NextGen Performers Summer Mixer

NextGen Performers (NGP) focuses on programming for SAG-AFTRA’s emerging generation, encouraging young performers to get involved with their union by engaging with other members through social media, community outreach and special events such as the annual Summer Mixer. This year’s Summer Mixer was held at the newly re-launched Sandbox in Hollywood on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The event was again co-hosted by NewFilmmakers LA, a nonprofit created to showcase the work of — and connect — indie filmmakers from around the world. 

The highlight of the evening was celebrity host Lucas Grabeel (Switched at Birth, High School Musical), who shared his journey and experiences in Los Angeles as an actor and proud member of SAG-AFTRA. With over 250 attendees, members mixed and mingled the night away with a red carpet, video games, photo booth and skee ball, while enjoying complimentary appetizers and cocktails.

Speakers for the event also included President Gabrielle Carteris; Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin; National Vice President, Los Angeles Clyde Kusatsu; L.A. 2nd Vice President and MOVE L.A. Committee Chair Ellen Crawford; Board member and NGP Subcommittee Chair Ben Whitehair; NGP Committee member Kyle McCauley; and NewFilmmakers LA Executive Director Larry Laboe. NextGen Performers is a subcommittee of SAG-AFTRA’s MOVE Committee. 

For updates on future events, resources for performers, and much more, join the NGP mailing list by sending an email to NextGen@sagaftra.org, and find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Click below photo for slideshow 

NGP/ NFMLA Summer Mixer guests. Photo by Matt Petit. 

This item was originally featured in the September 2016 local newsletter.