Welcome to AWP’s Summer 2013 eNewsletter!
The Actors Fund proudly serves everyone in entertainment—not just actors! In this issue, you’ll hear from an opera singer, a grip, a prop maker and other entertainment professionals, as we celebrate success stories from AWP members who have found great sideline work or gone on to make fulfilling career transitions. Remember, AWP can help you find the work you love and love the work you find—so visit us soon!
Kathy Schrier
AWP National Director
Joanne Webb
AWP Western Region Director
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In this issue...
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 Welcome Mary Beth Abella, LA’s Newest Career Counselor
Career Counselor Mary Beth Abella brings not only the expertise she learned during more than 14 years as a counselor, trainer and career consultant to professionals and students, but also her real-life background as a singer/songwriter! Read more.
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 Q & A with AWP Alum Ahvi Spindell, Actor / Director / Media Relations Consultant
Ahvi Spindell credits AWP with fortifying his work as a union actor/director, as well as helping him with his transition to owner of his own media relations company. Ahvi notes: “AWP is not only a unique resource for performing artists who are exploring how to support their art or transition into other fields, it is also a community that can continue to have a positive impact for those who wish to stay connected.” Read the Q&A.
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A Model for Career Success: Actors Fund Work Program (AWP) Western Region’s New Director
 “I am energized about growing AWP, Western Region, in order to create steady encouragement and possibilities for those we serve.”
–Joanne Webb, Director AWP Western Region
She’s worked as an actor, behind the scenes in TV production and promotion, creative development, consumer products and more. Today, Joanne uses her wide-ranging entertainment industry background in encouraging artists to explore and discover new career paths that utilize their creative talents and skills. Read more.
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 Overcoming Doubt & Finding a Place:
Mamie’s Shares Her Job Search Journey
“…The Actors Fund Work Program and their brilliant team … never allowed me to entertain a doubt that I’d find some place special for my gifts at a rate worthy of my background and experience.”
Mamie Louise Anderson is an actress and singer who worked with Actors Fund Work Program career counselors in our Los Angeles office, and ended up landing a great sideline career as an executive assistant. Here, she shares the story of her journey. Read Mamie’s story.
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 Improving Your Time Management
Do you feel frustrated by procrastination? Perfectionism? Plain old confusion on what’s the best use of your time? AWP Career Counselor Ell Miocene gives helpful tips for entertainment industry professionals facing the challenge of day-to-day demands and managing unpredictable earnings from variable project-based work. Read more.
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 Breaking the Cycle—Strategies for Coping with Anxiety and Depression
Depression and anxiety often arise when we’re unemployed, underemployed or have unsatisfying work—in other words, challenges frequently faced by entertainment industry professionals. It is also true that when experiencing depression and anxiety, people find it difficult to maintain a job or to focus on and pursue desired goals. But there are strategies to help you cope! Learn more.
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 In His Own Words—Reagan Wilks, IATSE Local 44 Prop-Maker
When Reagan, an IATSE Local 44 prop-maker, was having difficulty finding work, a friend told him about AWP. “I went in for the orientation, then met my career counselor – who is amazing – and we began to put together a plan.” Reagan tells his story.
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 AWP Supports New England Union Members
Whether recruiting Boston area actors to serve as “mock patients” for a clinic staff training program in Boston, or conducting a full-day Job Search Workshop for motion picture technicians and craftspeople of IATSE, Local 481, AWP counselors are always seeking new ways to provide needed support to the members of our community living outside our main office branches in New York and Los Angeles. Read more.
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 A Road Map for Next Career Steps—Assisting IATSE Members Facing Layoffs in LA
Deluxe Film Laboratories is one of Los Angeles’s last film processing centers. When over 300 Deluxe employees faced imminent job loss last fall, IATSE Local 700 (which represents film processing technicians and other post-production workers) and the leadership of Deluxe Laboratories approached AWP to develop a comprehensive program to assist the workforce in next career steps. Read more.
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A Profile in Job Search Success—
Pamela Jones
When Pam took a severance package after 11 years as an AGMA chorister with the New York City Opera, she was faced with having no health insurance. She came to AWP determined to obtain full time employment with benefits. Pam notes: “I found community, encouragement and support at AWP.” Read Pam's story.
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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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