Wash-Mid Atlantic

The SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic Conservatory Committee Presents: "Meisner Technique"

On-camera auditions can often feel daunting and intimidating. It's challenging to deliver an inspiring read when facing a camera or a disinterested reader. Additionally, with only a few minutes to review your sides, it’s tough to fully grasp the material and decide how to approach a scene or character. In this workshop, we'll explore a technique for quickly breaking down a scene and role in limited time. You’ll learn how to use the lines and suggestions in the script to breathe life into the material, making cold readings both engaging and effective. Robert Epstein will guide you through the principles of the Meisner Technique to help you deliver compelling performances in your cold reading auditions.

Robert Epstein, known as DC's resident Meisner expert, has taught his comprehensive program for actors, "The Complete Actor’s Training," for over 30 years. With roles on cable and network TV, as well as directing DC film and theatre projects, including Adams Morgan: The Movie, Robert is a seasoned professional. He has also led numerous workshops for the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory and the Actor’s Center.  

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete form below to RSVP. Please note that you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to active SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid through April 30, 2025 or Oct. 31, 2025). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 hours before the start of the event.

Join the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local for the popular “SAG-AFTRA 101” workshop. This conversation will provide attendees with information on performer’s rights and protections, present an overview of some of the key elements of the Commercials, Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast, Television, and Theatrical Agreements, discuss the benefits of membership, and share the resources available to members of SAG-AFTRA. This presentation is perfect for new and veteran members alike. 

At the end of the presentation, there will also be an opportunity to address questions. If there is a question you would like addressed, you may submit it in advance to Colin Bouchard at colin.bouchard@sagaftra.org.

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 Oct. 31, 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. 

Please join Casting Director Jenny Ravitz on Wednesday, May 29 for an evening of analyzing sides for guest star and series regular auditions. In this class, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss the best ways to prep, and explore how to analyze the script to make sure you are prepared for your next audition. 

Jenny Ravitz is a New York-based casting director whose past work includes the hit NBC series Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med; FBI: International (CBS), and the indie film Pretty People, which debuted at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. She is currently working independently and recently cast projects for Ars Nova, 5th Avenue Theatre and Paper Mill Playhouse. She is an advocate for artists with chronic pain and illnesses and was named the 2021 Volunteer of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation of New York.  

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 or Oct. 31, 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. 

We hope you will join the SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic Local's LGBTQ+ Committee and your fellow members as we march in the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8, 2024 in Washington, D.C.!

Capital Pride, which began as a one-day block party and street festival in 1975, has grown to become a staple of D.C culture. Per the organizers: “Attendance has continued to grow dramatically, and it is now one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States, reaching over 650,000 people in 2023, through activities that are focused on celebrating, educating, and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, including the Capital Pride Parade and free Capital Pride Festival and Concert.”

Marching through multiple neighborhoods, this year’s Capital Pride Parade will start at 3:00PM at 14th Street and T Street NW and end at Pennsylvania Ave and 9th NW. This is an exterior event with an approximately 2 mile walk. Members who are participating must be at the parade staging area on 15th Street NW at a yet to be determined time. Due to the strict headcount by parade organizers, we need all members interested in marching with our contingent to RSVP via the form below. Registered members will receive further instructions on what time and where to meet.

Please visit the Capital Pride Alliance website for additional information on the Capital Pride Parade and for details on other Pride related festivities. If you have questions, you may also email wma@sagaftra.org.

Please note that SAG-AFTRA will be taking photographs and/or videos at the event which might be used in our publications, social media, and to promote the union and its activities. You might appear in the photos and by attending with SAG-AFTRA's group you agree to these uses. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact wma@sagaftra.org.

This event is only open to SAG-AFTRA members. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

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 or Oct. 31, 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. 

SAG-AFTRA is conducting a combination of national and local wages and working (W&W) conditions meetings in preparation for the 2024 SAG-AFTRA Network Television Code Contract negotiations. The Network Television Code is the agreement covering non-dramatic
programs, daytime serials, variety, quiz, game, reality, talk, news, sports programs and promotional announcements and it expires on June 30, 2024.

In order for you to be as informed as possible when participating in this important process, SAG-AFTRA is hosting a presentation, The Landscape of Broadcast Network Programming, as well as W&W meetings via Zoom. You must have a registered Zoom account to participate.

