A Day in the Life … Twin Cities Actors Expo

At the Actors Expo

Twin Cities SAG-AFTRA members hosted an information table at the annual Twin Cities Actors Expo held March 29 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Here are some comments from our local members at the SAG-AFTRA table that day: 

Peggy O’Connell: To me the highlights were the moms! We had some great mothers with their child actors. They were impressed with the protections our union offers.

Elena Giannetti: Once the first actor approached the table, I realized that the conversational skills that I employ while I work trade shows for one of my other freelance jobs were going to serve me well [to] get people talking! And talk they did. Actors and even a few producers that approached our table seemed genuinely interested in learning about the union, how or when it’s appropriate to join and what it can do for them. We had some great material that Kathy Byrne had brought with her that made a great takeaway. Overall, I felt that it was definitely worth keeping our presence visible to professionals and newcomers alike.

Shirley Venard: I had not been to the expo for many moons and did enjoy the crowd and the folks who showed a sincere interest at our tables. I sat at the AEA table for two hours and then moved three feet to the SAG-AFTRA table. Loved sharing with our people, who were there to graciously respond to questions. Next year, I will choose to be on a panel, as I think that will do more good in that setting.

Mary Em Burns: As for experiencing the expo as an attendee, I decided to register as a participant this year and attended several of the seminars listed in the schedule as “professional track” sessions. I was also able to audition for, and provide my resume to, a large group of local indie filmmakers brought together in one room as part of the Directors’ Workshop. All of the seminars I attended were interesting and informative, with diverse panels of speakers covering topics of interest to acting professionals. Aside from the well done and well-attended session on SAG-AFTRA low-budget film contracts, my next favorite was a session called Theater and Film Communities, Let’s Talk! The panel included filmmakers, actors and a writer/director from one of the smaller theaters in town discussing how to connect local actors with filmmakers. Suggestions ranged from connecting with filmmaker groups via social media to attending Bryant-Lake Bowl’s monthly IFP/MN-sponsored Cinema Lounge, which screens locally made short films followed by a discussion and social time. Overall, my impression of the 2014 Twin Cities Actors Expo was very positive, worthy of my time and registration fee, and I will plan to attend again next year.

This item was originally featured in the May 2014 local newsletter.