Looking Ahead | Entertainment Community Fund

Looking Ahead

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.

Visit Looking Ahead

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.

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:

  1. 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)
  2. Actors Equity Association (AEA)
    • My child is a member of Actors Equity Association (AEA) (Image of AEA card required)
  3. Theatrical Contract
    • My child has a current Theatrical Contract, or had a contract within the last year (Must show proof of contract)
  4. 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

Related Sites & Organizations

Child Care Aware

A national child care resource agency that connects parents with local child care agencies and resources. Provides information on availability of child care subsidies, choosing the right child care, licensing, accreditation and child care options.

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Contains information for families including publications (brochures, articles, books & journals) on early education and child development. They administer "Young Children," an award winning peer reviewed journal on a range of young children issues that is published bi-monthly.

Parenting.com

Contains information on pregnancy, babies, toddlers, children 2-13, activities, being a mother, recipes and family products and toys. The site also includes blogs, forums and links to child safety organizations, party planning, kids' games and other resources for parents.