Long may it grow, The Nevada SAG Conservatory Story (part 1)

Nevada SAG Conservatory: The roots and truth of its growth

When I was the chair the Nevada SAG Conservatory we took it from small infrequent seminars to the most active conservatory outside of Hollywood.



It took a family, a dedication to the union and a lack of individual egos or social climbing. It took a belief in the education, unification and growth of the membership. It took a strong unionist core. We had that core. All I can take credit for is being an active chair. It was SAG councils, Conservatory committees, others in the community and strong support by member that made the SAG Conservatory what it is today.





We took it from six unconnected lessons a year to 24 quality seminars and workshops a year. In addition the SAG Consevatory launched a  Writer's Workshop run by Michael Plaisted. Then there were the fundraisers (Leland Murray and Dick Wilson will always be appreciated for their work on putting on our shows), the holiday mixers, and weekly mixers. We worked with the University, Charleston Heights, libraries and community centers. We varied sessions, with most on Sundays, but also Saturdays and week nights, to fit everyone's schedule.



Of course times change . The current Conservatory committee have done wonders in keeping it alive and financially in the black, despite increased costs and the stress of market growth.



Great job.



But "built" is inaccurate and misleading.



Joseph Bernard and others volunteered as far back as the 1980's, in efforts to launch the Conservatory. Among the venues was Arnie Bartz's Hollywood and Dine and Joe Bernard's studio. We had a brief chair who structured it similar to an acting class, then I was brought on board, almost 18 years ago.



It took a team from the branch I had the honor of leading, starting with Karen LaVonne (and her coffee urn), Kim Rene, Lollo Sievert (with her camera and active publicist role), Diane Thorne (who brought the Conservatory to Nevada), Steve Dressler, Michael Justin and Joseph Bernard...then over time we added Dick Wilson, Leland Murray, Rebecca Naviian-Amoli, Adrienne Mann Garcia, Kim Russell, Michael Plaisted and many many others.



24 sessions a year in classes alone; we averaged two a month.



We did table reads and performances of full scripts in development.



We had cold reading workshops with the writers so they could see their works, and lean more about how actors make decisions and what we need from them.



We had a placement file at UNLV for us in short film casting.



Many outside guest helped us build the Conservatory, among them Paul Napier, Dr. Alice Whitfield, Bob Bergan, Casting Direstor Joy Todd,  Casting Director Barbara Claman, Gary Schaffer, Bill Dance, Joe Reich, Peter Foy, Eddie Foy Jr,. and agent Gary Fuchs.



We had a wide rang of local support, including local SAG Franchised Agencies, Casting Directors and Production Companies.



It took a great deal of work over the past 20 or more years, under four chairs, 6 Branch presidents and 9 councils.



Thank you to all who took part in building, maintaining and keeping the Nevada SAG Conservatory strong.



Hats off the the current Conservatory committee, who have kept it strong, and as I said, solvent.



Two years ago Lollo Sievert ended her decades of service to the union. She was there at the official beginning of the Nevada SAG Conservatory and the years where the foundation and structure we follow today were established. Click here for Conservatory History Pt II by Lollo Sievert.



To be continued...





-Art Lynch

"Founding" chair

(OK, first chair of Conservatory in its current structure).

Nevada SAG Conservatory

Nevada SAG Conservatory

Photo: Nevada SAG Conservatory Chair Barbara Grant

Chair: Barbara Grant

Co-Chair: Steve Lizotte

Secretary: Mary Ann Hebinck



The Nevada Screen Actors Guild Conservatory hosts professionals in the motion picture, television, voice-over, theater and commercial industries at least ten times a year. These guests lead workshops, provide honest and open information on the industry, as well as offer advice and techniques to build careers.

The Nevada SAG Conservatory is a public service of the Nevada Branch of Screen Actors Guild.



Nevada SAG members may join the Nevada Conservatory for $40 a year. Workshops are free for conservatory members and $20 per event for non-conservatory members.

For additional information contact Nevada SAG Executive Steve Clinton.

2009 – 2010 Nevada Conservatory application

Click read more for additional details.





