In the words of those we help

EAG's programs and services sustain and support the careers of working actors, singers, and dancers in NYC. 

We are here to help bridge those inevitable gaps that happen in arts careers and get people back on stage or on set and performing. Here's a story from one of the talented actors we serve:

1.) What surprised you about asking for support? 
I would say one of the biggest things EAG does effortlessly is understanding why I might need support as an artist. At the Guild there is the knowledge that an artistic life is filled with ups and downs. There are times when you can make a great deal of money and then there are really fallow periods in which you are still working on your craft but you don't have the money to sustain you. It was surprising and a relief that there was no need to be interrogated; that's not the energy at all. The process is much more caring and concerned. 

2.) What would I say to an actor who is afraid to ask for help? 
Man, don't be afraid to go to EAG, because they are the least scary people on earth. You feel seen. You are heard. It's a beautiful environment. It's cozy. You have privacy. You are treated with respect. You are not in some ghastly fluorescent-lit assembly line waiting for your number to be called. You are in a homey comforting space where Karen, whom I have known for years, sits down and really listens to you. She is tremendously supportive. Boy, don't be scared to go. I'd be more afraid of the subway. 

3.) What was happening in your life when you reached out? 
Well, I've asked for help many a time with, thank God, long periods in between when I was making a lot of money, but I think that's something that is understood; that except for rare individuals who are independent financially or have a unbroken string of work, it's unusual to not have fallow periods. And there are times when even with side jobs while you pursue your profession, you can come upon times of great financial strain. It's invaluable to know that there is a place to go where that is understood. I met Karen back in 2007, I was having trouble making money even with my teaching side jobs, and then I had a good period when I made money, but post pandemic I hit a rough patch again and I needed help with my health insurance. Each time I went to EAG, there was no third degree, no judgment, just a caring place.

4.) What kind of support made the biggest difference? 
You would think that what would make the biggest difference is the money, being able to pay my health insurance. In a funny way, yes, that was huge, to be able to continue to have the security of having health insurance, but really, the support that made the biggest difference was the care and the immediacy of the response. That's something I have always felt so loved by that when I have asked for help usually within twenty four hours, Karen writes back " We can help you." That kindness is so comforting. It's just, don't worry, obviously you are having a hard time, we are not here to make it harder. Just the opposite, actually. The responses I've received have been done with such finesse and subtlety.

5.) What do you wish more people understood about artist's financial realities?
Again, there are great periods where you can get a lot of money and residuals and then there are periods where you don't. It's harder sometimes when you are older and then all of a sudden you can have another period where you are working again. It's very much an erratic field.

However, if in your soul, ever since you were a little kid, for me this is certainly true, you love the arts more than anything else, there is really nothing else you can do but follow that call. It's soul work. I think Kurt Vonnegut said, "Make something. Draw something. Sing something. Not to become famous, but to make your soul grow." 

That sentiment and truth is understood at the Episcopal Actors' Guild. And that is invaluable.

We believe in this work.

If you need help, please do not hesitate to apply for aid. 

If you are in a position to help us help others, please consider donating funds, food, or time.

Be well, and stay warm!
– The EAG Staff