Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local
April 4, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE Congratulations, Richard Steele! KMRC Tech Night Thursdays Senior Radio Players Voice Screenings for Singers Script Coverage Workshop Low Budget Film Contracts
Studs Terkel Community Media Awards Honors Richard Steele
New Member Orientation
Thursday, April 7 Details below. Congratulations, Richard Steele! SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local member Richard Steele is one of this year's winners of the Studs Terkel Community Media Awards. Heard on Chicago radio since the early 1970s, Steele officially retired in October after 27 years with Chicago Public Radio WBEZ-FM. Fortunately, retirement doesn't mean Richard is stopping. He continues to be a community voice, hosting The Barber Shop Show, WBEZ's weekly talk show taped at Carter's Barbershop in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Presented by Public Narrative, the nonprofit organization formerly called Community Media Workshop, the prestigious awards honor excellence in covering Chicago's diverse communities. They're named for Studs Terkel, the late author and broadcaster who was the group's guiding spirit. Also honored this year are: * Lolly Bowean (Chicago Tribune) * Sarah Karp (Better Government Association) * Cecilia Vaisman (NPR, Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism). * Aurie Pennick (The Field Foundation of Illinois) "Studs would have loved this group," said Susy Schultz, president of Public Narrative. "These five winners have added in special ways to the discussion of such important issues as race, housing, education, culture and heritage. All have truly enhanced Chicago storytelling." The awards will be presented at a fundraiser April 7 at the National Hellenic Museum, 333 South Halsted St. Tickets to the event are available online.
KMRC Tech Night Thursdays 7 - 9 p.m. Thursday, April 28 This workshop, which will be held the last Thursday of each month, includes an overview of basic computer knowledge (both Mac and PC), email and Internet tips, how to personalize your Actors Access and Casting Networks accounts, along with creating social media accounts like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. You will learn computer shortcuts, tips and tricks on using the Web, and options available to you when creating an online presence. If you would like to see something added to this curriculum, please feel free to make a suggestion. Register online or email Chris Peak at chris@kmrcchicago.org.
It is your generosity that keeps the KMRC free for SAG-AFTRA members. Every donation helps!
Save the Date Don't miss the SAG-AFTRA Senior Radio Players' performance of Les MisĂŠrables. 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Wednesday, April 20. Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph (at Michigan) Admission is free; however seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Voice Screenings for Professional Singers In recognition of World Voice Day, MusiCares and the Chicago Institute for Voice Care are sponsoring free voice screenings. This is an opportunity for professional singers to take action to improve and maintain healthy voice habits. Services include a stroboscopic exam and physician examination to assess vocal health. Saturday, April 23 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary 1855 W. Taylor St., 3rd Floor, Room 3.87 Chicago, IL 60612 Call (212) 245-7840 or email rsvp_mcny@grammy.com for application and eligibility details. Participants must document at least five years of professional music career history and qualify through MusiCares. Space is limited and appointments must be made in advance.
Chicago Executive Board member Craig J. Harris provides tips to members at the Script Coverage Workshop at the KMRC on March 17. (Photo by Charles Andrew Gardner) Script Coverage Workshop The Creative Cypher media society and the KMRC sponsored and presented Craig Harris' Script Coverage Workshop at the KMRC on March 17. The workshop, conducted by SAG-AFTRA member and past Chicago Executive Board member Craig J. Harris, provided writers, producers and other industry creatives with fundamental script analysis skills and the ability to evaluate scripts to determine their marketability and commercial viability. Included among the many topics covered in the workshop was how to understand the anatomy of plot structure, recognize the traits of compelling multifaceted characters and identify strengths and weaknesses in a script.
Low Budget Film Contracts - What SAG-AFTRA Members Need to Know This seminar is a must-attend for anyone working on or planning to work on low budget films or Web series. Are you and a bunch of your friends getting together and making short films, student films? Webisodes? Spec TV pilots? Didn't think you needed to worry about being under contract? Well... This is your chance to ask all of your questions about working in low budget films. And, you'll probably get the answers to some questions you haven't even thought of yet. Remember, as a SAG-AFTRA member, you need to be under contract for all work that you do. This includes student films, your best friend's pet project, and your self-produced short film and "no-budget" features. Find out what to expect on set and how these films differ from the studio features and episodic television shows that you are used to. Learn where to find out about these auditions and how to flip a non-union film to a SAG-AFTRA-covered project. Ever wonder how to properly fill out a time sheet; how, where and when to sign your employment contract; or how to negotiate on your behalf? This is the workshop for you! When: 5:30 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 Where: KMRC, 1 E. Erie, Suite 660, Chicago Space is limited. RSVP to Kathy Byrne at kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org. Dinner will be served. You must be a current member of SAG-AFTRA (paid through April 30, 2016) or AEA to attend. Park 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 $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. This meeting is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of younger performers under 18 years old are welcome. SAG-AFTRA members, please bring your membership card (paid through April 30, 2016) for admittance.
New Member Orientation, Tuesday, April 12 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. 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12 Please call Kathy Nelsen at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 2541, or email Kathy at kathy.nelsen@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot. Park 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 $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure. The event is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing, no guests are allowed. Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome. You must bring your current membership card for admittance (paid through April 30, 2016).
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 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org Website: SAGAFTRA.org