Screen Actors Guild Nevada Conservatory Mission Statement

The Screen Actors Guild Nevada Conservatory’s mission is to prepare our new members for employment within the industry while assisting working professionals in continuing to develop their talents and skills.

To achieve this goal, the Conservatory will assist actors in building careers through

• · the enhancement of their performance tools;


• · enrichment of their business and marketing knowledge;


• · providing networking and learning opportunities;


• · encouraging experienced performers to share their knowledge;


• · producing workshops, seminars and symposiums of relevance to the professional actor;


• · encouraging qualified union membership and participation, and


• · communicating the Screen Actors Guild constitution, regulations and bylaws.

The Screen Actors Guild Nevada Conservatory may include such activities as showcasing, student film participation, trips to regional and national casting centers or a referral service on productions, auditions and agencies. These are not the mission or goal of the Conservatory, they are additional services and should remain secondary to the Conservatory mission.

While the Screen Actors Guild Conservatory invites active participation by agencies, production companies, acting teachers, schools, organizations and members, their participation in any event is not to be taken as an endorsement.

The Screen Actors Guild Nevada Conservatory is open to all members of the community as a public service, but as a committee of the Screen Actors Guild the right is reserved to limit participation in specific events or overall membership to dues current members of the Guild. Membership in the Conservatory does not represent or imply membership in the Screen Actors Guild.

The Screen Actors Guild Nevada Conservatory is not an employment service, agency, casting center, union hall or any related business or activity. We are an opportunity to learn, share and network!

Post or Access Breakdown for Indy Productions at no cost!

Post or Access Breakdown for Indy Productions at no cost!

It is not as hard to go union as you may think.



And actors there are projects out there just looking for you!



SAG Indie offers easy to use help, advice, services and breakdowns for professionals and entry level talent on both sides of the camera.



Check out what's out there..click here. Or go to http://www.sagindie.org/

Do not work for non-franchised agencies, SAG member policy

Do not work for non-franchised agencies, SAG member policy

Member Update on Talent Agents

Because of the inherent complexities of agency relations today, Screen Actors Guild has received numerous requests from members in the Las Vegas area to clarify the status of SAG agency franchises, and Union members’ obligations thereunder.

Pursuant to SAG’s Rules and Regulations, Guild members in the Las Vegas market who wish the protection of Screen Actors Guild in their relationships with their agents are required to choose from the SAG franchised agencies in the market. Except under very limited circumstances, choosing to be represented by non-franchised agencies is a violation of SAG Rules and Regulations and may subject the member to potential disciplinary action from the Guild. This precaution is necessary in order to ensure that our members’ rights are fully protected in any and all of their dealings with their primary representatives.  Please note that franchises are not assignable, and never follow an agent when (s)he moves from one agency to another.  Franchises are also not assignable when one franchised agency is sold to another company. If you have any questions about the franchised status of anyone offering to represent you, we strongly urge you to contact the Guild (see below) to obtain the necessary information regarding your representative’s standing with the Union.  

Moreover, please note that SAG franchised agencies cannot offer you an agency contract that has not been approved by the Guild. Franchised agencies (as well as the SAG members that they represent) are protected by, and are bound to, the terms and conditions of Rule 16(g), a/k/a the SAG Agency Regulations. Agencies in the Las Vegas market that are not franchised are outside SAG’s jurisdiction; Guild members should be careful not to place themselves in violation of SAG rules by working with such entities. 

Please see below for a list of the five Las Vegas SAG franchised agencies:

• 
  Baskow and Associates


• Baskow, J & Associates
  
  Full Service (All Ages)
  
  2948 E. Russell Rd.
  
  Las Vegas, NV  89120
  
  (702) 733-7818


• Best Models and Talent


• Best Agency
  
  Full Service (All Ages)
  
  5565 South Decatur Blvd.
  
  Las Vegas, NV 89118
  
  (702) 889-2900


• eNVy


• Best Agency
  
  Full Service (All Ages)
  
  5565 South Decatur Blvd.
  
  Las Vegas, NV 89118
  
  (702) 889-2900


• Lenz Agency


• Lenz Agency
  
  Full Service (All Ages)
  
  1591 East Desert Inn Road
  
  Las Vegas, NV  89109
  
  (702) 733-6888


• Remington Agency


• Remington Agency
  
  Full Service (All Ages)
  
  1000 Stephanie Place, Ste 4
  
  Henderson, NV  89014
  
  (702) 547-3620

Should you have any agency-related questions, please do not hesitate to contact SAG’s National Agency Department in Los Angeles at (323) 549-6745, or Nevada Executive Director Steve Clinton at (702) 513-1520. 

