Actor Prejudice

     I absolutely abhor the stigma that comes with being an actor; that we are flaky, irresponsible, and head-in-the-clouds sort of folk. The best actors I know are completely grounded and responsible. We have to be smart about our reputations to thrive in this industry. So why the stigma?

   I'm looking for a new place to live, and every place, without fail, asks what you do for a living. They want to know that you have enough money to pay your rent. Breathe one word about being an auditioning actor and you are out the door. 

   Looking for a new job, the same issue applies. Tell them that you are an actor and want some scheduling flexibility, you are taken out of the running. They want someone more "commitment-worthy," even if it is an entry-level desk job. Actors are even more qualified for working in office situations, we are people-persons and intelligent. We want these jobs so we can survive for our real passion; wouldn't we be more likely to be committed to your company that an average entry-level Joe on the street with no direction?

   I hate lying about my profession! I've started telling folks I work in sales, just so I can be put in the same running as everyone else working a job they can't stand. Yes, I am in sales, but for a few hours a week. I am proud as hell about my actor-status that it kills me to define myself otherwise. 

   As an actor, it can be tricky to prove your income. Its not as easy as saying, I work hourly and I make $X.XX a year. My income is made up of varied sources. Part time jobs, freelancing, and topped off by contractual acting gigs. I'm not a 100% working actor yet, so I am piecing my life together on 1099s. 

   Why do I constantly have to prove my monetary worth to others?

   Jobs, housing, I can understand where they are coming from. But even meeting people day to day, when they find out you are an actor, they inevitably ask, 

   "So how do you survive?"

   I feel like it is no one's business but my own. I'm surviving just fine, thank you. My money and time are just as good as anyone else's; so why do I have to sum up my financial snapshot to everyone I meet?

#grrr.

(photo by Ronnie Nelson)

-- Brittany Baratz

Comments

[Brittany Baratz]

Yes! They need to stop making it harder for the rest of us.

[Sarah Wharton]

I hear ya. And I have run into the same problem. But stay proud!! It goes both ways. I know a lot of people that look at their W2s and their 9-5 in comparison to my 4 1099s, erratic hours and completely unpredictable adventures as an actor and envy my life. Yes, HR at most career-based companies is going to hear "actor" and suddenly look like there's a bad smell in the room, but they're not so important in the greater scheme of things.
As for the "survival" question... I find answering with "Is that a rhetorical question?" usually does a good job of confusing the other party enough to make them stop and think about what they just asked me OR I just say "I freelance." Something about the word "free" creates immediate job envy, however unspecific it may be :)

[Brittany Baratz]

Thanks for the feedback! It's comforting to know that we're not alone in this crazy journey. Glad that you are enjoying my posts. :D

[Hilary]

Q: How do you survive?
A: Breathe in, breathe out, 3 squares a day, and yoga.

[Justine]

I know what you mean about not knowing the 'right' answer to questions from potential employers or landlords. When it comes to landlords, I guess sometimes you do have to lie a little. Registered with a temp agency? List them as your employer, even if they're not actively getting you work. Or list anyone who you have gotten a paycheck from over the past year. Or see if someone you know can be your "employer" and a reference for you, if the landlord needs to call. (Just don't say your employer is Vandalay Industries--all you Seinfeld viewers will remember why!)

I can kind of understand it, from landlord/management companies point of view. They don't know us personally, and they want to make sure they are getting someone stable and trustworthy. Dress the part, act the part.....be the part.

[Justine]

P.S. Check out Laura Hunter's May 26 Unscripted post, as she talks about how to handle the "day job" question.

[Brittany Baratz]

@Hilary...when you said 3 squares, I thought you meant of chocolate! That would help too :)

@Justine...yes, totally agree. Everyone is just trying to protect themselves, but I had being classified as "untrustworthy" off the bat, ya know?