Conservatory

The 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) will be in four New England cities in 2025 and SAG-AFTRA has them all covered! Join this Zoom Conservatory to meet the four city producers who manage the New England weekends in Boston, Providence, New Haven and Portland and learn the guidelines for these energetic, fun and wildly creative 48 hours of filmmaking. Teams have one weekend to write, shoot, and edit a short film. Anyone can lead a team and any SAG-AFTRA member can participate in front or behind the camera! The 48HFP is a great way to build industry connections! 

Panelists:

• Andrew Osborne is the city producer of the Boston 48HFP (May 2–5, 2025). He works as a freelance writer, teacher and director.
• Mel Rainsberger is the city producer of the Providence 48HFP (June 27–29, 2025). She is a lifelong fan of finding creative energy through friendly competition. With the skills she learned running a team for 10 years, she helps other filmmakers explore their creativity and take their potential to the next level.
• Lorna James-Rodriguez is the city producer of the New Haven 48HFP (July 25–27, 2025). In addition to her work as a filmmaker, educator, TV host, stand-up comedian and certified safe drone operator, she is the executive producer for Avion Film and Media Production. 
• Rosie Stevens is the city producer of the Portland 48HFP (2025 date TBA). She is a native of Maine and a serial 48HFP participant with a master's in television, radio, and film from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.
• Jessica Maher is the executive director of the SAG-AFTRA New England Local.

When: Monday, February 10 at 6:30 PM ET 

RSVP Required: Log in and complete the form below to make a reservation, by February 10 at 5 PM ET. 

Once you register, you will receive the Zoom link.

Questions? Please email newengland@sagaftra.org with "conservatory" in the subject.

Join Buddy McQueen for the Improv for Your Actor's Toolbox workshop. During this workshop, Buddy will guide you through warm-ups, imagery and exercises. 

Key takeaways and instructions:

• Learn how to build pictures, create locations, characters and events
• Learn terminology and techniques to help you think and act
• Focus on visualizing the scene and being in the moment
• Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to move

About Buddy McQueen

Buddy McQueen has been performing Improv since 2009 and is a Las Vegas Improvisation teacher. He has learned from such teachers as Joe Bill (iO), Miles Stroth (founder of The Pack) and Liz Allen (Second City and iO) as well as Improv-Vegas teachers Paul Mattingly (Second City Flamingo) and Matt Donnelly (Magnet, UCB, and The PIT).

Parking is free.

Check-in begins at 1:30 pm.

Cost: Free for Nevada Local Members in good standing

If you are not a member, you can attend for a fee of $20. You must register on the form below and pay at this form.

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 Nevada Local SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid through April 30, 2025). Guests and non-members must register and pay a $20 fee each. 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.

** Registration for this event will open on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 10 AM **

Deadline to RSVP is Feb. 25 at 12 noon PT.

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

Instructor: Joshua Beren

Description:

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Script Analysis: The Key to Understanding the Craft of Acting and the Actors Role with Joshua Beren!

Attendees will get a clear and dynamic understanding of a script analysis system used by professional actors of every level and applicable to everything from a commercial audition to multiple seasons of television work or a full feature film.

The course will cover core script analysis concepts including "what we owe vs what can we create", "the power of discoveries and decisions instead of beats", "understanding the notecard on the writing room wall", and more...

Attendees will explore the benefits and support of auditioning, prepping booked work, and performing finished work with sound script analysis as the key tool for unlocking their potential, creating an intimate understanding of their character, the moment, and fully realizing their unique and specific role in the creative storytelling process.

Directions:
Attendees must bring a notebook or laptop for note taking, a printed out copy of a scene that has proven challenging from a previous audition or completed project, and are recommended to wear comfortable clothing for learning and some light grounding movement.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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.
 

This is a four week course.

You must have already taken Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Basics and Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate #1 to take this course.

Once you were registered for the initial prerequisite class on February 14, you were automatically registered for this class.

Location: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, Maxwell (Lobby Level)
           5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Instructor: Mary Gallagher

Description:

Join the Los Angeles Local Conservatory and Mary Gallagher for Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate!

In this four week series workshop you will learn how to develop and create a stand-up comedy routine in a smaller intimate setting.

The process of this can also lead to a better awareness of your mental health and overall well being.

Directions:
Attendees, please bring a notepad and pen for this workshop.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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. 
 

This is a four week course.

You must have already taken Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Basics and Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate #1 to take this course.

Once you were registered for the initial prerequisite class on February 14, you were automatically registered for this class.

Location: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, 2nd Floor Classroom
           5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Instructor: Mary Gallagher

Description:

Join the Los Angeles Local Conservatory and Mary Gallagher for Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate!

In this four week series workshop you will learn how to develop and create a stand-up comedy routine in a smaller intimate setting.

The process of this can also lead to a better awareness of your mental health and overall well being.

Directions:
Attendees, please bring a notepad and pen for this workshop.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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. 
 

This is a four week course.

You must have already taken Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Basics and Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate #1 to take this course.

Once you were registered for the initial prerequisite class on February 14, you were automatically registered for this class.

Location: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, 2nd Floor Classroom
           5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Instructor: Mary Gallagher

Description:

Join the Los Angeles Local Conservatory and Mary Gallagher for Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate!

