{"id":29536,"date":"2025-01-15T20:52:28","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T20:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/acting\/acting-life-during-a-strike\/"},"modified":"2025-01-15T20:52:28","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T20:52:28","slug":"acting-life-during-a-strike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=29536","title":{"rendered":"Acting Life During a Strike"},"content":{"rendered":"


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So, you graduated from acting school or finally made that move to the big city\u2026only to be greeted with the double whammy of a SAG-AFTRA and<\/em> WGA strike. Maybe you\u2019re a professional working actor, hit with the same hiatus. What may seem like an overwhelming time is actually a historical one; a major milestone for the entertainment industry. The question is, how do you map out your acting life during this strike? We want our students, alums, and actor peers who may feel overwhelmed during the strike to know that you\u2019re not alone! <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Progress is<\/em> finally being made at the bargaining table\u2026so stay positive, and check out the ideas below, as we hopefully see a \u201clight at the end of the tunnel.\u201d <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Our ASC instructors and friends demonstrating acting life during a strike!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

One of our favorite things about being an acting studio is cultivating a supportive community of artists. <\/strong>Additionally, there\u2019s so much introspective work to be done while most of us are on a hiatus. For instance, have you ever asked yourself what you<\/em> like to do outside <\/em>of acting? Have you wanted to travel somewhere exotic or try that killer hairstyle you (or your agents) have talked yourself out of getting?\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cAs actors, we aim to tell stories of all kinds of human experiences. So take some time to have some new experiences. Trade skills with someone, listen to a band you\u2019ve never heard of, read a book someone recommends, draw a picture of a tree or someone you love, try a food you\u2019ve never eaten before, sit in the grass in silence, ask someone to tell you a joke\u2026expanding your experiences will make you a better actor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Janelle Snow, ASC Instructor<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Getting to know yourself<\/a> fully and outlining what you want in life is just as key as fulfilling your creative dreams.<\/strong> Aristotle once said, \u201cKnowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.\u201d Charting what makes you you<\/em> will only strengthen your ability to bring yourself to a role.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Everything that has happened to you in your life is fodder for your work as an actor.<\/p>\n

C. Stephen Foster\u2019s Awakening the Actor Within: A Twelve-Week Workbook to Recover and Discover Your Acting Talents<\/em>\u00a0<\/a>
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After your much-deserved self-contemplation, let\u2019s not forget that there actually is<\/em> acting work blissfully unaffected by the strikes\u2026theatre<\/em>!<\/strong> Not to mention union & non-union commercials, student films, micro-budget films, and (our favorite) acting classes<\/a>\ud83d\ude42\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Speaking of which, we gathered a few friends and fellow advocates for Chicago actors Ilyssa Fradin, Janelle Snow, and Mickie Paskal to discuss navigating and nurturing your acting life during the strike.\u00a0<\/p>\n

First question! What\u2019s one lesson you\u2019ve learned during this strike? And\/ or have you learned something new (about yourself or maybe a new skill)?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ilyssa:<\/strong> \u201cHOLD THE LINE! Our union(s) are only as strong as our members. With our siblings in the WGA and non\/pre members, we must stand strong and stand together to get what is fair for all of us. Seeing how we are part of a greater labor movement and taking this stance has been eye-opening. Our sacrifice will help not only us but will also help other workers in other industries. #UnionStrong\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilyssa Fradin, SAG-AFTRA Chicago member\/actor, Chicago Local Board member, National Board member<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Mickie:<\/strong> \u201cOh goodness. Does building my skills in Hyrule while playing Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom count as a new skill?\u00a0 This strike brings up all the old pandemic feelings, yes?\u00a0 Being cut off from our community. From making the art we all love.\u00a0 From the loss of collaboration.\u00a0 And yet\u2026. I feel, as I did during the pandemic, very close to the actors and artists in our town.\u00a0 In sharing the feelings of loss and frustration, and yet knowing\u2026KNOWING\u2026that this too shall end.\u00a0 And we will drive back into that precious world of make-believe and storytelling that fills us all up.\u00a0 And I feel grateful that we will soon be on the other side of this.\u00a0 Together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mickie Paskal, Paskal Rudnicke Casting
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Janelle: <\/strong>\u201cI\u2019ve been wearing my SAG STRONG shirt a lot, and I\u2019m surprised (and delighted) at how often a random stranger will see it and express support. The other day I was in the aisle of a grocery store, and someone walked by and said, \u2018Totally with you and what you\u2019re fighting for!\u2019 \u201c<\/p>\n

Janelle Snow, ASC Instructor<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Local SAG\/AFTRA President and ASC Instructor, Charles Andrew Gardner and friends.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

