Workshops

James Cagney Boardroom- Lobby Level 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.
 
Ever wonder how the actors featured in your favorite video games got there? Join us for an evening panel to learn more about it! Get advice on how video games are cast, how to put your best foot forward in auditions and learn additional resources to help prepare for your role. Afterwards, there will be a mixer with light refreshments and snacks along with a video game truck to play games featuring SAG-AFTRA actors!
 
Moderated by Sarah Elmaleh (Actor), panelists will include:

• America Young (Motion Capture/Stunt Performer/Actor)
• Dee Bradley Baker (Actor)
• Keythe Farley (Actor/Director)

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Questions? Contact the Member Education department at (323) 634-8277.

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

Panelists subject to change. This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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.

James Cagney Boardroom- Lobby Level 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.
 
Have you always wondered, “How do they improvise songs on Whose Line Is It Anyway?” If so, join NextGen Performers for an evening loaded with fun and laughs with the Whose Line Is It Anyway? musical director Laura Hall, and veteran Second City improviser Rick Hall. 
 
Often referred to as “songprov,” Rick and Laura have taught musical improv across the U.S. and around the world. Laura will also give the inside scoop about what it's like to improvise music on national TV. Participants will have an opportunity to get on their feet and give it a try, even if they have never done improv before. With Rick and Laura’s guidance, you'll be belting out your own improvised songs before you know it!

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Questions? Contact the Member Education department at (323) 634-8277.

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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. 
 

James Cagney Boardroom- Lobby Level 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.
 
Do you want to add more television comedy credits to your resume? Instructor Michael D. Cohen applies his unique holistic approach to comedy to help you bring your unique truth, aliveness and playfulness to your work. Learn specific techniques for analyzing a scene for comedy, nailing the jokes, tone and pacing, and make acting choices that respect the writers yet make you stand out in the casting session. This is a hands-on workshop in which a few members will be asked from the audience to work at the front of the room.

You may bring a comedic monologue or a prepared scene if you wish to volunteer.

About Michael D. Cohen 
Michael D. Cohen is a series regular on Nickelodeon's award winning hit sit-com Henry Danger. He has appeared on Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, The Real O'Neals, The Mindy Project and many other episodic. Recent film credits include Suburbicon directed by George Clooney, the Oscar-nominated film Whiplash, and It Was You Charlie for which he was nominated for ACTRA’s Best Lead Performance award. As an acting coach, Michael is a faculty lecturer for the University of Texas at Austin in Hollywood, and also teaches through his own studio the Michael D. Cohen Acting Studio in Los Angeles.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Questions? Contact the Member Education department at (323) 634-8277.

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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.

James Cagney Boardroom- Lobby Level 
5757 Wilshire Blvd. – Lobby Level
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.
 
This engaging panel will explore how past and present practices of colorization influence and affect roles, casting and ability to secure viable work for those of a darker hue. Our participants will share their journey of inclusion.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Questions? Contact the Member Education department at (323) 634-8277.

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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.
 

About to sign a contract with your agent? Be fully informed of your rights before you sign on the dotted line! SAG-AFTRA’s Professional Representatives Department will hold an educational seminar on general service agreements or GSAs (i.e. the contracts that some agents have been using to represent our members instead of the standard Legacy SAG and/or Legacy AFTRA agency contracts). These GSA contracts are signed outside of SAG-AFTRA’s protection, and it is imperative that members have a working knowledge of what these contracts actually say before signing them—your professional future and your income may depend on it. Staff will also take this opportunity to address how these contracts may apply, and discuss what your options are. This educational seminar will be especially helpful to any member having trouble making sense of the complicated legal language contained in the GSAs that their agents have provided them. We look forward to seeing you all on February 25, 2019.
 
The event will not be taped, nor will any kind of recording device be permitted. Please bring writing materials or a laptop with you in order to take extensive notes.

RSVP ESSENTIAL

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE.

