SAG-AFTRA Foundation Opens Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, a pillar of professional development and charitable support for Hollywood actors, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new Los Angeles headquarters: The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists. This state-of-the-art facility signifies a monumental leap forward in the foundation’s mission to empower SAG-AFTRA members with the resources and opportunities they need to excel in their careers.
A Stunning New Home for SAG-AFTRA Artists
Located in a sprawling penthouse space at 5757 Wilshire Blvd. – several floors above the foundation’s previous location – The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to its members. This stunning facility provides a vibrant and inspiring environment for actors to connect, collaborate, and refine their craft.
The center boasts a variety of impressive features designed to meet the diverse needs of SAG-AFTRA artists:
- Classrooms: Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these dedicated learning spaces will host workshops and seminars on essential topics like acting techniques, audition preparation, casting strategies, and career management. Led by esteemed industry professionals, these programs will provide actors with invaluable insights and practical skills to elevate their careers.
- The Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room: This state-of-the-art, 100-seat screening room serves as the perfect venue for the foundation’s signature “Conversations” series. Here, actors can enjoy engaging career-retrospective interviews with renowned performers, gaining valuable knowledge and inspiration from their peers’ journeys. Additionally, the screening room will host “The Business” panels, offering insights into the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
- The Nicole Kidman Green Room: This haven provides a dedicated space for special guests to relax and connect before and after events.
- The Leonardo DiCaprio On-Camera Studio: Equipped with top-of-the-line camera, lighting, and sound equipment, this studio empowers actors to refine their on-screen presence. This space allows for the recording of professional self-tapes, a crucial tool for landing auditions in today’s competitive environment.
- The Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab: Upgraded and relocated to the new center, this dedicated lab provides voice actors with unrivaled opportunities. Here, they can hone their skills, refine their techniques, and work on diverse projects like animation, video games, commercials, and audiobooks.
Third-Party Rentals: Recognizing the industry’s needs for flexible event spaces, the Meryl Streep Center offers its facilities for rent. Industry screenings, premieres, table reads, corporate events, and FYC events can all be hosted in this beautiful and centrally located venue. For inquiries, interested parties can contact [email protected].
A Heartfelt Tribute to Meryl Streep and Other Industry Champions
The naming of the center after the legendary Meryl Streep is a profound gesture of gratitude for her unwavering support of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation throughout its nearly 40-year history. Ms. Streep has been the foundation’s most generous donor, consistently stepping up to provide vital assistance to actors in need. In a statement, Courtney B. Vance, the president and chairman of the board of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, expressed his admiration: “Meryl Streep’s quiet and consistent support for the foundation and her fellow actors for decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. 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 commitment to actor support extends beyond the center’s namesake. Other dedicated spaces are named after industry icons who have been instrumental in the foundation’s mission:
- The Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room
- The Nicole Kidman Green Room
- The Leonardo DiCaprio On-Camera Studio
This recognition serves as a well-deserved tribute to these dedicated champions of the acting community.
Resuming In-Person Programs and Unparalleled Access
The opening of The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists marks a significant milestone for the foundation. Importantly, it allows for the resumption of its popular in-person programs, which were temporarily paused during the foundation’s relocation.
Cyd Wilson, the executive director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, emphasizes the center’s importance: “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. As the only industry nonprofit dedicated to providing free services and resources exclusively to these performers, we look forward to resuming our in-person programming in Los Angeles in this innovative new space.
