Career Retrospectives from Young Performers

Deadline to RSVP is Jul. 11 at 12 noon PT.

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory in partnership with the Young Performers Committee for Career Retrospectives from Young Performers. 

Each month one guest will be invited to reflect and discuss how their career from young performer to adult has shaped who they are as a performer and their career.

Please join us this month for our discussion with panelist, Denzel Whittaker, moderated by Brandon Severs. 

Denzel Whitaker
Born in Torrance, California, Denzel Whitaker is best known for his award-winning role in THE GREAT DEBATERS, performing opposite of his two namesakes, Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Numerous film and television shows list Denzel's name including fan favorites: BLACK PANTHER, CUT THROAT CITY, THE PURGE TV series, WARRIOR, U SHOOT VIDEOS?, ALL THAT and TRAINING DAY.

In 2011, Denzel simultaneously began developing his skillset behind the camera as a filmmaker. Since then, he's garnered millions of views in the music video space, worked 5 years at Cartoon Network as an editor and illustrator on hits shows including BOONDOCKS and BLACK DYNAMITE, and is a published fashion photographer. His latest film '5150', is a 2x Audience Award winner at SeriesFest and FilmGood Film Festival along with being officially selected for Tribeca’s 2020 Creators Market. Co-written and directed by Denzel, starring Jovan Adepo and executive produced by David Oyelowo, the film is currently being developed into a TV series.

This summer, you can catch Denzel starring alongside Laya DeLeon Hayes and Chad Coleman in RLJE's chilling thriller THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER - in theaters June 9th.

Brandon Severs
Star on the rise, Brandon Severs, is quickly making a name for himself in the entertainment industry with the dynamic characters that he brings to life. Severs can be seen starring in HBO Max’s family comedy series, “Head of the Class” opposite Isabella Gomez and Robin Givens. A reboot of the popular 1980’s sitcom of the same name, the series follows a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge: first time teacher, Alicia Gomez (Gomez). Severs shines as Terrell Hayward, an athletic and bright student who is all about team mentality and the optimist in a class of stressed-out overachievers. He is also the son of Darlene (Givens), from the original series, who is now the co-president of the Parents' Association. All ten episodes of “Head of the Class” are available to stream now on Max.

Severs also recently starred as Liam Carter in the Disney+ series, “Diary of a Future President” which released its second season on August 18, 2021. The series follows Elena (Tess Romero), a Cuban-American girl as she navigates through the ups and downs of being a teenager, which set her on the path to becoming the president of the United States. In 2020, he was seen in Quibi’s Emmy award-nominated action series “#FreeRayshawn” opposite Laurence Fishburne.

From 2016-18, Severs starred as Dusty in Disney XD’s hit hidden-camera prank series, “Walk The Prank.” The series blended scripted comedy and real hidden-camera pranks with the scripted portion centering on the everyday adventures of a tight-knit foursome which serve as a source of inspiration for the team’s unscripted and creative over-the-top practical jokes.Additional credits include Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home,” TBS’ “Men at Work,” ABC’s “The Neighbors” and “The Whispers,” Nickelodeon’s “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” and NBC’s popular long running soap opera, “Days of Our Lives.”

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Severs started acting at a young age initially booking national television commercials for brands like The Walt Disney Company, Tracfone and Toyota to name a few. He quickly started landing theatrical work with his first appearances in “Men at Work” and “The Neighbors” – he has been working ever since. In his spare time, he enjoys playing several musical instruments including the drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano and ukulele. A triple-threat, Severs is also a talented singer and released his first single, “Chameleon” in 2018.

He currently resides in Los Angeles.

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Jul. 11 at 12 noon PT.

Please note: You will receive your unique Zoom information the day before the meeting from SAG AFTRA LA Local <no-reply@zoom.us>. If you have trouble joining the Zoom meeting, please email webhelp@sagaftra.org or call (855) 724-2387.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate and will receive a unique Zoom link that is not transferable. You must use a Zoom account with the same email address that was submitted with the RSVP. 

Members will be expected to engage with professionalism and courtesy.

Questions? Please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program). No guests are allowed. 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 48 business hours before the start of the event.