Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/308664
22 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org SAG Foundation Launches N.Y. Actor Center T here's a new resource for New York members: the Screen Actors Guild Foundation New York Actors Center at 1900 Broadway in One Lincoln Center, scheduled to open in 2014. The SAG Foundation New York Actors Center was designed to serve as a free resource for the New York-based performance community and accommodate the growing demand for the foundation's popular educational programming. Among the facilities at the center are the Entertainment Industry Foundation Voiceover Lab of the SAG Foundation, a computer lab, a classroom/on-camera room and office space, all conveniently located within the new SAG-AFTRA union offices at the same address. Since 2010, the SAG Foundation has tripled the number of programs and events for performers in the New York area, and now offers more than 220 workshops with casting directors, panels with industry professionals, film and TV screenings, career Q&As with high-profile actors and special events, all at no cost, to more than 9,500 New York union performers annually. Mike Hodge; National Vice President, Actors/Performers Robert Newman; National Executive Director David White; New York Local Executive Director Jae Je Simmons; New York Local First Vice President Jay Potter; New York Local Second Vice President Jim Kerr; and New York Local ird Vice President Maureen Donnelly, among other elected officers, members and staff. "It's kind of like a new chapter in the organization," said Hodge. e 55,000-square-foot space was designed by AREA Architecture and was built to the union's specifications. It was also built to accommodate the SAG and AFTRA foundations. e new SAG Foundation area includes a state-of-the-art voiceover lab, an on- camera classroom and a computer lab for members. White said the environment helps the union present a positive, dynamic face. "When visitors come here, they come to our home; they should feel the energy of the new union," said White. e modern vibe and high-technology atmosphere of the members' new home contrasts sharply with the union's humble beginnings, when the first New York offices opened in 1937. at year, The member lounge, above left, offers an area for members to relax, mingle, update their iActor profiles, surf the Web and learn about upcoming events. Above right, National Board member Rebecca Damon shows members Conference Room E as part of a tour during the grand opening. Below, from left, Director, Administration & HR RoseAnn Badamo; National Director, Administration, Operations Support Services Tim Klassen; Chief Human Resources Officer Martha Holdridge; and Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel Duncan Crabtree- Ireland at the 1900 Broadway "groundbreaking" ceremony in August 2013. BRAD BARKET Visit sagfoundation.org to find out more. BRAD BARKET 20-22_NYOffice_F1.indd 22 4/24/14 7:33 PM