Conservatory

After almost 3 years of pandemic beards & buns, actors may not look (or feel!) like their old headshot anymore. And yet, those old professional photos are doing the work of helping you secure your next audition or booking. Perhaps it's time to let the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Conservatory help make sure your headshot is working for you!

Join us on Monday, August 21, from 6-8pm as we discuss the art of the headshot: what works, what doesn't, and what you can do to end up with one you love! Join us as we talk candidly with Bob Schroeder of Grossman & Jack Talent and Charleston Owensby of Stewart Talent as they discuss what makes a headshot pop or flop and what your agents need most from you! We'll then be joined by a few headshot photographers that will share their perspectives from behind the lens as they give some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your next headshot session. 

Get ready to make your next headshot session hit the mark - RSVP today!

(Please note: this event is reccommended as a pre-shoot preparation conversation for those separately registered for the 1-look headshot event on Saturday, August 26th. Separate event registrations are required for each event.)

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

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Join audiobook narrator Sean Pratt for an overview of the audiobook industry, where it’s going, and how to break into the work. Participants are invited to come in person or connect via Zoom!

When: Saturday, August, 12,  3-4:30 p.m.

Where: SAG AFTRA Dallas-Fort Worth, 5000 Quorum Dr, Lobby Level, Dallas, TX 75254

Cost: Free to members

Please RSVP by Thursday, August 10 by 5:30 p.m. CT.

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

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Deadline to RSVP is Aug. 9 at 12 noon PT.

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for The Diving Board Technique: Breaking Down A Scene When Preparing For An Audition.

The Diving Board Technique is a proprietary technique created by Ransford Doherty that teaches actors to respond authentically to their scene partners and move the scene forward, especially during auditions. It's a great way for actors to demonstrate their understanding of the text and shifts the weight from the actor vying for the part to the actor becoming the part.

Participants are asked to please keep their camera on during the duration of this course. 

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Aug. 9 at 12 noon PT.

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 webhelp@sagaftra.org or call (855) 724-2387.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate. 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? Please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 
 

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

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. 

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Aug. 14 at 12 noon PT.

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 webhelp@sagaftra.org or call (855) 724-2387.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate. 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? Please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 
 

Deadline to RSVP is Jul. 31 at 12 noon PT.

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory for Podcasting: Kicking and Screaming into the 21st Century with Josh Horowitz.

Ready to take your performance skills to the next level? Be part of the growing medium of podcasting! Learn about podcasts and why they are relevant, how to work under SAG-AFTRA contracts, how to perform on someone's podcast, and how to start your own podcast. This class includes bonus tips on finding an audience, monetization, and giving your best performance.

Please note this is a beginners introduction course. 

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Jul. 31 at 12 noon PT.

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 webhelp@sagaftra.org or call (855) 724-2387.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate. 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? Please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 
 

Time to update your headshot? The local conservatory has you covered. The following photographers will be participating in this year’s headshot event. Each appointment is $135 for a 30-minute one-shot session, resulting in one final retouched headshot. Any additional looks you wish to purchase can be discussed with the photographer. Each headshot session will take place at the photographer’s studio

Most photographers have a makeup artist for $50 per session. Use of the professional makeup artist is encouraged, if available. Once you make your appointment, you will need to make payment to confirm your reservation.

To schedule an appointment, please email jess.jones@sagaftra.org with the name of photographer and approximate time you would like to schedule your appointment.

Joel Maisonet, Maisonet Photography 
(FULL/BOOKED -  waitlist only)
joelmaisonet.com
2150 S. Canalport, #3C-19
Chicago, IL 

Joel Maisonet is a Chicago-based headshot and commercial portrait photographer. Leveraging his background as an actor and dancer, Joel is known for coaching his clients to natural, engaging expressions. 

HMU: Davenda Thompson, Paint Gal Studio
 

Joe Mazza, Brave Lux Inc.  
(FULL/BOOKED -- waitlist only)
bravelux.com
1770 W. Berteau, Unit 404
Chicago, IL 

Joe Mazza is an award-winning portrait, advertising, theater, and editorial photographer based in Chicago. Over the past 30 years, he's worked as an artist in many media– playwrighting, puppetry, film, radio, and as an actor– all of which inform how he creates with a camera.

HMU: (TBD)
 

Elizabeth Stenholt 
(Saturday, 8/26  - 11am-5:30pm)
Home Studio - Located near Northeastern University in North Park
https://lizlens.myportfolio.com/headshots-1

Elizabeth Stenholt likes to work and chat with clients to achieve their headshot goals and needs. She likes to help performers look and feel their best and be the ultimate cheerleader behind the lens!

