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CELEBRATING 'SAG-AFTRA MONTH' T he month of May was declared "SAG-AFTRA Month" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives presented the proclamation, which was sponsored by state Rep. Tom Murt, to SAG-AFTRA members and staff. Traveling to Harrisburg to receive the proclamation were Pennsylvania-based actors Melissa Fitzgerald and David Morse; SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Broadcasters Catherine Brown; new Ohio-Pittsburgh Local Executive Director Brian Lysell; National Board members Mark Roberts and Helen McNutt; Ohio-Pittsburgh Local Board member Randy Kovitz; Philadelphia Local Board member Meagan Hill; Philadelphia Local President John Wooten; along with other members and staff. After accepting the honor, the remainder of the day was spent lobbying for the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit. The Ohio-Pittsburgh Local also had a visit from SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris, who co-hosted an interactive panel discussion on May 17 titled SAG-AFTRA – After the Merger at the Women in Film and Television International Summit. The following day, she was the guest speaker at the local's annual meeting at Olive or Twist in downtown Pittsburgh. It was a great meeting and social with about 40 local members, and members were honored by Carteris' visit. BRAINSTORMING IN MICHIGAN B oard members of the Michigan Local have been satisfied with the support services they have received since the closure of the Michigan office. Board meetings have proceeded as before, contract questions have been answered, members are getting together for Coffee Connections and a recent annual meeting was enjoyed by all. But some have asked, "Has this been enough?" At their June board meeting, the members embarked on a different tactic. Rather than the usual business, they decided to brainstorm instead. A simple question was asked: "What activities would you like to see started or increased?" By jotting down ideas on sticky notes and then arranging them by category, board members settled on the topic of "workshops." They examined the feasibility of producing workshops, and why there have been fewer of them recently. The board hopes to do future exercises that will enhance the participation of all and check off each goal, one by one. SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local 3rd Vice President Eric Wydra at the meeting. ALL ABOUT MANAGERS U nified Management partner Al Onorato made a special appearance at the SAG-AFTRA Nevada Local conservatory on April 27 to talk about what managers do for their clients, and the traits, skills and education they look for when signing to represent an actor. He took time to learn about each attendee, and watched and coached several monologues. Prior to his position at Unified Management, Onorato was vice president in charge of talent and casting at Columbia Pictures Television, among other credentials. The members of the Nevada Local Conservatory appreciate guests like Onorato, as they are always interested in information that is current and relevant in the industry. If you are an entertainment expert interested in speaking at a conservatory event, contact nevada@sagaftra.org for more information. From left, Unified Management partner Al Onorato, acting teacher Adam Hill and Nevada Local President Barbara Grant. Pennsylvania State Rep. Tom Murt, center, with SAG-AFTRA members, elected leaders and staff on May 6 in Harrisburg. Philadelphia & Ohio-Pittsburgh Michigan Nevada SAGAFTRA.org | Summer 2014 | SAG-AFTRA 41