I HATE WHEN MY FAMILY ASK ME “do you have a backup plan” AND I’M LIKE GURL THIS IS MY PASSION DON’T KILL MY VIBE( being an actress is hella hard, but I love it)
I get that but at the same time, there are/will be people who depend on you. It's one thing to just go all in if you're the only on on the line, but otherwise it's selfish. This is coming from a person who wanted to be a performer. Won contests, awards etc. but it wasn't sustainable. It's good to be passionate and follow your dreams but don't be selfish about it.
Same. People always say “oh go get a real job, you’ll be living in the streets”. do I LOOK like I care? If I’m doing what I live, which is acting, I don’t care if I don’t have the money to buy a fancy house. Heck, I’ll rent an apartment or live with my parents but nothing will stop me from doing what I love.
Well it is important to have a back up plan. If you need to eat and don't have money for it, then you may have to at least look for a second job. Or if you have a child and you're not making money to take care of them you have to put their needs before yours. It's not completely giving up on Theater. Just make sure, like she said. Have a second job. so you can at least eat.
I'm not even an actor, I've been doing mainly spot op for the past 8 years and now I'm a freshman in college for tech theatre, I've just been watching/a member of the cult for years lol (probably since the black hair Kat days ha)
Money is honestly one of the scariest parts about this industry, so glad you made a video on it though, hearing people talk about it more and all the options very definitely makes me feel less scared and more motivated!!
Ashleythe_angel in what way? (Btw I’m a teenager lol it’s hilarious when people throw those words around) I’m just trying to do something I love, and people are telling me not to. I only get one life, and I want to do what I want, and not waste away in an office. I don’t care about money, either. If I have to live with my parents, fine! I was born with no talent for singing, dancing, or acting. I worked my way up to a high level from where I was, and I will continue working until I fulfill my dream.
I was dreading the “how is school going” question, but I didn’t get asked that question. Instead, I heard “how’s the singing going,” which broke my heart because I had to stop singing after an injury. I’m healed, but now I spend all my time studying...to get a degree in management because I’m trying to get a job in arts administration so I can get my foot in the stage door that way.
The question I dread every year: "Have a boyfriend yet?" No. *Edit:* My singing teacher is an Opera singer who travels a lot. She had no gigs this year and got this teaching job at my Arts School. She talks about this money problem a lot and that taking another job is never a failure. It's just another step to continue what you love💗
I recently didn't get cast for a show (which in my short acting career, was a first) and this helped remind me that it might not have been about my actual talent. Plus, learning about finance is extremely important, especially if you're looking for a career in the arts. So thank you :D
Answer to the question of the day: So, do you think you can make it through the theatre world and get some money? Like, seriously mom, I already know you don't want me to become an actor but calm down I want to eat in friggin peace.
Answer to the Question of the Day: "How's work going?" I work for my dad, I can't exactly say anything negative about it. I also didn't plan to still be there 3 years after starting, so ...
@@Kath_Steele I was talking to my aunt and she said that when her friend went to see it, people in the audience left during the performance because they thought it would be a musical about the teachings of actual Mormons!
Another job to consider is that of a “Standardized Patient” (SP) at a medical school. Basically, you play the role (based on a provided profile/script) of a person seeking help at doctor’s office. The purpose is to build & evaluate interviewing/bedside manner/diagnostic skills in medical students. Can be something as simple as an ulcer or as complex as mental health issues. One such program is at the UIC (University of Illinois - Chicago), but no doubt there are others. (Medical students‘ grades are impacted by SPs’ evaluations, so any program should include significant training for the SPs.)
I have an audition on Sunday for my drama clubs Christmas show. I just recently started doing theater and listening to cast recordings and love theater now!
wauw it's like you read my mind today! I was working as a waitress today in the theatre nearby , I came home, saw the bills i had to pay and just had a bit of a low moment : 'how am i ever gonna do that makes me happy, and still pay to have a modest life?'. Sometimes it feels like i'm even furter away from my theatre goals as i was in college. I took a warm shower, tried to relax my panicy thoughts and (tried to) put it back in perspective. I just know theatre is the thing i should do and want to do, i maybe have to be a bit more creative in making money out of it. I work a few jobs now : musical theatre teacher for kids and also as a director for kids, I choreograph for teaching institutes and work as a waitress and hostes at a theatre nearby. What you say Kath is so true! It's not like the saving answer to my current struggle, but seeing and hearing you lifted so mutch waight in a way! I'm from the Netherlands, so hearing this from you from all the way in America makes me feel more connected to the theatre community in days! Isn' it funny that even tho miles away actors face the same struggles?! Have a good day Kath (and any other person who (probibly won't) read this)!! thanks so mutch for the clear sky in my head!!
