If you’re a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), it’s likely you’re familiar with the major benefits the union offers like its contracts and collective bargaining power as well as its healthcare and retirement plans. But you may be unaware of some advantages of membership that can make a big difference in your career development as well as in your everyday life. Check out the following lesser-known perks below:
Casting Workshops
Casting Access offers SAG-AFTRA members the opportunity to attend classes taught by casting directors and associates. Actors can use the classes as occasions for showcasing a monologue or scene. The program is offered through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which operates independently of members’ dues and initiation fees, relying solely on donations and grants for funding. The classes are free for SAG-AFTRA members in good standing and can be taken every 90 days.
Discounts
SAG-AFTRA members can access a variety of deals and discounts in their areas. For example, Los Angeles area members can choose from discounts on products and services ranging from spas to gyms to airport parking.
Voiceover Labs
Los Angeles and New York members have access to the Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab and the Entertainment Industry Foundation Voiceover Lab respectively through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Both labs give members the opportunity to attend workshops geared toward a variety of skill levels. Whether you’re an on-camera actor interested in delving into the world of voice acting or a veteran voice actor, you can access the state-of-the-art facilities at these two locations after attending an orientation session.
Screenings with A-Listers
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Conversations program gives members the chance to attend free screenings of shows and movies followed by Q&A sessions with members of the cast. Even if you’re unable to attend the screening, you can still access the Q&A interviews via the Conversations video gallery. Recent videos include interviews with Debra Messing on her role in “Will & Grace” and Jackie Weaver on her role in the new movie “Poms.”
SAG-AFTRA Conservatory Membership
The SAG-AFTRA Conservatory consists of various workshops that allow actors to further hone their skills. Programs vary between different locations. The Los Angeles Conservatory charges an administrative fee of $45 for annual enrollment. Its workshops cover improv, on-camera, cold-reading and voiceover techniques. They also host opportunities to meet casting directors and other industry professionals.
If you’re a SAG-AFTRA actor who loves attending Q&A interviews, your membership card will get you into free Conversations screenings. And if you want to attend a casting workshop, you can participate in the Casting Access program at no cost. These are just a few of the many perks of SAG-AFTRA membership that fly under many actors’ radars but which add immense value to the experience. For a complete list of benefits, check out the SAG-AFTRA website.
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