Conservatory

This is a six week course.

You must have already taken Scene Study Masterclass #1 to take this course.

Once you were registered for the initial prerequisite class on January 7, you were automatically registered for this class.  

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

Instructor: Jamison Jones

Description:

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Scene Study Masterclass with Jamison Jones!

This course is designed to help the actor develop a process that gives them clear-cut results in the audition room, on set, and on the stage, to aid in getting in touch with the emotional center, make strong choices that elevate the material and get them noticed.

Like all great actors they will learn to bring themselves to the role and trust their instincts, all while getting in touch with themselves as an actor, an artist and an individual.

Directions: Actors are required to bring a notebook to class, memorize lines, and work outside of class to ensure they come prepared. It is recommended you wear clothing appropriate to the scene work assigned, arrive to class warmed up, and ready to work. 
 

Actors are recommended to read books such as "Acting: The 1st 6 Lessons" by Richard Boleslawski for this class series. 
 

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. 
 

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Conservatory Committee Presents:

"THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN"

Join us via Zoom as we gather for 'Things I Wish I'd Known'  — an inspiring and intimate conversation with some of Chicago's professional actors as they share pivotal moments in their careers and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. In this candid panel discussion, our experienced panelists will reflect on their various journeys in the industry — offering advice they wish they had known when they first started. From navigating the early days of their careers to handling the pressures of big budget projects, dealing with setbacks, and finding personal and professional growth, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from those who’ve been through it all!

This panel offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the hard-earned insights that have shaped the varied professional paths of accomplished artists. Whether you're an actor just starting your professional journey, a longtime fan, or simply someone interested in the art of storytelling, this event promises to offer valuable takeaways about perseverance, self-discovery, and the unpredictable path to success.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from those who’ve lived it firsthand and discover the things they wish they had known when they first started out!

Panelist Bios:

 

Moderator:

Stephen Spencer

Stephen Spencer is a Chicago based actor best known for portraying Dr. David Harvard on FARGO, season 4. Recent work includes appearances in the feature films OKIE, directed by Kate Cobb, and the upcoming WHEN CATS FLY. He’s received critical acclaim for his roles in such plays as "Five Presidents" (Bill Clinton); "Blackbird" (Ray); "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" (Selig); “Blizzard ‘67” (Henkin); “Heroes” (Gustave); “Night and Day” (Wagner), and “The Quality of Life” (Bill). Onscreen he played Tommy Davoni in EMPIRE, Emil Wanatka in PUBLIC ENEMIES, and Dr. Tom Mayfield in CHICAGO MED. As a founding member of The Shakespeare Project of Chicago he’s appeared in over 30 plays of the Canon. As an Artistic Associate at Chicago Dramatists he’s helped to develop and workshop new plays for over 25 years.  Steve is a proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA.

 

Guests:
 

 

Rusty Schwimmer
A member of SAG/AFTRA since 1987, Rusty Schwimmer has been fortunate to work all over the world. She was born, raised, and trained in the Chicago area eventually moving to Los Angeles. While based there for 24 years, she had many adventures working in tv and film (and occasional stage), came back to her hometown, and is happy to be with family continuing the adventure.

 

Kevin Gudahl 

Kevin Gudahl is an award winning Chicago based actor who has been performing on stage and screen for over 30 years. Gudahl has appeared in films such as While You Were Sleeping, Home Alone III, and The Poker House. On television, his credits include The Emperor of Ocean Park (MGM+), The Shining Girls (Apple TV+), Chicago Fire (NBC), and Empire (FOX), among others. As a theatre actor, he has performed in numerous iconic productions including King Lear, The House of Martin Guerre, Pacific Overtures, My Fair Lady, and Comedy Of Errors. His extensive resume in Chicago includes roles in Antony and Cleopatra, Uncle Vanya, The King’s Speech, Inherit The Wind, As You Like It, The Minister’s Wife, Richard III, and Macbeth, among many others. He’s worked at many prominent theaters like Chicago Shakespeare, The Goodman, Court Theatre, Steppenwolf and Writer’s Theatre. His international credits include five seasons at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Donmar Warehouse in London. A multiple Jeff Award recipient, Gudahl is also a sought-after Shakespearean verse coach, blending his acting expertise with a deep understanding of classical text. His career spans over decades of dynamic performances across the globe, solidifying his place as a distinguished artist on both stage and screen.

 

J. Nicole Brooks (she/they) is an actor, writer, director, artistic producer, choreographer and educator based in Chicago. On screen, Brooks has appeared in Chicago Fire (NBC), Emperor of Ocean Park (MGM), South Side (MAX), Power Book IV (Starz), and Fargo (FX) opposite Chris Rock, as well as the hit film Candyman (dir. Nia DaCosta, prod. Jordan Peele). As a theatre artist, Brooks is an ensemble member and Mellon Foundation Playwright in Residence at the Tony Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company. As a playwright and librettist, Brooks has created original and adapted works including Black Diamond: The Years the Locusts Have Eaten, Fedra Queen of Haiti, HeLa, Black Moon Lilith, Rainbow Beach, 1919 and the award winning Her Honor Jane Byrne. Brooks has also served as director and associate director mounting successful theatre productions of Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting, Thaddeus & Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure, Her Honor Jane Byrne, Sex With Strangers and Black Diamond: the Years the Locusts Have Eaten. Brooks is also an award winning actor featured in theatrical productions at Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass, Court Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Theatre at Boston Court. Professional accolades include honors from the Mellon Foundation, TCG Fox Foundation, 3Arts, NEA, Kilroy List, the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, and the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s 21st Century Award. Brooks also serves on the creative council for Uniting Voices Chicago and is an artistic member at Collaboration. @doctaslick 

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.

