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Self-Tapes and Demo Reels: Secrets to Success

Jun 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM PDT

Where: San Diego Musical Theatre, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego, CA 92111

If you are not a member or not a San Diego Local Member you can attend for a fee of $10. You must register below AND you must also pay via this link.

Unlock the secrets to creating compelling self-tapes and demo reels that captivate casting directors and land you the role. Learn how to deliver standout performances, optimize your setup for professional-quality recordings, and edit your material to highlight your strengths. And much more.

Key Takeaways:

  • Do's and Don'ts for Self Tape Auditions
  • What equipment do I need?
  • How to craft a compelling Actor Reel
  • What Directors are looking for in Self Tapes and Actor Reels
  • What if you don't have enough content to make an actor reel?

About Rich Varville

Rich Varville is a San Diego based filmmaker and recording artist that gained notoriety from his unique style of story-based, cinematic, music films. In addition, he produces and directs narrative, industrial, and documentary films through his company RSVP FILMS.

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, he studied media production at Pikes Peak College before relocating to San Diego and studying psychology at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. These two very different studies eventually led to his vision of creating thought provoking films that illustrate the human condition. 

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

Cost: Free for SAG-AFTRA San Diego members to attend who are in good standing (paid thru October 31, 2024).

Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m.

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. 



Dance is For Everyone Mixer

Illustration showing the legs of several people dancing in colorful shoes.
Apr 29, 2025 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM PDT

Where: THE STU Dance Studios, 218 W. Palm Ave., Burbank, CA 91502

RSVP Required: Please log in and complete the form below by Monday, April 28 at noon PT.

Join the L.A. Local Local Dance Committee in celebrating International Dance Day!  

This event will feature special guests including choreographers and agents, along with information material from SAG-AFTRA and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Come learn some valuable information on your rights as a SAG-AFTRA performer, enjoy refreshments and bust a move to our DJ who will be spinning all night! 

Spend an eventful evening with us because DANCE IS FOR EVERYONE!

Who is LADC? The L.A. Dancers Committee’s mission is to create a community of educated and unified dancers in an effort to impact change and growth within the dance community. It aims to address issues unique to the dance industry, raise awareness of safety concerns and advocate for fair working conditions and wages. Come find us at the mixer. We look forward to meeting you!

When: Tuesday, April 29 from 6 - 9 p.m. PT           

*Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. PT 

Where: THE STU Dance Studios
              218 W. Palm Ave.
              Burbank, CA 91502

Parking: Street parking is available near the event venue. Please be mindful of street signs. Rideshare is highly encouraged.

Questions? Reach out to music@sagaftra.org.


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

Panelists are subject to change without notification.

This panel is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG- AFTRA. The information provided through the panel is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the panel.

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.
 



Get in the Know of Dancer Contracts

Illustration showing the legs of several people dancing in colorful shoes.
Dec 12, 2024 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM PST

Where: James Cagney Boardroom, SAG-AFTRA Plaza, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Join your L.A. Local Dance Committee for Get in the Know of Dancer Contracts! A panel of SAG-AFTRA staff and working professionals will discuss key contract provisions, what’s going on in the industry and how you can get involved in the union. 

When: Thursday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. PT 

Where: James Cagney Boardroom, SAG-AFTRA Plaza 
              5757 Wilshire Blvd.
              Los Angeles, CA 90036

Parking: Please park in the garage off of Curson Ave. and bring your parking ticket for validation.

RSVP: Please log in to see the form below. The deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. PT. RSVPs are required to attend the meeting.

Questions? Reach out to music@sagaftra.org or call (323) 549 - 6864.  

Panelists are subject to change without notification.

This panel is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG- AFTRA. The information provided through the panel is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the panel.

This event is only open to active SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid through April 30, 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.
 



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