Women Do It First

SAG-AFTRA members enjoyed a live staged reading of the new original musical Glass Ceilings with musical accompaniment, stage directions and a full cast at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Feb. 20. Hosted by the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Conservatory and organized by Conservatory Subcommittee member Jen Faith Brown, the event was the
frst live reading presented by the committee.

Director Jessica Gardner, co-author Nicholas David Brandt and composer Laura Watkins participated in a panel discussion with audience Q&A after the live reading. All three thanked SAG-AFTRA and the L.A. Conservatory for the opportunity to present their project aloud and consider the different types of mediums in which to present it. New media, panelists explained, offers exciting opportunities for musical theater composers and a way for performers to reignite live performance in innovative ways, such as through podcasts. The SAG-AFTRA performance gave 18 union members roles and allowed them to perform, get feedback and network. Attendees enjoyed a performance by their peers, networked and learned more about the programs the union has to offer.

Glass Ceilings tells the stories of several female historical figures whose accomplishments have been buried under the shadow of similar triumphs from male counterparts.

Photo: The cast and crew of the new musical Glass Ceilings poses before their frst live stage reading at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Feb. 20.