If you could give 1-3 pieces of advice for all of us maneuvering acting life during a strike, what would they be?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ilyssa:<\/strong> \u201cPatience. We wait so long for that audition or that booking, to get on set or see ourselves on a screen. Any strike is hard, but this strike is about the future of our work and our industry. We must have patience and solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Mickie: <\/strong>\u201cLive your life.\u00a0 Explore.\u00a0 Experience.\u00a0 Find activities that challenge you and how you think of yourself.\u00a0 Nothing plays better than actual life experience on camera.\u00a0 Go get some!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Janelle:<\/strong> \u201cStay strong. Connect with other actor artists, and remind yourselves that this is one of those times when the personal struggle of the present will pay off in the future for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How do you keep your creative and professional focus during an industry lull\/ standstill? What do you recommend others focus on during a time like this?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ilyssa<\/strong>: \u201cSAG-AFTRA covers way more than just TV and Film. An actor can continue to work under many other contracts, (commercials, podcasts, audiobooks, corporate education, even interim agreement projects or student and short film agreements). Take a class, audition for theater, read scripts, See plays. Never stop working on your skills! Stay creative!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Mickie<\/strong>: \u201cI read. A lot.\u00a0 I watch films.\u00a0 I watch television.\u00a0 To keep myself present in the industry.\u00a0 Feels good to watch others do what they do best.\u00a0 And I have been seeing a lot of theatre.\u00a0 And that is my happy place. Saw a show at Steep recently.\u00a0 And that feels like where I am supposed to be within the industry.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Janelle:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m fortunate to spend time almost every day in a classroom working and playing with other actor artists. I think this is a great time to take a class to connect with your creativity and with the community!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

There is a world outside of the film & TV industry (and even, dare I say it, ACTING)- what other ways do you<\/em> create an artistic lifestyle outside of your passion for the dramatic arts?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ilyssa<\/strong>: :I have been really impressed by the generosity of our membership and the greater public across the country. They\u2019re not only giving their time to various strike actions, they are also turning passion into purpose. Members are offering strike discounts on classes or headshots, discounts at stores and restaurants they own or work at. They\u2019re volunteering at food banks, raising funds to help other workers by donating to the Entertainment Fund or SAG-AFTRA foundation.\u00a0 Oftentimes actors are perceived as selfish or self-centered, but this strike has brought out the best of us, we are finding ways to give back and support each other. We are #SAGAFTRAstrong\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Mickie: <\/strong>\u201cBack to Hyrule for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Janelle<\/strong>: I\u2019m not sure I know how to define an artistic lifestyle, but there\u2019s plenty of art to enjoy \u2013 books, paintings, sculpture, pottery, street murals, music \u2013 and ways that you can create art yourself. I love to crochet, and taking yarn and turning it into something is an art form I find relaxing and creative (and really anyone can do it!).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Remember to keep training and creating during a time like this\u2013whenever there\u2019s a slow point (or standstill) in this industry, never give up hope. <\/strong>Additionally, supporting your fellow artists not only helps you stay optimistic but more importantly, helps you to build your community.<\/p>\n

So, find your people, spread the love, and never stop creating your artist\u2019s life! If you\u2019re ever in doubt, all of us at Acting Studio Chicago are here for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Janelle Snow<\/a> is a graduate\u00a0of Northwestern and Harvard Universities and has been active in the Chicago acting community for over two decades, appearing on stage at the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, American Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, Eclipse Theatre, Circle Theatre and more, picking up\u00a0multiple Jeff nominations and awards along the way. She also trained at Second City and iO and has studied with Uta Hagen and F. Murray Abraham. A proud Actors\u2019 Equity and SAG-AFTRA member, she\u2019s also appeared in numerous commercials and industrials. Janelle worked in casting alongside Jane Alderman for several years and teaches On Camera and Professional Preparation\u00a0at The Theatre School at DePaul University and the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Janelle also teaches at Northwestern Univ. and has been on the faculty of Acting Studio Chicago since 2013!<\/p>\n

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Ilyssa Fradin<\/a> is a professional actress based in Chicago, Ilyssa has been seen on a variety of off loop stages and has worked successfully as a full time Voice Over artist as well as appearing in a variety of TV and film projects and commercials. She can currently be seen on stage at Theatre Wit in Mia McCullough\u2019s new play Household Spirits.<\/strong>..thru Nov. 11th.<\/p>\n

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Micki Paskal<\/a>, C.S.A. has been a casting director in Chicago for the past 31 years. She has cast for hundreds of commercial clients both regionally and nationally. Past film\/tv credits include Public Enemies, Road to Perdition, Fargo, What Women Want, Amityville Horror<\/strong>, Stranger Than Fiction<\/strong> and The Bear<\/strong>. She has worked with film directors such as Michael Mann, Robert Altman, the Coen Brothers, Sam Mendes, Marc Forster and Harold Ramis. Together with Jennifer Rudnicke she owns & runs PR Casting.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n