Aug
20,
2024
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation announces the official opening of the Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists, honoring Meryl Streep, most philanthropic donor in the Foundation’s nearly 40-year history.
The center, located on the 10th floor at 5757 Wilshire Blvd (SAG-AFTRA), features a cutting-edge facility, built with the latest technology and equipment. It is dedicated to supporting a wide array of entirely free educational and career-building programs designed to help SAG-AFTRA artists advance their careers and refine their skills. It also houses the foundation’s assistance programs and offices.
The dedication acknowledges Streep’s exceptional charitable contributions to the Foundation, and in particular to its Emergency Financial Assistance Program for performing artists in urgent need.
The crown jewel of the Center is the 100-seat Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Screening Room, a state-of-the-art facility named in honor of two additional major supporters of the Foundation. The screening room, “Powered by LG,” will host the Foundation’s Conversations programs and The Business panels. Members will enjoy film and television screenings on a stunning 200-inch “Miraclass” 4K direct-view LED cinema screen from LG Electronics and immersive surround sound. All seats in the screening room are dedicated to SAG-AFTRA performers who made significant contributions to the Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program to support their community.
The Center also boasts the Nicole Kidman Green Room, a comfortable and stylish environment for panelists and guests of the Foundation to relax and prepare before their Conversations and The Business programs.
The Leonardo DiCaprio On-Camera Studio is another key component of the Center, allowing actors to record professional self-tapes and develop their on-screen presence with high quality camera, lighting, and sound equipment. Experienced staff record the sessions, and are available to assist as readers, as well as offer creative and constructive feedback.
Several areas within the Center are named after major donors who contributed $1 million or more to the Emergency Assistance Program, acknowledging their critical support during challenging times. This recognition underscores the importance of community support for and the significant impact of individual contributions.
For more information, visit www.sagaftra.foundation.
