SAG-AFTRA Foundation A Live Evening with Top-Tier Agents: Toni Howard (ICM), Ashley Holland (WME), Sarah Clossey (UTA) & Tracy Brennan (CAA)

Aug 25, 2021 - 8:30 PM to 8:30 PM PDT

Where: Online

5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET

RSVP-ed members will receive the Zoom link by email one hour prior to the start of the program, and will be able to ask questions through Zoom's chat function.

Join us for a LIVE remote Zoom discussion with talent agents Toni Howard (ICM), Ashley Holland (WME), Sarah Clossey (UTA), and Tracy Brennan (CAA). 

A Q&A will follow the program, and member participation is encouraged. 

Panelist Bios

TONI HOWARD is a Founding Partner at ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater branded entertainment and digital media.  ICM Partners is one of the predominant agencies in the United States and Europe, with its principal offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London.

The recipient of Women in Film’s inaugural Sue Mengers Award in 2015, Ms. Howard oversees a celebrated and eclectic group of actors.  She has been recognized for her ability to structure innovative and creative deals for her A-list roster of clients including Samuel L. Jackson Michael Keaton, James Spader, Edie Falco, Michael Sheen, Spike Lee, Holly Hunter, Laura Linney, Maggie Smith, Christopher Walken, Tim Robbins, Candice Bergen, Goldie Hawn, Michael Caine, Alan Alda, Catherine O’Hara, Annaleigh Ashford, Topher Grace, Anna Chlumsky, and Nathan Lane.

The statistics speak for themselves: Examples of her client successes include Samuel L. Jackson, who boasts box office receipts that outnumber any actor in history, Edie Falco, who is the Screen Actors Guild’s most nominated actor in history and Alan Alda, who holds the distinction of being the most Emmy-nominated actor in television history. Ms. Howard’s clients have garnered an astonishing 125 Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award nominations. 

In 2009, Ms. Howard was recognized in Elle magazine’s annual Women in Hollywood Power List issue, and she has been named as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 Women in Entertainment for the past 10 consecutive years. Additionally, Ms. Howard was cast by director Alexander Payne as the voice of agent ‘Evelyn Berman-Silverman’ in the film SIDEWAYS

Prior to joining ICM, Ms. Howard was an agent at the William Morris Agency for seven years. She began her entertainment industry career as a casting director, working on such hits as TOOTSIE, SUPERMAN and THE RIGHT STUFF.

ASHLEY HOLLAND is a Partner at WME where she represents a wide variety of clients across TV and film and has been involved in putting together shows like INSECURE (HBO), P VALLEY (Starz), and A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW (HBO). Some of her clients include Prentice Penny, Halle Berry, Ryan Coogler, Janelle Monae, and Charles King’s Macro TV Studios.

In 2020 she was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter in their “Next Gen: 35 Rising Executives 35 & Under” issue and was also accepted into the Motion Picture Academy. 

She joined WME in July 2017 after spending 8.5 years working at CAA where she rose from assistant to agent in 2013. While there, she worked as a TV Lit agent and in their multicultural business development practice helping to create new opportunities for clients of color and developing cultural industry initiatives like CAA Amplify which debuted summer of 2017. In 2016 she was named one of Variety’s “New Leaders” and was featured in Essence Magazine’s “2014 Hollywood Watchlist”. She received her Bachelors and her Masters from Stanford University, and is originally from Dallas, TX.

TRACY BRENNAN is a Motion Picture Talent Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Brennan works in the Los Angeles office and represents many of the world’s leading actors, including Zoey Deutch, Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Isabela Merced, Ana de Armas,  Rosario Dawson, Sophie Turner, Camila Mendes, Yara Shahidi, Madison Bailey, Chrissy Metz, Norman Reedus, Nathan Fillion, David Boreanaz, Alexander Skarsgård, Shamier Anderson, Martin Freeman, Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, Aaron Eckhart, Don Johnson, Vera Farmiga, Jenna Ortega, Vanessa Hudgens, Freya Allan, and Kerry Washington, among others. 

Brennan began her career in 1991 as an Assistant at ICM and was promoted in 1994 to Agent. Brennan joined CAA in 2003 and served as co-head of the agency’s Motion Picture Talent department for five years. 

Brennan was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where she received a B.A. in communication studies and graduated with honors.

Moderated by actor and writer Lori Hammel.

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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.



