2014 winter focus by SAG-AFTRA

THE

SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory

Winter 2014

SHAPING UP IN 2014 By Lee Garlington

The tradition is, when it’s a new year, we see it as an opportunity for a fresh start, new resolutions, a time to commit to…what? What, as a performer, would you like to commit to for 2014? As an actor who has made her living, consistently, for almost (yikes!) 30 years now, I have learned a little something-something about what it means to “stay in shape” as an actor. Even though the tools and the technology have changed and improved, the principles and fundamentals are pretty much the same. Some thoughts, beliefs and actions that sustain me as an artist and a professional: A “Wholistic” Approach – We are in a profession wherein we don’t just bring one skill set to the party. We offer our entire being, the sum total of our life experiences. We bring to every audition and job not only our IN THIS ISSUE: talent, but also our values, our physicality, emotional How to Register for 3 depth, humor, Workshops quirkiness, the ways in which we use our voice, etc. Workshop 4 So if you are Schedule spending every second of your life working a “B” job to pay the rent, Workshop Descriptions and 5 then taking classes, and Times showing up for Conservatory events, are you Conservatory Rules still having a life? and 8 Going for a walk? Regulations Volunteering somewhere?

2021 N WESTERN AVE, L.A. CA 90027

Reading books, hanging out with friends who aren’t actors, going to LACMA and looking at art? Are you having “life experiences” that are about other interests? I’m an actor, but I’m also a writer, a wife, a mother, a visual artist, a mentor, a coach, a homeowner, someone who plays bridge and Mah Jong, a football fan, a person who loves to hike and spend time with my animals. I bring aallll of that to my auditions and jobs. Keep All Your Creativity Alive – I have never met an actor who was not artistic in an additional way – you probably also either dance, sing, write, paint, sculpt, juggle, make stained glass, sculpt your body, knit, do stand-up, take phenomenal photos, play guitar, are an amazing gardener, or some other creative endeavor. All those talents and skills light up different parts of our brain, and each talent informs the others. We need all of them alive and well to be our most authentic selves. Take Time to Act – When so much of our time is going towards survival, classes, and taking care of the business part of show biz, we sometimes forget to take the time to act, to perform, to actually engage in our craft. I audition regularly, I do a ton of readings, I moderate Conservatory events, I teach the SAG-AFTRA Member Orientation, and in February I’m taking a stand-up comedy class – all of that keeps me in shape as an actor. What are you doing? Ideas for fun and for free: once a month, read a play you love out loud with a group of friends; once a week (or day?), record yourself with your camera or phone or whatever you have available, doing a scene from sides you download, and then take the time to watch it, evaluate your work, notice what you do and don’t do when you perform; then, rinse and repeat. If you’re funny, you can work up three minutes of material and go to open mic at a comedy club and perform it! I promise, it will wake you up as an actor!! What else can you think of?? Even if you can’t make your living as an actor today, you can still be acting today. You have an opportunity for 2014 to be the year you come alive as an actor, an artist, a performer, so that when opportunity comes a-knockin’, you are ready, willing and able.

