Actor’s Success Secret REVEALED – From Starving to CEO! 

Introduction: The Soul-Crushing Audition 

I remember the day I almost gave up on acting. It wasn’t just the grueling hours, the endless rejections, or the soul-crushing instability that came with chasing a dream in a world that feels impossibly competitive. It was the utter lack of control. 

I’d poured everything into an audition, nailing every line, becoming the character. I felt it: This was it. The role to launch me. But I didn’t get it. The feedback? Vague and useless. A total gut-punch. 

I felt like I was begging for crumbs, waiting for permission to succeed. Talented, driven, dedicated, but drowning in insecurity. I was just a passenger, waiting for the industry’s elusive bus. 

Then, something shifted. A spotlight in the dark: Only I could rewrite the story. 

The secret is thinking of actors as business owners, not employees. And no one embodies that entrepreneurial fire like Sarah Ann Masse. 

Sarah Ann’s Story: The Lightbulb Moment 

Sarah Ann Masse is an actor, writer, and activist seen in shows like “Disjointed,” “The Kominsky Method,” and films like “August,” and “The Humans.” She also co-founded I AM THAT GIRL, a global non-profit for empowering young women. 

Sarah Ann’s journey shouts “ownership!” “For a long time, I felt at the industry’s mercy,” she shared. “Submitting, auditioning, waiting to be chosen. Exhausting. Disempowering.” 

Like many, Sarah Ann hustled, juggling gigs with survival jobs. Moving to L.A. on her acting coach’s advice, believing it was the only way. But the rejections and being a pawn wore her down. 

“I recall an audition where I KNEW I killed it,” Sarah Ann says. “Meticulously prepped, I connected with the character. But the rejection feedback was SO generic. Like they hadn’t even seen me. Then: ‘I’m not just an actor; I’m a CEO. Of Brand Sarah Ann Masse!'” 

That moment? A total game-changer. The start of a huge shift in mindset and career strategy. 

The Entrepreneurial Actor: Building Your Empire 

Sarah Ann shows us the power of treating acting as a business. Here’s how to copy her entrepreneurial fire: 

1. Define Your Brand: YOUR Unique Selling Point. 

What makes you, YOU? Strengths? Passions? Special skills? “Identifying your brand is vital,” Sarah Ann says. “Knowing what you bring and clearly communicating that.” 

• What role types shine for you? Are you comedy gold? A dramatic force? Character wizard with accents? 

• What values drive you? Social justice? Environment? Animals? 

• What’s your personal style? Distinct look? Memorable voice? 

Know your brand, craft a consistent message, and present yourself to connect with your audience. 

2. Network Strategically: Relationships, Not Just Cards. 

Networking isn’t random events and business cards. It’s building real relationships to reach your goals. 

“I focused on people who could propel my career,” Sarah Ann shares. “Casting directors, producers, writers I admired. I wanted real connections, not just favors.” 

• Who’s your audience? Casting directors, producers, writers in your genre? 

• Attend industry events: Workshops, festivals, mixers. 

• Reach out: Don’t be afraid to email someone whose work inspires you. 

3. Create Your Own Content: Stop Waiting, Start Doing! 

“If you’re waiting for permission to act, you’ll wait forever,” Sarah Ann warns. “Make your opportunities.” 

Creating content is a powerful tool to showcase talent, gain experience, and have control. 

• Write a short or web series: No huge budget needed for compelling stories. 

• Start a YouTube channel: Share acting thoughts, monologues, sketches. 

• Produce a play: Get friends and put on a local show. 

4. Invest in Yourself: Sharpen Your Edge. 

“Investing in yourself? Best investment you’ll make,” Sarah Ann says. “Constantly hone your skills. Stay sharp.” 

• Take acting classes: Find a coach to refine your technique. 

• Attend workshops: Learn auditioning, screenwriting, producing. 

• Read: Stay up-to-date on trends. 

• Build your team: Find an agent, manager, and/or publicist to support you. 

5. Monetize Multiple Streams: Beyond the Single Paycheck. 

Don’t rely only on acting. Use your skills to create multiple income streams. 

• Teach acting: Share your knowledge with future actors. 

• Offer coaching: Help with auditions, headshots, marketing. 

• Work as a voice artist: Record commercials, audiobooks, and animated shows. 

• Leverage Social Media: Collaborate with other actors and build a community around acting on platforms like Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Sarah Ann’s Success: Proof of Ownership 

Owning her career transformed Sarah Ann’s life. 

“It wasn’t easy, but incredibly rewarding,” she says. “More in control, more confident.” 

She landed roles in “Disjointed,” “The Kominsky Method,” and “August.” A sought-after speaker and advocate for body positivity and empowerment. 

“My acting career wasn’t just about roles,” she says. “It was about using my platform to make a difference.” 

You ARE the CEO! 

Acting can be tough, but you don’t have to accept it. Treating your career like a business unlocks your potential and allows for lasting success. 

You’re not just an actor. You’re the CEO. Take control, build your empire, create your dream life. 

One step you can take TODAY to treat your acting career like a business? Share it below! 

Citations: 

1. Sarah Ann Masse’s IMDb Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2604831/ (Provides details on her acting credits) 

2. I AM THAT GIRL Website: https://iamthatgirl.com/ (Provides information on her co-founded non-profit) 

3. Backstage Article on Actor Entrepreneurship: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/advice/actor-entrepreneur-6542/ (General resource on actor entrepreneurship) 

4. Masterclass Article about branding yourself as an actor: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-brand-yourself-as-an-actor#what-is-actor-branding (A guide to branding yourself as an actor) 

5. The Hollywood Reporter’s list of Top Acting Coaches: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/top-acting-schools-coaches-1234987065/ (Useful if looking for coaches)