73.3% — Theatre workers surveyed who have considered leaving or already left the field because of financial constraints. (Theatre Communications Group, Heart, Hustle, Survival)
57% — U.S. artists worried about affording basic necessities such as food, housing, utilities, or healthcare. (NORC at the University of Chicago, National Survey of Artists)
$15,000 — Median income from U.S. artists' primary jobs in the National Survey of Artists. (NORC at the University of Chicago, National Survey of Artists)
61% — Artists' primary jobs that are part-time. (NORC at the University of Chicago, National Survey of Artists)
29% — Arts alumni respondents in the 2025 SNAAP Pulse survey who were not working in the arts. (Strategic National Arts Alumni Project, 2025 Pulse Core Survey)
73% — Actors reported losing sleep because of money worries. (Actors' Trust, Spotlights and Shadows, 2026)
69% — Actors reported problems having enough money for day-to-day living expenses or paying bills. (Actors' Trust, Spotlights and Shadows, 2026)
39% — Actors had made late payments or missed payments entirely during the previous three years. (Actors' Trust, Spotlights and Shadows, 2026)
24% — Actors reported an extreme problem with not having enough savings to cover emergencies. (Actors' Trust, Spotlights and Shadows, 2026)
SO, WHAT IF ACTORS OR OTHER ARTISTS CHOSE TO QUIT FOR A MORE STABLE LIFE?
It would cause a serious reduction in artists, which would affect far more than entertainment; it would weaken our economy, culture, communities, education, innovation, and ability to preserve and share the stories of our time. Artists fuel industries that support millions of jobs, strengthen social connection, inspire creativity, preserve cultural identity, and help ensure that diverse experiences and perspectives are represented. Most importantly, when financial barriers force talented people out of the arts, we risk creating a world where artistic careers are determined not by talent or potential, but by who can afford to stay in the pursuit. When we lose an artist, we also lose the stories they may have told, the people they may have inspired, and the cultural and economic contributions they may have made.

In our first two years:
We've educated, mentored, and empowered more than 300 actors through Atlanta's most affordable acting classes, complete with unmatched perks, resources, and career development opportunities. Through our Affordable Education program, we've made professional acting training more accessible and affordable for performers.

In our first two years:
Through our Dreams & Opportunities program, more than 200 actors have learned directly from accomplished industry professionals, including RonReaco Lee, Gail Bean, Malcolm M. Mays, Isaiah John, Reign Edwards, Judd Lormand, Lauren Buglioli, Marquita Goings, and many others through our educational workshops, classes, and Lead Actor Educational Panel.

In our first two years:
Through our "Think Like" workshop series and 12 Days of Christmas, we've connected more than 200 actors with talent agents, resulting in at least 20% securing representation or a meeting and taking meaningful steps forward in their careers.

In our first two years:
Through our "Think Like" workshop series, we've introduced more than 100 actors to casting directors, providing opportunities to be seen, receive professional feedback, and begin building valuable industry relationships.

In our first two years:
Through our Survive & Thrive program, now known as The Fund, we've provided more than $16,000 in emergency financial assistance to actors facing financial hardship, with every dollar underwritten directly by our Board of Directors.

In our first two years:
We've brought hundreds of actors together through community-building events such as ActorsGiving and A Walk with Actors for Actors, creating meaningful opportunities for networking, collaboration, and lasting professional relationships. Overall, in the last two years, we've helped over 1000 actors in a meaningful, impactful way.

The Fund provides emergency financial assistance to working actors in the Southeast who are facing unexpected hardships. Powered by contributions from actors and supporters, every donation helps an actor stay in the fight for their career when they need it most.
Today it may be their struggle. Tomorrow it may be yours.