May We Introduce …

Over 900 actors, broadcasters, voiceover artists and performing artists populate Portland’s SAG-AFTRA Local. From time to time, we’re going to take a moment to introduce our Portland members to each other. 

Portland Local Board Member Rachael Perell Fosket

How long have you been a SAG-AFTRA member?

I’ve been a SAG-AFTRA member since 2015.

How did you earn your SAG-AFTRA card?

I booked two roles at the same time! A national car commercial and a co-starring role on Grimm. Possibly one of the most fun roles I’ve played: a sex worker who is also a cat monster who gets attacked by Jack the Ripper. It was also the episode where I first met my good friend and makeup artist Christina Kortum. 

What does SAG-AFTRA membership mean to you?

Personally, it means strength. I don’t know a day that goes by as an actor that I don’t question and have self-doubts. It’s a very lonely profession. And it’s almost impossible for that feeling to not breed into total insecurity. While I do love this industry and I’ve met some of the most wonderful people because of it, I have also witnessed time and time again people using my insecurities to overpower me, put me in unsafe situations or demean my decisions. That doesn’t go away once you join the union, but it gives you an incredible backbone. SAG-AFTRA enforces your rights as an actor. It also supplies you with an entire network of trained professionals ready to help and protect you. SAG-AFTRA is a union of individuals across the country set up and ready to help actors. That is a very wonderful feeling. It makes me feel strong. 

Why did you decide to serve on the Portland Local Board?

For two different reasons. Firstly, because I wanted to help. I have felt the strength of my union and I want other actors, both union and pre-union, in my local to know their rights, to be taken care of. I have been an ear to many actor friends in the past and had called my union many times on behalf of actors in my community. I wanted to continue helping. Secondly, I found out who was going to be running as board members and I wanted to work with everyone. The local board is a unique and diverse group. I’m very proud of everyone who sits at the table. Everyone is here to help and is active in creating a better, stronger local.

Any parting thoughts you would like to share with your fellow SAG-AFTRA members?

I am so proud of this union. I’m so proud of the leaders I’ve met and all the effort and hard work put in by both the board — national and local — and staff. SAG AFTRA is a union of actors ... and you know what is so incredibly wonderful about that, and why I personally think this union might be one of the strongest in this country? It’s because there are three cornerstones to being a good actor: An actor must listen. An actor must feel. And an actor must do. I also think that those three things are what make up a strong union. The union must listen, the union must have empathy and the union must be active. And we certainly are.

Which Portland SAG-AFTRA members would you like to get to know better? Send your suggestions (or suggest yourself) to us at portland@sagaftra.org.