323.856.7736

CONSERVATORY@SAGAFTRA.ORG

new clients. Also inquire how they prefer submissions, by mail, dropoff or By David Westberg electronically. Back in the olden days (in the last century), GET YOUR when I was an agent, I found two specific TOOL BOX times of the year when my mailbox was over- IN ORDER loaded with submissions for representation; Is your website up and running? (It’s the new the end of (the traditional) pilot season (May/ calling card!) Is your demo in good order? June) and the beginning of the new year. Are your current pictures reasonably recent May/June is when agencies usually take a (within the last year)? Is your resume clean, look at their client list, see who's working clear, easy to read, and up-to-date? Are you and who's not, why, and what to do about it. on SAG-AFTRA’s free online free casting They usually make cuts to the client list after directory iActor? Are your audition skills pilot season. The start of the New Year seems tweaked and finely tuned so that should you to be when actors make their New Year's be lucky enough to land an agent, you are all Resolutions, and vow to get their act together ready to hit the road running for auditions. Is and get their careers up off the ground. It your demo representative of your work? Do also signals the start of yet another agent you have a SHORT (under 2 minutes) search. Since it is now the beginning of the monologue tucked up your sleeve? Be New Year, let's explore this search. creative in your cover letter. Find a way to capture their attention and WANT to meet BE PREPARED Put on your “business hat.” Rather than leap- you. ing off and mailing to the world, research the This is by no means a complete list, but agents to which you are submitting. Select hopefully, it will stir your imagination. ten or fifteen agencies and find out about Approach your search as a business project, them. Talk to your actor friends or other because it IS called SHOW BUSINESS, not actors in class. Go to the Client Room at SHOW ART. Be professional, know who you SAG-AFTRA and look up their client list. You are and what you’re all about, and above all are seeking a business partner, not a marelse, just be yourself. That way, no one can riage partner. You are hiring them, not vice misread the commodity and product that is versa. Put a call into the agencies you have YOU…ONLY YOU…and no one else on the selected and find out if they are accepting face of the earth!!

THE ETERNAL QUEST FOR THE RIGHT AGENT

MISSION STATEMENT The SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory exists as a place for actors to stretch their artistic muscles, practice their craft and sharpen their skills. The Conservatory also provides actors the opportunity to build an artistic community in a safe and relaxed setting. Overseen by dedicated professionals, the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory offers members a means to nurture their talents, mechanics and skills through workshops, seminars and AFI student projects. The goal is to lead to a better understanding of the role of the professional actor, in the business of acting, and to a more successful and productive career.

HOW TO REGISTER

SPECIAL EVENTS

REGISTRATION OPENS AT EXACTLY 10AM ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOP (2 WEEKS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS)

Monday, January 13th 6pm–10pm “An Actors Showcase”

CALL 323.856.7736 Monday - Friday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm example: if the workshop you would like to attend is on Wednesday, please call the prior Wednesday starting at 10am

You must have your SAG-AFTRA ID number ready when you call to reserve your space. Reservations ARE NOT accepted via voicemail or email. Only Cancellations are accepted via voicemail or email.

LOCATION OF CLASSES All workshops are held in the Mayer Library building (LIB) at the top of the hill (the building where the office is located) unless otherwise noted. LIB: LIBRARY BUILDING WB: WARNER BUILDING (example LIB 100: Library Building, room 100)

F/B: FRANKOVICH BARNES SCREENING ROOM 1st floor Library Building

MGSR: MARK GOODSON SCREENING ROOM 2nd floor Library Building

*SEE BACK PAGE FOR MAP OF THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE CAMPUS

Thirty actors will perform scenes and redirects LIVE on the AFI campus. Conservatory members will have a platform to show talent abilities to up and coming filmmakers. All AFI fellows are being invited to observe. As space is limited to thirty (30) for this workshop, acceptance will be on a first-call, first-registered basis. The first 100 Conservatory members to call will be entered into a pool. Then, 30 actors will be randomly selected through a lottery process. Please note: If you participated in the Fall Showcase you are NOT eligible to be entered into the lottery. Due to holiday hours, registration for the showcase will begin Mon. January 6th

Keep an eye out for other upcoming events. Watch for email blast updates and be sure to put conservatory@sagaftra.org on your safe list. Please call 323.856.7736 to enroll

SAG-AFTRA LOS ANGELES CONSERVATORY COMMITTEE Ron Morgan- Chair Bill Applebaum Michael D. Cohen Lee Garlington Nicholas Leland Kevin McCorkle Tim Powell Bob Telford Teddy Vincent Will Wallace Angela Watson Mari Weiss David Westberg Dawn Deibert– Staff Liaison

WINTER CALENDAR OF WORKSHOPS *PLEASE SEE NEXT PAGE FOR TIMES AND DESCRIPTIONS* JANUARY 2014 MONDAY 20 NO WORKSHOPS MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

FEB 1

The Set LIB 102 SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B SVW: Beginning LIB 100

FEBRUARY 2014 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Actors Evening F/B