Proposals for this negotiation are developed through the involvement of members like you. Make your voice heard, attend and participate in the process.

Schedule:

The Landscape of Broadcast Network Programming - Thursday, March 21, 10 am-12 pm PT/12-2 pm CT/1-3pm ET

Singers - Tuesday, March 26, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

Dancers - Thursday, March 28, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

Stunts - Monday, April 1, Noon-3 p.m. PT/2-5 p.m. CT/3-6 p.m. ET

VO/Promo - Tuesday, April 2, Noon-3 p.m. PT/2-5 p.m. CT/3-6 p.m. ET

Background/Stand-In (N.Y. Local) - Monday, April 8, 6 - 9 p.m. ET - RSVP below. You must be logged in to RSVP.

Diversity & Sexual Harassment Prevention - Tuesday, April 9, 3-6 pm PT/5-8 pm CT/6-9 pm ET

General Topic W&W Meeting (NY Local) - Tuesday, April 9, 11 am-2 pm ET

General Topic W&W Meeting #2 (NYLocal) - Thursday, April 11, 11 am-2 pm ET

If you cannot attend a W&W meeting, please make sure your voice is heard. You may submit proposal recommendations by email to networkcode2024@sagaftra.org. Recommendations must be received by Thursday, April 11, 2024.

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. 

SAG-AFTRA will be conducting a combination of national and local wages and working (W&W) conditions meetings in preparation for the 2024 SAG-AFTRA Network Television Code Contract negotiations. The Network Television Code is the agreement covering non-dramatic
programs, daytime serials, variety, quiz, game, reality, talk, news, sports programs and promotional announcements and it expires on June 30, 2024.

In order for you to be as informed as possible when participating in this important process, SAG-AFTRA is hosting a presentation, The Landscape of Broadcast Network Programming, as well as W&W meetings via Zoom. You must have a registered Zoom account to participate.

Proposals for this negotiation are developed through the involvement of members like you. Make your voice heard, attend and participate in the process.
 

Schedule:

The Landscape of Broadcast Network Programming - Thursday, March 21, 10 am-12 pm PT/12-2 pm CT/1-3pm ET

Singers - Tuesday, March 26, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

Dancers - Thursday, March 28, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

Stunts - Monday, April 1, Noon-3 p.m. PT/2-5 p.m. CT/3-6 p.m. ET

VO/Promo - Tuesday, April 2, Noon-3 p.m. PT/2-5 p.m. CT/3-6 p.m. ET

Background/Stand In (NY Local) -Monday, April 8, 6 p.m. ET (Members of the Philadelphia and Washington-Mid Atlantic Locals are welcome to RSVP for and attend the New York Local meeting.)

Diversity & Sexual Harassment Prevention - Tuesday, April 9, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 pm CT/6-9 p.m. ET

General Topic W&W Meeting (NY Local) - Tuesday, April 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET (Members of the Philadelphia and Washington-Mid Atlantic Locals are welcome to RSVP for and attend the New York Local meeting.)

General Topic W&W Meeting #2 (NY Local) - Thursday, April 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET - RSVP below. You must be logged in to RSVP. (Members of the Philadelphia and Washington-Mid Atlantic Locals are welcome to RSVP for and attend the New York Local meeting.)

If you cannot attend a W&W meeting, please make sure your voice is heard. You may submit proposal recommendations by email to networkcode2024@sagaftra.org. Recommendations must be received by Thursday, April 11, 2024.

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. 

SAG-AFTRA is conducting national and local wage and working (W&W) conditions meetings in preparation for the 2024 SAG-AFTRA Network Television Code Contract negotiations. The Network Television Code is the agreement covering non-dramatic programs, daytime serials, variety, quiz, game, reality, talk, news, sports programs and promotional announcements and it expires on June 30, 2024.

In order for you to be as informed as possible when participating in this important process, SAG-AFTRA is hosting a presentation, The Landscape of Broadcast Network Programming, in addition to national and local W&W meetings via Zoom. You must have a registered Zoom account to participate.

Proposals for this negotiation are developed through the involvement of members like you. Make your voice heard, attend and participate in the process.

