Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544866
88 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2026 | sagaftra.org On Location Missouri Valley Hosts January Conservatory Event SAG-AFTRA member BJ Lange, third from left, hosted an improvisation-for-actors workshop on Jan. 3 at the Missouri Valley Local office. This event, attended by members of the Local, offered valuable guidance on using improvisation techniques to aid in both character development and audition preparation. ● Missouri Valley Union Panel Focuses on Creators From left, moderator Elizabeth Clare; SAG-AFTRA Director, Contract Strategic Initiatives & Podcasts, Shaine Griffin; and members Lisa Beasley and Jonah Saesan served as panelists for a content creator event presented by the Chicago Local NextGen Committee. Members gathered in the KRC in December to learn about being a content creator and the SAG-AFTRA Influencer Agreement. ●● Chicago Members Lend a Hand In November and December, the Portland Local once again participated in the Presents from Partners Toy Drive sponsored by Labor's Community Service Agency, helping bring joy to union families in need across the Portland community in the holiday season. Portland Local member Emily Sahler and Local Secretary Chrisse Roccaro helped arrange a donation box to be set up at the Oregon AFL-CIO office to collect toys for the Portland labor community. ●● Portland On Location Own Your Performance: Actor-Led Directing Conservatory After participating in a workshop and learning on-set strategies for navigating fast-paced productions, attendees gathered to take a photo with presenter Kelly Schwarze. The Jan. 31 event hosted by the Nevada Local focused on performance-driven communication between actors and directors. Attendees honed their skills with interactive scene work and partner exercises, developing techniques to stay grounded and self-adjust when direction is minimal. ● Nevada JOYCE JONES