HMU: No HMU Artist provided, please bring your kit & come with hair & make-up ready (like you would for auditions.)

(Please note: The SAG-AFTRA Conservatory is separately offering a pre-shoot headshot conservatory presentation on August 21st from 6-8pm, which is recommended and encouraged for those attending the 1-look headshot event on Saturday, August 26th. Separate event registrations are required for each event.)

The SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson Conservatory presents: The Actor's Instinct with George Gallagher. This workshop will explore a revolutionary approach to the craft of acting that has evolved out of Stanislavski's "method" and returned us to some of our most innate qualities as human beings. We will be doing a lot of pracical work - it's your chance to play and have fun. This approach is inspired by the work of Harold Guskin, Wynn Handman and Milton Katselas.

Only 20 members will participate. There will be a waitlist. If you must cancel, you must do so within 24 hours of the event so another member may participate. 

If you are a no-show, per Conservatory rules, you will be exempt from any Conservatory events for two months.

Doors will close at 7:05 p.m. No one will be admitted after that time out of respect for our presenter and participants. 

Our Conservatory will be collecting non-perishable food items for Intown Cares.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please RSVP by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5. You must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Workshop Title:  Voice Acting Performance Master Class

This free workshop will primarily focus on voiceover performance using James Alburger's process and techniques for woodshedding a script, delivering a conversational “read,” and getting listener attention quickly. A variety of performing techniques will be discussed during the workshop and several attendees will be invited to participate in individual coaching. Many of the techniques James will cover can easily be applied to on-camera and theatrical performances as well as voiceover. There will be ample time for questions throughout and at the end of the workshop.

You'll learn:

How to make any script grab the listener's attention within a few seconds

How to quickly break down any script to determine the most effective delivery

How to make solid choices to tell the story in a compelling and effective manner

How to effectively use “the three dots” found in many scripts

How to make delivery adjustments "on the fly" to make the story more interesting.

And much, much, more...

About James Alburger:

Following a 25-year career with NBC, San Diego, and the recipient of 11 Emmy Awards for audio production and sound design, James Alburger opened VoiceActing.com in 1998 as an independent voice actor, performance coach and audio post-production expert. Between 2007 and 2014, James co-produced the VoiceOver International Creative Experience (VOICE) convention, the first International convention for voiceover talent. During its ground-breaking 5-event run, the VOICE conventions literally changed the industry by bringing the International voiceover community together for the first time and spawning numerous other voiceover conferences and events. 

James literally “wrote the book” on voice acting! Most voiceover professionals consider his book to be “the bible” of voice acting. While most books on voiceover focus on how the author “did it,” The Art of Voice Acting is a comprehensive manual of voiceover and acting techniques that focuses on how the reader can succeed in the craft and business of voiceover. The book is used Internationally in the U.S., the U.K., Europe and China as a performing arts and voice acting textbook, and is considered “the bible of the voiceover industry” by most voiceover professionals. James’ book will be available at the workshop for a special discounted price.

For more than 45 years, James has worked with actors, voiceover talent, and professional speakers, taking the actor’s initial choices to a new level through his understanding of the nuance of interpretation, delivery, blocking, timing, and character. He has directed hundreds of commercial voice talent, specialty performers and on-camera talent. He provides continued support through his mastermind group, The Conductor’s Club.

James currently works with aspiring voice talent through one-on-one personalized coaching and workshops. For more information about James Alburger, please visit www.VoiceActing.com

When:  Wednesday, July 12, 7-9 p.m.

Where:  Kearny Mesa Moose Lodge 3636 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA

RSVP below. You must be logged in to see the RSVP form below.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA San Diego members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023, or in compliance with the May 2023 dues relief extension). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 

Deadline to RSVP is Jul. 11 at 12 noon PT.

Join the SAG-AFTRA LA Conservatory in partnership with the Young Performers Committee for Career Retrospectives from Young Performers. 

Each month one guest will be invited to reflect and discuss how their career from young performer to adult has shaped who they are as a performer and their career.

Please join us this month for our discussion with panelist, Denzel Whittaker, moderated by Brandon Severs. 

Denzel Whitaker
Born in Torrance, California, Denzel Whitaker is best known for his award-winning role in THE GREAT DEBATERS, performing opposite of his two namesakes, Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Numerous film and television shows list Denzel's name including fan favorites: BLACK PANTHER, CUT THROAT CITY, THE PURGE TV series, WARRIOR, U SHOOT VIDEOS?, ALL THAT and TRAINING DAY.

