WMA Conservatory: If Only I'd Known: Lessons (So Far) From a Life in Acting

Please join the Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Conservatory Committee for "If Only I'd Known: Lessons (So Far) From a Life in Acting" a heartfelt and inspiring conversation featuring some of the Washington-Mid Atlantic's leading professional actors. In this engaging panel discussion, our seasoned panelists will share the journeys their careers have taken and the invaluable lessons gathered along the way having face challenges, triumphs, and setbacks in the industry. From the early days of building their careers to the complexities of working on a variety projects, this is your chance to hear firsthand the advice they wish they'd known at the start. 

This unique panel event offers an exclusive peek into the real-world experiences that have shaped the careers of these performers. Wherever you might be in your career, this discussion will provide powerful insights into resilience, growth, and the unpredictable paths to success.

Panelists:

• Towanda Underdue is a SAG-AFTRA award winning actress, poet, writer, producer, voiceover artist, educator and host who works on-camera tv, film, commercials, voiceover, and theater work. Credits include Hulu's "Wu Tang: An American Saga", CBS' "BULL", HBO's "HUNG", Netflix's "House of Cards", Tru Tv's "Forensic Files", Amazon Prime's "Thespian", film's "Stinky Summer", "Last Night at Terrace Lanes", Jest Originals' "NBA Lockout", the web series "Rosemary Street" and commercials with the Kelce brothers and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
• Gwendolyn Briley-Strand holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Fordham University and has performed as a professional actor on stage, television and film for over forty years. Her credits include A Christmas Journey to Freedom as Harriet Tubman for Day of Discovery, House of Cards, My One And Only, Something The Lord Made, A Dirty Shame, Line of Fire, The Corner, Species 2, Atif's Journey, Serial Mom, and Homicide Life on the Streets. Her two one woman shows, Harriet Tubman: The Chosen One and Rosa Parks: Such A Time have been performed for thousands of schools and organizations throughout the United States and Canada. She was given the honor of introducing President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and all the dignitaries and celebrities at the grand opening of the African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington DC. Ms. Briley-Strand is also a voice actor and received the Promax Global Excellence Bronze Award for her voice-over performance in the CNN American Style "Windows" in 2020. She is also the President and CEO of See the Fruits Inc, a company which uses the arts to teach American History.
• Jerry Winsett became a member of AFTRA in 1978 and SAG in 1979, and is also a member of AEA. He worked in New York City and Los Angeles before moving to North Carolina. When SAG opened an office in Wilmington, Jerry became a SAG Councilor for the Carolinas through the Florida region. After the merger, he became a member of the Washington-Mid Atlantic executive board. Jerry has numerous stage and voice over credits and has guest or co-stared on TV in, among others, Newhart, Coach, Life Goes On, and Atlanta. Jerry has appeared in films such as One Crazy Summer, Torque, Bastard Out of Carolina. Jerry also won an ensemble SAG Award for "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" where he played the role of Geoffrey the Dentist.
• Janae Palmer Cruz is a passionate SAG-AFTRA actor, working in the New York, Philly, and DC market, who brings heart and versatility to her work in film, television, and commercials. Raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Janae's love for performing blossomed at the age of thirteen, which allowed her to dive into acting early on. She has since earned dual degrees in theatre and Dance from Messiah College and refined her craft at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. Janae's growing list of credits include working as a full-time stand-in and photo double for Natalie Portman on Apple TV's Lady in the Lake, as the stand-in for Shira Haas on Triumph, Kate Mara on Friendship, and Stephanie Nur on Lioness. She has also appeared in Liongate's Where the Scary Things Are, The Special, and They Watch. On television, she has showcased her range in series like True Terror with Robert Englund, Murder in the Family, and Cold Hearted. Her versatility extends to leading roles in independent projects like Coffee, Yellow Roses, and The Fallen. Whether it's acting, dancing, or exploring new creative challenges, Janae is always up for an adventure.
• Katie Killacky is a classically trained actress, born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, with a BFA from the University of Illinois. She has appeared in TV, film and over 30 national and regional commercials. While living in LA, she performed stand up comedy while making her living as a commercial actress. After a decade in LA, she returned to Chicago where she worked as a casting associate and also as a comedy contributor for various publications. She began teaching and found her experience on the casting and writing side of the process gave her invaluable tools to assist her students in auditioning successfully. In 2015, she founded Capital Coaching and she continues to work and study on a national level so that her curriculum is always evolving and stays current with the ever-changing industry and needs of her students. Katie has had co-star, guest-star, and recurring roles on HBO, Apple TV, Showtime, Netflix, Hulu, and other various other networks. When not acting or teaching, Katie is traveling with her kids as they pursue their own acting careers. 

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please complete form below to RSVP. Please note that you must be logged in to RSVP. 

This event is only open to active SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid through April 30, 2025). No guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

ADA requests may be included on your RSVP form below. Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 hours before the start of the event.