SAG-AFTRA Foundation BYOC (Bring Your Own Copy) Commercial VO Workout

Aug 13, 2021 - 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM PDT

Where: Online

Noon - 3 p.m. PT / 3-6 p.m. ET

BYOC (Bring Your Own Copy) to this version of the VO Lab's Commercial Workout. You get to work on copy that you select and get some practice in, while receiving direct feedback or if you have an audition you are working on you can get a bit of coaching before you lay down the read you will be submitting.  Commercial copy only for this group and we recommend that you bring  two pieces to share.

REQUIREMENTS

  • If you are completely new to voiceover, you must complete the VO Lab's Beginner Bundle: Introduction to Commercial VO Workouts class before attending The VO Lab's Commercial Workout. Beginner Bundle classes are posted at different times during the month just like other classes, so check the Program Calendar regularly.  
  • This workout is for commercial copy only. Bring two (2) pieces of commercial copy to the workout, as the Lab's copy/iPads will not be available.  Copy/material sources: audition copy, transcribe magazine/newspaper ads, radio, TV and internet commercials.
  • Be rehearsed and prepared.

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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.



The Actors Fund Presents: Self-Care to Give Care

Aug 24, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM PDT

Where: Online

When: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. PT/ 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. MT/ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT/ 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. ET

This group is intended for performing arts and entertainment professionals who do the challenging work of caring for a loved one who is an older adult (whether a partner, spouse, parent, friend or other family). This initiative gives voice to the caregiver in a supportive, confidential and safe space, as well as looking at the importance of self-care, including mind-body exercises, community, discussion and expression for replenishment and empowerment.

Questions? Please contact The Actors Fund at sadominus@actorsfund.org

RSVP: Click here for details and to RSVP. 

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.



The Actors Fund Presents: Welcome to Medicare

Aug 23, 2021 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PDT

Where: Online

When: 10 - 11 a.m. PT/ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT/ 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. CT/ 1 - 2 p.m. ET

The seminar is for anyone who will soon be getting Medicare and wants to learn more about how it works, understand the many options available and the timing of choosing and enrolling in coverage. 

Questions? Please contact The Actors Fund at rmarinaro@actorsfund.org

RSVP: Click here for details and to RSVP. 

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.



The Actors Fund Presents: The Career Center Orientation

Aug 23, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM PDT

Where: Online

When: 9 - 11:30 a.m. PT/ 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MT/ 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT/ 12 - 2:30 p.m. ET

Orientation is the first step to enrolling in the services of The Career Center. 

The Career Center addresses a central challenge for performing arts and entertainment professionals: navigating the episodic nature of work in the industry. For many, survival work—initiated to make ends meet—ends up draining the creative professional and becoming more of a problem than a solution. This orientation will help you begin to take the necessary steps to identify meaningful work that complements your life in the entertainment business.

Questions? Please contact The Actors Fund at rrenner@actorsfund.org

RSVP: Click here for details and to RSVP. 

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.



SAG-AFTRA Foundation: Self Tapes and Remote Auditions

Aug 31, 2021 - 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM PDT

Where: Online

This class will meet REMOTELY. All RSVP'D Members will receive a ZOOM Link inviting them to join the class.

If you have not received the link by the morning of the class, please check your spam, junk, or promotions folders. If you still cannot find the link, please send us an email at thebusiness@sagaftra.foundation at least 15 minutes before the start of class time.

This class begins at 1pm PST/4pm EST.

SYNOPSIS

This class will cover the basics of making a professional Self-Tape and how to audition remotely using Facetime, Skype, etc.

Please bring pencil or pen along with something to take notes.

Small Group Sessions are facilitated discussions with the goal of digging deeper into some of the information and advice shared within the panels. These sessions provide a time to break down concepts into practical action items by which an actor can individually apply to their professional pursuits. This session will last for 1.5 - 2 hours. Participants must stay for the whole time.

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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.



SAG-AFTRA Foundation: Headshots

Aug 26, 2021 - 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM PDT

Where: Online

This class will meet REMOTELY. All RSVP'D Members will receive a ZOOM Link inviting them to join the class.

If you have not received the link by the morning of the class, please check your spam, junk, or Promotions folders. If you still cannot find the link, please send us an email at thebusiness@sagaftra.foundation at least 15 minutes before the start of class time.

This class begins at 1 p.m. PST/4 p.m. EST.

SYNOPSIS

Headshots are an actors' calling card, but is it a professional picture that matches with how the buyers see you? Does your picture accurately communicate the product that is being sold? In this session we will discuss what your headshot is communicating and if that matches with what is coming into the audition room.

