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Panel Discussion: Insider Insights on the Nevada Acting Landscape

Apr 20, 2024 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM PDT

Where: Nevada State AFL-CIO 1891 Whitney Mesa Drive, Henderson, NV 89014

Join the Nevada Local Conservatory for a panel discussion that includes a SAG-AFTRA franchised agent, casting director, independent filmmakers and producers. Come meet with industry professionals, hear what they have to say and get your questions answered. 

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.

Meet our Panelists:

Jaki Baskow

Celebrating over 45 years in business, Baskow Talent is a full-service talent agency owned and operated by Jaki Baskow. As a SAG-AFTRA franchised agent, Jaki has worked on over 700 movies, television shows, commercials, infomercials and videos. Named one of the top 10 celebrity star brokers, Jaki has coordinated events in Italy for clients including Kevin Costner, Tom Selleck, Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Sharon Stone and Jennifer Lopez. She owns The Las Vegas Speakers Bureau and has booked well-known keynote speakers and actors. Jaki loves mentoring new talent and after all  these years is still passionate about getting them job opportunities.

Marilee Lear

For the past 28 years, Marilee Lear has been a Las Vegas CSA Casting Director, casting such projects as Casino, Con Air, Leaving Las Vegas, Lethal Weapon IV, Mars Attacks and many more. Marilee also has over 60 project credits that include national commercials, industrials, video games for Westwood Studios, movie shorts, scripted and reality television shows. In 1999, Marilee received the Governor’s Industry Appreciation Award and in 1997 she was honored as a Distinguished Woman in Southern Nevada. Other philanthropic endeavors include being a  Trustee of Nevada Zoological Society, past President of the Women's Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars and an avid supporter of the Shade Tree Shelter for abused women and children. Marilee is currently casting and producing a movie on the life of the Learjet family starring Mel Gibson.

Deborah Richards

Writer and director Deborah Richards is a creative visionary with 30+ years of experience in the digital arts. Her work over the decades has spanned from the dawn of the digital audio revolution as a musician and studio engineer to creating for brands such as EDC, Walmart, History Channel and Trufusion as a filmmaker. She is a four-time Southwest Production Emmys® Winner and the 2022 Nevada Woman Filmmaker of the Year. She has directed over one hundred TV commercials and has several feature films to her credit.

Deanna Shapiro 

Deanna Shaprio is an award-winning director/producer/writer. Specializing in independent projects, Deanna has been producing and directing for over 20 years with numerous well received feature films, short films and music videos to her credit. Deanna most recently helped produce the soon to be released PureFlix series, Destination Heaven, starring Harry Lennix and her film, “Tyson’s Run” is currently in the Top 10 on Netflix. Deanna has also been a member of SAG-AFTRA for over 40 years and has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows and films. 

​Jill Wichert

Jill Wichert may be a newbie when it comes to producing, but she is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Having a daughter that was an actress in tv and film, Jill has learned the ins and outs of the business. Jill is currently co-producing several feature films with various production companies ranging from independents to studios, such as Amazon. Jill has taken on several roles within the movie making process although producing is first and foremost. She has done everything including paper producing, location scouting, casting, product placement and working with A list talent. She is also the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for the Christian Influencers Convention.

RSVP: Free for members to attend. A reservation is required on the form below (you must be logged in to see the form).

Non-members can attend for a fee of $20. Non-members, please click on this link to purchase a ticket and secure your spot.

This event is open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Apr. 30, 2024). Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



Operation Gratitude

Apr 06, 2024 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PDT

Where: Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA. 91367

The L.A. Local Military Committee invites you to join them at Operation Gratitude held by The Grateful Hearts Fundraiser for LAPD and LAFD on Saturday, April 6, to assemble care packages for deployed troops, veterans and first responders.  

This year Operation Gratitude will assemble its 4 millionth care package, so wear your SAG-AFTRA gear* (no strike shirts) and join us in helping Operation Gratitude reach their milestone!

When: Saturday, April 6, 2024 
          9.a.m. - 1p.m. PT

Where: Warner Center Park 
           5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. 
           Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Parking: Parking is free in the structure at the northwest corner of Owensmouth Avenue and Califa Street. Additional free parking is also available at the mall next to PF Changs, off Oxnard Street, which is only a short walk away from the event. 

Please read the signage for restrictions. SAG-AFTRA is not responsible for parked vehicles.


