WAITING
In 15 shoots over 10 days in April 2019, Pete Bartlett captured what actors do to survive in LA whilst ‘waiting’ for their big break.
Discover their stories, their lives and the reality of living the dream.
SAVANNAH HERMS
SANTA BARBARA
ACTRESS/ THEATRE SERVICES MANAGER
“When I was growing up acting was an emotional outlet. It was a way to safely feel connected to other people, yet still having a wall up. Pent up emotions that often felt confusing to me could be expressed through someone else’s words.
Now I’ve finally reached an age where I’m ok with myself, that bandage doesn’t need to be there anymore. Acting was a goal and a life purpose before, now it’s extremely unknown to me. It’s scary, but right now has a taste of freedom on the tip of my tongue.”
AMBITIOUS ANGELO
VENICE BEACH
ACTOR/MODEL/DELIVERY DRIVER FOR POST MATES APP
“At 19 years old I felt like the military was the only secure way to establish a foundation for my career and my life, so I joined the US Marines. At the same time, I decided to get married to my high school sweetheart and go on this journey together.
My first deployment was to Iraq and things got rocky in the marriage. She cheated on me while I was away and I couldn’t handle things when I came back. This ended up in 3 failed suicide attempts and an administrative discharge from the Military. After losing my marriage and my career, I ended up homeless and hitting rock bottom.
However, I picked myself up and 7 months ago I got a one way ticket from Boston to Los Angeles. I’ve met some incredible people here in LA, one that donated a car to me. That car has become my home since while I fight everyday to get one step closer to my dreams.”
ANNA CHRSTENSEN
SILVERLAKE
ACTRESS/MODEL/SHOP ASSISTANT AT A VEGAN DELI
“I’m a 25 year old Scandinavian actor living in L.A. I moved to here in the spring of 2018, and have loved it ever since! Of course, it can be hard and feel like a never ending slog when you’re worried about making rent, and trying to balance getting enough hours at your minimum wage job with being available for auditions and unpaid shoots, but when you do book a shoot, and you get to feel just how much the Hollywood magic permeates the air here, then it’s all worth it.”
BRYAN HORTON
SANTA MONICA
FORMER AIRLINE PILOT
NOW ACTOR/LYFT DRIVER/BAR DOORMAN
“I grew up in the Midwest, quite literally in the woods. Imagination and “play-acting” were important parts of my childhood. Making a living doing that seemed very far-fetched and being on television or in the movies totally unobtainable. At 55 I’m starting late.
I’ve done many things in this life that have helped people and kept them safe. Entertaining people is another branch on that tree and quite honestly it’s a joy and thrill for me to set a goal and strive for that. I mean, that is why we’re here, right?”
DANIKA MAIA
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
ACTRESS/’WEB CAM GIRL’
“Day jobs are for suckers, and I used to be one. Sitting around an office, sending out passive aggressive emails and hating the work I was doing. So I quit. I’m now a Cam Girl and couldn’t be happier. Finally I can see some financial benefit to all the effort I’ve put into my looks over the years and I have time to go to auditions whenever I like."
STEVE GREEN
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
ACTOR/COMEDIAN/UBER
DRIVER
“Like the rest of us, I’m constantly being torn away from who I really am, what I really believe. Being a performer, one who is totally naked honest with an audience, is the best chance I have at achieving ‘Me’.”
KATHLEEN TANSEY RIGGS
ORANGE COUNTY
ACTRESS/DELIVERY DRIVER FOR DOOR DASH APP
“In 1975, I was graduating from college with a Theatre Arts degree and no job, no prospects and no plan. Thought for sure that someone would hire me to be the next big STAR. It was a rude awakening to discover that no one knew who I was or cared!
For the last 35 years I’ve been a small business owner. Donald Trump ruined my business so being without a career I returned to my acting roots.
Until I become a STAR I am enjoying the journey, doing some food deliveries for DoorDash, auditioning and honing my craft.”
