Conservatory Committee

"On Nov. 16, the Hawaii Local Conservatory sponsored a free industry event, Your Career: Representation, Training and Opportunity. By all accounts, it was a huge success with more than 80 members in attendance.

"SAG-AFTRA National Director/Senior Counsel, Professional Representatives Zino Macaluso served as moderator. He shared his experience, expertise and humor, as he covered representation, commissions, work opportunities, training and whether or not you can make a living as an actor in this market.

"Guest panelists included Katie Doyle, casting director of features and TV shows; Rachel Sutton, local casting director for Hawaii 5-0; Ryan Brown, franchised agent of ADR Model & Talent Agency; Dennis Chun, local actor and series regular on Hawaii 5-0; and Georja Skinner, chief officer, Creative Industries for the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

"Each of the panelists contributed their viewpoints in their area of expertise, but there was a recurring theme: How critical it is to train and know your craft. 

Panelists Ryan Brown, Dennis Chun, Georja Skinner, Rachel Sutton and Katie Doyle, along with moderator Zino Macaluso and Brenda Ching.

"Chun expressed the importance of training and how being a series regular has given him the opportunity to hone his craft. Skinner talked about the Creative Lab programs and her department’s commitment to providing training for the above-line crafts, writing, producing, animation and hopefully soon, an actors lab. Doyle, Sutton and Brown each expressed how much they want shows to hire local actors, but it can’t be done without training. 

"Learning and practice is critical to success, so take advantage of the conservatory classes and seek out other training. We have a number of good acting teachers on Oahu, so if you’re serious about booking speaking roles, find a teacher that speaks to you and get into a class.

"I’d like to acknowledge and thank our guest moderator, guest panelists, conservatory committee members, local board of directors and executive director for making this event happen."