Well, here we are…Fall is upon us in this back-to-school season where money always seems to be a little tight. We overspent on that summer trip, we didn’t budget enough for the school supplies, we realize that old winter coat ain’t gonna cut it this year and what gets pushed aside…investments in your craft. So, when we have no money, what can we do to keep our instincts and abilities fresh and at their best? Here’s a few ideas from some actors in the same boat…
1) Use the down time to read new material to improve your knowledge of plays/scripts.
2) Get double the bang and look for new audition material as you read the new pieces.
3) Pull out the old monologues you threw away 6 months ago and see how you can approach it now, what do you discover?
4) Get 5 friends together for pizza and wine – cheap pizza and CHEAP wine – and read a play together. Really discuss the characters and how they came out with the reading by your fellow actors. If your group were to produce this play, what would be the major challenges? Really get into some in-depth script analysis.
5) Do research online – what shows are on TV this fall, and who’s casting them? Talk to your agent about going in for those shows.
6) No agent – start talking to your friends and give them a picture and resume with a cover letter to take to their agent. Referrals are a great way to open doors.
7) Get to the gym! Winter is approaching, but you must keep your body – as well as your mind – sharp and ready for anything. 
Find ways to compromise without breaking your spirit, so you can save some money for class next month.
Remember – actors never stop learning. We are in the occupation of studying life and as long as life keeps changing, we must keep up with the learning curve. So be creative – after all, you are an artist.