Please email copies of the headshots (MAX 2) that are submitted the most to thebusiness@sagaftra.foundation, by 7 p.m. the evening prior to the class. The class may not get through all headshots. 

If you have taken The Branding Workshop, please bring a typed copy of your branding sentence. It is not required that you take The Branding Workshop before you take this session.

Small Group Sessions are facilitated discussions with the goal of digging deeper into some of the information and advice shared within the panels. These sessions provide a time to break down concepts into practical action items by which an actor can individually apply to their professional pursuits. This session will last for 2 - 3 hours. Participants must stay for the whole time.

Click here for details and to RSVP

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.



SAG-AFTRA Foundation: The Audition

Aug 25, 2021 - 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM PDT

Where: Online

This class will meet REMOTELY. All RSVP'D Members will receive a ZOOM Link inviting them to join the class.

If you have not received the link by the morning of the class, please check your spam, junk, or promotions folders. If you still cannot find the link, please send us an email at thebusiness@sagaftra.foundation.

This class begins at 1 p.m. PST/4 p.m. EST.

SYNOPSIS

The audition is not only how one prepares the material. It is also about the mindset actors have about auditioning, how they conduct themselves in the room and how they let it go. This session will cover the many ways actors can prepare mentally, physically and psychologically for the audition.

Please bring pencil or pen along with something to take notes.

Small Group Sessions are facilitated discussions with the goal of digging deeper into some of the information and advice shared within the panels. These sessions provide a time to break down concepts into practical action items by which an actor can individually apply to their professional pursuits. This session will last for 1.5 - 2 hours. Participants must stay for the whole time.

Click here for details and to RSVP

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.



SAG-AFTRA Foundation: Representation

Aug 24, 2021 - 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM PDT

Where: Online

This class will meet REMOTELY. All RSVP'D members will receive a ZOOM link inviting them to join the class.

If you have not received the link by the morning of the class, please check your spam, junk, or promotions folders. If you still cannot find the link, please send an email at thebusiness@sagaftra.foundation.

This class begins at 1 p.m. PST/4 p.m. EST.

SYNOPSIS

Building one's team is an important component to an actor's career. This small group session will cover what an actor has to keep in mind when looking to add a commercial agent, theatrical agent, and manager to their team.

Please bring pencil or pen along with something to take notes.

Small Group Sessions are facilitated discussions with the goal of digging deeper into some of the information and advice shared within the panels. These sessions provide a time to break down concepts into practical action items by which an actor can individually apply to their professional pursuits. This session will last for 1.5 - 2 hours. Participants must stay for the whole time.

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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.



SAG-AFTRA Foundation Casting Access Online: Carolyn Volpe - REMOTE/LIVE (UNDER 18 ONLY)

Aug 21, 2021 - 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Where: Online

When: 9 a.m. PT - Noon PT / Noon - 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021
Check-in begins at: 8:45 a.m. PT/11:45 a.m. ET

SYNOPSIS
You must be under 18 to attend this class.

This class will be split into two age groups. More details will be sent out once you are confirmed for the class.

Please prepare a monologue or scene of 1.5 minutes or less.

If you choose to perform a scene, a PDF of your scene MUST be sent to castingaccess@sagaftra.foundation by 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET the morning of class.  

CASTING DIRECTOR BIO
Carolyn Volpe, Ph.D. has been working in educational media for almost twenty years, both in educational research and children’s casting.  Carolyn enjoys combining her singing, dancing, and acting interests, her teaching background, as well as her formal education, love for children, and passion for educational media by casting for Sesame Street and other children’s educational projects. Carolyn has been casting children, adults, and even some dogs for Sesame Street’s 41st through 50th seasons and recently for Sesame Workshop’s new series Helpsters for Apple TV+. In addition, she  worked with all the child performers on Amazon Prime’s Creative Galaxy, Yogapalooza for Z Living, Food Network’s Rachael Ray’s Kids Cook Off and Chopped Junior.  She is a certified elementary teacher with a Masters degree in Educational Media and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Carolyn has done extensive research and educational consulting for numerous shows, not only for Sesame Street, but also for others including Disney’s Henry Hugglemonster and Little Einsteins and Nick Jr’s Wonder Pets and Bubble Guppies.

REQUIREMENTS
Please join the waitlist.  Members will be seated from the waitlist to confirm age.  All members under 18 are welcome to join. 

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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.



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