Courtney Rioux and Avis Boone are Co-Hosting this round table discussion with fellow negotiating committee members, Jason George, Shari Belafonte, and Danielle Towne. We cover AI concerns, the process of the negotiations, and the major gains of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Tentative Agreement. Voting ends December 5th at 5 pm PT/7 pm CT/8 pm ET and you can get more info, find your PIN, and vote at https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts2023

Check out Avis Boone's podcast That's How We Role

Our guest today is Eddie Mujica. He's a Cuban-American actor, writer, director, and Emmy-winning producer.

In this episode, we talk about his viral videos on TikTok and  Instagram, his creative process, auditioning for SNL. We talk about therapy, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. No, it's real. You guys, I swear, it's a really fun episode. We talk about his experience in the writer's room on Zoom and in person, self-care, values, and so much more.

My intro includes information about the SAG-AFTRA 2023 Tentative agreement including info sessions, how to ask questions, and my opinion on how I'm voting as a negotiating committee member!

Check out Eddie's viral videos at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyOTCTXrXS9/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

And here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJRyTHYpFbxmEm97xB2Psj9nQQzbMAbiy&si=k6LOMq0hZkKM7YDA

Actor Behzad Dabu talks about taking a leap, acting in LA vs Chicago, the actor mindset, the SAG-AFTRA Strike, and more.

Behzad Dabu is an actor, producer, and writer based out of both Los Angeles and Chicago.  He grew up in Syracuse, NY, and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.  

He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.

On-screen, you can see him as REDACTED BC OF THE STRIKE, and on The Lion Guard.  He also appeared in episodes of REDACTED; as well as various audiobooks, podcasts, and national commercials.

With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of 'Amit' in "Samsara" at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award - Best Actor. He also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group.

Behzad strives to be a strong advocate for social justice and equality, particularly in regard to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.  He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader.  

Behzad is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.