New England Local President's Letter

Happy spring and almost summer! On April 28, we had our first in-person annual meeting since 2019. National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland enthusiastically gave us a full report on our updated contracts, pending legislation, unity with other unions, international organizing, and an update on broadcast stations that have recently joined SAG-AFTRA. It was a fantastic event full of socializing and union updates.

Our Local Board has had some recent changes. Ellen Colton resigned her role as local SAG-AFTRA secretary after more than 30 years but will remain a member of the Board. Liz Eng was elected by the Local Board to the secretary position, and she has hit the ground running. Mike Macklin was elected by the Local Board as Local Board member - broadcast in the position previously held by Doug Cope, who sadly passed away in January. 

Committee of Locals Vice Chairs Michele Proude and Suzanne Burkhead visited the New England Local Board in mid-May to talk about the work of the COL and upcoming initiatives. The COL is a national committee made up of National Board members and presidents from the 23 locals nationwide outside of New York and Los Angeles, and its focus is issues specific to those locals.

Local Committees have been meeting and organizing. The NextGen Committee had an event in April with bowling and pizza, simply having a good time meeting and connecting with members. There have been several Conservatory Committee events, the most recent was a cold reading conservatory where members worked on scripts, both meaty scenes and co-star one-liners. One-on-one audition critiques were held on May 15 with Heather Whitty, where members read a monologue and received immediate feedback and recommendations. In June, we have a conservatory developing your acting philosophy with Bates Wilder. Be sure to register in advance. We will also be participating in the Boston Pride for the People Parade for the first time. Be on the lookout for registration information for what will be a fun event!

The local office continues to connect our members with information regarding actions supporting unions throughout New England. Many of our members can be seen at the rallies and strikes of our sibling unions. They supported us during our strike and it’s great to be able to help others. Also, on Fridays we show our support for IATSE #IASOLIDARITY #OneFightFridays by wearing your union swag as IATSE negotiates with the AMPTP.

Our staff is always busy helping members. Remember, if you ever have a safety issue on any set or workplace, call the number on the back of your card or on the SAG-AFTRA app. It is available 24/7. 

Make certain SAG-AFTRA has your correct contact information so you receive the casting blasts and check out the news on the SAG-AFTRA app and website.

May you book your dream gig and love it.

Best wishes,
Andrea Lyman
New England Local President