Skip to main content

Improvisation for Film and TV

Two folding chairs on a stage.
Mar 12, 2025 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Conservatory Studio, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

Weekly

Teacher: Jon Freda

Exercises for playing the purpose of a scene by focusing on choices in scripted and unscripted scenarios.

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, March 3. 

Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



Acting on Camera

Actors being filmed on camera.
Mar 11, 2025 - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM EDT

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Conservatory Studio, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

Weekly

Teacher: Robert Goodman

Via mainstream acting theories and techniques, proven exercises and improvisation, students are exposed to the stylish and technical demands of camera performance. With emphasis on the ensemble and exposure, today’s audition obligations, to understanding how multi-media training relates to a 21st century actor, we will explore, challenge, and apply the vernacular, etiquette, discipline, and nuance of acting, and note how the process of storytelling applies to the actor. 

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, March 3. 

Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



Portland Conservatory Self-Tape Audition Workshop

An actor records a self-tape audition.
Mar 10, 2025 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM PDT

Where: 4704 SE 65th Ave., Portland, OR 97206

On-set Acting Coach Scott Rogers, will teach a self-tape audition clinic that focuses on the most common problems facing actors in self-tape auditions. Class will consist of a lecture with Q&A’s followed by viewing and discussing your previously submitted self-tapes. 
 
Admission Price: This event is free for SAG-AFTRA members. 
If you are not a member you may attend the workshop for $10. Click here to pay.
 
Upon signing up, you will receive an email reply with the address, sides and instructions for a self-tape mock audition (with a deadline for submitting your self-tape). 
 
PLEASE NOTE: 
Only the first 10 self-tapes submitted will be played in class. If you don't submit before the deadline, your self-tape will not be viewed.
 
Topics covered include:
 
  • SAG-AFTRA's new rules for self-tape auditions       
  • Learning Lines
  • Slating                                                                                  
  • Eyes – where to look
  • What to wear during an audition.                                  
  • Age questions – how to answer them
  • Technique: Stage vs. Camera                                           
  • Active listening: how this gets you jobs
  • Common Traps for actors                                                 
  • Monologues: what you need and why
  • Cold reading                                                                      
  • Breaking down a script/side
 
About the Instructor :
 
Scott served as acting coach for 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) under a multi-year, exclusive contract, coaching actors for television projects. He served as acting coach on the feature Princess Ka`iulani starring Barry Pepper, Will Patton, and Q’orianka Kilcher. Scott has coached principal actors, for more than 4,000 hours on the sets of major motion pictures and national television shows. He has produced, cast and/or directed more than 100 professional productions and he’s written, directed and produced dozens of TV commercials.
He was the full-time, on-set, acting coach for the Fox series North Shore and was previously the full-time acting coach for the hit TV show Baywatch, where he first coached actor Jason Momoa. Scott went on to coach Momoa on 44 episodes of two national tv series, a tv movie, and some auditions (when he still auditioned for roles!). Scott has coached actors like Pat Morita, Brooke Burns, Dominic Purcell, and dozens of others, on the sets of national TV shows and movies.
Working regularly as an Equity theater director in L.A. in the early 1990s, Scott began to get hired by actors, studios, and production companies to direct and/or coach actors, including Donna Mills, Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows, Charles Grodin, Richard Kline, Vincent Gardenia, Florence Henderson, Robert Reed, John Astin and many others.
 
Scott is a 40+ year member of Actors Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, where he served for 12 years on the SAG and then SAG-AFTRA National Boards and 16 years on the SAG and SAG-AFTRA Hawaii Local Board. Currently he still serves on several SAG-AFTRA National Committees, as Vice-Chair of the SAG-AFTRA National Conservatory Committee and Vice President of the SAG-AFTRA Portland Local.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete form below to RSVP. Please note that you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to active SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid through April 30, 2025). 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 72 hours before the start of the event.



NEW CLASS - Advanced Screenwriting

An image of a keyboard of a laptop.
Mar 04, 2025 - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM EST

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Conference Room B, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

Tuesdays Bi-weekly

Teacher: Marc Baron

Discussions will include delving deeper into the screenwriting process with new materials each meet. It's recommended to take the Introduction to Screenwriting. 
 

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open on Monday, Feb. 24. Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



IN PERSON: Book More Auditions! (Observers Only)

A cartoon person appears coming out of gray and black laptop with a "Join Us" picket sign being held in their right hand. The lettering is in black and the sign is white with a black picket. The person is wearing a white button down shirt with a pink tie. In their left hand is a white and red megaphone with five marks coming out of the megaphone to look like sound. The background is light blue.
Mar 19, 2025 - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM PDT

Where: Cagney Boardroom

** Registration for this event will open on Wednesday, Mar. 5 at 10 AM **

Deadline to RSVP is Mar. 17 at 12 noon PT.