The logo above is the banner for the Nevada Actors Screen Actors Guild Newsletter and is used because the above is a reproduction of official Screen Actors Guild policies.

NEVADA BRANCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Council 

2009-2010 (terms vary)

Steve Dressler, President

Barbara Grant, Vice President

Adrienne Mann-Garcia, Secretary

Kim Renee, Treasurer

Charlie Di Pinto, Member-at-Large

Arttours Weeden, Member-at-Large

Rick Rockne, Member-at-Large

John Powers, Member-at-Large

Scott Mirne, Member-at-Large

Art Lynch, National Board Member

Staff:

Toll-Free Phone Number to the Nevada Executive Director

You may reach your Nevada Executive Director, Steve Clinton, by calling 702-737-8818 or toll-free 800-724-0767 option #7

Photo: Nevada Branch President Steve Dressler

Join us now for a full year of priceless quality seminars

SAG Conservatory August 28: Making the Most of Your Audition

  

 Nevada SAG Conservatory

Presents

Make the Most of Your Auditions with Fawnda McMahan

& Casting Director Laurie Records

SATURDAY 8/28/10 we will be at Eastside Senior Community Center (see address below).  Our Teacher will be Fawnda McMahan. Most of you will remember her. Well she’s back and she will be bringing a Casting Director with her.  This means one thing….  DO NOT MISS THIS CLASS! GET THERE ON TIME PLEASE. Fawnda is well liked and respected, so this class will  fill quickly. Get there early!  Bring Water and a snack for break.  BRING YOUR OWN PENS AND PENCILS PLEASE.  Bring your headshots and resumes. 

Check in starts at 12:30 

Worshop 1 to  5 PM

S.A.G. Members you must have your SAG Cards with you. 

$20 at the door for Non Members.

Clock "read more" below for additional information.

 Why drive to LA when LA is driving to you?  Fawnda McMahan of Commercial Break is coming back to Vegas!  Not only has she booked 13 commercials since you've last seen her, but she's bringing with her casting director and actor advocate, Laurie Records for an informative afternoon of how can make the most of your auditions.  Students in this class will learn the ins and out of the commercial casting process, hot directors, pet peeves of casting directors, audition scenarios with non dialogue, reactions, personality questions, group scenes, callback adjustments, product handling and reading the room. You will leave feeling more confident about what "they" are looking and how to deliver it with your own personal spin. Think of this class as a fast track to commercial bookings. Advanced stuff for the bookers and the a fresh spin on the basics for the newbies. Hope to see you there!

When: 1-5 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2010

(check-in begins at 12:30 p.m.)

Where: Eastside Senior Community Center

250 Eastern Avenue

Las Vegas, NV 89101

(702) 229-1515

Map

Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

Cost for Workshop: Free for Nevada Conservatory Members or $20 per workshop.

Nevada Conservatory Cost: $40 a year for union members / $80 a year for non-union members.

You will need your SAG ID card (paid up through November 2010) to join as a member and please remember to bring your headshots and resumes.  

Check the Nevada Branch Hotline for updates or SAG members should contact Branch Executive Director Steve Clinton by email steven.clinton@sag.org if you have any questions.

Hotline: (702) 737-8818

No RSVP necessary but please check the Branch Hotline at (702) 737-8818 or (800) 724-0767, option 7 for any last minute changes to the Conservatory program.

About Fawnda McMahan:

Fawnda McMahan, began her commercial acting career when she was cast in a national commercial by veteran casting director, Shelia Manning and directed by icon Leslie Dektor.  In the past three years, Fawnda has shot over 27 commercials working with the best directors in the business.  Her studio, Commercial Break, opened in 2004, where Fawnda’s honest and groundbreaking style keeps her students booking and coming back.  Commercial Break quickly gained the reputation for the most up to date place for actors to study the in and outs of commercial acting.  Fawnda's eye for the trends of time can help streamline your audition to pop off the screen and secure those callbacks and bookings!  Fawnda is member of Commercial Peer Group at the Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences and enjoys cupcakes.

