SAG-AFTRA Foundation Opens Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists and Resumes In-Person Pr

Posted by Martina Birk on Monday, July 22, 2024

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has announced the official opening of the Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists.

The 15,000 square-foot facility is located on the 10th floor of the Union’s headquarters on Wilshire Boulevard and is named in honor of Streep, the most philanthropic donor in the Foundation’s nearly 40-year history. The state-of-the-art facility is a hub designed to help SAG-AFTRA artists fine-tune their skills and advance their careers.

Courtney B. Vance, president and chairman of the board of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, shared his thoughts on the opening: “Meryl Streep’s quiet and consistent support for the Foundation and her fellow actors for decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. In recent years when serious crises struck our community, Meryl stepped up immediately to help lift up performers who needed it most.”

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He added, “Naming our new Center in her honor is our way of expressing gratitude for her unwavering commitment and generosity, as well as embodying the excellence she exemplifies in our industry. The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists will encourage and nurture the talents of countless performers, serving as a beacon of inspiration to us all. We are immensely proud to unveil this vibrant new home where SAG-AFTRA artists can connect, collaborate, and grow together. We eagerly anticipate the remarkable work, creativity and careers that will come from it.”

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Among the new facilities are the Nicole Kidman Green Room, a stylish and comfortable environment for panelists and guests of the Foundation to relax and prepare before their “Conversations” and “The Business” programs. The space was designed in collaboration with Kidman, a major donor to the Foundation.

The Leonardo DiCaprio On-Camera Studio will allow actors to record professional self-tapes and develop their on-screen presence with high-quality camera, lighting and sound equipment. Staff record the sessions and are available to assist as readers, as well as offer creative and constructive feedback.

In addition, the center features the newly relocated and upgraded Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab, which offers the latest audio technology and equipment, as well as solo and group recording booths. This lab provides voice actors with the opportunity to record voiceovers and enhance their techniques.

Casting Access classes will also be held, led by industry professionals.

Cyd Wilson, executive director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, added, “The opening of the Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists marks a major milestone for the Foundation. This Center will provide unmatched resources and opportunities all at no cost to SAG-AFTRA artists.” Wilson continued, “In addition, the Foundation operates and maintains its programs in Los Angeles, New York and online through charitable gifts, grants and sponsorships.”

As the SAG-AFTRA foundation sets to resume all of its in-person programming, screenings will be held in the new Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room, a state-of-the-art facility named in honor of two additional major supporters of the Foundation.

The “Powered by LG” screening room will host the Foundation’s “Conversations” programs and “The Business” panels. Members will enjoy film and television screenings on a stunning 200-inch “Miraclass” 4K direct-view LED cinema screen from LG Electronics and immersive surround sound. All seats in the screening room are dedicated to SAG-AFTRA performers who made significant contributions to the Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program to support their community.

The Meryl Streep Center is available for third-party rentals for industry screenings and premieres, FYC events, table reads, corporate events and more.

Since its formation in 1985, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation has distributed more than $33 million in emergency financial and health assistance to actors as well as disaster relief. It has also given out more than $9.8 million in scholarship funds.

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