Executive Director Report

Transitions

By Stephen Leshinski

Change is the only thing that stays the same. There was a time when all voice and camera auditions would happen at a local studio or casting director’s office. Today we know that people are submitting online auditions from all over to all over, which is why we are so excited that the Sylvia Kauders Recording Studio is now open for business. This members-only studio allows you to come in, record, edit and save your audition for submission anywhere in the country, free of charge. The only requirement is that you attend a free orientation session and make sure to book your studio time in advance. That’s it.

Elections will be taking place this year and the local is once again looking for dedicated candidates who want to serve their union. In addition to developing programs that benefit the membership, the Board also plans the Conservatory calendar, votes on broadcast contracts and arbitration requests and otherwise stewards your union here in the Philadelphia area.

Finally, a major change is taking place with the departure of Shelley Figures, our associate executive director and SAG-AFTRA employee of 35 years. Shelley has been an integral part of the growth of both AFTRA and SAG, and now SAG-AFTRA, participating in every aspect of the union, from governance to finance to broadcast to performer to everything. On a personal note, I can say without a doubt that if not for Shelley, I would not be writing this article today. The only question for us here in the office is what we will miss more: her expertise, her calm demeanor, her depth of knowledge, her passion for her members or her personal warmth and camaraderie.

So times are a-changing; but they always do. What change will you bring to your union this year? Looking forward to finding out.