The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the nonprofit professional development and philanthropy arm of Hollywood’s largest actors’ union, is opening the doors to its brand new Los Angeles headquarters on Monday, the Meryl Streep Center for performing artists.
The center will be housed in the building’s sprawling, stunning penthouse apartment at 5757 Wilshire Blvd., a few floors above the foundation’s former headquarters, which was acquired after another company vacated the space during the pandemic. This state-of-the-art facility will be dedicated to supporting a wide range of programs that help SAG-AFTRA artists learn from experts, hone their skills and advance their careers. In-person meetings that were suspended during the foundation’s move — such as Conversationsin which interviews with prominent actors look back on their careers, will continue in the new premises, which will also house the foundation’s aid programs and offices.
The Board of Trustees decided to name the institution after Streep, the legendary actress who was the most generous donor in the foundation’s nearly 40-year history. “Meryl Streep’s quiet and consistent support of the foundation and her fellow actors over the decades has been simply extraordinary,” Courtney B. VancePresident and CEO of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, said in a statement. “Over the past few years, when our community has been hit by severe crises, Meryl has been immediately on hand to help the artists who needed it most. By naming our new center after her, we express our gratitude for her unwavering commitment and generosity, while also embodying the excellence she embodies in our industry.”
Vance added, “The Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists will nurture and cultivate the talents of countless artists and serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us. We are immensely proud to open this vibrant new home where SAG-AFTRA artists can connect, collaborate and grow together. We are excited to see the remarkable work, creativity and careers that will emerge from it.”
Cynthia WilsonSAG-AFTRA Foundation Executive Director also commented: “The opening of the Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists is a major milestone for the Foundation. This center will provide unmatched resources and opportunities, all free of charge to SAG-AFTRA artists. As the only nonprofit industry organization dedicated exclusively to providing free services and resources to these artists, we look forward to resuming our in-person programming in Los Angeles in this innovative new space, all under one roof for the first time. In addition, the Foundation operates and maintains its programs in Los Angeles, New York and online through charitable donations, grants and sponsorships.”
The foundation also decided to name various rooms within the centre after other actors and actresses who have made similar commitments. For example, there is the state-of-the-art Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Screening Room, where the Foundation Conversations Programs and The business Panel discussions held; Nicole Kidman Green Room, which will serve as a refuge for special guests; and the Leonardo DiCaprio On-Camera Lab, where actors can record professional self-tapes and develop their screen presence with high-quality camera, lighting and sound equipment.
The foundation has also moved into the centre and has Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab offers voice actors the opportunity to record voiceovers, improve their techniques, and work on projects such as animations, video games, commercials, and audiobooks.
In addition, the center has classrooms for programs on topics such as acting techniques, audition preparation, casting and career management, led by industry professionals.
The center is available for third-party rental for industry demonstrations and premieres, FYC events, readings, corporate events and more. Interested parties should contact [email protected].
The Foundation encourages all SAG-AFTRA members to take advantage of all the Center’s offerings. To do so, members must first create a profile at www.sagaftra.foundation.
