The Benefits of Membership

When the legacy AFTRA Seattle Local office moved to our Capitol Hill location five-and-a-half years ago, one of the first things we considered was converting the space to make it more functional, not only for day-to-day operations, but in ways that would directly benefit members. Working with our landlords, we made alterations to allow for the build-out of our Members Resource Center. This space, available free for use by SAG-AFTRA members in good standing on a first-come-first-served basis, is designed to assist you with improving skills, facilitating work opportunities, and maintaining professional credentials.

Since then, the Seattle Local has invested in an impressive array of technical gear: audio/video recording and playback equipment, lighting, computers, digital recording, editing and conversion software, even a portable sound booth. It’s basically everything you need to record, edit and archive audition submissions; recordings of prior work from a variety of formats, including U-Matic (yes, I’m looking at you broadcasters); sizzle reels — you name it! In addition, the MRC is available for use as a rehearsal space, for coaching, workshops and seminars, or just to brush up on your performance or technical skills.

If you are interested in learning more about this valuable benefit of membership, please give us a call at (206) 282-2506.

But, wait — there’s more!

In addition to ongoing events, such as the annual SAG Awards Screening Party, workshops and training opportunities — many conducted in partnership with the SAG Foundation — the Seattle Local also offers members discount vouchers to local movie theatres. These vouchers are good for ALL screenings at participating AMC, Regal and Landmark Theatres, so there’s no worrying about blackout dates or other restrictions. Just come by the office, purchase your vouchers (cash or check only, please), and present them at the box office for an up to 35-percent discount over full-priced, online-purchased tickets.

You may also recall that, through our annual sponsorship of the Seattle International Film Festival, we receive a quantity of vouchers good for admission to Festival screenings. This is a very popular annual benefit, and our allotment generally runs out within a few minutes after the notification hits inboxes. So, if you’ve missed out in the past, please remember to look for that email early next May.

Last, but certainly not least, here’s a great benefit for members who live in the Greater Puget Sound region: Cinemark Cinemas has a standing offer of free movie passes. Just present your SAG-AFTRA card at the box office and receive two free admissions (subject to seating availability) to any regular screening. The offer is good at Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue and Cinemark Century Theatres in Federal Way and Olympia.

While all of this is nice — and helpful, both to your skillset and to your wallet — please remember: The greatest benefit you, as a SAG-AFTRA member, have at your disposal is the solidarity of your fellow members and the resources available from your local staff. If you need quick information about contracts or rates, have questions about membership, want an expert review of your Personal Services Contract — whatever it is, please make us your first stop. We are here to serve you!

This item was originally featured in the September 2015 local newsletter.