Every person I know who is successful in the arts has something in common they all worked for free, or very low pay, for a long time before hitting it big. This includes administrators, producers, stage managers, directors, and especially especially actors. Show biz has lots to do with talent and lots to do with luck, but without preparation and knowledge of the business, talent amp luck wont get anyone very far.
SOURCE: BroadwayWorld at 10:48AM on May 17, 2012