If you’re a movie buff, the summer can have you heading to the cineplex every week to see a new blockbuster.  If money-saving morning showtimes aren’t your style, you might want to buy a subscription to MoviePass.  As Netflix revolutionized DVD rentals, MoviePass hopes to change the movie theater-going landscape with it’s “unlimited movies in theaters nationwide.”  For a monthly fee – New Yorkers currently pay $35/mo – you can see one movie daily, at any cinema*.  With movie tickets in Manhattan as much as $14/each, a subscription would pay for itself after 3 movies each month.  And just think – you could see 365 films this year, and pay only $420 for $5,110 worth of movie magic (a savings of $4,490).

If you didn’t know already from posts like this and this, I just had a baby. Naturally, this experience has taken me off the grid for a little while. But I am happy to report that I’m starting to re-enter the world and I’m bringing Actors’ Embassy with me. This means the return of the AE Caucus! (with a few changes) Keep reading for details and be sure to get your tickets by this thursday. See you on Monday!

Are you an AE Member? Attend our May Caucus event for free! Not a Member yet? Sign up here!

Monday, May 20th, 2013 from 7:30 PM – 10:30ish PM

Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. It’s the time of year for rejuvenation; a fresh start. Rather than join all those folks struggling to fulfill their New Year’s resolution to simply work out more or eat better, why not take a more comprehensive look at your lifestyle and health and how they connect to your career? Actors’ schedules are unpredictable, and often include extremely long days with few solid breaks. Doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for thinking about your well-being and keeping your health and energy in check. Beth Wittig is an actor and certified health and nutrition coach who empathizes with the struggle to balance a hectic career and a healthy lifestyle. She’ll lead us in a round-table discussion about points of health and image as they relate to an acting career: type, body image, getting healthy, staying fit, keeping energy up, etc. There’s no better time than now to make a real change in your life-career balance.

An Actors’ Embassy Membership costs $30 for the whole year and allows you free entry to all events (including this one), along with other fun perks (more on that soon). Without a membership, Caucus events cost $15 to attend.

Ticket sales end this Thursday, so be sure to act fast. And if you are a member be sure to sign up for your free member ticket. You can get the code for the membership ticket on our members only deals page.

To sign up now, go here: http://aemaycaucus.eventbrite.com. See you on Monday!

If the economic meltdown left you with a bad taste in your mouth for Big Banking, consider joining a credit union.  Because credit unions are accountable to members instead of shareholders, they can routinely offer great benefits:  lower APR on most loans (including student loans, mortgages, and credit cards), low- or no-fee checking accounts, and better rates of return on savings and CDs.  Plus, members encounter less bureaucracy when there is an issue that needs resolving.  If you’re a union member or employee of Actors’ Equity, SAG/AFTRA, or any of these organizations, you’re eligible to join the Actors Federal Credit Union.  A no-fee checking account will save you $300/yr over a Big Bank competitor, and that’s just the beginning!

The life of an actor can be tumultuous.  Most of us have more than the average share of uncertainty and rejection when building our careers – it’s just part of the package when pursuing a life in the arts.  Not surprisingly, many people find talking to therapists…well, therapeutic.  They can be objective observers that help you explore and understand yourself, clarify your priorities and goals, and let go of baggage that can be holding you back professionally and personally.  And if your insurance doesn’t cover it, there are some affordable options in New York City.  The Theodor Reik Clinical Center and the William Alanson White Institute both offer clinical services on a sliding payment scale, taking into account your income and resources.  After an intake interview, they’ll match you with a therapist near you.  Sessions can cost as little as $35/hr, around 1/3 of the going rate.  At that price, catharsis isn’t just for Tony Soprano and Will Hunting.