Looking Ahead is a program of the Entertainment Community Fund uniquely tailored to help professional young performers and their families across the country to build community, gain education and receive support while navigating the unique challenges associated with working in the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead supports professional young performers (actors, dancers, musicians, etc.) in developing the values, skills and confidence they need to make successful transitions to fulfilling adult lives. The program offers dozens of opportunities each year to connect with other performers and families through free events, educational workshops and supportive counseling. Looking Ahead was originally developed in cooperation with the SAG-AFTRA Young Performers Committee and has continued its mission to support the mental health and wellness of young performers across the country since 2003.
Looking Ahead also offers services to the adults who work with youth by providing trainings, resources and support. Whether you’re a Parent of a young performer, Talent Agent, Director, Showrunner, Studio Teacher or a Child Guardian on Broadway…we support the village around young performers to make sure everyone is equipped with the tools to have a safe and healthy experience on-set, on and off stage and behind the scenes. Trainings include child development, stress management tools, adolescent mental health and more! It takes a village to raise a child and our team has specialized experience to support that village so that everyone is prepared, educated and informed on how to best navigate the nuances of working with minors.
Services offered nationally include:
- Individual, family and group counseling
- Industry and educational Workshops for young performers and families
- Educational counseling to help create an action plan for the future
- Volunteer opportunities for participants to make a commitment to serving the community
- In-person group activities for young performers in Los Angeles and New York to connect with others in the industry
Am I eligible?
There are four ways to become an eligible member for the Looking Ahead program and you must meet the requirements for at least one of the following:
- SAG-AFTRA
- My child is a member of SAG-AFTRA, and
- My child has representation of an agent and/or a manager (Image of SAG-AFTRA card required)
- Actors Equity Association (AEA)
- My child is a member of Actors Equity Association (AEA) (Image of AEA card required)
- Theatrical Contract
- My child has a current Theatrical Contract, or had a contract within the last year (Must show proof of contract)
- Non-Union or Other Union
- My child is Non-union or is part of another union, and
- My child has made $3,000 per year in professional income over the last two consecutive years (Documentation with proof of income required) and
- My Child has representation of an agent and/or a manager
Get in touch:
LookingAhead@entertainmentcommunity.org
Chris Smith – Western Region
Program Director, Looking Ahead
323.933.9422, ext. 422
csmith@entertainmentcommunity.org
Judy Rosch – Eastern Region
Looking Ahead Social Worker
212.221.7300, ext. 225
jrosch@entertainmentcommunity.org