MADISON, Wis. — Some Wisconsin talent said if their Hollywood careers are halted, they will find other meaningful things to do.

The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union strike looms, and the Writers Guild is already on strike.

Ajani, a big-screen Starz and Lifetime actor from Madison, Wis., said a few months ago, he noticed fewer and fewer auditions landing on his plate.

“As far as new opportunities, definitely a dry spell right now,” Ajani said about how his typical four to five auditions a week turned into zero.  

Rock County native and 25-year SAG-AFTRA member Ryan Churchill said he sympathizes with Ajani and knows it’s a tough time for his colleagues.

“Most actors, by the way, are what I call ‘blue-collar actors.’ Like we just make a living at it; we’re not rich and famous or anything like that. It affects us the most,” Churchill said.

Churchill said he can rely on another revenue stream during this uncertain time: commercial work.

“Commercials are negotiated separately from acting and film, so commercials are not on strike,” he said.

The strike means Churchill will enjoy a summer break of sorts back with family in Beloit, Wis.

“Yeah, if you want the silver lining of a strike, it’s that it’s kind of just like a vacation now. You don’t usually do that because we’re always kind of hustling. It’s a hustle gig/job mentality. And so when you go on strike, it’s kind of like, ‘Okay, I don’t have to hustle anymore,’” Churchill said.

Meanwhile, Ajani said he plans to work on his music career. He is planning a return to Madison, where he wants to help kids and youth hone their potentials.

“Hopefully we can have some lessons together. I learn something and you guys learn something too, from me,” Ajani said.