HEATHER LORE
CULVER CITY
ACTRESS/WAITRESS
“LA has been the city where I’ve grown up the most. I moved around a lot growing up but, at least mentally and emotionally, I have had the most amount of growth and maturity while living in LA. It’s such an incredible city filled with the widest mix of people and it seems to be a never-ending learning experience. It’s amazing, but definitely not for everyone.”
TAYLOR LAWRWENCE
MALIBU
ACTRESS/PRODUCER/
YOGA STUDIO RECEPTIONIST
"
I moved to LA from the UK 9 years ago during a very dark period in my life. I needed the sunshine and the light, a blank canvas.
Since moving here, I have had incredible opportunities. It can be confronting, isolating, weird and brutal but also fantastic. You certainly have to know yourself and try to keep both feet on the ground, or at least one! I love it for it’s utter madness, the “can do” attitude, the hopes, the dreams, the broken dreams and being in a city that is wall to wall with non-stop creativity, albeit from the most talented to the mind-bogglingly deluded… and yes, even the darker underbelly of it all has a certain fascination."
MAXX NASEEF
SHERMAN OAKS
ACTOR/RESTAURANT
MANAGER
“I moved here from Philly almost a decade ago to act. I’ve worked as a restaurant manager for the past 5 years doing 60 hours a week to support my wife and kid. I lost my most recent management job as a consequence of burnout. I’ve been on unemployment since and it’s allowed me to pursue my acting career properly for the first time in 5 years. We’re expecting our second child in 4 months. I will likely be going back to service instead of management soon.”
MARY-FRANCES NOSER
NORTH HOLLYWOOD
ACTRESS/WAITRESS
“I moved to LA from Nashville, Tennessee on Halloween Night of 2018, with one sort of job to my name and no absolute clue of what I was doing.
I have served with a catering company, been an audience member for Dr. Phil, taught theater to elementary school students, worked for an educational non-profit and work at a coffee shop in my four months out here. It has been a ride for sure.”
OKSANA GEORGIU
STUDIO CITY
ACTRESS/BARTENDER
"I left my native Ukraine, family and friends at age 15. 15 years later, after completing two degrees and working in corporate America, I knew I had to see my dream of acting through to the last stage—Hollywood.
My one fear is to look back at my life and have regrets. So I take on challenge after challenge because they are all part of the story I want to tell my grandchildren. Part-time jobs like Bar-tending can be exhausting, but I am living out my story and I am so proud to have made it to La La Land from all the way over the other side of the world.”
STEVE BRIO
ORANGE COUNTY
ACTOR/FIREFIGHTER
“I came from a pretty difficult background. Acting was an escape from that. No matter how bad off my mom was, I learned I could escape by creativity through characters I played or wrote about.
In regards to acting, being a firefighter suits itself to certain jobs (like commercials/modeling jobs since they are only 1 day) in the industry pretty well. The firefighters schedule is working 4 days on and off and then a block of days off. (4-6 days at a time)
I became a firefighter/paramedic because they came to my house many times due to my mothers health conditions. We lived in some pretty challenging low income, single parent environments. The firefighters/paramedics always treated my brother and I with kindness.
As an actor, I draw on many experiences with humanity that I have seen first hand. Both good and bad.”
BEN CABLE
WEST HOLLYWOOD
ACTOR/CARER FOR HIS HUSBAND WHO SUFFERS FROM THE EFFECTS OF CANCER
“Acting allows me to step out of my life, if ever so briefly.”
SHASTA BELL
WEST HOLLYWOOD
ACTRESS/ COMMS DIRECTOR FOR A GRANT WRITING COMPANY
“I came to LA with my young daughter, my duffle bag and my dream.
I raised a family and put my dreams off. Once my kids were grown I was lost for a bit. Then I realized now is my time, now is the time for me to follow my dream. So I’ve jumped in and am making my way.”
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