*A limited number of shirts will be available at the event.

This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement by the union nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.



10 Things We Love About SAG-AFTRA (And Why We Invite You To Join Us)

Apr 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM CDT

Where: UNO Nims Center Studio, 800 Distributors Row, Elmwood, LA 70123

If you’re a union eligible performer curious about learning more about SAG-AFTRA, join us for a fun evening of music, food and information! Members will share why SAG-AFTRA is an integral part of advancing their career, you’ll learn how SAG-AFTRA came to be and what it means to be a union member in a so-called right-to-work state. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and mingle with New Orleans Local leaders and staff. 

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for check-in.

RSVP: Reservations are requested by Tuesday, April 16. Please complete the form below to RSVP.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



Free Financial Education Workshop on Budgeting

Apr 22, 2024 - 4:00 PM to Sep 02, 2024 - 7:15 PM CDT

Where: KRC - 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 and Virtual ZOOM

BMO SmartProgress, financial education programs provided by EVERFI, Inc., has offered to host financial workshops for SAG-AFTRA members.

The first seminar in the series with be on Budgeting - Discover strategies to build a simple budget and pay off debt.

The seminar will be available via ZOOM, but if you are in Chicago and able to attend in person, that would be preferred.

Please RSVP below, for the May 20th event, and if you are interested in the next seminar on Preparing for Financial Emergencies, please RSVP on that page as well.

 

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA.

Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

These events are only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Apr. 30, 2024). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



Audiobooks - Know the Contract

Apr 20, 2024 - 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM PDT

Where: Online via Zoom

SAG-AFTRA has negotiated fair contracts that cover all types of audiobook work. The amount of work for members has increased steadily with the advent of audiobook digital downloads. Arizona-Utah Local members are invited to this online presentation by SAG-AFTRA National Director, Audiobooks Jane Love to learn about our numerous audiobook agreements with publishers and producers and to get answers to your questions. Before you book your next - or first - audiobook job, know how to get that job under a union contract.

RSVP: Reservations are required by Thursday, April 18. 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 Apr. 30, 2024). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



Tour of Harbor Island Studios

Apr 12, 2024 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM PDT

Where: Harbor Island Studios - 3233 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98134

Harbor Island Studios, owned by King County, Washington, is a film production facility unveiled in 2021. This production studio represents King County’s first major public investment to bring back a once-thriving film industry and hundreds of family wage, creative economy jobs.

The SAG-AFTRA Seattle Local has partnered with King County Creative to offer a SAG-AFTRA member-centered tour of the facility before the Studio's summer renovations. This offers an opportunity for members to tour the facility, ask questions of the King County Creative employees overseeing its operations, and learn more about the County's investment in the industry in the region. 

A virtual tour and Q&A session will be provided in the near future. Arrangements are still being made with King County Creative.

Please note that parking is limited, so registrations are heavily requested and carpooling is encouraged. Depending on the number of registrants, SAG-AFTRA will coordinate with Harbor Island Studios to broadcast alternate parking arrangements.

RSVP: Reservations are requested. 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 Apr. 30, 2024). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



One Tape, Two Ways: Adapting Audition Styles for Stage and Screen!

May 13, 2024 - 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM CDT

Where: The Kaufherr Center (KRC) - 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago IL

Looking to refine your audition skills for both stage AND screen? Join us for a special workshop designed to fine-tune your auditions and translate performances more specifically for theatre and film. From blocking and delivery to framing and physicality, we will discuss what makes a tape sink or swim in each medium to put you in the running for the gig!

Led by Kaitlin Shaw (PR Casting), this presentation promises to provide helpful tips and techniques to help adjust your performance with style and medium at top of mind. During this workshop, Kaitlin will share her expertise and perspective from her many sessions behind the camera (for both theatre as well as tv/film) and provide personalized feedback to willing participants.  (Please note: performers who are interested in receiving direct feedback and live coaching from our presenter during this presentation should indicate so when registering -  please email Jess.Jones@sagaftra.org after registering to indicate interest in workshopping material live during this presentation. )
 

About our presenter:
Kaitlin Shaw joined Paskal Rudnicke Casting in 2021 after relocating to Chicago from New York City where she worked for Tara Rubin Casting for 11+ years. There, Kaitlin worked on the Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera, King Kong, Falsettos, Prince of Broadway, Aladdin, Les Miserables, Bullets Over Broadway, Big Fish, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Promises, Promises, as well as several National Tours, Off-Broadway and Regional Productions. Since joining PR she has worked on television series such as Shining Girls, 61st Street, The Bear, Emperor of Ocean Park, and South Side and films such as Perpetrator and Ghostlight as well as dozens of commercials and industrials. She also cast the Chicago theatrical productions of Personality, The Lloyd Price Musical, Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas, Bachelor: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, Love Actually?: The Unauthorized Musical Parody, and Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation. 

