Conservatory

Join acting coach Loren E. Chadima for an engaging and interactive workshop how to make your self-tapes undeniable. As Hollywood continues to transform at lightning speed and production is tightening their belts, you're caught between the creative visionaries and the business-minded executives. In this interactive session, you’ll walk away with strategies to make undeniable self tapes that make you stand out and book the job.  

Actors will walk away with practical tools to:  

• Look at a breakdown and sides and discern the business needs of the network while also figuring out what casting wants to see
• Know what makes a self-tape undeniable
• Grab casting's attention in the first three seconds
• Keep casting's attention for the rest of the tape
• Assess your career and make a plan for your next steps

Once you register, a script will be emailed to you. You may prepare the material in advance. Five actors will be selected to work with Loren.

If you are a non-member. please use this form to submit your payment for this workshop: Click here

Saturday, March 8, 2025

12:30 - 3:30 pm

Doors open at noon.

Free parking.

About the Instructor: Loren E. Chadima, named one of the “Best Acting Coaches in the United States." Her "intentional acting" technique has launched the careers of actors Bex Taylor-Klaus and Madison Hu, and bumped veteran actors Antonique Smith and Kevin Gardner to the next level. An alumni of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, Chadima’s films have won several Best Film categories and qualified for the 79th Academy Awards. Her critically acclaimed theater productions have been seen on both coasts and off-Broadway. As an actor, Chadima can be seen in a national Crepe Erase commercial and the feature film Statica. Learn more about Chadima at intentionalacting.com.

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

This event is 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.

The SF-NC Local Conservatory Screenplay Reading is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 3 at the SAG-AFTRA office at 350 Sansome in S.F. Unfortunately, Mother Lies will no longer be read and the committee will keep the local informed when Kitty Edwinson and Gwen Whittle are available to reschedule. Writing team Bobby Ysip and Steve Orcino have offered the member cast to read their script, Love Sick.

Love Sick, by Bobby Ysip & Steve Orcino

After a heart-wrenching breakup, Leon meets his ex, Megan, to discuss their past, only to be confronted with the harsh reality that she craves excitement over perfection. As Leon grapples with his emotions, a chance encounter with a spontaneous skateboarder named Jenny might just be the unexpected ride he needs to move forward.

About the Writers:
Bobby Ysip, from Hercules, began skateboarding at 9 and appeared in a local video at 11. He later focused on basketball, winning championships and playing for his high school team as the only Asian player. After high school, he worked in radio at stations like Z95.7, KKSF Jazz and Live 105. Bobby then worked as a meter reader for the San Francisco Water Department for six years. During this time, he developed an interest in acting and film production, eventually becoming a production assistant in 2017. Over time, he progressed to a union Teamster location manager and is now a member of SAG-AFTRA.

Steven Orcino is an actor and voice actor who has done regional commercials, music videos, training videos, lifestyle modeling, web series, podcast shorts and short films (live action and animation), as well as four full feature indie films and foreign film dubbing. Love Sick is his first short film script collaboration.

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

Questions? Contact us at sf@sagaftra.org

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.

Fridays Bi-weekly

Teacher: Ron Torgow

This class is designed to help students achieve a successful commercial audition in a fun and informative environment. The class consists of working with Commercial copy board and hand held paper copy. Various techniques are used to achieve a natural, honest, and unique audition. Improvisation techniques may also be used. Students may bring their own material or use commercial copy available. Auditions are played back and reviewed.

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Tuesday, Feb. 18. 

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

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.

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 Tuesday, Feb. 18. 

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.

Monthly on the 4th Wednesday

Teacher: Aan Steele

The eyes are the mirror of the soul. On camera, the eyes show what is going on in the brain. This class will concentrate on delivery on camera. Please come prepared with a 2 minute monologue or scene. Actors will slate and record their monologue or scene. After playback, feedback will be given from the instructor and peers. 

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Tuesday, Feb. 18. 

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.

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 Tuesday, Feb. 18. 

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.

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 Tuesday, Feb. 18. 

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.

Thursdays Bi-weekly

Teacher: Mia Christo

This class will introduce acting terminology, screenwriting, and genre and how that affects acting for the camera. 
This course will help students begin to develop a personal preparation system for an on-camera role and introduce them to the business of film and television. Filled with a mix of science and artistry this class focuses on bringing your best for the camera, and learn basic set etiquette.

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, Feb. 10. 

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.

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. 10. 

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.

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 3: POST-PRODUCTION

• Final Cast List
• Editing
• ADR
• Color Correction
• VFX
• Sound Design
• Score
• Film Festivals
• PR (Website, Social Media, etc.)
• Q&A
   

Topics to be covered in future sessions:

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

RSVP: The registration form for this class will open below on Monday, Feb 10. 

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.