Get Involved

Committee work is a vital and important part of Chicago AFTRA/SAG. Take a look at the list below. Which committee interests you? For more information or to join a committee, call the AFTRA/SAG office at (312) 573-8081.

AGENCY COMMITTEE

Chairs: John Carter Brown and Dan Frick An “as needed” committee between the member and talent agencies for the purpose to clarify pertinent union objectives and plans when required.

BACKGROUND COMMITTEE

Chairs: Jay Disney and January Stern
This committee was formed to focus on background performers in our region. Though this market does not have television/theatrical background jurisdiction, the goal of the committee is to collect local data, educate our members and work with national background committee members to promote the necessity for national background coverage.

BROADCAST STEERING

Chair: Craig Dellimore
Concentration on the unique needs of the broadcaster. Committee members would assist the union with KMRC technology, seminars, websites, etc., relevant to this talent.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMUNITY ORGANIZING (COCO)

Chair: Ilyssa Fradin
This committee’s purpose is to develop relationships in the visual media community. COCO is active in the IPA, AICP and Screen magazine in our efforts for external outreach. It will continue to develop our locally-driven website and external work with the SPC to organize freelance. COCO is responsible for New Member Orientation - a pragmatic welcome to the new member explaining union contracts, services, agents, governance and committee system.

CONSERVATORY

Chairs: Stephen Spencer and Alma Washington
This committee is responsible for continuing education for the artist. Although its seminars or presentations would focus on the general performer, it is encouraged to incorporate events for the younger performer and advance diversity in the arts.

DIVERSITY

Chairs: Tony Castillo and Cedric Young
The focus of this committee is to support diversity in the arts by union governance, contract terms and casting. Diversity is formed so the union is adequately aware of those needs protected by the region’s Human Rights Acts and Title VII.

ELECTION COMMITTEE

Oversee and protect the legitimacy of elections.

EMERGING MEDIA

Chair: Razz Jenkins
This committee keeps the actor and KMRC abreast of the latest technologies that could further the actor’s career, from internet sites to software.

KMRC

Chair: Michael Joseph Thomas Ward
The committee’s focus is to fund and update the KMRC with the latest technology to assist members in his/her profession, and to encourage its use by all the Committees.

PUBLICATIONS

This committee is the informational voice of the union by the publishing of articles and reports from staff, officers and guest writers. It is also responsible for editing Playback and Activator.

SENIORS RADIO PLAYERS

Chairs: Connie Foster and Parker Gronwold
Members 55 and older re-enact classic radio programs for the public.

SINGERS

Chair: Wendy Morgan
Concentration on the unique needs of the singer. Committee members would assist the union with KMRC technology, seminars, websites, etc., relevant to this talent.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

The future of the Union.