Atlanta Local Re-Launches The Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory

In April 2012, the Atlanta Local of SAG-AFTRA revived its conservatory and named it in honor of two of the region’s most beloved and accomplished members. The Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory hosts bimonthly events, alternating a speakers series with training workshops to enhance the craft and industry knowledge of union members in the region.

Clayton Landey serves as the chair of the conservatory and set about the task of providing opportunities for Atlanta actors to connect with and learn from the most sought-after casting directors, acting coaches and film/TV professionals in the region. Through his tireless efforts and the help of his committee, the conservatory has seen attendance of more than 900 at its workshops and speaker events in less than a year.

Even though he knew the conservatory effort would be a great benefit to members in the region, Landey admits that the success has exceeded his already lofty expectations. “There are so many success stories that are the direct result of connections and opportunities members have made specifically through the conservatory,” said Landey.
“Our twin goals and mission statement, ‘To grow community amongst the professional actors in our region and raise the level of professionalism in our marketplace’ are met with every event.”

Georgia film industry icon Shay Bentley Griffin was the first speaker at the inaugural event. Having been an agent, manager, casting director, producer and vice chairwoman of the Georgia Film and Entertainment Advisory Board, she shared her keen insight on the development of the industry in Georgia. Attended by a standing-room-only crowd, with many left on the waiting list, this kick-off event was the launch of a reinvigorated conservatory that has become so popular that events are often filled within 30 minutes of posting.

The speaker events bring highly esteemed industry professionals to provide their valuable knowledge about various areas of the business. Former agent and industry trailblazer Kathy Hardegree provided a detailed breakdown covering deal memos, contracts, forms and working conditions. Casting director Mark Fincannon shared helpful tips and encouraging words for auditions. Casting directors Alpha Tyler and George Pierre participated in one-on-one meetings with members. Producers Roger Bobb and Gideon Amir spoke about the growth of the industry in Georgia, their preference for using locally based actors, and their desire to only work with union professionals, even in this so-called “right-to-work” state. Industry professionals Deborah Richards (voiceover instructor and producer), Paul Amodio (photographer) and Tim Donner (acting coach and video audition specialist) shared a wealth of information on the technical aspects of their respective areas of expertise.

The workshops offer a wide array of instructors and techniques. Last year’s workshops included Meisner technique with Rob Mello, commercial auditions with Ken Feinberg, monologues with Della Cole, and scene study workshops with Terry Vaughn, Mike Pniewski, Steve Coulter, George Watkins and Landey.

“We are unique in the country in that we are unfunded. Our efforts are completely volunteer run and all goods and services are donated so that all events are free to union members,” said Landey. “The speakers, instructors and venues that we have used have been tremendously gracious in providing their services and spaces because they believe in our members and the value of union membership.”               

As The Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory has grown, the spirits of its namesakes have been ever-present. Among those in attendance at a speaker event was Muriel Moore’s granddaughter, who is now an actor herself. Legendary Atlanta director George Watkins began his acting workshop by showing the signature Cates Pickles commercial starring Danny Nelson, which Watkins directed.

In December 2012, the conservatory held an agent roundtable in conjunction with the Kennesaw State University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. Local franchised agents in attendance included Sarah Carpenter of Atlanta Models & Talent, Mystie Buice of Houghton Talent, Jana VanDyke of The Jana VanDyke Agency, Rebecca Shrager of The People Store, Rona Burns of The Burns Agency, Christy Clark of Stewart Talent and Richard S. Hutchison of Richard S. Hutchison Management. With attendance of more than 145 people, the event was so popular with KSU theater students that they requested an informational union meeting, where Executive Director Melissa Goodman, former SAG National Board member/past SAG Georgia Branch President Mike Pniewski and Landey spoke to students about the value of union membership.

The first year of The Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory in Atlanta was a smashing success. And 2013 promises to be a continuation of that great run, with exciting speakers and workshops already lined up. Events are open to Atlanta members in good standing and are accessible through the conservatory Facebook page. For more information, contact Clayton Landey or Melissa Goodman at the SAG-AFTRA Atlanta office.