Theatrical Video LIB 100

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Improv LIB 102

Voice Over F/B

NO WORKSHOPS

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Open Camera LIB 101

PRESIDENTS DAY

The Set LIB 102

Theatrical Video LIB 100

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B

MARCH 1

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

MARCH 2014 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Actors Evening F/B

Theatrical Video LIB 100

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B

Improv LIB 102

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Open Camera LIB 101

Workshop LIB 100

The Set LIB 102

Theatrical Video LIB 100

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100 24

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B SVW: Beginning LIB 100

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS *PLEASE REFER TO CALENDAR FOR EXACT DATES*

Actors Evening 1st Tuesday of each month 7:00-10:00 PM Frankovich Barnes Screening Room (F/B) Limit 88 students Industry Professionals appear in a seminar format to discuss their business and answer questions.

Cold Reading Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings 10AM–1 PM Library Building Room 101 Limit 10 students Learn and develop effective auditioning techniques.

Commercial Audition Monday Nights 7:00–10:00PM Library Building Room 100 Limit 10 students Learn how the commercial audition process works in an on-camera workshop that simulates a real audition. Your work will be videotaped, followed by viewing and comments.

Improv 2nd Wednesday of each month 7:00–10:00 PM Library Building Room 102 Limit 30 students Learn improvisation skills to help make you a more creative actor.

Open Camera 3rd Friday of each month 6:30-9:30 PM Library Building Room 101 Limit 6 students. Students get ½ hour with director, Nick Leland to work on camera. Bring a prepared monologue or scene (with another Conservatory member), or even try different “looks.” Please bring a mini DV or thumb drive (must be at least 8GB) to record your work and take it home to study.

RESERVATIONS BEGIN AT 10AM EXACTLY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP

Scene Video Workshop ***NOW MEETS ONE NIGHT ONLY!*** Tuesday and Thursday Nights Beginning and Intermediate Rotate Days 6:00-10:00 PM Library Building Room 100 Limit 10 students (Please assess your level prior to calling in to book your class. See page 6.) Upon arrival you will be given a scene, paired with a partner and given instruction. You will have 30-60 minutes to work on the scene. All students then shoot the scene on camera and watch your work followed by comments and direction. *NEW THIS YEAR* WE ARE OFFERING BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE CLASSES ON SOME OF OUR WORKSHOPS TO BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MEMBERSHIP. PLEASE READ THE SELF SELECTION PROCESS ON THE NEXT PAGE CAREFULLY. WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES SO THAT YOU AND YOUR FELLOW ACTORS WILL HAVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE.

The Set 3rd Tuesday of every month 7:00-10:00 PM Library Building Room 102 Limit 20 students You’ve booked the job and now you are on set. This is the real test of your acting skills working in front of the crew, multiple takes and various distractions. This hands-on workshop creates the production process and provides the actor with a full understanding of how to make the best of the “On Set” experience. All attendees will have on-camera time.

Theatrical Video 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 7:00–10:00 PM Library Building Room 100. Limit 8 students Simulated theatrical interview and cold reading on video followed by viewing and comments. You must bring a picture and resume with you to be admitted into this class

Voice Over Generally The 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 7:00–10:00 PM Frankovich Barnes Screening Room (F/B) Limit 15 students Learn various V.O. techniques for commercials, animation and narration.

SVW WORKSHOP SELF-SELECTING CRITERIA This year we have changed the Scene Video Workshop program to better meet the needs of the membership. In the past, “beginners” and “advanced” only referred to the days on which the classes were scheduled and had nothing to do with the content. Moving forward, the classes will be customized to levels and we ask that you select the level that most appropriately describes your experience. We suggest that you meet 3 of the 4 criteria to join in the level. If you are unsure which level you are in, please take the beginning class to start. This is not a consecutive program. NOTE: It is requested that you stay in the level until your experience changes to fit the next level. Also, if you are an intermediate level actor, you do not need to take the beginning class. We do not have any advanced classes scheduled at this time, however a Master class will be scheduled at a future date.

