The Chicago Activator, Oct. 17

Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

IN THIS ISSUE

October 17, 2016

Coming Soon!

SAG-AFTRA Blood Drive TV/Theatrical W&W Meetings New Member Orientation

The SAG-AFTRA Blood Drive

Every Artist Insured Meet Cheryle Dobnikar

Monday, Oct. 24

Local News 2017 IAP Grants Audition Psych 101

The SAG-AFTRA Blood Drive - Monday, Oct. 24 On Monday, Oct. 24, the Kaufherr Center will host the 12th annual SAG-AFTRA Chicago Blood Drive. The drive is open to SAG-AFTRA and AEA members, agents, family and friends. It's a fun day with lots of surprises, treats and more.

Flu shots will be available during the Blood Drive from noon - 2 p.m..

Read more Television/Theatrical Contract W&W Performer Meetings - Starts Tuesday, Oct. 25 SAG-AFTRA is pleased to announce the beginning of the TV/Theatrical wages and working conditions (W&W) process in preparation for negotiation of the TV/Theatrical Contracts that expire June 30, 2017. These formal meetings use the information and ideas gathered from the caucuses to create proposals for the 2017 contract negotiations.

If you have worked on a project under the TV or Theatrical Contracts as a principal performer in the past three years, you are strongly encouraged to attend one of the following meetings: When: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25 Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 9 Noon, Thursday, Nov. 17 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28 Where: SAG-AFTRA 1 E. Erie, Suite 650 Chicago, IL 60611 RSVP: Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org Park at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then

take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure.

Email Suggestions: Can't make it to a committee meeting? You can still play an active part by emailing your ideas to wandw2017@sagaftra.org. All recommendations must be received by Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. All proposal recommendations will be reviewed by the Wages & Working Conditions Committee.

Attention members who are actively producing: SAG-AFTRA members who are actively producing cannot attend the W&W Committee meetings due to conflict of interest.

New Member Orientation, Tuesday, Oct. 25 New members represent the future for SAG-AFTRA. The more knowledgeable they are, the stronger our union and all members are. The goal of the New Members Subcommittee of SAGAFTRA Chicago's Community Outreach, Community Organizing committee is to educate, engage and empower professional actors from the moment they become union members. The new member orientation event is only one part of that process. Topics covered include every step involved in the union experience, from initiation fees and the dues structure to the correct way to execute member reports and contracts. Other areas include agents and commissions, casting directors, resolving claims, health coverage, set demeanor, committees, staff and a variety of member benefits.

New member orientations are not just for new members. Whether you joined yesterday or 20 years ago, all members in good standing are welcome. Plan now to attend the next new membership orientation and stay informed.

Noon, Tuesday, Oct. 25 Please call Kathy Nelsen at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 2541, or email Kathy at kathy.nelsen@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot.

Park at 10 East Ontario. Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure.

The event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing, no guests are allowed.

Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. You must bring your current membership card for admittance (paid through Oct. 31, 2016).

The Actors Fund - EVERY ARTIST INSURED! - Wednesday, Oct. 26 Navigating 'Obamacare' and Finding Affordable Coverage This free workshop will provide you with clear guidance on what all your options are, including recent changes, and answer your burning questions. Open to anyone in visual and performing arts and entertainment.

Questions answered include:       

What are my options now?

How much will it cost me?

Am I eligible for a subsidy?

Am I eligible for free insurance?

How do I estimate sporadic income?

How do I pick a plan?

Where do I get care if I can't afford insurance?

When: Noon - 1:30 p.m.,Wednesday, Oct. 26 Where: Actors' Equity Association 557 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60661 RSVP: Please RSVP to centralRSVP@actorsequity.org Space is limited.

Renata Marinaro from The Actors Fund will be on hand at the SAG-AFTRA Blood Drive from Noon - 2 p.m. For a personal consultation with Marinaro on health care options, please RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

Meet Cheryle Dobnikar Cheryle Dobnikar is the center administrator of the Kaufherr Members Resource Center (KMRC).

In this position, she is leading the upgrade of the center, expanding programming and development.

Dobnikar brings over 20 years nonprofit administration and development experience to the Kaufherr Members Resource Center. Most recently, she served as managing director of the PianoForte Foundation and previously as general manager of the Northshore Concert Band after several years as director of development for the Suzuki-Orff School of Music and senior development officer for the American Cancer Society. For over 10 years she was show host/producer of Conversations from Studio B, a weekly author interview program for the Chicagoland Radio Information Service.

