Expert: Laura Interval - 8/6/2008

Question
Hi.  I've been cast in a regional theatre production, which requires an on-site
residency of 2.5 months.  I am unable to stay in the (dorm-style) housing
provided, as I will have my two children with me, and I would like to know if I'll
be able to write off my out-of-pocket housing expenses.  Any and all insight is
appreciated!

Answer
Hi Krista
Congratulations on the job!  
I am not a tax expert, however, I've been filing as a full time actress for 20 years.  IF you file your taxes as an actress than you can write off EVERYTHING associated with acting.  Your housing expense, your meals, fuel, clothing/props for a show... anything you have to pay for the is directly associated to your career.  
If you are not filing as an actress, you can't.  Unless it is work for a non-profit theater.  Then, you can look into writing it off as volunteer work.
Get really good at writing every expense down and keeping your reciepts.
It's also extremely helpful to have an accountant who is familiar with filing tax returns for artists.
Hope this helps.
Have a great show!
All the best,
Laura Interval