HELPFUL HINTS TO HELP MAKE IT A GREAT YEAR! 

Workshops fill up very quickly at the beginning of the year, so please be patient– soon you’ll notice workshops opening up. Our classes are kept small.

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Be persistent and keep us on your radar.

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Make sure to add the Conservatory email to your safe list so you don't miss out any special events or casting opportunities. When an AFI Director wants to see you for you an audition, you will be notified by email from the Conservatory office. conservatory@sagaftra.org

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Interested in auditioning for an AFI project? If so, did you send in two headshots with resumes attached?

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If you are responding to an audition email, please read through the email before calling and please have the director’s name and role for which you are being called in. Also, please check the shoot dates and make sure you are available before scheduling an audition.

BEGINNING  SAG-AFTRA ACTING EXPERIENCE: Background work and/or 1 TV co-star role and/or 2 TV commercial credits (include Union productions before you were a member)  OTHER ACTING EXPERIENCE: None or limited to community theatre  STUDENT or AFI FILM EXPERIENCE: None or up to 3 credits  ACTING TRAINING OUTSIDE OF SAG-AFTRA CONSERVATORY: none or limited to one year or less of training

INTERMEDIATE  SAG-AFTRA ACTING EXPERIENCE: TV – Has 2 or more TV Co-star or Guest Star credits, and/ or 4+ TV commercial credits (include Union productions before you were a member)  OTHER ACTING EXPERIENCE: 1+ professional theatre acting credit (preferably Equity or Equity Waiver)  STUDENT or AFI FILM EXPERIENCE: 4+ credits, or lead role in 2+ ACTING TRAINING: Equivalent of 2 years or more of ongoing classes.  ACTING TRAINING: Equivalent of 2 or more years of ongoing classes.

RESERVATIONS BEGIN AT 10AM EXACTLY, ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP example: if the workshop you’d like to attend is on Wednesday, please call the prior Wednesday starting at 10am

is frustrating, but we hope to have a more userfriendly system in the future. However, once you do sign up for a class it is important that you attend the class since class size is limited and there is usually a waiting list of members who could have taken your place. If you have to miss a class, you must call the office in advance or leave a message by no later than 10AM the next morning to cancel. Not doing so will cause you to be penalized and you will not be allowed to take that class again for three months as stated in the Rules and Regulations. We understand that conflicts and unexpected events are part of our lives but so are accountability and respect for others. The classes, workshops and AFI projects are successful because of the follow-through of all those involved, including our members. I’m sure we all joined the Conservatory with the expectation of receiving value or we wouldn’t be here giving of our By Ron Morgan time and money--so let make the best of it and What defines a professional performer? Is it just show that “we are the professionals”. being paid for our work, being exceptionally talented or belonging to the union? No! Being a professional is so much more. It includes being dependable, accountable to others, and reliably upholding our commitments. When we work with AFI we are more than just individual performers, we are the professionals. Additionally, we are representing SAG-AFTRA and the Conservatory AFI Cinematographers and Directors are often and are working under a Union contract with the looking for actors to volunteer and assist them first year AFI program. That, in addition to a in various classes and workshops on the AFI personal sense of professionalism, is why it is so Campus. Although no footage is given from important that we treat our participation as we these classes, you get the opportunity to work would any paid job! alongside and network with some of the best If you agree to attend an audition—be on time; up and coming filmmakers in the industry. list all the conflicts related to shooting dates and times, and adhere to those dates. Attending an Many times, actors are just needed for a few audition or agreeing to a film shoot is a choice, hours during the day, but in those hours, great but if you do agree it is critical that you meet relationships are often formed and it can also your commitment. be a fantastic learning opportunity for you to Remember that if you don’t follow through, the gain more insight into the world of filmmaking actors and crew who are depending on you will from the other side of the camera! not be able to complete their projects to meet their AFI requirements. If you are interested in being Many of you join the Conservatory specifically to submitted or called upon when these get the chance to work on the AFI projects. needs arise, please email Dawn at However, in order to keep this relationship viaconservatory@sagaftra.org ble we need to demonstrate that there is value in working with professionals over “just someone or call the office off the street." We need to show them our pro323.856.7736 fessionalism. This professionalism also needs to be given to the classes and workshops that the Conservatory provides. Signing up for the classes by calling in

WHY WE ARE THE PROFESSIONALS

VOLUNTEER ACTORS WANTED

SAG-AFTRA LOS ANGELES CONSERVATORY Rules and Regulations 1. 2.

