Casting Seminar and Workshop a Valuable Resource for Members

On Saturday, June 22, more than 85 SAG-AFTRA members gathered at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., for a seminar and casting workshop put on by N.Y. casting directors and indie film producers Liz Ortiz-Mackes and Donna McKenna, courtesy of the SAG Foundation.

Ortiz-Mackes and McKenna shared insights on how to get work in the indie film world and shared information about how to get in touch with them and others in the independent film community. They collected headshots and resumes from all attendees, and following the open seminar, each of our distinguished guests worked one-on-one with Washington – Mid Atlantic members.

Washington – Mid Atlantic Local member Julie Mun, who took advantage of both opportunities, had this to say about the experience: “The SAG Foundation N.Y. [Casting Access Project] seminars and workshops are an invaluable asset for the working actor not based in L.A. or N.Y. It does not take a genius to realize that when an opportunity presents itself to put your face and work in front of well-known and respected casting directors such as Liz Ortiz-Mackes and Donna McKenna at no cost but simply as a benefit of being a SAG-AFTRA member, you run with it as a bridge to future work. The sessions offered were not only informative but presented in a positive, encouraging atmosphere in which both the seasoned and novice actor could grow and learn.

If you are interested in attending future Casting Access Project events in our area (or elsewhere), make sure to complete the mandatory NYCAP orientation process online, which is offered three times a year (in January, May and September) via sagfoundation.org.

Our thanks go to SAG-AFTRA member Kevin Murray for arranging for us to use George Mason’s lovely facilities and to Franz Reynold of the SAG Foundation for making the event possible. And of course, our profound thanks to Liz and Donna for lending their time and considerable talents that made the event possible.

This item was originally featured in the July 2013 local newsletter.