Navigating the Lull: A Guide for Actors & Artists during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes
- Courtney Lucien
- Jul 25, 2023
- 6 min read
Greetings, fellow celestial performers of the TheatreVerse! Today, we find ourselves amidst a cosmic event with the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, leaving many actors & artists yearning for the glimmering opportunities that auditions and jobs bring. Fear not, for in this boundless void of uncertainty, we shall guide you through this celestial lull and help you harness your creative energies during this unique time.
First things first, if you’re a non-union actor, all of those projects are still happening! If you are a SAG member or a WGA writer, then the lull obviously relates to your union projects. Let’s dive in!
1. Illuminate Your Craft:
As we traverse this starry intermission, seize the opportunity to deepen your craft. Dive into the vast library of scripts, plays, and screenplays. Seek inspiration in the tales that shaped our galaxy's history. Envelop yourself in the glow of storytelling, for it will enrich your performances when the cosmic curtain rises once more.
Here are some ideas:
Script Reading and Analysis
Take advantage of this lull to read scripts from classic plays, contemporary theatre, movies, and TV shows. Dive deep into the nuances of characters, plot arcs, and dialogue. Analyze the motives and emotions of each character, and envision how you would bring them to life. Explore works from various genres to expand your artistic universe and discover new facets of your acting prowess.
Monologue Mastery
Select monologues that resonate with you and showcase your versatility as a performer. Practice and refine these monologues, experimenting with different emotional tones and interpretations. Involve fellow actors in readings and seek constructive feedback to polish your delivery. A well-prepared monologue can serve as a shining beacon when casting directors seek stellar talents.
Character Transformation Workshops
Enroll in character transformation workshops or create a study group with fellow actors to explore diverse character types. Embrace the challenge of stepping into the shoes of characters vastly different from your own personality. Cultivate empathy for characters from different walks of life, understanding their unique perspectives and struggles. This exercise will enhance your ability to embody multidimensional characters in future performances.
Voice Acting Exploration
If you're drawn to the cosmic realm of voice acting, use this time to experiment with your vocal range and techniques. Practice narrating audiobooks, lending voices to animated characters, or recording voice-over demos for commercials and video games. The versatility of your voice will open doors to new opportunities in the realm of VoiceOver.
Share the audio on your social media, monetize through ACX.com (under SAG union contracts if necessary), reach out to studios & businesses to ask if they need VO talent…the options are vast!
Improvisation Sessions
Engage in virtual improvisation sessions with fellow actors or join improv groups in your theatre community. Improvisation is the cosmic playground where creativity knows no bounds. Hone your spontaneity, quick thinking, and adaptability as you create scenes on the spot. These experiences will sharpen your instincts and make you an agile performer when the work beckons.
Explore Acting Masterclasses
Numerous acting luminaries offer online or in-person masterclasses. Enroll in these courses to gain insights from industry veterans. Learn about their experiences, techniques, and approaches to acting. Absorb their wisdom, and let it enrich your own journey. If your budget is tight, watch interviews or old masterclasses on YouTube. There is some great free information to be found in the ever-expanding internet space.
Dive into Dramaturgy
Become a celestial scholar of dramaturgy, the study of the context and historical background of theatrical works. Understand the evolution of theatre, significant playwrights/screenwriters, and groundbreaking movements that have shaped the TheatreVerse. This knowledge will add depth and cosmic resonance to your performances, making you a more profound and insightful artist.
Remember, dear celestial performers, this is an opportune moment to ascend to new artistic heights. Illuminating your craft during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes will prepare you to shine like a star when auditions and projects return in full splendor. So, embrace the quest to expand your artistic horizons and let the theatre galaxy bear witness to your brilliance!
2. Refine Nebulous Portfolios:
Now is the perfect moment to refine your portfolio. Update your acting reels, voice-over demos, and artistic portfolios. With the galaxies watching, create a captivating constellation of your work that showcases the diverse range of your talents. So when the casting constellations align, you're prepared to dazzle them with your brilliance.
