SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory Focus, Fall 2013

THE

SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory

Fall 2013 A DEEP BOW, PLEASE!!!

The Committee believes that “An Informed actor is an Empowered actor.”

By David Westberg

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Go directly to center stage, find your key light, take one step forward, execute a deep bow and pat yourself on the back. You have just invested thirty-five of your hard-earned dollars to enand dozens of other details that any artist must wresrich your education. It’s one of THE BEST deals in town….the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory. tle with everyday. This is on top of the other hats you And now, you are part of it. Welcome to our world. may wear; mom/dad, spouse, son/daughter, boyFounded forty plus years ago by Kathleen Freeman (a friend/girlfriend, best bud and a myriad of various titles. Oh, and don’t forget, you are also THE PRODsensational character actress), The Conservatory is UCT your company is selling! You have your hands intended to provide a gymnasium to work and hone full. Let us help you with the burden. your craft. A safe-haven for you to try and fail, try and correct, try and succeed, try and soar through the clouds. You will experience many different styles, instructors, coaches and personalities. Some you will respond to, others you won’t. It’s all part of the PROCESS of growing, developing, searching, finding and determining your niche in this world called entertainment.

IN THIS ISSUE: How to Register for Classes

3

Workshop Schedule

4

Workshop Descriptions and Times

5

Conservatory Rules and Regulations

8

There is a brief list of DO AND DON’TS pertaining to the Conservatory on page 8, become familiar with them. They are not overly burdensome, and are designed to service as many members as possible in a quick and simple manner. They are also based on common sense.

Since registration for a workshop is a week in advance, create a calendar for yourself. (I have mine on We encourage you to my computer and check it every night, so I know what arrive for class or my tomorrow entails.) If you must miss a scheduled workshop on time, class, be sure to call and cancel. If you keep getting a eager, pumped up busy signal, don’t give up. Keep trying and when you and ready for the ex- get through, if the workshop is full, ask to be on the waiting list. Cancellations occur all the time, so the perience. You are your company’s direc- odds are good that your persistence will pay off. tor of education! You A couple of no shows for workshops (with no cancelare also your compa- lation) and you will be asked not to use the services of ny’s CEO, CFO, presi- the conservatory for a while. dent of your fan club, When auditioning for films, also be on time and excitresponsible for hous- ed about the opportunity. All fellows of AFI ARE ALing, transportation, READY accomplished filmmakers, and are using the nutrition, company Institute to enrich their knowledge and experience of filmmaking. morale, cleanliness, hair and make-up, Continued on next page

2021 N WESTERN AVE, L.A. CA 90027

323.856.7736

CONSERVATORY@SAGAFTRA.ORG

A DEEP BOW, PLEASE!!!

Continued…

They are building a body of work, as are you. Treat the adventure with respect. No shows for auditions (without the notification of cancelling) will simply result in the disappearance of further chances to audition.

Be sure your picture is current and LOOKS LIKE YOU when you walk in the door. This is visual art form. Your appointment is scheduled more for the way you look. Your photo is even more critical at the studios and networks. If you don’t look like your headshot, the casting department has had its time wasted. Your agent or manager will have more trouble getting you in the door for the next role (Casting’s message; Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me!!).

There are a few new programs this year that will make the experience more enticing.

Keep your eyes peeled for them. If you think we should add programs, let us know. You can speak with Dawn in the office, or you may write to the Conservatory Committee.

Enjoy the year with the Conservatory.

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

ACTORS WANTED AFI Cinematographers and Directors are often looking for actors to volunteer and assist them in various classes and workshops on the AFI Campus. Although no footage is given from these classes, you get the opportunity to work alongside and network with some of the best up and coming filmmakers in the industry. Many times, actors are just needed for a few hours during the day, but in those hours, great relationships are often formed and it can also be a fantastic learning opportunity for you to gain more insight into the world of filmmaking from the other side of the camera!

If you are interested in being submitted or called upon when these needs arise, please email Dawn at conservatory@sagaftra.org or call the office 323.856.7736

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)

Tuesday, October 1st 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

Forty 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 forty (40) 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, 40 actors will be randomly selected through a lottery process.

Saturday, October 12th 11am-2pm “Superior Sitcom Script Analysis” with ACS Founder, Todd Rohrbacher Learn how to break down audition sides quickly, efficiently and understand the material the way writers intended with iCAMERA, the revolutionary method for Superior Script Analysis.

Keep an eye out for these other upcoming events: “The Total Audition Process” It all starts the minute you walk in the room.