As a performing arts major in college, I definitely needed a video like this, I've had talks about this kind of stuff with a former director in community college. And now that I'm at a university I need to start looking for internships, so this video helped me kinda find a place to start looking for what I'd want to do for one, because it has been STRESSING me out. So thank you for that!
Kat I cannot thank you enough for all of your educational theater videos, as a young actor you are quite literally the only professional actor that I can get advice from and I am so thankful for that.
Every SINGLE year this conversation occurs multiple times: Relatives: “Why don’t you have a girlfriend? You’re such a handsome young man!” Me: “Oh, I’m just not interest in dating yet.” Me in my head: “Cuz I’m g a y”
My parents ask me this every day: Why can’t you get rid of those useless acting dreams and join the Air Force/ go to community college like a normal dumb kid? They don’t call me dumb but emphasize it.... A LOT
I'm so glad you made a video about this! I feel like there is also a stereotype that the only side jobs our there for performers are in the food industry and retail. I'm glad there are other options if those jobs aren't for you; it's a matter of getting creative! Thank you so much!
Honestly I am so glad that this came on my screen. I had desided that I could never pursue me dream of being a part of the arts because of the lack in stability( and lack of experience) . This video inspired me to begin to work for what I wanted even if I may not live the most comfortably. After all I don't want to do this for the money but because I love the arts and how it can change people's lives.❤🖤❤🖤❤
IVE NEVER BEEN THIS EARLY!! I love this channel, and you! Most of my theatre skills have been enhanced because of you, and I feel more prepared for auditions, and theatre life because of you! Love you!!
@06:00 I think the quote you're looking for is in the THR Tony Award Actresses Roundtable. Kelli O'Hara ❤️ (@13:05): ...we have a lot of our best actors in this country doing a little television on the side to support their theater habit.
Thanks so much for this video! ❤ As much fun as theatre is, it's important to be informed about the less pleasant parts of the career path we've chosen 👌
*katherine talking about tony hale* i worship him! *my theatre kid ass breaking into our love is god by heathers* I WORSHIP YOU! ID TRADE MY LIFE FOR YOURS
GIRL I needed this more than you know. The grad school application hustle, the regional theatre audition hustle, the day job hustle, it’s tew much and I need constant validation 😭 ily kath
I plan on doing side jobs in high school for money (which I'll save some for later in life), go to college for music so I have experience with music and acting, become a choir teacher for a school (preferably middle school or high school), do a job on the weekends (Starbucks or Shoprite), and do theatre auditions when they are available at a community theatre or other places. Also, if needed, I could be in charge of the drama club at whatever school I work at so I could direct that every year and get some experience (which will add on to the experience I already have since I student-directed my middle school's show last year).
I’ve always been very academic as well as creative- for the longest time i just kind of settled for the fact i would be a doctor when i was older because i’m smart enough and i knew it would make me a lot of money. But the best choice i ever made was following my dreams of performing arts, maybe i’ll be poor, and that’s what everyone keeps saying, but at least i’ll be happy.
Local actors thrive in October... Halloween events... Not as serious, and it PAYS. Dinner Theatre... Local commercials... Company Mascot... (Sweaty Costume)
I think the best advice I’d give aspiring Broadway performers is “be flexible”. Being able to cover lead roles is basically mandatory in today’s scene. Virtually every member of the Hadestown chorus covers a lead role. (And theres still offstage swings and dance captains) And it’s really how you can get a pay raise.