Only those members who have received confirmation emails from SAG-AFTRA may attend, so please act quickly as seating is limited.

Please note that failure to cancel your reservation if you are unable to attend may impact your ability to take part in future events for this department.

Please direct all questions about this event to the SAG-AFTRA Professional Representatives Department at (323) 549-6745.
 

James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

If you haven't been to an orientation in a while, step up to bat, get in the game! It's not just for new members, it’s for ALL members. In this three-hour program, you will gain a plethora of valuable information jam-packed with helpful hints, facts and expertise to motivate and guide your journey. Learn how to USE the union as both an ally and resource to propel your career.

Attendance is required for the entire meeting to receive a Conservatory application outside of the open enrollment period. This meeting is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

• All meetings are approximately 3-hours long.
• Validated parking is available in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza parking lot - enter off of Curson Ave.
• Attendance is required for the entire meeting to receive a Conservatory application outside of the open enrollment period.
• No RSVP necessary.
• Please bring current membership card or receipt for admittance.

Questions? For more information, please contact the Los Angeles Member Education Programming Department at (323) 634-8277.

 

Upcoming 2019 Member Orientation Dates:

• March 20, 10 a.m.
• April 17, 6 p.m.
• May 15, 1 p.m.
• June 19, 10 a.m.
• July 17, 1 p.m.
• August 21, 6 p.m.
• September 18, 10 a.m.
• October 16, 1 p.m.
• November 20, 10 a.m.
• December 18, 1 p.m.

If you need an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, please contact the Member Education Department at (323) 634–8277 at least 7 days prior to the event with the accommodation you are requesting.

Questions? Please contact the Member Education Department at (323) 634-8277.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.
 
This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 
 

James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

Michael I. Goode's Performance Under Pressure™ Fix Your Stage Fright! workshop helps actors, musicians, dancers, voiceover artists and all performers understand and conquer their stage fright. Members will learn detailed techniques to present themselves efficiently in a creative situation without the annoying problem of performance anxiety – whether in film, TV, stage, musical, vocal, voiceover situations or in auditions for any of these areas. You’ll learn to master your stage fright in actual working situations as a professional in the entertainment industry. 

In this workshop, we will analyze what stage fright is and isn’t, and try out exercises that you can use in work and audition situations. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to become more comfortable under pressure, recognize stage fright when it tries to overtake you and push distractions away. The class will conclude with a Q&A session.

Questions? Please contact the Member Education Department at (323) 634-8277.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.
 
Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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.
 

James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

Are you interested in producing a New Media project with a budget less than $50,000, but don’t know where to start? Do you have questions regarding the rates, terms and conditions of the 2017 New Media Agreement? If you are creating a dramatic entertainment program for initial release on a new media platform, then this workshop is for you!

During this workshop, SAG-AFTRA staff will explain:

• The intent and scope of the 2017 New Media Agreement;
• Included rates, terms and conditions of the 2017 New Media Agreement;
• Required signatory and productions documents;
• The online signatory process; and
• Additional information required when submitting an application for a New Media project.

This workshop is free and open to anyone interested in producing entertainment content for new media. Please note you do not have to be a SAG-AFTRA member to attend. Seating is limited and RSVP’s are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. If you sign up for the workshop but cannot attend you must cancel your reservation no later than 24 hours before the event.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The New Media Agreement does not apply to commercials, interactive games or programs that will have an initial release in traditional media (Network TV, Basic Cable, Pay TV, DVD, Theatrical, etc.). These types of projects are signed under other SAG-AFTRA Agreements. For information on these other SAG-AFTRA agreements, please contact the respective SAG-AFTRA department.

Questions? Contact the New Media Department at NewMediaEvents@sagaftra.org.or call (323) 549-6446.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.

Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.
 
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.
 

James Cagney Boardroom – Lobby Level
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Parking will be validated.

Shaan Sharma, working actor, veteran commercial casting session director, acting coach, Backstage contributor, and SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Committee member will be sharing game-changing information and strategies to successfully pursue a commercial and on-camera acting career. Learn how to optimize every variable in your control to support high-level creative output.

