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June 27, 2012 

Welcome to our summer 2012 eNewsletter!

As this fall’s election approaches, the state of the American economy continues to be the most important topic on most people’s minds. How do AWP members feel, and how is our staff responding to the situation? Western Regional Director John Mattson and I share our take on today’s economy in AWP viewpoints.

In this edition, we also shine our spotlight on several special individuals who “have made AWP what it is” and highlight some of our newer programs.

Remember, AWP is here to help you in your search for meaningful work that complements your career in entertainment and the performing arts—or to assist you in transitioning to a new career that uses your creative talents. We’re the only national employment and training program solely designed to provide career counseling, job training, occupational skills training and job development services to everyone in entertainment.

“We're here to help you find the work you love and love the work you find.” Call or visit us today.

Kathy Schrier
National Director




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In this issue...

AWP Viewpoints: The US Economy

New Job Clubs in Los Angeles

Meet AWP--LA’s Newest Staff Member: Karen Hanen


Continuing Education Helps Our Community to Thrive

AWP Members Have That Entrepreneurial Spirit

AWP Members Give Back To Their Community

New Job Clubs in Los Angeles

In response to popular demand, AWP—LA launched two new Job Clubs in January—one serving LA, the other in the San Fernando Valley. AWP—LA Director John Mattson shares what they offer, how they’ve helped, and how you can sign up!




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Meet AWP--LA’s Newest Staff Member!

Welcome to our newest AWP Career Counselor, Karen Hanen! Karen has quickly become a big part of our team, conducting workshops, providing individual career counseling and facilitating one of our new Job Clubs. Read more about Karen’s professional background.



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Continuing Education Helps Our Community to Thrive


Computer training is one of AWP’s most popular services, and like our members, our instructors are fascinating people! Susan Serfes, who teaches our Adobe Creative Suite classes, has had an amazingly eclectic career—including being one of the first women admitted to the US Coast Guard. And actor Joseph Small works with our clients to demystify the complexities of Microsoft Office. Read more about Susan and Joseph, and why they especially love helping members of our entertainment community grow their computer skills.



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AWP Members Have That Entrepreneurial Spirit


Sam Created a Parallel Career Around His Love for Math
A member of AWP
—LA’s “Are You on the Fence with Life in the Industry” group, actor Sam Younis, tells us about how he came to The Fund for guidance, and how he used the new insight he gained to successfully embark upon the next phase of his life. Read Sam’s story.





Janet Transformed Organizing Into a Successful Business
Many of the individuals who have utilized AWP’s programs and services have used their creative minds to start their own thriving businesses outside of the industry, like Janet Friedman. Janet participated in the
“Are You on the Fence with Life in the Industry” group, learned how to apply some of her skills elsewhere, and now runs her own growing company. Read Janet’s story.

Deborah Jean Makes AWP Work For Her Creative Career
An award-winning theatre, film and TV veteran, Deborah Jean Templin created her own one-woman show, Unsinkable Women: Stories and Songs from the Titanic after spending time as a swing on the Titanic National Tour. As she developed the piece, she worked with AWP Career Counselor Patch Schwadron to transfer the new skills she learned through AWP to promote the show and make it a successful venture. Read Deborah’s story.



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AWP Members Give Back To Their Community


Nancy and Michael conduct free workshops on Sociodrama Techniques.
The amount of support our clients offer each other is truly inspiring to all of us at AWP. Nancy Sondag, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Brooklyn, first came to AWP as a member in 1989, transformed her life, and continues to donate her services to AWP today. She’s also mentored another member, Michael Cannistraci, who came to AWP for help through his career transition. Today he works as a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. Nancy and Michael conduct AWP workshops introducing Sociodrama techniques to AWP participants who work as teachers, trainers and facilitators. Read their inspiring stories.





James teaches basic computer classes in Los Angeles.

Actor James Babbin volunteers for AWP to teach the Basic Computer Class at The Actors Fund’s Los Angeles office. He recently sat down with AWP Western Region Director John Mattson to share a bit about his life in the industry, and to tell us why he loves helping people in our entertainment community brush up their computer skills. Read a Q&A with James.




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AWP offers a wide range of free workshops and seminars in New York and Los Angeles, as well as individual career counseling for our members across the country. Visit www.actorsfund.org to learn more.

In New York, and East of Mississippi: 800.221.7303
In Los Angeles, and West of Mississippi: 888.825.0911


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