Rn I’m 15 and a write, direct, and act in plays I write myself over the summer at a small theatre a rent out once a year. My first show made $500+ in tickets! Hoping to make a career out this, wish me luck
Hey Katherine! I just want to say that I watch your videos and love your content. You're also really beautiful to boot. Hearing you talk gives me a lot of hope and relief as an aspiring actor/performer. You're right about Backstage. Backstage is an extremely useful resource and tool for any aspiring actor/performer. I like to read their articles especially on actors and actresses. I even booked a couple student film gigs in my area thanks to Backstage. My only problem with Backstage is the gigs and offers are predominantly in the NYC or LA area. If one doesn't live near any of those areas (like I do), they're out of luck, I hate to say. 😞 I've been acting/performing most of my life. I took part in community theatre productions during high school. I sang in school choir through all of high school. I studied theatre arts at a junior college. I acted in some short and student films in my area. I've done voice lessons with a voice teacher. Sadly, though, opportunities for me have become scarce recently. On top of that, I live in Upstate New York, in an area with not much of a film/theatre scene. Regional theatres are difficult to get into in my area with most of the roles going to NYC actors. I have Aspergers (a mild case of it), live with my parents, and am still working on my license so I can become more self-sufficient. I really want to take more acting and voice lessons but at the moment, it is hard for me to get around living in a rural area without a car. I would have loved to attend a bigger school like Julliard or NYU but, due to money and coming from a working-class family, I settled for community college. College, especially for performers, has become so expensive in recent years. Only children born with silver spoons in their mouths can choose what they want to study without fear of a price tag. I made the painful decision to not get a BA, BFA, or MFA in acting/theatre because I fear of being in debt until the age of 60. A degree in acting or theatre doesn't 100% guarantee a career in the performing arts. However, I am thinking about going back to school to get a degree (even just a two-year degree) in something STEM-related as a way to help me build income while still pursuing my dream of being an actor of any medium. But that's okay. I can still go on auditions, take acting classes, masterclasses, and private lessons, and work on my craft while I can. We can't all be Ben Platt. Margaret Hamilton worked as a kindergarten schoolteacher. Peter Falk worked as an accountant. Philip Glass was a plumber and taxi driver until the age of 40. Harrison Ford was a self-taught carpenter before he landed "Star Wars" (1977). Jeremy Renner was a makeup artist. Jon Hamm worked as a drama teacher. It's okay to do something else to pay the bills until you are comfortably established as an artist and performer. There is no direct path to success. I'm going to keep auditioning. I'm going to keep going over the monologues I've already memorized. I'm going to keep reading and studying plays. I'm going to keep listening to Broadway soundtracks. I'm going to keep taking acting classes and private lessons. I'm going to keep studying and watching films (especially since I'm more of a film geek than a theatre geek anyway). 😉 If worse comes to worse, I've thought about writing a script or a one-character play as an opportunity for me as an actor/performer. I have ideas for the kind of characters and roles that I would love to play as an actor. Acting is a marathon, not a sprint. Thank you Katherine!
Family: "What are you going to major in?", "well...that's a little...Unconventional..., how do you plan on making money?, my favorite is... "oh okay, What is that?" I also do pretty good accents, and I hear: "do a *whatever accent* for me"
Thank you so much for making this! As a high school theatre kid, I’ve always been told that I shouldn’t do theatre as a career because I can’t make a living from it. This gives me so much relief to know that I can!
Thank you so much for this! As someone who's aspiring to be a professional performer someday, this is helping me big time trying to figure out where to go from here. Take care!
I have to write an essay over "can you make a living with your major?" and after watching this video I feel one thousand percent better about writing this paper. Thanks Katherine!!!
I’ve just realized Every theater Thursday for me is really theater-y Vocal lessons, for theater. Sometimes auditions. You. And I just.... I do a lot more. I love theater Thursday’s.
My dad used to say to me every morning (before he went to work & I went to grade school), “Don’t get married while I’m gone!” Confused the heck out of me (especially since I was *painfully* shy) and probably was one of the reasons why I over-analyzed every interaction I had w/my male classmates. Not at all good for my mental health or relationships! Looking back (many, many decades), I realize that it was his way of telling me he loved me, of him wanting to make a connection with me. (He’s been gone 21 years, so I can’t confirm w/him, but I’m confident I’m right.) Unsolicited advice: Run it past your parent(s) first, but say to this relative something like, “With all due respect, you may consider that question to be funny, but actually it is an entirely inappropriate one to be asking an 11yo....or, anybody at any age, for that matter.” (Or say it in a funnier way, but still get your point across.)
Dear Person reading this, THIS CAN BE YOUR CAREER. In no way is acting an “unrealistic career.” I just booked my second professional paid contract as an adult and am preparing myself for my first national tour (I did this without an agent or manager) I was never the most talented in my acting classes, or the funniest or the prettiest or the favorite. But I am the only one of my classmates with professional credits and that is because I am the MOST RESILIENT. Resilience will get you farther than anything else in this industry. I’m only 22 years old but already most of my old classmates have given up on acting. Not everyone sticks with it. But if you stick with acting, it eventually WILL become your career.
OMG thank you for making this video I’ve been freaking out about how much money I will make considering I want a career as an actor and my mom doesn’t want me to because she thinks that actors don’t make any money, so thank you ❤️❤️
I'm currently 16 and my plan is to work at my families bar when I'm 18 so then it's extra flexible and I can audition for stuff whilst having a job that I can change timings around to fit when I'm free.
question of the day answer: i have two answers actually: 1. “how are you?” like how do you expect me to answer that positively? like i don’t wanna be like “life sucks, i hate life.” but i also don’t wanna be like sunshines and rainbows. 2. “oh are you losing weight? /oh look you’ve lost weight.” i mean like sure but i am kind of insecure about my weight so it’s “nice” to know you thought i needed to lose weight before.
