Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
12 SAG-AFTR A | Summer 2026 | sagaftra.org A Letter From the Secretary-Treasurer Dear Member, C hoosing a career as a performer often feels like opting to do life in hard mode. If you're among those feeling frustrated right now, I absolutely hear you. And I want you to know, in times like these, though you may be dismayed by gatekeepers, industry contraction and infuriating global developments, your voice and your artistry are needed now more than ever. The good news for us is that, although times are tough, we have a union on our side. And that union works every day, finding ways to expand our opportunities and arm us with career-sustaining compensation, rights and protections. I know we're all tired of living through unprecedented times. But I truly believe the arts have always and will always be there to save us and unite us. They're the universal language that shows us the way forward. In fact, our unrelenting passion for this profession means we have a perspective that needs to be shared. With many states now employing film and television production incentives and a hard push being made for federal film and television incentives, I am confident opportunities will be increasing in the future. Whether you're a performer, an intimacy coordinator, a broadcaster, a podcaster, a puppeteer or a member of any other creative profession, I hope you know how much the world needs you right now. I was proud to, once again, be part of TV/Theatrical negotiations, and I'm pleased to join my negotiating committee colleagues in welcoming members of the profession newly united with our SAG-AFTRA family: choreographers! The inclusion of choreographers is an achievement that has been many decades in the making, and it reflects important forward progress on improving our industry. Choreographers: The studios and streamers are finally recognizing your value! Celebrate that! I'm also heartened that we have approved a plan to merge the SAG- Producers Pension Plan and AFTRA Retirement Fund. But those highlights are only the beginning; we've made a number of other gains in this round, including stronger AI guardrails, better residuals, disability accommodations, improvements for series regulars and more. Please see page 42 for details on the 2026 TV/ Theatrical Contracts gains. Being of service both in an elected role and as a committee member has been immensely rewarding. If you ever feel you have the bandwidth to volunteer for union service, I certainly urge you to do so. A great place to start is by contacting your local executive director to see what opportunities might exist. Elected or not, it's important to remember that all members can be a part of making our union tent bigger and more inclusive. Convincing even one project to switch from non-union to union means ensuring the industry moves in the direction of more protections for our profession, not fewer. Your talent should never be on sale or offered at a discount. Remember that union jobs offer stability in this uncertain creative field that we love so much. So please keep sharing your talent and keep connecting with other creative people. Never forget, the power of artists in unity is unstoppable. In solidarity, Michelle Hurd M I C H E L L E H U R D "I truly believe the arts have always and will always be there to save us and unite us. They're the universal language that shows us the way forward."