SAG-AFTRA Chicago Welcomes New Staff

The Chicago Local office is pleased to announce that a few familiar faces will be joining the local team in new positions. In November, Jess Jones transitioned into a new role within the Chicago Local office, working as a business representative, focusing on claims in the TV/Theatrical and Commercial departments.  

Prior to transitioning into SAG-AFTRA, Jess supported members through her work with the Kaufherr Resource Center, growing programming and engagement opportunities for professional performers and, most recently, creating virtual engagement opportunities for local performers throughout the pandemic. 

Jess previously worked in the Chicago market as a talent agent for nearly 10 years. As a talent representative, Jess not only has helped develop and negotiate performers’ contracts for roles on television, film and theater, but she has assisted artists in managing their media, professional development and marketing efforts. Her career highlights include working as a freelance casting associate at Claire Simon Casting, O’Connor Casting and Paskal Rudnicke Casting. Prior to her work in the agency setting, she was also involved in the Chicago improv community, training at the Second City Conservatory while assisting in producing multiple years of the Chicago Improv Festival and the College Improv Tournament. She looks forward to supporting Chicago’s professional performers through her new position at SAG-AFTRA. She can be reached at jess.jones@sagaftra.org or by phone at (312) 867-5503.
 
Melissa Pryor is the new center director for the Kaufherr Resource Center as of Tuesday, Jan. 18. She previously worked as an acting coach, educator, career consultant and associate casting director. Her casting work spans a decade in Los Angeles and Chicago, with contributions to Emmy and Artios Award-winning productions. Some of her casting highlights include Mascots and Family Tree (Christopher Guest), Wild and Big Little Lies (Jean-Marc Vallée), Rules Don’t Apply (Warren Beatty), Trumbo and All the Way (Jay Roach) and her work as the associate casting consultant for HBO’s scripted content. Melissa experienced well over 20,000 auditions for film, TV, theater, voiceover, animation, industrials and commercials in her casting career. Using her wealth of knowledge and professional background, she looks forward to her upcoming work with the Kaufherr Resource Center and helping performers reach their full potential in the audition room and on set. While the Center is still closed, she is available remotely to assist with auditions, hosting WakeUp Wednesdays and VO/On Camera Jams.  Melissa can be reached at melissa.pryor@kaufherrcenterchicago.com.