Special Guests Informed and Entertained at Membership Meeting in Arizona

On the afternoon of Sunday, April 14, Arizona-Utah Local members convened for their annual membership meeting in Arizona at the American Federation of Musicians in Phoenix. Members enjoyed lunch while hearing from special guests, local leadership and staff, and engaged by asking questions and meeting new members.

The first speaker, Arizona Commerce Authority Film & Digital Media Program Manager Ramsay Wharton, gave a demo of the ACA talent directory, emphasizing how important it is for SAG-AFTRA members to create a profile and upload their information by registering under the talent section.

Then, SAG-AFTRA member Jessica Szohr shared insightful info about her experiences from her vast TV and film career. She stressed the importance of the union’s work on achieving hair equity on set and staying current with your skills, such as knowing how to self-tape properly.

Finally, IATSE Local 336 members Paul Stapleton-Smith and Pam Boyd congratulated SAG-AFTRA on the success of the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike and relayed how it has helped set the stage for IATSE negotiations across the country. SAG-AFTRA members can show their support for IATSE with #OneFightFridays. Every Friday, as IATSE negotiates with the AMPTP, post a picture of yourself wearing your #SagAftraStrong swag and tag us on Instagram @sagaftra or X @sagaftra.

A special welcome was given to new union members and recent transfers to the local.  Arizona-Utah Local President Amanda Melby, National Board member Margie Ghigo and Director of Locals Administration Lisha Brock wrapped up the meeting with reports on the status of local and national union activities.

Photo: Arizona-Utah Local members at their annual membership meeting in Arizona with special guest Jessica Szohr, front row second from right. Photo by Nancy Hall.