Education Connection

The L.A. Local MORE Committee hosted two educational workshops in February to help members understand their craft. On Feb. 5, 2025, L.A. Local member Michael D. Cohen taught Creating Characters for TV/Film. In this course, members learned how to prepare for roles that are different from their normal personality. Methods such as uncovering clues in scripts, mining an individual’s own authenticity and finding how to use physicality in a role were discussed among other topics. Each attendee was encouraged to bring a comedic or dramatic scene or a monologue that they wanted to work on in front of the class.

The committee then followed up with a workshop from L.A. Local member Mark Atteberry on Thursday, Feb. 6, called Develop Your Type and Create Your Niche. In this workshop, members learned how to be their authentic selves in every aspect of the business while also thriving within the confines of typecasting. Through this workshop, members were challenged to find their unique niche in order to get an agent, prepare for auditions and approach their overall craft.

The L.A. Local MORE Committee looks forward to holding more educational opportunities for local members throughout the year. Be sure to check out the L.A. Local Events calendar to find out what’s next!

Photo: SAG-AFTRA member Michael D. Cohen observes and critiques a scene during Creating Characters for TV/Film, a class held at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Feb. 5.