Los Angeles Actress On Setting Personal Goals During Quarantine
The performance industry has taken a massive hit since the COVID-19 closures. While Broadway remains shuttered in New York City, Los Angeles is dealing with widespread cancellations and postponements in the film and television world.
I caught up with fellow performer, Erica Eden, on how she’s staying safe in Los Angeles, how she’s coping, how she’s setting healthy goals for herself in quarantine.
Read our conversation below.
Erica Eden
Where are you currently spending your time in quarantine?
I am currently quarantined in my studio apartment in Los Angeles!
How has the pandemic changed your way of life? How are you coping?
The pandemic flipped everything upside down. I was always out of the apartment, and now I am getting well acquainted with my house. The biggest adjustment has been learning how to use Zoom! Not being able to see friends and family (especially during Passover and my Birthday), and not being able to go to my acting classes/workout classes, has been difficult. But luckily, technology has made this hurdle easier to jump over. Adjusting to this new "normal" has been a slow process, but what helps me the most is looking forward to the day that this is all over. Setting goals for the future keeps me motivated to move forward with a positive attitude.
Did you lose any contracted performance work due to the pandemic?
I have been fortunate enough to not lose any contracts thus far; I had a few projects in the works but they've all been postponed due to the pandemic. For those who have lost any contracted performances, my heart goes out to you - something better will come along soon enough!
Do you still have any other sources of income that are helping sustain you through this crisis?
My main sources of income have been suspended/terminated due to the pandemic, so I had to really focus on securing brand deals during this time. Since everyone is on their social media at this time, there's been a surge in need for promotions!
Have you had to file for unemployment? Have you had any success?
Unfortunately, yes. But I was lucky enough to have success. If you applied and have no success, I highly recommend reaching out to the Actors Fund, SAG-AFTRA, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, etc. - there are so many resources that are providing relief for people in the arts.
If you're a member of Actors’ Equity: do you think the union is doing enough to serve and protect its members given the circumstances? If not, what would you like to see happen?
I am not a member of Actor's Equity, but I am a member of SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA is doing everything it can to serve and protect its members: Holding Unemployment Assistance Webinars, answering questions via phone call and online, is understanding with payment issues, and provides information on how to receive relief during this time.
What are your biggest concerns with the theatre industry moving forward?
I can't speak much for the theatre industry, even though I do worry about what the future holds for Broadway - it breaks my heart to see shows getting cancelled before officially opening.
In regards to the film industry, the industry was shut down in the middle of pilot season, so there is a lot up in the air right now for when we return to normality. Currently, release dates are getting pushed left and right, and pilots are getting cancelled. Once everything goes back to "normal", I am curious to see if there will be a change in protocol at major studios/on set to ensure everyone is safe and healthy, because once everything is back up and running, it'll be like opening the floodgates.
A QUICK TIP: As an actor, it's important to get all of your materials together and tight during this time, because once the industry officially opens back up, there is going to be a huge waive of projects looking to cast!
What is helping you stay positive during this time?
Honestly, adjusting to the quarantine was difficult at first, but within the past month I've seen a lot of unity within the industry and it's helped me cope better with the current situation. There have been a lot of Open Calls, Q&A's with Casting Directors/Managers, and opportunities to take classes at discounted rates - and I highly suggest taking advantage of this because there's so much helpful knowledge being shared right now!
That, and going outside and reading a book, talking with friends/family, or catch up on those shows you've been meaning to watch. It's good to remember that this isn't a competition to see who can be the most productive; do what you need to do in order to keep a healthy headspace.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Erica Eden is a Los Angeles based actor who works both in front of and behind the camera! Erica studied theater in college and transitioned to film once she moved to Los Angeles. Her resume is flooded with production credits for scripted television and major motion pictures. You can also see some of Erica's acting work online and on Amazon Prime! You can check her out at: www.erica-eden.com
Let’s work together to make the best of a not-so-great situation.