About Us

Essentials for Actors was founded by George Click — an actor just like you, trying to make it. Born from the hustle, heartbreak, and hope of the craft, this brand exists to make the essentials actually feel… essential. We offer affordable, thoughtfully curated kits and tools to help actors show up prepared, confident, and seen — without spending a fortune. Whether you're filming self-tapes in your bedroom or chasing callbacks on the go, we’re here to support your journey.

We’re proudly founded, based, and currently serving Ohio exclusively — for now. We’re rooting ourselves locally before growing outward, one connection at a time. Who knows what the future holds? (More on that later.)

This isn’t just a store — it’s a starting point. A project made with care, built for the grind, and shaped by the belief that community matters. We’re excited for the collaborations, the conversations, and the people we’ll meet along the way.

Who knows — maybe you’ll end up being a bigger part of our journey than we are of yours.
The art of acting is a collaboration, after all — and as we grow, we hope to shape the future of Essentials for Actors around you.

A Note from George :)

Hi, I’m George Click — founder of Essentials for Actors, and honestly, someone who hates talking about himself. But I do want to tell you why I care.

I grew up in Lorain, Ohio. My family wasn’t wealthy, and while people tried to make life feel comfortable, it was complicated. I started hustling for this dream when I was 14 — the dream to be an actor.

I saw my first live production at the Lorain Palace Theatre when I was eight years old. I was completely blown away. Something clicked — I understood what was happening on TV, what acting really was. And I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

At 13, I performed in my first community theatre production. By 14, I was the youngest volunteer at the Palace Theatre, working weekends just to be around the magic of it all. Eventually, the directors offered me a sponsorship to join the youth theatre program — and for the first time, I felt like someone believed in me.

The vision I carry — the dreams I carry — aren’t just for me, or even because of me. They’ve been shaped by some of the most complex, creative, and kind people I’ve ever met. From the youth theatre stage to the high school drama room, from background roles to acting classes, from coaches to castmates — every step has shaped my values and deepened my love for this craft.

As I’ve grown, I’ve experienced so many layers of this industry — the good, the overwhelming, the underwhelming. There were moments that scared me, moments I misunderstood, and moments I now feel grateful for. Because all of it brought me here.

I want to be for others what those Palace directors were for me. I want to help people find opportunity, not just chase it.
Essentials for Actors was born from that hope — to support the dreamers, the doers, and the artists figuring it out as they go.

And it all started here.
On Broadway.
In Lorain.
And I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

— George Click

ALSO BEFORE YOU GET BACK TO SHOPPING - DONT BE A STRANGER :) FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! Break a leg out there!🎭🚀

 

Because actors don’t need brand new — they need what works, what lasts, and what brings the dream within reach.

📚 Why not just use brand new books?

Because let’s be real — most acting books are read, marked up, highlighted, and then shelved. Pre-owned books still have all the knowledge, and sometimes even a few bonus notes from actors before you. It’s not about shiny pages — it’s about the work inside.

Plus, did you know that over 320 million books are sent to landfills each year in the U.S. alone? That’s a lot of wasted paper, wisdom, and potential.

It just makes sense to reuse — for your wallet, and the world.

♻️ Is this a sustainability thing?

Yes — and proudly so. Reusing books isn’t just a cost-saver, it’s a conscious choice. With millions of books ending up in landfills each year, we’re doing our part to reduce waste and give each book a longer, more meaningful life.

We believe being an actor means paying attention — to people, to moments, and to the world around us. Sustainability is part of that awareness. By choosing pre-owned, we’re cutting down on overproduction, shipping emissions, and unnecessary waste — all while keeping the focus on what matters: the craft.

One book. One kit. One small step toward something better.

💸 Is it to cut costs?

Yep —thats definitely another factor and we’re not shy about it. Acting is expensive enough. Between classes, headshots, equipment, and gas money to auditions, it adds up fast. Pre-owned books help us keep our kits affordable without sacrificing quality.

We’d rather spend money on things that matter — like gear, tools, and resources that help you grow — instead of charging full price for a brand book when theres life and savings in books that have been loved already.

Keeping costs low means making acting more accessible. And that’s the point.

🔁 Can I return it when I’m done?

Yes — and we’ll give you $5 off your next kit as a thank-you.

Here’s how it works: once you’ve finished the book, send it back to us (you cover shipping), and when it arrives, we’ll send you a discount code for $5 off your next purchase. The book will either be reused in a future kit or added to one of our scholarship kits for actors who need a little extra support.

Why do we do this? Because every book you return saves us from buying another, keeps good material in rotation, and helps us keep kit prices low for everyone. It’s a small cycle — but a powerful one.

Prefer to pass it on to another actor yourself? That’s great too. Knowledge is meant to be shared.