3. Expand Cosmic Connections & Collaborations:
Remember that you are not alone. Connect with fellow artists, writers, directors, and producers. Engage in collaborations and ignite creative supernovas. Together, you can generate unique projects that pierce through the interstellar darkness, paving the way for a sparkling future. Networking knows no bounds, and your next cosmic collaboration might be just a comet's tail away.
What unique projects can you create during these strikes?
Virtual Productions
Join forces with fellow actors, writers, and directors from different places to create virtual productions. Leverage video conferencing technology to rehearse and perform plays, monologue showcases, or original works. Unite your diverse talents in this collaboration and reach audiences beyond the limits of a physical stage. We did it during COVID; we can do it again.
Radio Dramas
Embrace the magic of audio storytelling and venture into the realm of cosmic radio dramas. Collaborate with voice actors, sound designers, and musicians to produce captivating audio plays. Use the power of sound to transport listeners to far-off galaxies, mystical realms, or futuristic civilizations.
Example: Gather a group of creatives to adapt a classic play or create an original tale. Combine voice acting, atmospheric soundscapes, and otherworldly musical compositions to bring these audio dramas to life. Release them as podcasts or downloadable files, and let audiences experience the spectacle through their imaginations.
Playwriting/Screenwriting Experiments
Engage in writing time with fellow artists. Use prompts, themes, or images from the vast cosmos to spark creativity. Challenge each other to craft one-act plays, short films, or short scenes exploring celestial themes, human emotions, and universal connections.
Example: Organize a cosmic playwriting challenge where participants draw inspiration from astronomic phenomena like supernovas, black holes, or the dance of galaxies. Once the scripts are complete, gather actors to read and workshop these creations, encouraging each other's artistic growth and exploration.
Filmmaking Endeavors
Collaborate with student filmmakers to create a short film. Pool your talents in acting, writing, directing, cinematography, and editing to bring your visions to life on screen.
Variety Shows
Organize virtual or in-person variety shows that showcase a dazzling array of artistic talents. Combine acting, music, dance, spoken word, and visual arts to create a cosmic tapestry of creativity. Invite artists from various disciplines to participate in a series of virtual variety shows. Use the power of social media and streaming platforms to broadcast these celebrations.
By generating these unique projects through collaborative efforts, actors & artists can navigate the turbulent waters of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes with creativity and solidarity. These endeavors will not only fill the void of paused projects but also inspire wonders that transcend the boundaries of our theatrical galaxy. So, unite your forces and embark on this voyage of creative exploration!
4. Unleash Stellar Self-Promotion:
Celestial artists must not shy away from self-promotion. Be an orbiting force on social media platforms, sharing your artistic endeavors and celebrating your fellow performers. Embrace the infinite spotlight and let your presence shine throughout the galaxy.
5. Embrace Ethereal Self-Care:
As we dance through the cosmic symphony, remember to care for your vessel. Engage in self-care routines that rejuvenate your artistic soul. Meditate amidst the stars, immerse yourself in nature's vast expanse, and find solace in the beauty that surrounds us. A centered soul makes for more spiritual performances.
Here are some simple ideas:
Take a short trip out of town and visit a park.
Sit outside at night and look up at the stars, passing some time just being in awe.
Explore a self-given lymphatic face massage: search videos on YouTube for inspiration.
Take 1 hour to sit and paint or draw. Just for fun. And just for you.
6. Prepare for Cosmic Comeback:
Although the auditions may have momentarily dimmed, the universe operates in cycles. The hiatus will eventually end, and projects will once again light up the casting cosmos…hopefully after some agreements are made! So, keep your sparkling eyes on the horizon and stay prepared to leap into action when the cosmic call comes.
As we traverse this enigmatic period together, let us embrace the transformative power of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Through this lull, we have the chance to grow, connect, and ignite new artistic constellations that will shape the future of the TheatreVerse. So, dear actors & artists, fear not the stillness, for within it lies the potential to launch our creative journeys to the farthest reaches of the imagination.
Break a leg and keep shining bright, you celestial wonders!
For more information on what you can and cannot work on during the strikes, please visit: www.sagaftrastrike.org or https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike-hub
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