Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2015 | SAG-AFTRA 45 "It says a lot when we have a 10-year-old come in and speak on their own behalf and on behalf of other performers around their age. There's something really powerful about that," she said. SAG-AFTRA is continually working to protect young members through both legislation and events that educate and inform. Several recent events highlight the union's commitment to young performers throughout every stage of their careers. SAG-AFTRA members' work spans the worlds of entertainment and journalism, and one young performers' event in New York City helped bridge those professions. Funded by a grant from the Industry Advancement and Cooperative Fund, the Sept. 20 event, The Art of the Interview, brought in young performers and their parents to learn what it takes to be a good interviewer, as well as how to be a good interviewee. The session began with Valerie Smaldone of New York's 1010 WINS radio interviewing Fátima Ptacek, the voice of the title character in Dora the Explorer. Then, Holter Graham, a National Board member, fourth vice president of the New York Local and co-chair of the New York Young Performers Committee, interviewed both on what they did to prepare for the interview. Later, attendees broke into groups, and broadcast member mentors Laura Behnke (WABC-TV/ABC 7), New York Local Second Vice President Jim Kerr (iHeart Radio's Q104.3-FM), Christina Park (WNYW-TV/Fox 5) and radio personality Cindy Vero helped guide the young members in conducting their own interviews. The scenario for each was based on randomly chosen parameters such as the interview medium (TV, radio, Web) as well as the nature of the interviewees (a band, the cast of a TV show, a dance crew). The day was a learning experience for all involved, and Ptacek, in particular, garnered praise. Keneisha Hamilton, parent of a young performer member, asks a question during the commercials workshop on May 10, 2014, in New York. "The day was a shining example of what SAG-AFTRA should always be about: connecting with, informing and educating our members; showing members how to be better at what they do; and of equal importance, who they are. It's about illuminating for members from all categories just how vast our area of jurisdiction is, and how many ways there are to tell America's stories. All the mentors were incredible, but Fátima Ptacek is my hero. I want to be her when I grow up," Graham said. Last year, the SAG-AFTRA New York Local also hosted an event focusing on advertisers' use of young people for