About Laurie Records:

Laurie Records (Casting Director, CCDA) got her start in the commercial realm in 2004.  For three years she cast hundreds of commercials as Associate Casting Director in a bustling commercial office.  In 2009, Laurie opened her own company.  She continues to cast all types commercials ranging from National Network to Internet only spots, Industrials, and PSA's... you name it, she's casting it.  Laurie writes a monthly column titled “Commercial Actors Should Never…” for Casting Networks, Inc., advising commercial actors of the do's and don'ts of commercial acting.

Steve Clinton - Screen Actors Guild

Nevada and San Diego Branch Executive Director

3960 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 500

Las Vegas, NV 89169

steven.clinton@sag.org

(800) 724-0767 x7

(702) 737-8818

Fax: (702) 933-9118

Help build SAG, support unionism, Solidarity through numbers

David and Goliath

While the media may compare the Screen Actors Guild to the studio moguls and corporations, be aware that going into negotiations it is always David vs. Goliath. The stone we have is our major stars and the power to use those stones. SAG is a nonprofit organization with an annual budget that is less than the individual budget of many studio productions.



Support SAG and unionism as we enter negotiations on new contracts this fall.



Do not work non-union.



Audition for productions but insist on a union contract.



Encourage those who are working non-union to join the union and become true professionals.



Encourage productions to sign union contracts.



Wear your SAG pin, shirts, jackets, hats and other logo items (see SAG Store).



Do not cross a work stoppage picket lines for any brother or sister union.



Do offer to walk information picket lines with other unions, showing your SAG support for our union brothers and sisters.



Do walk with and support other unions. They will support us if we show we are part of their union movement as well.



Talk up SAG on the set, the street, with students and anywhere talent gathers.



These are things that can be begun or fully accomplished at the local member level.



Become active in SAG.



Solidarity.



Feel free to contact Nevada SAG Executive Steven Clinton for more information or clarification.



This site: SAG Nevada Branch and SAG Actor, are not related to any other site with similar names and is not directly affiliated with the Screen Actors Guild. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not reflect other individuals or organizations.

YOUNG PERFORMERS SPOTLIGHT IN SUMMER ISSUE OF SCREEN ACTOR MAGAZINE

YOUNG PERFORMERS SPOTLIGHT IN SUMMER ISSUE OF SCREEN ACTOR MAGAZINE

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

The Summer 2010 issue of Screen Actor magazine is now on its way to SAG members across the country and is available for downloading online. SAG members can log in to their SAG.org account to download the full issue, others can download highlights here.

SAG iPhone Ap

SAG iPhone Ap

Take Advantage of the Nevada SAG Conservatory

For information about joining the Nevada SAG Conservatory, click here. 

Click here or scan down for current Conservatory Events.

Is SAG a Rip-Off?

SAG cost too much

When you are ready to be a professional, and like Tom Hanks at the first SAG Awards, hold it up with pride and talk about when and why you joined, then you are ready to pay the SAG initiation and join the ranks of professionals known as union actors.

I received a message, all caps, saying SAG is a rip off and that the cost of "dues" (they meant initiation) were way too high, and that there is no work.



Let me deal with these one issue at at time:



First off, are you professional enough to join the union? Do producers cast you? Do you work often or at least whenever possible in the industry? Do you take classes, do theater, spend money on listing your services on the web or elsewhere? Have you found an agent or manager? Are you investing in your craft, in time, money or both?



If the answer is yes, then ask are you ready to become a professional by joining the Screen Actors Guild? Are you ready for the commitment of joining the union, with the work opportunities as they are today and with potential for your future that union membership brings?







What you will never get with non-union work:  ability to earn Health Insurance and a Pension; Unemployment Insurance; Worker's Comp; Guaranteed Minimums;  a living wage;  checks that arrive on time and when you need them, residuals, protection of your image and talents against future misuse, and a staff working on your behalf to resolve payment issues.



