The Actors Fund

by mariah bowlesJun 25, 2018

Although the title may be misleading, the Actors Fund is actually for all those involved in film, theatre or performance.

Let’s face it, life gets hard sometimes. Additionally, there are certain elements of difficulty that come with being an artist that are different from challenges that people in other career fields might face. These include things like finances, work stability, career benefits, etc. Especially as an actor or director just starting out, these and many other factors can be incredibly stressful and concerning. When emergencies or unexpected costs arise, such a volatile field can pose difficulties. That is not to say that we should give up on our dreams, and just shortly we’ll supply some quotes to prove that, but it can mean that we are faced with some very unique hardships at times. And now, as promised, the quotes:

“To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.”
― Robert Louis Stevenson

“What is a man, if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more. Sure he that made us with such large discourse, looking before and after, gave us not that capability and god-like reason to fust in us unused.”
― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

About Actors Fund

Yes, alright, so the idea of using our talents and not letting them go to waste is here to stay. Now what about those difficulties we’ve been discussing? Today, this article is to make artists aware of a significant non-profit known as the Actors Fund. Although the title may be misleading, the Actors Fund is actually for all those involved in film, theatre or performance.

As it states on their website: “The Actors Fund fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan.” That is pretty cool. This article aims to make more artists aware of the Actors Fund, so that they can contribute to it, show support, and/or receive vital help when necessary. Sounds like a plan to us.

Let’s talk a little more about what kind of services the Actors Fund offers. To begin with, free workshops in Burbank, Chicago, L.A. and New York provide artists with an in-person experience lending knowledge, skills, and resources. Workshops cover subjects such as managing cash flow, job searching, underearning, strategies for fighting depression and anxiety, and career assessment. WOW. There are workshops throughout the week at varying times, with many in a single day, so finding one to suit your schedule is a real possibility. If you don’t live in an area where services are offered, another option is that of the online resource page. Here you can search by state, by resource category, or by specific keywords. There is a lot of stuff on there that can be really useful.

The Actors Fund also offers services and information regarding social services and financial assistance, careers, health and health insurance, affordable housing, senior care, finances and money management, and young performer/parenting resources. For instance, Actors Fund hosts a health insurance resource center, through which consultants lend advice to those not covered by an employer or union health plan. These consultations are available nationwide via phone or email, and can help artists find coverage options. In a similar vein, there is also a mental health sector of the Actors Fund that provides “Evaluation and referrals, short-term treatment, crisis intervention, and advocacy/connections to community treatment resources”. These are just a few specific examples of the many services the Actors Fund provides.

How To Donate

Now you may be asking, “This sounds awesome! How can I help out or be involved?” Well, ponderous reader, we read your mind. You can make a donation, become a member or purchase tickets to their special performances and events. The lowest end of membership starts at $25 and includes some special benefits. In regards to other ways of supporting, we’d also suggest calling to see if there are any ways to volunteer or help out locally. You can check out the Actors Fund website at https://actorsfund.org.

“To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.”

― Robert Louis Stevenson

Sources for this article

Photos on Unsplash.

https://actorsfund.org/

What do you think? Have you/has anyone you know ever utilized any of the Actors Fund resources? What was your experience? Please comment below!

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