Lisa Kay Jennings
Everyone knows actors can survive on waitressing and bartending- but how about some gigs that actually use those skills you acquired in acting school? Here are five gigs that pay actors for using their thespian backgrounds.
1. Extra Work
Extra work (also known as background work) is a great way to gain experience on film sets while using some of those skills you obtained during your theatre training. You’ll be on set observing how the film crew works with the other actors and the director to create the big picture. Plus, you get access to craft services. And the best part… a paycheck.
Backstage has a ton of extras listings you can browse through
2. Reader/Assistant to a Casting Director
Some ‘reader’ jobs are volunteer based; however, if you get a job as an assistant to a casting director you not only get a legit paycheck, you also get key insights into how a casting office works, which will be very beneficial in the long run, plus, you get to practice those cold reading skills on a daily basis…in front of casting. It’s a major win-win.
3. Teaching
There are plenty of teaching opportunities for actors of all different levels. From community service to kid’s summer art camps, to setting up shop in your living room and teaching singing lessons. Whether your strong suit is improv, dancing, singing, or Shakespeare, there are educational opportunities everywhere, and if not, there’s no reason why you can’t create one.
4. Kid Parties
Most actors like to dress up, so why not dress up like a superhero or a princess and dabble in the time-honored tradition of working children’s birthday parties. The money can be good and the hours are pretty fantastic for most actor schedules.
5. Blogging/Writing
If you’re afflicted with not only the acting bug but the writer bug as well, why not combine your two loves and blog about your theatre passion? Blogs are great ways to express yourself and you may even bring in some dough while you’re at it. We are always looking for great writers here at TN – shoot us a sample of your writing and a couple of article ideas and see what happens. It never hurts to try new things, and sometimes it can lead to awesome new opportunities!
Apply to write for Theatre Nerds here
