"You rarely pay the rent by doing Shakespeare or Ibsen"

In this quote, Mandy Patinkin is recommending that performing in classic plays by William Shakespeare or Henrik Ibsen does not always bring in a steady earnings. He is implying that while these plays may be creatively satisfying, they do not constantly foot the bill. This might be seen as a commentary on the monetary struggles of actors and the reality of the entertainment industry. Patinkin might likewise be highlighting the value of diversifying one's acting portfolio and taking on various types of functions in order to earn a living. In general, the quote speaks with the difficulties and sacrifices that actors frequently face in pursuit of their craft.