Leading the Next Generation

SAG-AFTRA young performers have been taking advantage of a unique opportunity to participate in the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory through a new slate of classes designed specifically for members under 18 years of age. Headed by Emmy-winning actor, director and Conservatory Curriculum Subcommittee member Elise Robertson, the L.A. Conservatory young performer curriculum includes classes on acting technique, auditioning, on-camera etiquette, social media and business.

This year’s programming kicked off on Jan. 12 with a script analysis class. Students learned to break scenes into beats, defne actions, understand the overall arc of a scene and then practiced collaborating on scenes together in pairs. Soon after, on Feb. 9, Margie Haber and Hamish Sturgeon of Margie Haber Studios taught a TV and film
auditioning class that asked students to try alternative memorization techniques for auditions. Along with helping them hone their craft, the new curriculum focuses heavily on preparing the next generation of performers for the business side of the industry. On Jan. 26, Kevin E. West, author of 7 Deadly Sins - The Actor Overcomes, taught young performers and their parents about contracts, working with agents and managers, and advice for guiding children through entertainment careers. On March 9, Ryan Walker, founder of the social media frm TSMA, discussed how social media can help or hurt a performer’s career, effective ways to grow a following and serious faux pas to avoid.

Lastly, on Feb. 23, young performers were introduced to industry terminology and techniques for playing to the camera, playing off fellow actors, effective improvisation and reading from a cue card.

These new young performer programs are available, through the L.A. Conservatory, for the low yearly payment of $45. For a limited time, the conservatory is offering its young performer programs to all SAG-AFTRA young performer members regardless of conservatory membership. Keep an eye on your weekly emails to learn
about upcoming events.