Local Shines at Southwest Expo

The Southwest Actors Conference and Expo was held in Scottsdale Sep. 29–Oct. 1, 2023. Industry experts from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Southern California presented keynote speeches, workshops and panel discussions, and new and experienced actors alike learned from them. 

The SAG-AFTRA Arizona-Utah Local hosted an informational booth as a part of the expo on Saturday. Members and pre-members stopped by to learn about contracts and membership and ask questions. Director of Locals Administration Lisha Brock hosted the table with member volunteers Cae Collmar, Daisy Galvis, Margie Ghigo, Sandy Kim and Shannon Land. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and strengthen relationships with each other and participants at the conference. Local leadership see SAG-AFTRA’s presence at this popular event as paramount to help organize more work and increase our union density in the state.

During the event, SAG-AFTRA Arizona-Utah Local President Amanda Melby spoke about action verbs and technique. There were presentations about self-taping, commercial improv auditions, casting networks functionality, networking, crying on cue and more. Panel discussions were held with producers and directors, casting directors and agents. SAG-AFTRA member Phuong Kubacki moderated the casting director panel. Bella Hibbs of Good Faith Casting created and runs the conference. 

Photo: Member volunteers Shannon Land, Daisy Galvis, Sandy Kim and Margie Ghigo.