Why Are Actors Paying So Much Money to Events and So-Called Classes
- Lisina
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
And the unspoken implication, that access to opportunity can be bought!
Let’s talk about the growing trend of actors paying exorbitant amounts of money for events, workshops, or even just the chance to be in front of agents and casting directors. Let's talk about what it means to gravitate towards integrity and away from short-cuts to success.
Let me be clear—I'm all for professional development. I understand the value of training, growth, and networking. There are some fantastic classes out there, taught by genuinely passionate people who care about craft. But the line between opportunity and exploitation is getting blurrier by the day, and more often than not, I’m seeing actors—especially those early in their careers—being asked to empty their pockets for the possibility of exposure.
We’re told to "invest in ourselves," and yes, there's truth in that. But when actors encouraged to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars just to meet a casting director or have someone promise you career growth, it starts to feel less like an investment and more like a pay-to-play system. And the unspoken implication? That access to opportunity can be bought.
And let’s not ignore the psychological toll. It’s disheartening to feel like your future depends more on how much you can spend rather than how much you’ve trained, studied, or grown as an artist. When success starts to feel transactional, it can chip away at your sense of purpose and passion.
I’m not here to throw shade on every workshop or networking event. Some are truly worth it—well-structured, honest, and focused on real growth. But as a community, we need to talk more about why actors are being asked to spend so much just to be seen, and whether these systems are helping or hindering the industry as a whole.
Let’s build a space where talent, dedication, and hard work are valued more than the size of the check you write. Where actors don’t feel pressured to “buy” their shot. You don’t have to pay someone to prove that you can do the job.
If you have experienced this, been approached to pay for this or feel taken by one of these offers and want me to hear your story, please comment below or email me if you don't want to make it public. lisina@thecompanyactingstudio.com
Comments