"The Kaufherr Members Resource Center is truly a crown jewel available for all industry talent to use as their go-to place of business in Chicago. With our current renovation in progress, upgrades in the studios, and sprucing up, it's an exciting time as we celebrate 15 years of service in Chicago. If there is anyone who has not yet visited the center and taken advantage of its many opportunities, please stop by. I'd be happy to show you around!"

Local News Keep Your Agent in the Know If you book a project through your agent, please let them know when production contacts you directly. For example: If you book one of the nighttime dramas shooting here, your agent calls to say you got the part. Then production calls you to arrange a fitting, change your shooting date, ask you to do something that may resemble a stunt or other training. If production contacts you directly, chances are your agent is not aware of the changes and therefore cannot negotiate further provisions or pay in some circumstances, and he or she can't make sure you are being paid properly when your check comes in.

KMRC - Closure The Kaufherr Center will be closed for construction through Friday, Oct 21. The KMRC is undergoing a renovation for the first time in its 15-year history. When completed, it will have an open house for all to come and enjoy the new center.

The renovation will include new ceiling tile and lighting, carpeting, painted walls and furniture. The Schmooze Room and Video Room will be switching places to cut down on street traffic noise in the Video Room.

While the Kaufherr Center is closed, please use your local library as an alternative for computer access if needed.

Stay tuned for exciting updates and open house details.

2017 DCASE Individual Artists Program Grants The Individual Artists Program aims to assist Chicago's professional artists and creative entrepreneurs in creating work that elevates their careers and brings value to the City of Chicago.

This year's IAP program will include significant updates to guidelines and eligible program categories. All applicants are required to attend an Application Assistance Workshop in order to apply for a grant.

The free workshop schedule is as follows: Workshops at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago         

Monday, Nov. 7, 6 - 8 p.m., 2nd Floor Claudia Cassidy Theater Thursday, Nov. 10, 10 - Noon, 5th Floor Washington Room (sign language interpreter will be available at this workshop.)

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2 - 4 p.m., 5th Floor Garland Room Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2 - 4 p.m., 2nd Floor Claudia Cassidy Theater Thursday, Nov. 17, 10 - Noon, 4th Floor Sidney R. Yates Gallery Thursday, Nov. 17, 2 - 4 p.m., 4th Floor Sidney R. Yates Gallery Thursday, Nov. 17, 5 - 7 p.m., 4th Floor Sidney R. Yates Gallery Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 - Noon, 2nd Floor Claudia Cassidy Theater Monday, Dec. 5, 6 - 8 p.m., 2nd Floor Claudia Cassidy Theater

Click here to sign up for one of these training sessions.

Workshop at Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St., Chicago 

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 - 9 p.m.

Click here to sign up for this training session.

Workshop at Comfort Station, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7 - 9 p.m. (Space is limited)

Click here to sign up for this training session.

Workshops will review updates to grant guidelines and eligibility requirements, review criteria and provide guidance to help applicants prepare the strongest, most competitive applications.

Following the presentation, there will be time for applicants to speak with DCASE staff and ask questions.

IAP guidelines will be available at chicagoculturalgrants.org on Nov. 1. The IAP application period opens on Dec. 1 and the deadline for applications is Jan. 13, 2017. Absolutely no extensions will be granted.

Audition Psych 101 - Discount Price for SAG-AFTRA Members Audition Psych 101 is a refreshing approach to the dreaded process. TV and stage actor Michael Kostroff (The Wire, The Good Wife) takes the fear out of the audition process with logic, humor and field-tested common sense in this popular four-hour workshop.

Where: The Vagabond School of the Arts 4001 N. Ravenswood Avenue, #504 Chicago, IL 60613 When: Two dates to choose from 2 - 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 2 - 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6 Class fee: $75 (20 percent off for SAG-AFTRA members) Click here for registration, testimonials and information.

In response to members' requests to stay informed, The Activator may include notice of rallies, pickets and other actions by unions and the labor movement that have not been sanctioned by the National or Chicago Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA. This information is provided as a convenience.

The information contained herein regarding workshops, vendors, special offers and the like is provided for informational purposes and is not intended to imply endorsement by SAG-AFTRA of them or the information, material, products or services provided. SAG-AFTRA makes no warranties or representations regarding the use of the material or the quality of the services or service providers.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago: (312) 573-8081 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org Website: SAGAFTRA.org