SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION REOPENS!

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has reopened its offices and facilities in New York, resuming the majority of its in-person career-building programs. In addition, the Foundation continues to offer many of its classes, workshops and individual instruction sessions online in order to provide greater flexibility, accessibility and educational opportunities to all members.

Prior to March 2020, the majority of the Foundation’s programs were live in New York and Los Angeles; however, when faced with the industrywide shutdown, the Foundation swiftly transitioned all of its free in-person performers programs online, supporting members throughout the ups and downs of the pandemic.

“Since 1985, the Foundation has been a lifeline for our members; however, the economic and professional fallout of COVID had a monumental impact on our broad and diverse community,” said SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance. “Gratefully, throughout these challenging times, our Foundation was able to step up and meet the moment to help lift up our members.”

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has granted more than $7.8 million in emergency assistance to more than 8,000 SAG-AFTRA members nationwide. The aid helped with basic living expenses such as rent, food and bills. In addition, the Foundation granted over $900,000 in higher educational scholarships to SAG-AFTRA members and their dependents.

The Foundation also produced more than 10,000 free remote educational opportunities. From recording remote self- tape auditions to teaching new software programs to helping thousands of members set up remote voiceover recording studios, the Foundation supported and trained more than 118,000 SAG-AFTRA participants through its wide array of online offerings, helping members develop new professional skills during an uncertain time.

In addition, the Foundation produced thousands of virtual Conversations at Home with acclaimed actors and casts, as well as online panels for The Business featuring leading voices in the industry tackling major issues facing performers in these rapidly changing times. All Q&As and panels were recorded and posted at youtube.com/sagaftrafoundation.

In August 2022, the Foundation reopened the Robin Williams Center, located at 54th Street and 8th Avenue, in its first phase of a safe and measured reopening. Since then, New York members have enjoyed dozens of in-person Conversations and The Business programs.

On Jan. 30, the Foundation reopened its offices alongside the union. In addition, the Foundation’s in-person On-Camera Lab and classroom, located on the fifth floor of the SAG-AFTRA building at 1900 Broadway, has also reopened to provide free on-camera recording sessions. Also returning is the in-person Casting Access New York program for SAG-AFTRA members. This is part of the Foundation’s second phase of reopening.

The Foundation’s EIF Voiceover Lab is scheduled to reopen in the coming months to resume both in-person VO main booth and solo booth sessions, while continuing to offer virtual sessions and program offerings. The computer lab remains temporarily closed as the curriculum undergoes a restructuring and reimagining to better serve more members.

In order to take full advantage of all the free educational classes, programs and resources, both in-person and online, create your user account today at sagaftra.foundation and receive notifications to sign up for all of the Foundation’s free performers programs to help stimulate your growth and jumpstart new skills this year. l