The Chicago Activator -- Jan. 27, 2014

The Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

Jan. 27, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE New Member Orientation Viewing Party - A Huge Success Chicago W&W Details February Conservatory Event Diversity Committee Presents Union Plus Savings Radio Players Feb. 26 Freelance Tidbit

Chicago W&W Process SAG-AFTRA Chicago will hold Wages and Working Conditions (W&W) meetings and caucuses in preparation for negotiation of the TV/Theatrical-Exhibit A contracts that expire June 30, 2014. All performers who work under the film or television agreements are encouraged to attend at least one of the meetings to give input on the contract and possible proposals for the negotiating team.

Details below.

New Member Orientation, Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 5 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 SAG-AFTRA 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. The next orientation is at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 5. Please call Natasha Beals at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 712, or email Natasha at natasha.beals@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot.

Park for $11 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 $11. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

SAG Awards Viewing Party - A Huge Success Thank you everyone who came out to celebrate the SAG Awards on Saturday, Jan. 18. Despite the heavy snowfall during the day, 170 SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local members and guests enjoyed the amazing show in the warmth and hospitality of Rockit Bar and Grill.

Along with tasty food, great cocktails and good company, more than two dozen members went home with door prizes. Grand prize winner Deborah Woo - with 12 correct predictions - took first place in the And The Actor Goes To contest. In second place was Kelly Parker and Wendye Clarendon was third.

The evening's hosts, Kelly Demaret and Laura Chernicky.

SAG-AFTRA members Elodie Tougne, Ava Schroeder, Aislinn DeButch and Griffin Kane playing pool in the Young Performers area.

To view a slideshow of photos from the event, please visit SAGAFTRA.org/Chicago/local-news.

Chicago W&W Details SAG-AFTRA Chicago will hold Wages and Working Conditions (W&W) meetings and caucuses in preparation for negotiation of the TV/Theatrical-Exhibit A contracts that expire June 30, 2014. All performers who work under the film or television agreements are encouraged to attend at least one of the meetings to give input on the contract and possible proposals for the negotiating team.

Monday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. - Stunt Performer Caucus Thursday, Feb. 13, noon - Principals Caucus Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m. - Principals Caucus (This meeting includes reviewing all proposals to date and developing recommendations to submit to the National W&W Committee.)

Location: SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local, 1 East Erie, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60611 You must be a Chicago Local member in good standing and RSVP in advance to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org to participate. If you park in the garage at 10 East Ontario, your parking will be paid.

February SAG-AFTRA Chicago Conservatory Event Booking for a Day Player Role on TV Do you know the nuances of booking a role for TV and the terminology the casting directors use?

It's not the same as commercial auditions. With so many TV shows being produced here, we need to be at the top of our game to keep the casting local.

Join us for a roundtable discussion with local actor Molly Glynn, agent Jenny Wilson from Stewart Talent and a casting associate from Claire Simon Casting.

Booking a Day Player Role on TV 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 KMRC 1 E. Erie, Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611 Please contact Kathy Byrne (312) 573-8081 ext. 508 or email kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org to register.

Please note that nothing herein constitutes or is intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company participating in this event.

Park for $11 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 $11. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local's Diversity Committee Presents Seize The Day: Brand & Market yourself To be successful in today's acting workplace, it is critical that all actors regardless of age, sex, heritage, color or disability learn to brand and market themselves. A famous quote supports this: "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity." Branding and marketing yourself creates luck.

Give yourself some leverage. Get educated in all the things relating to branding and marketing yourself. This event is open to SAG-AFTRA and AEA members in good standing.

8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 Scheduled Presenters: Tony Castillo, Cedric Young, Craig Harris and Joe Wright Continental breakfast and a cold lunch are included.

RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

Park for $14 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 12-hour ticket for $14. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. Cash only.

Keep Your New Year's Resolutions with Union Plus Savings This year, keep more of your New Year's resolutions and more money. Your SAG-AFTRA membership entitles you to exclusive discounts. Sticking to your New Year's resolutions has never been easier or more affordable.

Visit UnionPlus.org for savings on health club memberships, budget and credit counseling, scholarships available to union families and much more.

Union Plus is brought to you by Union Privilege, established by the AFL-CIO to provide consumer benefits to members and retirees of participating labor unions.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago Radio Players Feb. 26 The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Blood Money Caper Hard-boiled detective Sam Spade is on the case of the biggest bank robbery in San Francisco history. This triggers the Bloody Battle of Montgomery Street. Who is behind it all? You will be surprised! Sam earns his fee in spades in this action-packed adventure.

Easy Aces: Betty's Marital Problem A Chicago original! This subtle, easygoing comedy was created by Goodwin Ace and featured his wife, Jane, as The Mistress of Misinformation. She always proved to be "the fly in the oatmeal." This episode features Jane's niece with a unique dilemma that must be solved by Jane.

Low-key comedy at its finest!

Director: Parker Gronwold Producer: Mercita De Monk 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Wednesday, Feb. 26 Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 E. Randolph (at Michigan Avenue) Admission is free, however seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Freelance Tidbit Moving? Log on at SAGAFTRA.org, click on "Membership" then "Membership Services." Using the forms available in the document library, you can update your membership records with your new, correct address. You must be logged in as a member to access this page, so click on "User Login," located on the upper right-hand corner of the home page. While you're there, double check the other information: phone, email, etc. If your membership records are not up to date, delivery of all checks and notifications mailed from SAG-AFTRA may be delayed.

If you need any help with this process, please call the Membership Department at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local at (312) 573-8081 ext. 541 or 712.

Save the Date SAG-AFTRA to Volunteer at GCFD on March 28 Again this year, SAG-AFTRA Chicago is returning to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Join staff and members from 9 - noon on Friday, March 28. The GCFD is at 4100 West Ann Lurie Place in Chicago. This is near Midway Airport. Free parking is available.

We never know exactly what we'll be doing, but volunteer opportunities include repacking bulk products to individual/family sizes, assembling boxes with assorted food, checking expiration dates, labeling products, sorting products, etc. Participants must be at least 14 years old.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The GCFD distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 678,000 adults and children in Cook County every year.

Space is limited. To volunteer, please RSVP to Linda Swenson at linda.swenson@sagaftra.org

by March 10, 2014.

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 Hotline: (312) 867-3710 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org WEBSITE SAGAFTRA.org.