Safety Tips for SAG-AFTRA Voiceover Performers

While it is the responsibility of the employer to maintain a safe working environment for you, personal care can also help in keeping everyone safe during this time of abundant caution.

General Tips for Members

• Practice social distancing — keep six feet away from people to the extent possible.
• Respectfully refrain from shaking hands or hugging anyone.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with the elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher) if you are not able to access a sink for handwashing.
• Bring wipes for your work space, door handle and/or frequently touched spots.
• Carry your own pen or pencil.
• During breaks, take a moment to wash your hands. In fact, plan to wash your hands hourly and more, if needed.
• Don’t gather in large groups.

Tips for Voiceover Performers

• If you are sick, do not go into work and follow CDC guidelines to self-quarantine and seek appropriate medical attention. 
• If you have a home studio, talk to your agent and/or your employer about the possibility of conducting the session remotely.
• Use disinfecting towelettes to wipe down equipment before and after use.
• Ask the engineer or staff if you can use your own headphones.
• Regularly wipe down cell phone, ipads, and computers.
• Communicate honestly with the employer if you are uncomfortable going into the studio.
• If you are self-quarantined or are in a heightened risk group, you do not need to disclose any personal health information. If you would like assistance communicating with your employer, please contact the Voiceover Department at (323) 549-6815. 

Tips for Audio Houses/Studios

• Have handwashing stations, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting towelettes readily available.
• Make sure performers know they have a choice of whether they feel safe to come into the studio. Please be accommodating to rescheduling sessions. 
• Common areas in facilities should be cleaned/sanitized regularly (e.g., light switches, surfaces, doorknobs, phones, water dispensers, coffee machines, cabinet handles, refrigerator handles, microwave buttons, chairs and arm/back rests, etc.). Studios should be cleaned/sanitized before and after each session, including the microphone, POP filters script stand, and any other equipment the performer will come in contact with.
• Schedule only one performer per session to allow for recommended social distancing.
• Use disposable covers to protect mics. Sanitize or replace POP filters between sessions.
• Allow actors to use their own headphones.
• Limit sharing of equipment as much as possible. Shared equipment should be disinfected after each use.
• Use disinfecting towelettes to wipe down equipment before and after use. 
• Offer to wipe down the equipment in the presence of the performer to reassure them of what has been cleaned before the work. 
• Limit the number of people at the session by having staff who need to observe the session call in remotely.

For additional personal protective precautions and recommendations for community preparedness, visit the CDC website here.

If you have questions or concerns about your work conditions, please contact voiceover@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6815.