<p>My d has a BA degree in English with a theater concentration and a BA in Music, concentration in voice. She is an aspiring actress/singer and is among the many, many aspiring here in NYC. She supports herself in her day job as a nanny and has been in several productions-all either non-union, no pay or small stipend. She has had theater internships and summer training. It is perseverance, luck, connections, along with talent. My office employs several actors who work for us part-time so that they can schedule their time around auditions and regional shows and tours. Many of the more established actors I’ve known totally make their living from real estate-sublet their apartments while on the road and save money by living cheaply while on tour.</p>