In this four week series workshop you will learn how to develop and create a stand-up comedy routine in a smaller intimate setting.

The process of this can also lead to a better awareness of your mental health and overall well being.

Directions:
Attendees, please bring a notepad and pen for this workshop.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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. 
 

** Registration for this event will open on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 10 AM **

Deadline to RSVP is Feb. 18 at 12 noon PT.

Location: Online via Zoom

Instructor: Jodie Bentley

Description:
Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Nail the Agent Interview, taught by Jodie Bentley!

You spend SO much time and energy landing that coveted agent/manager meeting by: writing your pitch, emailing agents, researching their IMDb, asking for referrals, etc. Once you're IN the room, is not the time to fall prey to the wing-it mentality.

You get to navigate the interview and speak intelligently and vulnerably about who you are, what you want, and where you want to go.

In this interactive workshop you'll learn:

•  5 steps to prepare for every interview and kill it every time!
• How to answer the question  - Tell Me About Yourself that fully represents who you are.
• The mistake most actors make in every interview that is costing you opportunities.
• What agents are REALLY looking for 
• The one marketing tool that separates you from the pack…and it’s not your headshot or reel.

There is an art to the interview and I’m going to teach you how to do it.

Please note: You will receive your Zoom information the day before the meeting from SAG AFTRA LA Local Conservatory. If you have trouble joining the Zoom meeting, please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate and will receive a Zoom link that is not transferable. You must use a Zoom account with the same email address that was submitted with the RSVP.

Members will be expected to engage with professionalism and courtesy.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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. 
 

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

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

Location: Online via Zoom

Instructor: Jona Xioa

Description:

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for The 4 Ingredients to to Being a Consistently Working Actor.

Actor Jona Xiao (Lead in Marvel's upcoming EYES OF WAKANDA with 45+ other credits including pivotal roles on THE FLASH, S.W.A.T.) will guide you through her four essential ingredients you need to be a consistently working actor that has worked for her and thousands of actors she's taught. You'll learn THE question you need to ask yourself right now to stand-out and get more of the RIGHT auditions for you, how to network in a genuine and effective way to book more work, the Working Backwards Brand Alignment Method to find the right reps for YOU, and an easy tip to self-pitch yourself for work.

Learn from Xiao's 360 degree perspective that she gained while working in casting, talent representation, producing, TV/film acting, CEO of Career ACTivate, and creator of the Audition Leapfrog Technique to audition for larger roles even if your credits are smaller.

By attending, you'll also complete a career assessment questionnaire to see where your specific area of opportunity is to make the biggest leap in your career!
 

Please note: You will receive your Zoom information the day before the meeting from SAG AFTRA LA Local Conservatory. If you have trouble joining the Zoom meeting, please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate and will receive a Zoom link that is not transferable. You must use a Zoom account with the same email address that was submitted with the RSVP.

Members will be expected to engage with professionalism and courtesy.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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. 
 

** Registration for this event will open on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 10 AM  **

Deadline to RSVP is Feb. 14 at 12 noon PT.

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

Instructor: Theo & Juliet Wolf

Description:
Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Headshot Photography and Evaluation with Theo & Juliet!

In this class you'll learn: 

• Technical basics of headshot photography.  (e.g. Focus, lighting, etc.)
• The importance of Actor Tech (e.g. formatting)
• General Headshot Details Discussion (e.g. wardrobe, hair and make-up)
• Sample Evaluation of materials (e.g. a live evaluation of one man and one woman’s current headshots projected on a screen for the room to see.)
• Difference between Headshot photography, Editorial Photography and PR Photography
• Current world of Social Media and how it pertains to photography.
• Followed by a Q&A

The last two hours of this course will be an optional evaluation for those who want their individual materials reviewed by Theo & Juliet in front of a class in order to be able to make improvements to their promotional image materials in the future.

Directions:
If you are interested in submitting your headshots for an optional evaluation please submit them via the following google form by Feb. 17.

• Headshot Submissions - Headshot Photography and Evaluation

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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. 

You must have attended Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Basics in order to register and attend this class series. Failure to attend the pre-requisite course will result in being dropped from the class.

** Registration for this event will open on Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 AM **

Deadline to RSVP is Feb. 12 at 12 noon PT.

Location: SAG-AFTRA Plaza, 2nd Floor Classroom
           5757 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Instructor: Mary Gallagher

Description:

This is a four week course.

You must be available for the following dates in order to take this course:

• Friday, February 14 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Friday, February 21 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Friday, February 28 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Friday, March 7 from 10 a.m-12 p.m.

Once you are registered for this initial class on February 14, you will be automatically registered for the rest of the dates listed above. Please read the course description carefully before registering.

Join the Los Angeles Local Conservatory and Mary Gallagher for Stand Up Comedy and Wellness For Actors - Intermediate!

In this four week series workshop you will learn how to develop and create a stand-up comedy routine in a smaller intimate setting.

The process of this can also lead to a better awareness of your mental health and overall well being.

Directions:
Attendees, please bring a notepad and pen for this workshop.

Questions? Email conservatory@sagaftra.org

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop 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.