Schedule:

The Landscape of Broadcast Network Programming - Thursday, March 21, 10 am-12 pm PT/12-2 pm CT/1-3pm ET

Singers - Tuesday, March 26, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

Dancers - Thursday, March 28, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

Stunts - Monday, April 1, Noon-3 p.m. PT/2-5 p.m. CT/3-6 p.m. ET

VO/Promo - Tuesday, April 2, Noon-3 p.m. PT/2-5 p.m. CT/3-6 p.m. ET

Background/Stand In (NY Local) - Monday, April 8, 6 - 9 p.m. ET (Philadelphia and Washington-Mid Atlantic Local members are welcome to attend.)

Diversity & Sexual Harassment Prevention - Tuesday, April 9, 3-6 p.m. PT/5-8 p.m. CT/6-9 p.m. ET

General Topic W&W Meeting #1 (NY Local) Tuesday, April 9, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET - RSVP below. You must be logged in to RSVP. (Philadelphia and Washington-Mid Atlantic Local members are welcome to attend.)

General Topic W&W Meeting #2 (NY Local) - Thursday, April 11, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET (Philadelphia and Washington-Mid Atlantic Local members are welcome to attend.)

If you cannot attend a W&W meeting, please make sure your voice is heard. You may submit proposal recommendations by email to networkcode2024@sagaftra.org. Recommendations must be received by Thursday, April 11, 2024.

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. 

RESCHEDULED: This in-person conservatory class was previously scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Silver Spring Civic Center. It has been rescheduled for Monday, June 24 at the SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Office (7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 950, Bethesda, MD 20814). 

On-camera auditions are often difficult and intimidating. It is hard to do an inspiring read for a camera or disinterested reader. It's also difficult to get a good sense of the material and decide how to play a scene or character when you only have a few minutes to go over your sides. In this workshop, we will explore a technique for doing quick breakdowns of a scene and role with limited time, and a way of working off of the lines and suggestions in the script to bring the material to life, making your cold readings both fun and effective. In this workshop, Robert Epstein employs the principles of the Meisner Technique to create compelling performances in your cold reading auditions. 

Robert Epstein, known as DC's resident Meisner expert, has taught The Complete Actor's Training, his long-term program for actors, for over 30 years. Robert has performed roles on cable and network TV, and has directed DC film & theatre projects including "Adams Morgan: The Movie," as well as leading many workshops for the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory and the Actor's Center. 

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. 

When trying to secure voice work, your demo can be your strongest marketing tool, or it may be why you keep getting passed over. A strong, fairly-recent demo can wedge your foot in the door and get you on the 'short list' for the job. By listening to and discussing examples, we will talk about common mistakes many actors make that could be jinxing your opportunities. We will work on how to find and spotlight your best tricks and how to strike a balance between consistency and versatility. 

Ken Slobodkin is  a Creative Service Director, Audacy Virginia and CEO, the Voice Actor's Place Demo Production. For more than 40 years, "Slobo" has muttered foolish nonsense into microphones as a radio sidekick, newscaster, morning show host, imaging voice and producer. He has crafted sound design for TV and film comedy for Premiere Radio Network, and produced at both the Studio Center and Earwork Audio. He has also been a talent coordinator with Voice Talent Warehouse in Las Vegas. Ken's all-time favorite role was as the voice of Rod Roddy for "The Price is RIght Live" show. He recently became 'Star-Trek-struck' recording lines with Kate Mulgrew for the latest Trek video game. Captain on the bridge! Boston-born (the accent still comes out every so often), Ken enjoys karaoke, audio plug-ins, and walking the Virginia Beach boardwalk with partner and fellow empty nester Marcia. 

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. 

Character voice is typically associated with animation and video game work, but the manipulation of voice and speech is just as applicable to our work in VO, Audiobooks, and on-camera. In this course, we'll look at many of the manipulatable facets of speech and apply them to some character copy examples. We'll talk about the difference between character and character voice, define the primary expectations of character voice, explore physicalization and facial manipulation as rough tools for character voice creation, and then work through changing several facets of speech through exercises. We'll end by applying what we've learned to a few character sketches from animation. Through it all we'll have a lot of fun!

Keith Flippen, a film/TV/VO actor for 30+ years, is the owner of the Actors' Place, Inc. in Fredericksburg, VA. He has taught camera and on-mic acting for 20 years through his studio as well as Speech, Voice, and Dialects for Old Dominion University from 2004-2021. In the last year, his audition coaching clients have booked projects for Netflix, Hulu, FX, a recurring guest star for the CW series Walker, and a recurring role in Fox's The Big Leap.

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.