STATEMENT ON UNION POLITICS

The Storytellers Conservatory is an educational entity which is completely and totally apolitical in its approach to bring conscientious, passionate and effective storytelling techniques to our actors and community. We do not want to be a community of division in any way, shape or form. Rather, inclusivity is of the highest priority to us in creating an environment of growth and learning.

It is true that Shaan, John and Charles are all pro-union members of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). We believe that being in SAG-AFTRA offers the best opportunities for professional work, fair compensation, and on-set safety, along with multiple avenues for furthering education and networking, among other benefits which include health insurance and pension programs. We truly believe that joining the Union serves the greater good for the whole of our community and we will continue to educate people to that end.

Shaan is a very active elected board member of SAG-AFTRA. That position is distinct and separate from the Storytellers Conservatory where we all know him to be a caring, knowledgeable and talented educator and member of the Class Family. His opinions, as those of John and Charles, as expressed concerning working with SAG-AFTRA are respectively theirs and theirs alone and do not represent Storytellers Conservatory.

That having been said, our education is meant to increase knowledge and understanding of the entertainment industry. It is not meant to create or contribute to political bias or feelings of exclusion in any way, and no one is ever pressured to have a particular view of union politics.

We are inclusive of all people and viewpoints. Our education is meant to better the techniques and utilization of craft of both union and non-union actors, alike. If you are a passionate, committed, honest and giving storyteller, then this is your home.

When we hear of an issue, please know that we are committed to addressing it immediately to ensure the safety of everyone in our community. Open avenues of communication are the key to the success of any institution or relationship. We want the best for everyone at Storytellers Conservatory and will work tirelessly to ensure that everyone is heard and respected. We grow stronger together.

Sincerely,
John, Charles, & Shaan
Storytellers Conservatory Co-Founders