We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Becker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I was on set for the 1st time at 14 for a Chase Bank commercial. I felt so fancy being in costume, makeup, and hair. My parents were unaware that they needed to stay and chaperone me since I was a minor. I had to have the PA help me fill out my w2 form. I felt so proud when getting that check.

Rachel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an actress and writer from Chicago. My very 1st gig was in a production of Willy Wonka where I played the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde. From then on I discovered how much I loved theater. At 13, I got my first agent and started to work in commercials and TV. I became more interested in the craft of acting while studying at The Actor’s Training Center in Wilmette, IL. I really fell in love with film; Natalie Wood was a huge inspiration for me. Sketch comedy was always something I leaned into, and I began to perform at The Second City-Chicago. At 18, I moved to Los Angeles to further my career and training. I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. I have since then been a sketch writer/actor with Worst Ever Productions, improv troupe performer at LA Connection Comedy, and I have worked on projects for Hulu, HBO, and Fox. My amazing agent Kia Todd and manager Sheila Legette are powerhouse women that I’m so lucky to have as a team.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Right now with the SAG and WGA union strike, I feel a lot of non-creatives can view this as celebrities whining about money when that is precisely untrue. Working actors used to have the means to carry themselves between jobs with residuals, and streaming has erased that aspect of the business. For the amount of content that is being generated and in demand, creatives need to be paid accordingly. This strike represents where the working class is presently in America. The gap between classes is growing, and creative or not, it affects us all.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Leaning on your community as a creative is so important. I’ve always grown up never wanting to ask for help, and even as an adult it is difficult for me. What I’ve discovered is that, your tribe is there to support you in the ways you are there to support them. Ask your friends to come to your show, help you write a scene, help you film a tape, fundraise a short film. You get back what you give, and in this trying time of being creative, any support is appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @therachelbecker