On Monday I had the honor of speaking on behalf of SAG-AFTRA members at New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s announcement of the opening of a vaccination site in Times Square for film, TV, and theater workers.
Later that afternoon, representatives from all sectors of the film, TV and theater industries joined Mayor DeBlasio and N.Y. State elected officials in Times Square for the site’s grand opening. Also speaking as a special guest was SAG-AFTRA member Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“We want to tell stories, and we can’t do that if we don’t feel safe and you don’t feel safe,’’ Miranda said in praise of the vaccination site.
The pandemic has taken an enormous toll. But one bright spot that helped keep us all going was creative content. Streaming movies and TV shows has acted as a balm for the soul. How many of us didn’t binge streaming series and other content during this difficult time? SAG-AFTRA members are pleased and proud to be part of the creative process that brings us the stories we all value and enjoy.
We applaud the work being done to bring the New York arts and entertainment industry back to life. There will not be a REAL recovery without this vital segment of our economy.
One key to restoring those good union jobs is vaccination. The Times Square vaccination site in particular is an invaluable service for performing artists throughout the industry and especially for our members.
The Actors Fund can help schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments at The Broadway Vaccination Site (ATC Vaccination Times Square, located at 47th Street & 7th Avenue), for members of the performing arts & entertainment community who are working, living or attending school in New York City. Please call (917) 281-5937 or email vaccines@actorsfund.org with your name & phone number to speak with someone who can then help you schedule an appointment. Individuals can also make appointments at vaccine sites throughout the city at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling (877) VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
I urge all New York SAG-AFTRA members and the entire entertainment community to come to the new site and get vaccinated so that we can continue to work, inform and entertain our nation and the world with amazing content.
Finally, please join me at the upcoming New York Local Virtual Membership Meeting on Monday, May 3 from 5-7:30 p.m. RSVP today and join us for updates about the state of the industry, the local production scene and critical legislation impacting members.
Onward together,
Rebecca Damon
New York Local President
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