Location: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, Cagney Boardroom 
           5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Instructor: David Blue

Description:

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Book More Auditions!

Hate the entire audition process? Exhausted trying to always figure out what "they're looking for?" Tired of obsessing for days if you "did the RIGHT thing?" Join this fun, one-day workshop to develop usable techniques you can apply to your auditions and performances, to always know you are bringing the height of your talent to each and every opportunity, consistently. -- And learn it from a working actor who has proven these techniques across the globe in TV, Film, theater, VO and more.

Directions:
This event page is open to the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local to attend the class as observers only. As an observer, you will not have the opportunity to work.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This event is only open to active SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid through April 30, 2025). 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 72 hours before the start of the event.
 



IN PERSON: Book More Auditions!

SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory Logo  with a black figure and its upraised right arm to the left of "SAG-AFTRA" with "Los Angeles Conservatory" underneath. All text and image in black with white background.
Mar 19, 2025 - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM PDT

Where: Cagney Boardroom

** Registration for this event will open on Wednesday, Mar. 5 at 10 AM **

Deadline to RSVP is Mar. 17 at 12 noon PT.

Location: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, Cagney Boardroom 
           5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Instructor: David Blue

Description:

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Book More Auditions!

This masterclass is intended to accommodate Advanced Level actors. Please assess your own abilities accordingly when considering registering for this workshop.

Hate the entire audition process? Exhausted trying to always figure out what "they're looking for?" Tired of obsessing for days if you "did the RIGHT thing?" Join this fun, one-day workshop to develop usable techniques you can apply to your auditions and performances, to always know you are bringing the height of your talent to each and every opportunity, consistently. -- And learn it from a working actor who has proven these techniques across the globe in TV, Film, theater, VO and more.

Directions:
Registrants will be assigned sides to work. Please DO NOT register for this class if you are unable to prepare your assigned sides.

A staff member will reach out to you after you have registered with your assigned sides.

A separate event page is open to the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local to attend the class as observers. You may register here to attend as an observer. As an observer, you will not have the opportunity to work.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

These workshops are only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory members in good standing, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. These workshops are not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through these workshops is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 
 



On Camera Acting Skills Workshop

A cartoonized picture of a film slate with a dark blue green background.
Mar 03, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Multipurpose Room, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

One Day Workshop

Teacher: Sanjit De Silva

Students will be exposed to basic lessons in On-Camera work. On-camera work on short audition sides will help students gain experience in working in front of the camera and in reviewing their work on screen in order to make improvements in the application of their acting skills to the medium of on-camera performance. We will also talk about using this process for self-tapes. 

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, Feb. 24. 
Please note there is no frequency restriction for this workshop. You can sign up for this workshop as well as register for one NY Conservatory class taking place this week. 

Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



Acting on Camera

Actors being filmed on camera.
Mar 06, 2025 - 12:15 PM to 2:15 PM EST

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Conservatory Studio, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

Weekly

Teacher: Robert Goodman

Via mainstream acting theories and techniques, proven exercises and improvisation, students are exposed to the stylish and technical demands of camera performance. With emphasis on the ensemble and exposure, today’s audition obligations, to understanding how multi-media training relates to a 21st century actor, we will explore, challenge, and apply the vernacular, etiquette, discipline, and nuance of acting, and note how the process of storytelling applies to the actor. 

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, Feb. 24. 

Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



Self-Producing 101: From Pre- to Post- & Everything In-between Part 4

An image of a film camera, a director's chair, and stage lights.
Mar 06, 2025 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Conservatory Studio, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

Thursdays Bi-weekly

Teacher: Evan Bass

Have you been daunted by self-producing or are you an old hat? Self-Producing 101 will delve
into everything pre-production, production, and post-production to give you a template for how
to be prepared at each level of your filmmaking. Featuring Q&As at the end of each session,
bring your notepads and questions and get ready to create your own work!

PART 4: EVERY QUESTION, FROM EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE

  • Any and all Self-Producing questions.

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, Feb 24. 

Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



Advanced Scene Study & Audition Technique

A person in front of a recording camera.
Mar 05, 2025 - 12:15 PM to 2:15 PM EST

Where: SAG-AFTRA - Conservatory Studio, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets)

Wednesdays Bi-weekly

Teacher: Jill Stern

Through the lens of the self-tape audition, we'll focus on what you can do to bring your work to the next level. Please bring a TV/Film scene not more than 2 minutes in length (about 2 pages). Up to 8 participants will have the opportunity to work on a scene.

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, Feb. 24. 

Please bring your SAG-AFTRA member ID card, or digital card in the Member App for admittance. 

If you have questions about the class or need to request an accommodation please email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory Members.

 



Help Center

On-Set Emergency

On-Set Emergency: (844) 723-3773

Help Center

How can we help? Call, chat with a rep, get answers to FAQs or send us an email.