Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
sagaftra.org | Summer 2026 | SAG-AFTRA 69 The Inside Scoop on Casting Kids Young performers select their props for an acting exercise as part of the SAG-AFTRA New York Local Young Performers Committee's Casting Kids workshop held on May 2 at the SAG-AFTRA New York office. Casting director Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick (Patrice: The Movie, Well-Versed) was the featured guest at the SAG-AFTRA-Producers Industry Advancement and Cooperative Fund-sponsored event, and joined the committee, young performers and their parents/guardians for a day of conversation, advice and interactive activities about casting kids and teens. ● Singers Celebrate Black Music Month and New York Music Month The SAG-AFTRA New York office rang with music on June 23, as the NY Singers Committee gathered members and pre-members to celebrate Black Music Month and New York Music Month. The event brought together veteran singers and the next generation of performers just entering the business to network and learn more about how SAG-AFTRA works on behalf of singers and recording artists. Attendees joined the committee for a song and brief remarks from Committee Chair John James, National Board member Janice Pendarvis and Vice President, New York & New Local President Ezra Knight, followed by a Q&A. ● Year-in-Review at the NY Local Membership Meeting SAG-AFTRA Chief Labor Policy Officer & New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon; Vice President, New York & New York Local President Ezra Knight; Executive Vice President & New York Local Vice President Linda Powell; New York Local Vice Presidents Jim Kerr and Liz Zazzi; and Deputy General Counsel & National Director, Governance, Justin Touretz; and members of the New York Local Board gathered for the New York Local membership meeting on May 11 at the DGA Theater in Manhattan. The meeting included reports on the many activities and events of the last year, including contract gains, national and local legislative wins, status of production in the state, and an update on the tentative agreement for the 2026 TV/Theatrical contract. ● NextGen Performers Mix and Mingle From left, SAG-AFTRA New York NextGen Performers Committee members and volunteers Morgan Priester, Co-Chair Mia Christo, J.R. Carter, Co-Chair Sarah Seeds, Lindsay Rootare and Ting Lik To pose at the Jim Henson Exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image for the annual New York NextGen Performers Committee mixer on March 27. After having an opportunity to view the galleries, members and their guests were welcomed into a cocktail reception. Attendees struck a pose on the red carpet, enjoyed drinks and light refreshments, and networked with one another. ● New York