Kaitlin won a 2016 CSA Artios award and was nominated in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Kaitlin hails from Southern California and studied Dramatic Art and American Studies at University of California, Davis. She lives in Lakeview with her husband and daughter. 

 
Don't miss out on a rare opportunity to get clear guidance from the trenches. Space is limited - so register today for this one-of-a-kind conservatory 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 Apr. 30, 2024). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



Audiobooks - 101 & Workshop

Apr 20, 2024 - 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM MST

Where: Scottsdale, AZ

This Arizona-Utah Local conservatory will introduce members to the audiobook industry as well as provide in studio practice and feedback on ways to improve your craft. Audio narration is one of the fastest growing segments for union performers today! Isn’t it worth your time to find out if this avenue is right for you? 

This program will be taught by working audiobooks professional and SAG-AFTRA member Sean Pratt.  

Top Ten Things You’ll Learn:

  • Why audiobook narration is its own unique style of VO
  • Why your audiobook demo is different from your commercial VO demo
  • The art, effort and attitude of narrating audiobooks
  • The differences between the fiction and nonfiction genres 
  • The basic equipment you’ll need to start practicing your audiobook technique
  • Ideas for create your narration booth
  • Resources for finding audiobook work
  • The general state of the audiobook industry and where it's headed
  • Your questions answered during Q & A
  • There will be materials provided for the participants to take home and review. 

In the second half of the program, a limited number of members will be selected by lottery to work in a VO booth and get direction from Sean. Members who wish to participate in this workshop portion must prepare 1-2 pages from a fiction or nonfiction book of their choosing and be very familiar with the text. Lottery will be held after registration closes and additional instructions will be provided. 

Cost for this program is $40. Upon registration you will be sent a link for payment. After payment is received, you will be emailed the exact location. There are no refunds. 

Questions? Email Lisha.Brock@sagaftra.org.

RSVP: Reservations are required by Tuesday, April 16. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to Arizona-Utah Local SAG-AFTRA members. No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



AZ-UT Annual Membership Meeting

Apr 14, 2024 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM MST

Where: American Federation of Musicians, 1202 E Oak St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

The upcoming Arizona-Utah Local membership meeting in Phoenix has something for everyone!  Read on and register today.

  • Special guest SAG-AFTRA member Jessica Szohr will talk about her vast TV and film experience. 
  • Arizona Commerce Authority’s Film & Digital Media Program Manager Ramsay Wharton will talk about their talent directory. 
  • Members of IATSE Local 336 will share ways to support their contract negotiation efforts. 
  • And we’ll have a special welcome for new members and those who transferred recently to our local.

Come meet new people, elected local representatives and staff. Bring your appetite as we’re serving lunch. Bring your questions as there will be time for member Q&A.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

RSVP: Reservations are required by 5 p.m. MST, Thur., Apr 11. Please complete the form below to RSVP; you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA Arizona-Utah Local members in good standing (paid thru Apr. 30, 2024). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event. 



Chicago Radio Players Meet and Greet

Apr 18, 2024 - 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM CDT

Where: KRC - 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago, IL 60611

The Chicago Radio Players are a group of SAG-AFTRA members that gather to socialize and perform - you guessed it! - radio plays!  They're gearing up for a new season of events and readings and are hosting a meet-and-greet to welcome all who are interested! 

On July 14, the Chicago Radio Players will perform two 30-minute radio plays at the Chicago Cultural Center!

Get ready for some fun!

The two radio classics we will be producing Sunday, July 14 are:

CALL NORTHSIDE 777

(from the famous movie version starring Jimmy Stewart!)

and MY FAVORITE HUSBAND: BASEBALL

(starring Lucille Ball before her T.V. hit  I LOVE LUCY!)

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, April 18!

Registrations are encouraged but not required.



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