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When asked about the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory, many members have the same response: “The what?” With over 3,000 enrolled members, the Conservatory offers small-group craft-based classes, resources, social events and exclusive access to auditions for student film projects — all for the low membership fee of $45 per year and just $25 for young performers (ages 6–17).
Under the enthusiastic leadership of L.A. Local President Jane Austin and co-chair Kevin McCorkle, the L.A. Conservatory Committee has recently revamped the program and is rapidly expanding, not only in number of teachers, but also in the variety of new class options and resources. The program now hosts dozens of classes and events each year at both SAG-AFTRA Plaza and the American Film Institute (AFI) campus. Class sizes range from 6–20 members and seminars and special events can include up to 125 members.
Additionally, the scope of member resources is broad. It includes audition self-taping services, on-camera classes, table readings with top-of-the-industry writers, and scene workshops with acclaimed guest directors and writers (all subject to availability).
Topics include young performers, voiceover, improvisation, commercials, theatrical, business and special events. Looking to improve your social media game? Classes led by social media experts and influencers empower and teach you how to navigate the ins and outs of this ever-evolving world.
“The Conservatory provides a nurturing community atmosphere for members to get intimate class training, meet industry professionals and foster relationships with the next generation of industry producers, writers and directors coming out of AFI,” states committee member and instructor Kym Jackson.
One of the Conservatory’s most valuable benefits is access to the Summer Intensive, a weekend-long symposium of more than 50 classes, panels and workshops held at the AFI campus. Chaired by
L.A. Conservatory Committee member Lee Garlington, this year’s Summer Intensive will run from July 27–29 with the theme “Be the Room Where It Happens: Creating Your Own Career.” The three-day program features casting directors, social media experts, influencers, SAG-AFTRA staff and more.
To become a member of the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory or to learn more, go to sagaftra.org/laconservatory or call the Conservatory Office at (323) 856-7736.
Photo: SAG-AFTRA member Jean Smart, Board member Dawnn Lewis, L.A. Conservatory Committee member Lee Garlington, writer/producer Katherine Fugate, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin, L.A. Local Board member Vivicca Whitsett and former Board member Clark Gregg made up the 2017 Summer Intensive opening night panel at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on July 28.