SAG-AFTRA New England Winter Actors Academy: Craft, Confidence and Connections

Local News

A large group of diverse people gather in a circle in the SAG-AFTRA New England Local’s conference room, one member holding a yellow ball while they prepare for an acting exercise.

Amazing energy was everywhere at the SAG-AFTRA New England Local’s Winter Actors Academy on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Boston. This full-day, small-group, focused training program offered attendees an opportunity to hone their craft, enhance confidence, discover new ways to create work opportunities, and network with fellow actors.

Katie Beckvold, a certified Alexander Technique teacher and member of Alexander Technique International, kicked off the day with an engaging session that combined movement, technique and motivation. This included the understanding of patterns and habits and the possibility of change. Next, SAG-AFTRA Local Executive Director Jessica Maher shared valuable insights on how union members can convert non-union jobs into union opportunities. The third session featured SAG-AFTRA member and acting coach Jay Street, who provided quick tips and personalized guidance as participants performed one-liners, short scenes and prepared monologues. The Academy concluded with a fast-paced “speed dating”-style session, designed to help New England Local members expand their self-tape support network.

The day was a dynamic blend of talent, inspiration and growth, leaving attendees energized to further develop their skills and artistic abilities.

Photo: Certified Alexander Technique teacher Katie Beckvold opens the New England Winter Actors Academy with a group activity.

Two SAG-AFTRA members make eye contact – one in a yellow sweater and one in a blue long-sleeved shirt – as part of an acting exercise. Several members and one instructor watch the demonstration in the background.
SAG-AFTRA members pair up around the conference room to participate in an acting exercise; one pair – a person in a red button-down and a person in a black and blue hoodie – can be seen in the foreground.
An acting instructor in red pants and a black top adjusts a member’s posture by touching the top of his head and neck. Other members watch the demonstration in the background.
An acting instructor in red pants and a black top adjusts a member’s posture by touching the top of his head and neck. Other members watch the demonstration in the background.
A large group of SAG-AFTRA New England members and staff sit in a circle of chairs in a conference room, angling themselves towards the TV screen to listen to the event’s guest speaker.
A group of five SAG-AFTRA New England members sit in chairs while participating in an acting exercise, one holding a piece of paper. The event’s guest speaker gestures while making a point.
Pairs of SAG-AFTRA New England members sit in chairs; one pair in the foreground consists of a member in a red button-down and jeans and a member in a brown vest and black pants. Two more groups of two can be seen in the background further down the hallway.
Pairs of SAG-AFTRA New England members sit in chairs; one pair in the foreground consists of a member in a red button-down and jeans and a member in a brown vest and black pants. Two more groups of two can be seen in the background further down the hallway.

From left, SAG-AFTRA members Tony Ionno and Andrea Lyman participate in an Alexander Technique exercise while instructor Katie Beckvold watches in the background.

SAG-AFTRA New England members pair up to participate in an activity.

Instructor Katie Beckvold provides hands-on work with SAG-AFTRA member Vincent Panetta.

Instructor Katie Beckvold works with SAG-AFTRA member Harold Rudolph for a demonstration.

SAG-AFTRA member and instructor Jay Street coaches New England Winter Actors Academy participants.

Instructor and SAG-AFTRA member Jay Street, right, provides individual coaching to SAG-AFTRA member Marjorie Trovato, left.

From left, SAG-AFTRA members Miles Mann and Chemi Whitlow participate in a speed-reading activity.

From left, SAG-AFTRA members George Basin and Marcela Jaramillo smile as they start a speed-reading activity.

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