“Directors Lab” Directors describe the Director/Actor process “Creating Your Own Project” How actors can create work by creating content “Self Taping” Increase your opportunities to be seen using new technologies “On Camera Master Class” With Michael D. Cohen Watch for email blast updates and be sure to put conservatory@sagaftra.org on your safe list.

Please call 323.856.7736 starting up to TWO weeks prior (special events only) to enroll .

FALL CALENDAR OF WORKSHOPS *PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTIONS FOR TIMES* SEPTEMBER 2013 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

23

24

25

26

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B

FRIDAY 27

SATURDAY 28

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

OCTOBER 2013 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SEPT 30

1

2

3

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Actors Evening F/B

Theatrical Video LIB 100

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

4

5

11

12

19

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100 7

8

9

10

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Improv LIB 102

Voice Over F/B 14

15

16

17

18

COLUMBUS DAY

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Open Camera LIB 101

NO WORKSHOPS

The Set LIB 102

Theatrical Video LIB 100

25

26

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 2

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100 21

22

23

24

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B

31

SVW: Beginning LIB 100 28

29

30

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

Workshop LIB 100

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Theatrical Video LIB 100

HALLOWEEN NO WORKSHOPS

NOVEMBER 2013 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

4

5

6

7

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Actors Evening F/B

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

8

9

16

SVW: Beginning LIB 100 11

12

13

14

15

VETERANS DAY

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Open Camera LIB 101

NO WORKSHOPS

Voice Over F/B

Improv LIB 102

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Theatrical Video LIB 100

18

19

20

21

22

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

The Set LIB 102

27

28

23

SVW: Beginning LIB 100 25

26

Commercial Audition

Voice Over F/B

NO WORKSHOPS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Workshop LIB 100

29 NO WORKSHOPS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

30 NO WORKSHOPS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

DECEMBER 2013 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

2

3

4

5

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Actors Evening F/B

Theatrical Video LIB 100

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

6

7

13

14

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100 9

10

11

12

Commercial Audition

Cold Reading LIB 101

Cold Reading LIB 101

SVW: Intermediate LIB 100

Workshop LIB 100

Voice Over F/B

Improv LIB 102

SVW: Beginning LIB 100

END OF FALL WORKSHOPS

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 VHS tape to record your work and take it home to study.

RESERVATIONS BEGIN AT 10AM EXACTLY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP CALL 323.856.7736

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 Alternate 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.

Bring picture and resume.

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

THE PRACTICAL ACTOR Advice from a Working Actor

By Kevin McCorkle

Q: I am so frustrated my bills

are overwhelming and I have to take on a full time job to get caught up. How can I pursue my acting career when I have no time for auditions and no money for classes?

career. Let your Agent, Manager and anyone else on your team know what is going on and how long you expect to be gone. Make sure they can get in touch with you in case that magical call for instant work from a director or casting Director happens. Check in with your team and fellow actors from time to time to let them know how you are doing.

There are a plethora of books, videos, movies and other materials on the Art of Acting to help you keep your chops up. In addition to using your life experience to enhance your potential as an actor take advantage of all of the free material out there that will help you as an artist.

Enjoy the journey..........no matter where it takes you.

If you wish to submit a question please write to Conservatory@sagaftra.org or mail them to the office at 2021 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027.

A: Sometimes in the course of life, circumstances will force you away from actively working toward a successful career or getting more work as an actor.

Some examples of these circumstances include financial challenges, health issues (injury or prolonged illness), needing to relocate for a while to take care of a family member, having a child, an opportunity to travel and a host of other career slowing factors.

Just because the actual career quest has to be put on the “back burner” doesn’t mean you have to put a hold on the artistic aspect of your craft.

All of the examples above are dramatic life changes or events. What better way to extend your capabilities as an actor than by embracing the lessons, challenges and opportunities for growth as an artist these apparent set backs provide.

One of the most amazing facets of an acting career is the fact that characters come in all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds. If you are feeling de-railed for a while, take the opportunity to grow as a person and an artist so that when you are “back in the trenches” you show the folks you are auditioning for a deeper, fuller, more seasoned artist that your “set back” allowed you to become.

If you are forced to “check-out” for a while be sure to take care of the practical aspects of your

DO YOU WANT TO AUDITION FOR AFI PROJECTS ?

DID YOU SEND IN YOUR HEADSHOTS? If you are interested in being submitted for AFI films you need to send in TWO MATCHING headshots, with resumes attached to be considered. Please note: We do not keep any headshots on file from previous years, so even if you submitted pictures last year YOU MUST send in new pictures to be placed into the casting books for this year’s files.

SAG-AFTRA LOS ANGELES CONSERVATORY Rules and Regulations 1.

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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.

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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

WWW.SAGAFTRA.ORG/LACONSERVATORY