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Membership subscription is $35 per annual season and is nonrefundable. You must be a paid up SAG-AFTRA member in good standing. However, only those who reside in the Los Angeles area may participate in the AFI projects. Conservatory membership begins when your application is received and processed, and will continue until August of the following year. If you are unable to attend a workshop or attend an audition, you must call the office in advance if possible. Cancellations will be honored until 10 AM the following day. If you fail to cancel, a “no-show” will appear on your record. After one "no show", you cannot take the missed workshop for three months. If you get three “no shows” you will be prohibited from taking ANY workshops for 3 months. Workshops are closed 15 minutes after the scheduled start time. Latecomers may not be allowed into the class and may be recorded as a no show. Please be courteous of others and be on time. Workshop leaders will announce the applicable rules and regulations of each particular workshop at the start. If a member breaks any rules the Committee reserves the right to remove the member from the workshop and or the Conservatory. Members who miss an audition for any AFI project without calling to cancel will lose the right to audition and will have their pictures removed from the casting books for the remainder of the semester. The SAGAFTRA Conservatory office will notify members that they have two weeks to explain their actions in writing. If a letter is received, the Conservatory Committee or its designees will accept or deny the excuse. Incidences deemed unexcused will result in the member’s headshots being pulled from the casting books for the semester. Members may appeal the decision by requesting an appearance before the committee as detailed in section 7 below. Repeat occurrences may jeopardize membership in the Conservatory.

By joining the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory you have taken an aggressive and positive step in advancing your career. Congratulations! We hope you’ll make the most out of your experience here by participating in our workshops and special events, volunteering, and contributing your talents to AFI directing and cinematography classes, as well of course, the first and second year films. AFI is a two year Masters program and with our SAG-AFTRA agreement, first year students, called Fellows, are required to use SAG-AFTRA Los Angles Conservatory members.

Members who have broken any of these rules, or who have been cited for conduct unbecoming will be notified in writing of the grounds for dismissal. The member has the right to a hearing before the Conservatory Committee and will be provided a description of the process in advance of their appearance. a. If the member elects to have a hearing, it is the member’s responsibility to contact the office at 323-856-7736 within 10 days, or as otherwise instructed, from the receipt of the Committee’s letter. Members who do not appear before the Committee will have their membership canceled. b. Hearings shall be held at SAG-AFTRA offices before no fewer than 7 Conservatory Committee members at the next scheduled Committee meeting.

The decision of the Conservatory Committee is final. Appeals may be requested within 10 days of the receipt of the Committee’s decision. Appeals must be sent to the SAGAFTRA Los Angeles Executive Committee.

SAG-AFTRA members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, their fellow members, the SAG-AFTRA volunteers and staff, as well as the AFI fellows and staff. We appreciate your co-operation in helping to make the SAGAFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory a great place for actors to work and learn together.

We are located on the campus of The American Film Institute 2021 N. Western Ave., Hollywood, CA 90027 If you are heading East on Franklin Ave, turn left (north). The AFI campus is halfway up the hill on the left. Turn into the driveway and go up the hill (past Immaculate Heart High School). The first building on your left is the Warner Building where many auditions for student films are held. To get to the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory, continue driving further up the hill. As you veer left, you’ll see a white two-story building, the Mayer Library Building. The SAG-AFTRA Conservatory office is located in LIB 100 on the ground floor. The studio, classroom and the Frankovich/Barnes screening room are also located on the ground floor.

2021 N WESTERN AVE

PHONE: 323.856.7736

CONSERVATORY@SAGAFTRA.ORG

LOS ANGELES, CA 90027

FAX: 323.467.6456