He will cover topics such as the huge differences between auditioning and casting for the theatrical and commercial sides of the business, training and development, having a support network, nervousness and confidence, the entire process of casting through booking, online casting services, headshots, reels, branding, marketing, representation and so much more. You’ll even pick up a few insider auditioning and casting tips. Additionally, Sharma will expand upon his “4 Steps to Becoming a Working Actor” as well as his, “The 4 Pillars of a Joyful Acting Journey.” To supplement this information, he will provide a FREE PDF copy of his book, Commercial Acting in L.A.: A Session Director’s Guide, as a gift to all attendees.

Due to mature language, this event is recommended for adults only.

Questions? Please contact the Member Education Department at (323) 634-8277.

You must RSVP to attend. Spaces are limited.
 
Seeing this on your app? Please click here to log into the website and RSVP.

If you are not logged in, you are required to enter your email twice to register successfully.

Audio and video recording is not permitted, but written note taking is welcome.

This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. SAG-AFTRA members, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD OR DIGITAL CARD ON YOUR APP (paid through April 30, 2019) FOR ADMITTANCE. 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.
 

As part of an event series focused on empowering actors, SAG-AFTRA Atlanta and its EEO & Diversity Committee is back to guide us on filing taxes with the new tax laws.
 
When: 7 – 9 p.m. Feb. 11, 2019 
 
Where: IATSE Local 479
4220 International Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30354

RSVP to briana.franklin@sagaftra.org. Please submit your questions for the panelists when you RSVP.

Panelists:
 
Grace Lopez-Williams, CPA, MBA, PFS, CTRS: Prior to establishing her Certified Public Accounting firm, Grace Williams CPA, PC, Lopez-Williams developed her finance and accounting acumen through positions with Arthur Andersen. She has been a CPA since 1989 and received her MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans and her BBA in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico. Her firm handles traditional services such as accounting, auditing and tax preparation. In 2013, it expanded its services to include financial and tax planning, for which Lopez-Williams acquired the following certifications: Financial Advisory Certification, Personal Financial Specialist, FINRA Series 6, 63 and 65 Certification, Certified Tax Resolution Specialist and Tax Couch. She has been in the local spotlight since the firm's inception and was the first Latino member appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to the Workforce Investment Board. The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce bestowed upon her the award of Business Woman of the Year; she was chosen as one of Atlanta’s 100 Most Influential Women in Business by the organization Women Looking Ahead. Hispanic Business Magazine selected Williams among the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States.

John Thomas, CPA
John Thomas is a partner at WHT CPAs and manages a practice that specializes in serving professionals in television, film, music, commercial and other media. His practice provides tax, audit and advisory services to companies and professionals in the United States and abroad, helping productions to understand complex reporting requirements in the US, UK and India, among other locations in the world. His practice serves many of Georgia’s most long-standing homegrown production companies and film professionals, helping them navigate the ever-changing federal and state tax structures. John and the professionals of WHT CPAs have a passion for helping professionals find success in a very competitive industry while minimizing the difficulties or managing compliance and reporting requirements so that they can focus on creative pursuits. 
​​
Kristy Clabaugh, CPA 
Clabaugh assists in managing the film and entertainment industry niche at Whaley, Hammonds, Tomasello, offering comfort letter issuance, film tax credit audit and certification, production accounting, film tax credit placement, film funding and tax filing preparation services. She has 15+ years’ experience in accounting and working with owners in film and entertainment. Clabaugh serves on the executive board of directors as treasurer for both the Georgia Production Partnership and Women in Film & Television Atlanta and is also a member of the AICPA, Georgia Society of CPAs, the Association for Accounting Marketing and several local organizations. 
 
This workshop is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing — no guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card (paid through April 30, 2019) for admittance.

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 tax preparer/professional, legal or financial counsel. 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.