In 2011, Denzel simultaneously began developing his skillset behind the camera as a filmmaker. Since then, he's garnered millions of views in the music video space, worked 5 years at Cartoon Network as an editor and illustrator on hits shows including BOONDOCKS and BLACK DYNAMITE, and is a published fashion photographer. His latest film '5150', is a 2x Audience Award winner at SeriesFest and FilmGood Film Festival along with being officially selected for Tribeca’s 2020 Creators Market. Co-written and directed by Denzel, starring Jovan Adepo and executive produced by David Oyelowo, the film is currently being developed into a TV series.

This summer, you can catch Denzel starring alongside Laya DeLeon Hayes and Chad Coleman in RLJE's chilling thriller THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER - in theaters June 9th.

Brandon Severs
Star on the rise, Brandon Severs, is quickly making a name for himself in the entertainment industry with the dynamic characters that he brings to life. Severs can be seen starring in HBO Max’s family comedy series, “Head of the Class” opposite Isabella Gomez and Robin Givens. A reboot of the popular 1980’s sitcom of the same name, the series follows a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge: first time teacher, Alicia Gomez (Gomez). Severs shines as Terrell Hayward, an athletic and bright student who is all about team mentality and the optimist in a class of stressed-out overachievers. He is also the son of Darlene (Givens), from the original series, who is now the co-president of the Parents' Association. All ten episodes of “Head of the Class” are available to stream now on Max.

Severs also recently starred as Liam Carter in the Disney+ series, “Diary of a Future President” which released its second season on August 18, 2021. The series follows Elena (Tess Romero), a Cuban-American girl as she navigates through the ups and downs of being a teenager, which set her on the path to becoming the president of the United States. In 2020, he was seen in Quibi’s Emmy award-nominated action series “#FreeRayshawn” opposite Laurence Fishburne.

From 2016-18, Severs starred as Dusty in Disney XD’s hit hidden-camera prank series, “Walk The Prank.” The series blended scripted comedy and real hidden-camera pranks with the scripted portion centering on the everyday adventures of a tight-knit foursome which serve as a source of inspiration for the team’s unscripted and creative over-the-top practical jokes.Additional credits include Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home,” TBS’ “Men at Work,” ABC’s “The Neighbors” and “The Whispers,” Nickelodeon’s “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” and NBC’s popular long running soap opera, “Days of Our Lives.”

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Severs started acting at a young age initially booking national television commercials for brands like The Walt Disney Company, Tracfone and Toyota to name a few. He quickly started landing theatrical work with his first appearances in “Men at Work” and “The Neighbors” – he has been working ever since. In his spare time, he enjoys playing several musical instruments including the drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano and ukulele. A triple-threat, Severs is also a talented singer and released his first single, “Chameleon” in 2018.

He currently resides in Los Angeles.

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Jul. 11 at 12 noon PT.

Please note: You will receive your unique Zoom information the day before the meeting from SAG AFTRA LA Local <no-reply@zoom.us>. If you have trouble joining the Zoom meeting, please email webhelp@sagaftra.org or call (855) 724-2387.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate and will receive a unique 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? Please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event. 
 

Deadline to RSVP is Jul. 10 at 12 noon PT.

Join the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory for Crowdfunding for Creatives: Fund your Passion Project & Hire Yourself.

Learn how to crowdfund so you can stop waiting for the phone to ring and instead take the reins of your own career! 

In this one-day only workshop, fellow SAG-AFTRA actor and crowdfunding expert, Melissa Center will guide you through the core fundamentals of crowdfunding. You will learn why many projects fail upon launch (and what YOU can do to set yourself up for success). You will walk away knowing whether crowdfunding is the next best step for you. Finally, you will walk away inspired to create (and fund) your own art.

RSVP Required: Log in to see the form below and RSVP by Jul. 10 at 12 noon PT.

Please note: You will receive your unique Zoom information the day before the meeting from SAG AFTRA LA Local <no-reply@zoom.us>. If you have trouble joining the Zoom meeting, please email webhelp@sagaftra.org or call (855) 724-2387.

Members must have a registered Zoom account in order to participate and will receive a unique 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? Please email conservatory@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Oct. 31, 2023 or in compliance with the May 2023 COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program). 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 48 business hours before the start of the event.