Clarification. It's $30 per year for Associate (or $40 for Full level) PLUS a one-time initiation fee of $25 (you only pay this the first year. So total to join right now at Associate is $55.
In the last 6 months I've also started up national online chats roughly once a month. We're having one this Monday afternoon (requires the SMA password to get in, so no, it's not available for everyone) that's with a tax preparer specifically geared towards figuring out taxes for stage managers. In the past I've also held them on stage combat, calling/script techniques, one with a financial advisor, and we're in preparation for one with Equity representatives (and are planning to do future ones with AGMA, IATSE, etc).
SMA has also started recognizing stage managers at the local levels as far as an ad in the Philly regional awards (I can't remember the name of them right off). I'm also hosting a Drink Night in Dayton Ohio tomorrow evening. (I'm working there in town, but actually live in Denver.)
For the first time, the SMA is also making a presence at several "booths" this year. We'll be at the Entertainment Industry Expo later this month (including hosting a panel with stage managers and company managers), as well as at USITT in Houston in March. We're trying to get our "brand" out there not only to stage managers, but people who HIRE stage managers (and thus would submit more job postings, etc).
Some of your benefit in the SMA is whatever you CHOOSE to get out of it. Take advantage of what we offer, and if you want something, like to host your own drink night in your area, ask the Board for help, and we will! (Heck, many never thought I'd get 20 people to RSVP in Dayton, Ohio!!) But Maryland is relatively close to DC, and there are quite a few things going on with SMA members there.
Erin
Co-Secretary, SMA