Start 2025 off taping and auditioning like the pro you are!

In today’s world, auditions are being held three ways: in person, self-tape and live remote. The requirements of the latter two can be challenging and overwhelming. 

Working actor and coach Amanda Melby has been self-taping and live remote auditioning since 2014 and is excited to share her expertise, tips and tricks with the Arizona-Utah Local membership so your auditions look and sound as professional as your acting talent.

In this online program, you’ll learn best practices for: 

• Set Up and Preparation
• Lighting and Technical requirements
• Editing and Delivery

Plus

• Equipment Guide
• Q & A
• Feedback on Self-Tape Set Up (time permitting)
   

Participants are encouraged to join from their best self-tape location. 

This Arizona-Utah Conservatory program is free to SAG-AFTRA members as a benefit of membership.

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.
 

About the Presenter: 
Amanda Melby, a native Minnesotan, made her way to Phoenix via Southern California, Washington, DC and Cleveland. She has worked as a professional actor for over 30 years and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. Amanda produced and starred in the feature film RAISING BUCHANAN with René Auberjonois and M. Emmet Walsh. Other films include FUNNY THING ABOUT LOVE, LOCKER 13, JAKE’S CORNER with Richard Tyson, NETHERBEAST INCORPORATED, and THE MAJESTIC.Her short films include COVET, CULT STATUS, and SMALL HAPPYS. Television includes CANDID CAMERA, S.I.S., BOSTON PUBLIC and SCREEN WARS. Amanda is a busy commercial actress and also works as a producer, director and spokeswoman. She is the Owner/Head Coach of Verve Studios. She is a four-time Emmy® nominee for SCREEN WARS and RAISING BUCHANAN, was the 2007 Phoenix Film Foundation Board Member of the Year, the 2008 Layne Award recipient and was a 2011 Governor’s Arts Award nominee. She studied in Howard Fine’s Master Class and is currently in Gunnar Rohrbacher’s Sitcom Master Class in LA. Amanda is an accomplished cellist and holds a BA in theatre and English from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. She is repped by the Leighton Agency (AZ) and Bankston Talent (NM).  
 

** Registration for this event will open on Tuesday, December 24 at 10 AM **

Deadline to RSVP is Jan. 3 at 12 noon PT.

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

Instructor: Jamison Jones

Description:

This is a six week course.

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

• Tuesday, January 7 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 21 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 28 from 9 a.m-12 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 4 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 11 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Once you are registered for this initial class on January 7, you will be automatically registered for the rest of the dates listed above. Please read the course description carefully before registering.
 

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Scene Study Masterclass with Jamison Jones!

This course is designed to help the actor develop a process that gives them clear-cut results in the audition room, on set, and on the stage, to aid in getting in touch with the emotional center, make strong choices that elevate the material and get them noticed.

Like all great actors they will learn to bring themselves to the role and trust their instincts, all while getting in touch with themselves as an actor, an artist and an individual.

Directions: Actors are required to bring a notebook to class, memorize lines, and work outside of class to ensure they come prepared. It is recommended you wear clothing appropriate to the scene work assigned, arrive to class warmed up, and ready to work. 

Actors are recommended to read books such as "Acting: The 1st 6 Lessons" by Richard Boleslawski for this class series. 

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 event has been cancelled. 

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 event has been cancelled. 

Location: Online via Zoom

Instructor: Josh Horowitz

Description:
Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Audiobook Narration - A Basic Overview for Voice Actors with Josh Horowitz.

You've done voiceover spots... but how would you like to be the equivalent of a marathon runner by narrating audiobooks? Learn about the skills, equipment, creativity, and mindset needed for audiobook work, and discover resources for gaining experience and finding jobs as a long-form storyteller.

Please note this is a beginners introduction course.

Please note: You will receive your Zoom information the day before the meeting from SAG AFTRA LA Local. 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. 
 

This event has been cancelled. 

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 Jan 20.

• 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. 

Scene Study Masterclass has been cancelled for Tuesday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 21. We thank you for your understanding. Class will resume on Tuesday, January 28th.

Two additional dates have been added to the Scene Study Masterclass:

• Tuesday, February 18 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 25 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

 

This is a six week course.

You must have already taken Scene Study Masterclass #1 to take this course.

Once you were registered for the initial prerequisite class on January 7, you were automatically registered for this class.  

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

Instructor: Jamison Jones

Description:

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Scene Study Masterclass with Jamison Jones!

This course is designed to help the actor develop a process that gives them clear-cut results in the audition room, on set, and on the stage, to aid in getting in touch with the emotional center, make strong choices that elevate the material and get them noticed.

Like all great actors they will learn to bring themselves to the role and trust their instincts, all while getting in touch with themselves as an actor, an artist and an individual.

Directions: Actors are required to bring a notebook to class, memorize lines, and work outside of class to ensure they come prepared. It is recommended you wear clothing appropriate to the scene work assigned, arrive to class warmed up, and ready to work. 
 

Actors are recommended to read books such as "Acting: The 1st 6 Lessons" by Richard Boleslawski for this class series. 
 

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.