phone apps, editing and more. 

Jim Dougherty is a working SAG-AFTRA actor, director, stunt coordinator and teacher. He has booked multiple co-starring roles in markets across the country from self-taping.
RSVP to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.
 
Park at 10 East 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, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. 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. 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.

The SAG-AFTRA Conservatory presents Honesty in Acting with Marlyne Barrett
 
When: Monday, March 4
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: KMRC
1 E. Erie, Suite 660
Chicago, IL

Chicago Med’s Marlyne Barrett shares her three-dimensional technique with actors that desire to be at the top of their game and stand out from the crowd. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry on shows like Law & Order, The Wire, Damages, Kings, American Crime and countless films, Barrett gets to the core of true connection and honesty in acting. Come and learn from an artist that not only loves the craft, but is currently working and applying all that will be taught in this intense workshop.
 
Please RSVP to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org

Park at 10 East 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, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. 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. 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.
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. 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.

• 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.
• Please bring current membership card or receipt for admittance.

Questions? For more information, please contact the Los Angeles Member Education Programming Department at (323) 634-8277.

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.

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.

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

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. 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. 
 

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

Michael I. Goode's Performance Under Pressure™ Fix Your Stage Fright! workshop helps actors, musicians, dancers, voiceover artists and all performers understand and conquer their stage fright. Members will learn detailed techniques to present themselves efficiently in a creative situation without the annoying problem of performance anxiety – whether in film, TV, stage, musical, vocal, voiceover situations or in auditions for any of these areas. You’ll learn to master your stage fright in actual working situations as a professional in the entertainment industry. 

In this workshop, we will analyze what stage fright is and isn’t, and try out exercises that you can use in work and audition situations. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to become more comfortable under pressure, recognize stage fright when it tries to overtake you and push distractions away. The class will conclude with a Q&A session.

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.

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

Shaan Sharma, working actor, veteran commercial casting session director, acting coach, Backstage contributor, and SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Committee member will be sharing game-changing information and strategies to successfully pursue a commercial and on-camera acting career. Learn how to optimize every variable in your control to support high-level creative output.

He will cover topics such as the huge differences between auditioning and casting for the theatrical and commercial sides of the business, training and development, having a support network, nervousness and confidence, the entire process of casting through booking, online casting services, headshots, reels, branding, marketing, representation and so much more. You’ll even pick up a few insider auditioning and casting tips. Additionally, Sharma will expand upon his “4 Steps to Becoming a Working Actor” as well as his, “The 4 Pillars of a Joyful Acting Journey.” To supplement this information, he will provide a FREE PDF copy of his book, Commercial Acting in L.A.: A Session Director’s Guide, as a gift to all attendees.

Due to mature language, this event is recommended for adults only.

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.

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.
 

RSVP Now: Basic Training for Your Career, Feb. 20
Want to improve your career without spending a dime? You can help create 2019’s schedule of workshops and info you need! Be a part of this kick-off meeting to learn more about each committee and decide which part you’d like to play. Join your fellow members in Dallas and invest in yourself while supporting the industry.

Limited seating available.
  
Join a DFW Local committee working to provide:
•    Access to industry leaders
•    Educational workshops
•    Professional Training
•    Networking Opportunities
•    Contract Knowledge

Committees include: 
•    Group I (Members)
•    Group II (Pre-Members)
•    Group III (Producers)
•    ProACT (Education/Professional Training)

RSVP to DallasRSVP@sagaftra.org by Feb. 18. (RSVP required for lunch).
 

This SAG-AFTRA workshop will provide performers with an opportunity to work one-on-one with casting director Abby Salzberg of STacy Gallo Casting. Develop the audition skills essential to successfully booking commercials.

When: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan 30, 2019

Where: SAG-AFTRA New York Local – Multipurpose Room
1900 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10023

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.
 
This workshop is brought to you by the AdsGoUnion campaign, which is a member-driven initiative to organize more union commercial work. 
 
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 Apr. 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.

Check-in begins at 7:00 p.m.

Join Caryn West as she teaches and discusses a thorough, yet practical approach to the on-camera audition. Her class includes hands-on activities and best practices garnered from producers and casting directors.

Workshop topics/activities include:

• How streaming television has forever changed the landscape of television
• The recessive close-up vs. theater acting
• How to maximize social media and avoid potential pitfalls 
• Stillness, breath work and how to discover your character’s secret
• How to prepare a camera script audition 
• On-camera exercise with 2-3 volunteers 

​When: 7:30 – 10 p.m., Thursday, January 31
Check-in begins at 7:00 p.m.

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

Caryn West is an award-winning actor and teacher and has been selected in both Los Angeles and New York as one of “The Best Audition Coaches” in polls conducted by Backstage magazine. West devised this course over 20 years ago based on her clients’ and her experiences. Because of the constant change within the entertainment industry, this class continues to evolve to stay relevant and meet the needs of the performer. As an actor, West auditions regularly and continues to perform. She recently appeared with Academy Award nominees Lena Olin and Bruce Dern in the upcoming  feature film The Artist’s Wife and the film The Way You Look Tonight currently in post-production. She has taught at prestigious academic programs on both coasts including: USC, American Conservatory Theatre, Cal Arts, Strasberg Institute, Stanford University and Temple University.  

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.

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

Registration for this event is now closed.

So you want to create your own project? But what do you need to do? What are the correct steps to get it done? Whether it’s a short, web series, new media project, ultra low budget feature, indie project, etc., hear from people that have taken steps to take their projects from concept to completion. What were their specific steps? Any roadblocks? Hear from their experiences along the way. What are some rules and guidelines to be followed by the union? What workshops does SAG-AFTRA offer to guide you on this path? Help navigate from creative ideas and concepts to actually being able to get your own project done.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited. Please note that you must be logged in to RSVP.

Questions? Please contact the 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.
 

Registration for this event is now closed.