Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/422151
68 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2014 | SAGAFTRA.org On Location MANHATTAN IN THE SOUTHWEST At the Sept. 20 SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local membership meeting, casting professionals and member panelists teamed up to present New Mexico Takes Manhattan, a discussion of Manhattan, a new series shooting in the state. The informative meeting spotlighted a great opportunity for local talent, who are being cast in recurring and guest-starring roles. Participating were casting director Jo Edna Boldin, casting associate Marie Kohl, moderator Tom Schuch and New Mexico Local members. Panelists present New Mexico Takes Manhattan Sept. 20. New Mexico San Francisco- Northern CA Houston-Austin MEMBERS CONNECT AT MIXER T he Austin Actors Conservatory hosted its annual industry mixer at the W Hotel in Austin in September. Each year, casting directors, agents, producers and SAG-AFTRA members gather to enjoy each other's company, swap stories and raise a glass or two. AAC began this event as a way to support a sense of community in a very busy and ever-changing industry environment. "It's a great time to catch up," said Houston-Austin Local President Pamela Weaver. "Our industry mixer and the SAG Awards viewing party are the only times many of us get a chance to actually see each other long enough for a real conversation." ON THE LABOR SCENE IN MINNESOTA T win Cities Local member Sue Scott earned her corndog and cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair in August, when she moderated a panel discussion on women's economic security at the Minnesota AFL-CIO Labor Pavilion on the fairgrounds. Three state legislators told fairgoers about recent legislative gains for women workers in Minnesota (the Women's Economic Security Act), while Scott led the discussion with visitors. Twin Cities member Barry ZeVan also joined in the hosting duties. The Twin Cities Local participates in the Minnesota AFL-CIO Labor Pavilion outreach activities during the 12 days of the state fair each year. In September, Twin Cities Local President Bob Davis was a delegate to the 52nd Constitutional Convention of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. Davis heard an organizing presentation by six Minnesota unions on their recent campaigns and victories, and had time to chat briefly with Senator — and local SAG-AFTRA member — Al Franken. CHRISTMAS IN JULY T he San Francisco-Northern California Local presented a staged reading of A Christmas Carol July 28 as part of LaborFest2014, an annual festival honoring the legacy of the historic 1934 San Francisco General Strike and its leader, Harry Bridges. The worker-oriented version of the time-honored Christmas story was adapted and directed by SAG-AFTRA member Michael Gene Sullivan and performed by local members. The play explores 21st-century themes such as corporate takeovers and the Occupy movement, featuring rousing renditions of classic labor songs such as There is Power in a Union. The evening wrapped up with a memorial tribute to Bridges, attended by his family, including son, Robert Bridges and granddaughter Marie Shell, a SAG-AFTRA member. Shell sang The Ballad of Harry Bridges, by Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. "My grandfather enjoyed his work with SAG and valued the friendships he established with performer activists such as Lionel Stander and Charlie Chaplin," said Shell. "He was very proud of me when I got my SAG card." From left, Sue Scott; Minnesota Reps Erin Murphy, Sandy Pappas and Katie Sieben; and Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson. A Christmas Carol cast and band. Twin Cities Members gather at the the Austin Actors Conservatory annual mixer.