The Actor Career Wake-Up Call (You Didn’t Know You Needed)
You know that moment in your career when you’re thinking, “I’m doing everything right—so why does it still feel like I’m getting nowhere?”
Yeah. That’s where this conversation started.
I sat down with Valorie Hubbard, actor, business badass, and the no-nonsense force behind Actors Fast Track—and what came out of it was fire. Valorie is like a lightning bolt in human form. She’s been in the game for decades, seen the industry flip itself inside out, and now helps actors take back their power by treating their careers like a business (imagine that).
And listen... she doesn’t sugarcoat. So neither will I.
Let’s get into what we talked about—and why it matters more than ever.
Stop Waiting. Start Driving.
One of the first truth bombs Valorie dropped was this:
Most actors are still waiting for someone to give them a career.
An agent. A casting director. A big break.
And in the meantime? They’re doing everything but the stuff that actually leads to work. Updating headshots, tweaking websites, enrolling in more classes—but not putting themselves out there consistently.
If that’s you? You’re not alone. But it’s time to shift.
Valorie shared how she went from waiting on her agent to get her an audition… to walking her headshot into the casting office herself—and booking the job. That moment changed everything for her. Not just the gig—but how she saw herself.
Because when you stop waiting, you start winning.
This is the heart of actor career strategy—taking ownership instead of outsourcing your momentum.
Mindset First, Then Mechanics
Let’s talk confidence for a second—because without it? None of this works.
We both agreed: mindset is 80% of your success as an actor. You can have all the tools in the world, but if you don’t believe in your ability to lead your own career, you’ll stay stuck on the sidelines.
Valorie talked about how actors get caught in fear—fear of being “annoying,” fear of getting blacklisted (which, spoiler alert: doesn’t actually work the way you think it does), fear of being rejected.
But fear isn't a red light. It's a signpost.
It means there’s something worth walking toward.
This is why mindset for actors isn’t just fluff. It’s the foundation. Because if you’re stuck in self-doubt, even the best opportunity can pass you by.
Blacklists, Algorithms, and the Myth of Playing It Safe
There’s a rumor that never seems to die in this industry:
“If you’re too bold, you’ll get blacklisted.”
To which Valorie and I both say: Seriously? Come on.
If you’re not out there following up, introducing yourself, putting your name in the room—how are they supposed to know you exist?
Valorie broke down how the actor submission system has changed. Algorithms are doing the sorting now, not agents. Casting directors are overwhelmed, and unless you’re intentional about showing up, you’ll get lost in the digital noise.
The idea that being visible = being risky? Outdated.
These days, being invisible is the risk.
If you’re wondering how to get auditions without an agent, this is it: you show up, consistently and confidently.
Multiple Income Streams = Career Sustainability
You can love the art and care about the money. In fact, you have to.
Valorie and I both came up in a time when actors were told to “just focus on the work”—and not worry about the paycheck. But let’s be honest: You can’t audition when you’re burnt out and broke.
We talked about actors making real income through:
user-generated content
corporate gigs
roleplay jobs at hospitals
voiceover and audiobooks
content creation and coaching
...and yes, still acting.
This is what creative income for actors looks like in 2025. It’s not about selling out—it’s about staying in the game.
If you’ve ever asked, “How do I build a sustainable acting career?”—this is the answer. Actor income streams are no longer optional. They’re the difference between quitting and staying in.
Have a System for Saying Yes (and No)
Not every project deserves your time. But how do you know when to say yes?
Valorie shared her personal “job criteria” system—5 clear questions she runs through before accepting a role. If the job checks at least 3 of the boxes, she goes for it.
You can build your own list, but here’s what hers includes:
Does it pay my rate?
Is it a script I believe in?
Is the team legit?
Will it move my career forward?
Are they organized?
This kind of framework helps you stay focused on acting career success, not just busy work.
Because chaotic sets and broken promises? That’s time and energy you don’t get back.
It’s Time to Get Real About Outreach
Here’s the one that always stings a little—because most actors hate doing it: Outreach.
But Valorie said it straight: If you’re not doing 5+ outreaches a day, you’re not in the game.
That doesn’t mean spamming your reel to everyone on IMDb. It means building connections with intention. It means letting people know what you’re about. It means treating this like a business—and showing up for it like a pro.
If you’re looking for acting career advice that actually works, this is it. Outreach for actors isn’t optional—it’s required.
Your Career = Your Responsibility
This convo lit me up. Not because it was warm and fuzzy. But because it was real. And full of the kind of truth that moves the needle.
Your agent is not your career.
Your resume is not your career.
YOU are your career.
And when you start treating it that way, everything shifts.
So what can you do this week?
Build your criteria list
Send 5 targeted outreaches
Ask yourself: If acting were my only income, what would I do differently?
Start there. Then keep going.
You’ve got more power than you think. And your career? It’s waiting for you to show up.
Until next time, you stay your bold and beautiful self.
Anne
Ready to take serious ownership of your acting career? If you're a trained actor who’s tired of waiting for permission and ready to create real momentum—book a free discovery call with me. Let’s build the visibility, confidence, and income your career needs.
Want more no-fluff tools to take your acting career to the next level?
Listen to my full conversation with Valorie Hubbard on the Act Bold podcast—available on YouTube and all major platforms. You can find Valorie at actorsfasttrack.com or on Instagram.
Keywords: actor career strategy, mindset for actors, outreach for actors, acting without an agent, actor submission system, sustainable acting career, creative income for actors, acting career advice that actually works, building actor confidence, actor job criteria checklist, money mindset for actors, user-generated content for actors, actor income streams, negotiating as an actor, acting career sustainability, treating your acting career like a business
