Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2017 | SAG-AFTRA 55 YOUNG PERFORMERS CONSERVATORY T he New York Young Performers Committee continued its successful mentoring workshop series at the SAG-AFTRA office on Nov. 19 with its latest presentation, Young Performers Conservatory. The YPC collaborated with the New York Conservatory Committee on this special presentation, made possible by a grant from the SAG-Producers Industry Advancement and Cooperative Fund. Each young performer took four classes from the five offered, and parents of the young performers in attendance took two seminars as well. New York YPC co-chairs Lee Bryant, Holter Graham and Alan Simon, along with New York Conservatory Committee Chair Verania Kenton, were pleased with the event. Graham noted, "The YPC prides itself on responding to its constituency. So when young performers and their parents wanted to attend conservatory classes, we found conservatory staff and volunteer teachers more than willing to hold a special seminar event to share their knowledge. It was a truly collaborative and proactive event that the young performers and their parents enjoyed immensely." MEMBERS ANSWER A CALL TO ARTS A s part of SAG-AFTRA's A Call to Arts initiative, youth from the Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, a residential school for at-risk youth, were invited to a tour of Hot97 and WBLS radio stations on Dec. 8. These young people, all of whom are interested in music, had the opportunity to learn about the day- to-day functions of both stations and got to meet some of the on-air talent and behind-the-scenes staff who create the stations' broadcast and digital content. Conservatory teacher Ron Torgow instructs young performer members during his Working in Commercials class. Youth and staff from The Children's Village with Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg from Ebro in the Morning on Hot97. GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT N ew York Local members gathered to celebrate the holidays at 1900 Broadway. The New York Host Committee held its annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 1, and the New York Conservatory held its annual holiday lunch the following day. Top, Executive Vice President and New York Host Committee Chair Rebecca Damon, National Board members Liz Zazzi and Elaine Legaro, and New York Local Board member Janette Gautier join New York Host Committee and MOVE volunteers at the Holiday Open House. From left, John Freda, Gautier, Legaro, Gene DeFrancis, Elda Luisi, Molly Ballard, Stan Krajewski, Damon, Jane Beller, Zazzi and Andrew Gelles. Above, New York Conservatory members celebrate with song. VERANIA KENTON New York