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What Are You Doing to Get Through the WGA Writers Strike?


June 20, 2023

As the WGA Writers Strike continues, so do the ripple effects throughout the industry and beyond. That’s why we wanted to check in on the acting community—to see how you’re doing, and what steps you’re taking to get through it.

We recently asked Casting Networks members what they’ve been doing during this time, and although many acknowledged it’s a difficult time, we also discovered lots of perseverance, and are seeing many positive actions despite the uncertainty. Here, several of your fellow actors share some of the of the most productive and upbeat measures they are taking to help motivate you to keep going!

I am using this time as a new face in the industry to make sure I have updated self tapes, a portfolio to show upon request, headshots and clips, along with an updated resume to have at the ready.

Whatever I can do to be prepared needs to be happening in this moment so that I do not scramble and miss out when everything comes back together. I am optimistic and know that in time we will all be right back to creating amazing projects for the world to experience.

This time is also an example of how the industry ebbs and flows, and is a perfect example of exercising patience, compassion, faith and courage.

– Candyce Raiford

To get through the strike I am spreading the word to my peers on what the strike means to the industry and why it is important.

More importantly, I am diving into the different stories people have behind the strike and how it affected them. It is important that people support the writers, because without their hard work, we wouldn’t have had the many successful projects that we end up loving.

In addition to my previous statement, I am also checking on those who are also part of the industry to make sure they have all the resources they need to spread the word and grow the support to the writers.

– Luis Leon

Perseverance, confidence and friendship! During the writers strike, I continue to work on my craft by self taping and making adjustments.

I ask myself simple questions daily about what I like and dislike. I build my self-confidence by knowing the answers to these questions.

I love to hear what my fellow actors are up to so I reach out to just say, “Hey!”

Keep smiling.

– Robynne Green

Taking classes, doing non-union projects. And also getting myself more into the business aspects of acting.

– Angel Fabián Rivera

I am in a table read group with actors, writers and directors where we read scripts from rising writers in the industry to keep ourselves sharp. We have conversed on this journey with the strike and its effects while supporting and fueling each other’s goals!

– Obiageliaku Anusionwu

I [continue] submitting for smaller gigs, like music videos and social media-based commercials. I also started working on my own visual project, which I’ve been painting in my head [for] years.

During this writers strike I keep expanding my knowledge and skills, such as working with my body, imagination and acting techniques.

– August Broos

I’m taking advantage of the downtime and spending time with family and friends. Exploring other areas of life, and using my skills to create opportunities to keep me connected to the arts. I have been encouraging other actors and artists to not give up, because the best is yet to come.

Staying informed on the industry news and supporting others in their endeavors. Learning new skills, and updating my resume and headshots. Staying prepared, so that I am ready to rock and roll when the time comes!

– Marcenae Lynette

Working on and finishing writing my own web series called Growing Up Queer. Before the strike, I was always too busy to dedicate a lot of time to it, so now that I have that time, I’m going to get it moving.

– Derek Zakari

I am taking acting classes to strengthen my craft [and] attending local strikes to support the writers and the future of the industry. I’m participating in short films/local indie films/commercials, and enjoying life by continuing to feed my other hobbies and enjoyments.

It is tough to not be getting as many bookings as I was getting pre-strike, but I know that the strike is happening for a reason … a good cause, and I 110% support this strike. I really hope the writers get a great deal.

– Camille Wiggins

To get through the writers strike, I’ve been working on my craft by attending weekly acting classes. They provide me with a supportive community through my classmates and teacher.

I’ve been supporting my writer friends by participating in non-union short films, which provide hope and comfort to myself and my peers during this challenging time. This break is giving me the opportunity to focus on enhancing my talent as an actor.

Overall, I’m utilizing this period to grow and strengthen my acting career.

– Kamryn Sands

​​We want to hear from you. Tell us about your warmup routines before you get on-set. Your response may end up in a future community feature!

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