The initiation fee helps fund the union you are joining. It is needed to pay staff who make it possible for you to enjoy the wages, rapid pay, safe working conditions, food and water on the set, "bump" income increases, protections of your talent (image, voice, uniqueness) and legal fees the Guild provides for all members. The initiation helps fund organizing so that there are jobs to employ you. Our staff of paid professionals, who work at well below the rates offered elsewhere in the industry because they believe in you, is there on the set when needed or called 24/7, even on holidays. They are the muscle just as stars, like Tom Hanks, are the profile, that makes SAG the most recognized and one for the most respected unions in the world.



There are payments plans to soften the blow, with additional plans are being finalized. Initiation in some markets where there is less work, including Nevada, are one third lower than in union security states where there is ample work.

But just as with buying insurance, a car, a house, or a good pair of shoes, you have to pay to finance the costs of providing you a quality product. Nothing is free.

SAG has among the lowest percentage dues of any union, as SAG financing is subsidized by initiations. And unlike the "evil" way unions are being painted as giant political manipulating machines, less than three percent of your Screen Actors Guild Dues goes to political purposes, with none going to any candidate (SAG advocates for issues benefiting actors, and is prohibited from endorsing any political candidate).



It takes union organizing, the commitment of talent in any market and the reality of the business climate to generate jobs. SAG does cannot employ actors. SAG can only help productions to become union.

As talent you have to stop working non-union. The availability of actors willing to work non-union is only an incentive for producers to continue to not pay enough, to pay when they feel like if they feel like it, to not provide the contract wages, working conditions or protections a union enforces. There is no reason to go union and pay union wages if qualified performers continue to do non-union work.

You have to set the value on your talents and time that make you a professional. That value is a union contract. Only then will you be respected as a professional and given the pay, residuals, respect and credits you deserve.



The nation is in, or recovering from (definitely not in Nevada or California), the greatest recession since the Great Depression. The motion picture industry, unlike its fast recovery from the Depression, has proven less resilient this time around.



Agents, casting companies, production companies, independent producers and distributors and even large studios have folded, sold or scaled back. Many industry related, and even the restaurants and other businesses that surround the studios, have gone out of business in Hollywood much less Nevada.



States where production is booming give away the store and are now finding that incentives are a two edge sword, as tax income is down. Nevada already is business friendly and does not have the taxes or fees to put rebates or loophole for the industry into force.

The person who wrote to me seemed to blame the union for a lack of work.

Look around you at  closed business fronts, vacant condo's and homes, the increase in "street people" and you will see that there is a much larger element at work today. 90% of Nevada homes are "under water", owing more than they could sell for. 70% face potential foreclosure. Our unemployment rate is the highest in the nation.



Like the plaque on a previous presidents' desk "It's the Economy, Stupid".



But things will get better.



Production is starting to pick up.



And if you keep your instrument tuned, your heart committed and your eye on the future...the future is only limited by your ability to "tough it out" for the prize of being on a set or stage and acting.



First posted May 5, 2010





to the mother of a child actor...on all questions concerning joining SAG, must join, RTW or payment plans contact you local SAG office.  For Nevada contact Steve Clinton.

Nevada SAG Members call for newsletter submissions

Nevada SAG Members call for newsletter submissions

Anyone know Wayne Newton, Marie Osmond or Rita Rudner for just a few questions or someone else from Nevada of interest to the membership.  The articles and interviews do not have to be perfect – the editors and SAG will clean them up for you if you have any anxiety. We’ve got to start writing folks to our brothers and sisters.  Organizing, senior issues, success stories, on set, work, stories about careers – reach out to the folks who have gone before us in film and SAG – there are a lot of cool things about SAG and acting in Nevada – write about it.



Time is short – please send 500 to 700 words to me by September 8. or let us know why you can’t.



You must be a Nevada SAG dues current member for a byline. Keep in mind that the Nevada Actor is a union organ (meaning pro-union SAG publication) and that your participation is appreciated.



Photos with proper captions are also requested. Send as a pdf or jpg attachment.



