I could not be more proud to be president of AFTRA’s Detroit Local.

We are a dedicated family of actors, singers, broadcasters, voiceover artists and other performers who know that belonging to a union is vital to the future of our craft, our families and our community. I hope you will take a moment to see who is on our local board. From a Motown star to radio journalists to the best voiceover talent in Detroit, we are as diverse a group as our members and we take our responsibility to represent your interests very seriously.

We also have fun! From the annual Labor Day parade to a holiday open house to our recent convention fundraiser at the Detroit Repertory Theatre, your Detroit AFTRA Board is involved in the community and constantly looking for ways to reach out to members. I invite you to return to this site often to check out which exciting conservatory workshops are being planned to help you with your professional development. One of our top priorities has been to reinstate our conservatory program. Our excellent Conservatory Committee has gone above and beyond to produce a series of tremendous seminars in 2006-07. I can’t wait to see what is on their plate for the next season!

The AFTRA Detroit office has a long, rich history. Some of our members have been with us for more than 60 years! One of my personal goals as president is to get the ball rolling on a project to preserve some of our archive materials so that the next generation of AFTRANS will see just how far we have come. I hope to touch base with some of our more “seasoned” members to hear your stories and get your insight on the past and the future.

While we have traveled far, our journey is far from over. These are extremely challenging times for Michigan and the artists who live and work here. Our work not only seems to be quietly slipping away, it is galloping full throttle to other states and to other countries. Lest we forget, Detroit is where the “Lone Ranger” was born at WXYZ in 1933. And while the Masked Man may not ride in to save our jobs, the path he left behind for us to follow is as clear and commanding as AFTRA member Fred Foy’s hearty, “Hi Ho Silver!”

I treasure this union. And I welcome your thoughts and ideas!