Today’s episode of The America’s Work Force Union Podcast spotlights Carrie Lee Patterson, a multifaceted arts professional and proud member of four unions. As an actor, director, writer and dialect coach, Patterson is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Patterson discussed her career journey, the importance and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, her impact as an educator and her advocacy in a historic Illinois public transit campaign that united 30 different unions.

Patterson began by recalling how she became involved with unions at a young age, starting with Actors’ Equity as a stage actor. Her professional path led her to join three additional unions as her career expanded into on-camera work, opera and directing. She emphasized the support and protection each union has provided, reflecting on the evolution of membership rules and her experiences as a young performer. Patterson said her story illustrates the importance of union solidarity across creative disciplines and highlights how artistic labor groups are an integral part of the wider workforce.

Addressing current challenges, Patterson focused on the threat posed by artificial intelligence to actors and performers. She highlighted growing concerns about contracts that may unknowingly sign away rights to one’s likeness, voice or image, noting SAG-AFTRA’s ongoing efforts to address these issues in contract negotiations. Patterson emphasized the importance of reading and understanding legal terminology in contracts, and described how the rapid pace of technological change has outpaced regulatory protections for workers in the entertainment and media industries.

Finally, Patterson discussed her teaching career, particularly her time at Graceland University and the Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film at the University of Nebraska. She described her rewarding relationships with students, some of whom have gone on to work in Chicago, LA and New York or pursued other professions where acting skills proved invaluable. Patterson believes that an acting education helps build communication and empathy skills necessary for lawyers, religious leaders and politicians alike. Patterson then concluded by discussing her role as a union advocate in the Illinois transit campaign, which unified 30 unions to secure essential funding for public transit, showcasing how worker solidarity can deliver critical victories across different unions for the betterment of their communities.

For more from Patterson, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.