Thank you;





Art Lynch

Communication Chair

Nevada Branch of SAG

Union Plus, Discounts For SAG Members

15 to 50% off College Prep Courses for SAG Members and their children

http://www.unionplus.org/  for discounts, educational benefits, services and survival help, union sister and brother to union brother and sister.

Screen Actors Guild SAG members and their children save between 15-60 % on Princeton Review college test preparation courses (including SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT) with exclusive Union Plus discounts. Courses covering college financial aid and the college admissions process are also available. Members can choose from in-person classe...

See More

http://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/princeton-review-test-prep-courses

www.unionplus.org

Why join SAG?

Why join SAG?

Why join SAG?





For the benefits.



For the pride of saying "I am a professional."



For the reality that you will be seen as professional.



Because only through union solidarity can all workers be sure of safe working conditions, honest wages, benefits and protections.



Because for over 75 years the names and images you have looked up to on the big screen and on television have been proud SAG members.



Because it is the right thing to do.



For union pride.



To be a part of a union respected and known throughout the world.



Because is it is the Screen Actors Guild.



SAG

SAG Reinstatement Policy

ON JUNE 13, THE SAG NATIONAL BOARD APPROVED THE NEW POLICY TOWARD RE-INSTATEMENT OF THOSE MEMBERS WHO CHOOSE TO RESIGN FROM THE UNION - MAKING THAT CHOICE A PERMANENT ONE. IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE IV OF THE SCREEN ACTORS GUILD CONSTITUTION, MEMBERS WHO RESIGN ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REINSTATEMENT TO THE GUILD. HOWEVER, SUCH PERSONS MAY PETITION FOR A WAIVER OF THIS POLICY.

The reinstatement candidate seeking a waiver of this policy is required to schedule an appearance before the Disciplinary Review Committee and present a petition for reinstatement that includes a list of all non-union work done during the period of time between resignation and reinstatement. A petition for reinstatement does not guarantee reinstatement.

"Individuals who make the choice to quit their union cannot expect to be allowed back in without the union asking some questions about why they quit and what sort of work they were doing," Screen Actors Guild Director of Organizing Todd Amorde said.

"Union membership is between the members and their union, not their agents, not casting directors and certainly not employers. Screen Actors Guild membership offers opportunities and resources that many members are not aware of, so we urge anyone considering resignation, for whatever reasons, to call the union first. We're here to give you straight answers and discuss your options."

This change will apply only to those individuals who have resigned from the union, not to those whose membership was terminated because of failure to pay dues. It also does not apply to members on honorable withdrawal or suspended payment status.

SAG RALLIES WITH AFL-CIO's TRUMKA IN SUPPORT OF JOB CREATION

SAG RALLIES WITH AFL-CIO's TRUMKA IN SUPPORT OF JOB CREATION

Los Angeles (August 16, 2010) — Members and staff of Screen Actors Guild were among thousands who rallied at Los Angeles City Hall on Friday urging congress to support programs that would create jobs. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were among the elected officials and labor leaders who spoke at the rally. Union members joined together to send a strong message: “Paychecks Pay the Bills.”



With the third highest jobless rate in the country and a towering budget deficit, California needs leaders who can create and save jobs, not just spout  ”more of the same corporate bull,” Trumka told the crowd. “How are we going to rebuild America? With jobs! Who’s going to rebuild America? Working people with jobs!”



"We're calling for what everybody talks about but very few elected officials are actually acting on, and that is the creation of jobs," said Maria Elena Durazo, executive director of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. "It's the only way that we're going to get out of this terrible economy – by putting people back to work." Durazo called for "good, middle class jobs" and advocated against outsourcing.



"Look at Wall Street," Durazo said. "They're back to making new record profits. Why can they do better, but regular working men and women can't do better, and the only thing we can expect is a minimum wage job? For us, that's unacceptable."

SAG staff and members rallied for jobs at Los Angeles City Hall. From left, Jenn Heater, SAG manager of government affairs and policy; member Elizabeth Reynolds; Nayla Wren, SAG director of organizing; and Jacqueline Perez-Osornio, SAG organizer.

Union members unite in downtown Los Angeles for jobs.