It’s the most busiest time of the year! Excuse the terrible grammar and focus on the sentiment of that poorly constructed sentence. We know you’re crazy busy (shopping! working! traveling!) as the holidays prepare to steamroll over us all, but before the merriment gets going in full force, take some time to focus on your career and check out these four great events this week.
Honor women who are paving the way in media.
Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to recognize the women making a difference in film and beyond. On Dec. 15, join this year’s Women in Media honorees producer Shelby Stone (“The Chi,” “Bessie”), director Karyn Kusama (“Destroyer,” “Girlfight”), and hair-department lead Camille Friend (“Black Panther,” “Dream Girls”) in conversation at Women in Media’s Holiday Lunch Celebration. Open to all genders, events include a mixer, panel, and, of course, food, so this inspiring afternoon is well worth the admission price. ($50–975)
Join those behind “The Hate U Give” for a screening and Q&A.
“The Hate U Give” is as ripped-from-the-headlines as it gets in film: a young girl (Amandla Stenberg) moves between the black neighborhood where she lives and the mostly white prep school she attends until her childhood friend is killed by a police officer and she must reconcile with her experiences in both. See Stenberg and director George Tillman Jr. discuss the movie at the Hammer Museum on Dec. 13 following a screening of this noteworthy work. Not only is this a great opportunity to see how a contemporary novel translates to the big screen but also how hot-button issues get a tasteful cinematic treatment. ($10–20)
Read a scene one-on-one with a head casting director.
Sure, a class that talks at you for a few hours about the world of acting can be super helpful, but practicing your craft with a seasoned professional is more than priceless. SAG-AFTRA Foundation gives you that chance on Dec. 17 when it hosts a workshop (emphasis on “work”) with Kendra Castleberry, Head CD at Castleberry/Murphy Casting. You’ll read a scene one-on-one with Castleberry, get feedback, and pick up some valuable tidbits about script analysis, auditioning, even how to navigate confusing direction. Be sure to complete a Casting Access Application prior to the workshop, and get ready to rock your next scene or audition. (Free for union members.)
Revisit the haunt of Screech, Zach, Kelly, and Slater.
Time out! If you’re feeling all the ’90s nostalgia lately or just want to step onto the “Saved by the Bell” set for a burger and a shake, you’re in luck. After completely selling out in Chicago and dominating West Hollywood for the better part of this year, a recreation of Bayside’s iconic cafe The Max is still going strong. We all know how epic L.A. popups are, but this might be the best and most faithful recreation of a TV show to date (not to mention the most Instagram-worthy!). Make believe you’ve been transported to the sitcom’s Golden Era (the ’90s, right?) by splurging on dinner for you and a friend through Dec. 31. Right on! ($80, which includes dinner for two)