Living as an actor often means balancing a deep love for acting with the real need to pay the bills. The acting world is unpredictable. Auditions pop up suddenly, projects vary in length, and pay isn’t always steady. This makes having other ways to earn money important.
For many actors, the solution is finding side hustles. These aren’t just any jobs. Ideally, they are jobs that support an acting career, either through flexibility or by using similar skills. This article explores these kinds of side hustles.
We’ll look at different options that give actors freedom, use their talents, and lead to a more stable life. We’ll see how these jobs can do more than just provide money. They can help you sharpen your skills, meet new people, and feel more confident in the entertainment business.
The old idea of the “starving artist” is changing. Today’s actors are finding smart ways to manage their money. By choosing the right side jobs, actors can gain financial control. They can do this without giving up on their acting dreams.
The trick is to find work that fits your talents, schedule, and goals. Actors have many skills that are valuable in different fields. You can use your voice for voice-overs, teach others what you know, or even start your own creative business.
This guide will show you how. It offers real advice to help you build a strong financial base. This way, you can keep chasing your dreams on stage and screen.
Leveraging Performance Skills: Beyond the Stage and Screen
Actors have many skills. They can hold an audience’s attention, communicate well, and understand people. These skills are useful in many jobs, not just acting. Using these talents in other ways can bring in money.
It can also help you become a better actor. When you use your acting skills in different situations, you keep them sharp. You might even discover new things about your abilities. These jobs let you practice your craft in new ways.
Think about it: sales needs persuasion, and customer service needs empathy. Actors are good at these things. Plus, actors are known for being dedicated and hardworking. These are great qualities for any job. Taking on these roles can offer money and a sense of achievement. It helps actors see how valuable their skills are.
Voice-Over Artistry
Voice-over work is a great fit for actors. If you have a trained voice and can bring characters to life, you can find work in many areas. Think commercials, audiobooks, cartoons, video games, and company training videos.
A big plus is that you can often work from home. This means you can record auditions and jobs around your acting schedule. To get started, you need a good demo reel. You can also look for agents or use online platforms to find work.
- Key Steps:
- Practice and maybe get coaching to improve your voice.
- Make a professional demo showing different voice styles.
- Get basic home recording gear (mic, interface, software).
- Use sites like Voices.com or Backstage to find jobs.
- Meet people in the industry like producers and casting directors.
Standardized Patient Programs
Medical schools often hire actors to play patients. This helps students learn how to interact with real people. Actors pretend to have specific illnesses and answer questions.
This job needs good acting, a strong memory, and the ability to give feedback. The hours are usually flexible. It’s also rewarding to help train future doctors and nurses.
- Key Steps:
- Look for programs at local medical schools or hospitals.
- Get your headshot and resume ready.
- Be ready to act out medical situations in an audition.
- Learn some basic medical terms and how doctors talk to patients.
- Always be professional and keep patient details private.
The Flexible Hustle: Work That Bends to Your Schedule
Acting means your schedule can change quickly. You need side jobs that can change with it. Auditions can come up with little notice. Callbacks and rehearsals take time. You need work that you can adjust or pause when acting calls.
Luckily, there are many flexible options now. Thanks to the internet and the gig economy, you can find work that fits your life. These jobs let you be your own boss in many ways. You can set your own hours and work when it suits you.
You can find work online or offer services in person. The important thing is finding jobs that value freedom and fit your schedule. This helps you earn money without missing out on acting chances. It also cuts down on stress, so you can focus on your acting.
Virtual Assistant Services
Many businesses need help with tasks, and they hire virtual assistants (VAs) to work online. Actors often have good organizational and communication skills. This makes them great VAs.
VAs do many things, from managing emails and schedules to social media or writing. You can find VA jobs on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. It’s a flexible way to work from almost anywhere.
- Key Steps:
- Figure out what you’re good at (organizing, writing, social media).
- Make a strong profile on freelancing websites.
- Think about making your own website to show your skills.
- Tell people you know that you’re looking for VA work.
- Make sure you have a good computer and internet.
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
If you like animals, walking dogs or pet sitting can be a fun side job. It’s easy to find clients using apps like Rover or Wag!. You can set your own hours and choose which jobs to take.
This work gets you outside and moving. It’s a nice change from sitting at a computer or waiting for auditions. If you do a good job, you can get steady clients and good reviews.
- Key Steps:
- Sign up on a pet care website or start your own business.
- Make a profile showing your experience with animals.
- Be ready for a background check.
- Talk clearly with pet owners about what they need.
- Have supplies like leashes and know what to do in an emergency.
Teaching and Coaching: Sharing Your Expertise
Actors know a lot about performing. They can share this knowledge with others. Teaching or coaching is a rewarding way to earn money. You can teach acting, help with auditions, or even teach public speaking.
Sharing your skills helps others, and it also helps you. Teaching forces you to think deeply about your own acting methods. It can be very satisfying to help someone else grow as a performer or speaker.
You can often set your own teaching schedule. You can offer classes on nights or weekends. Private coaching can fit around auditions. Online teaching is also a great option. It lets you reach people anywhere and create a bigger business.
Acting Coach/Tutor
Many people want to improve their acting. You can help them. If you know acting well and like teaching, you can offer private lessons or workshops. You can focus on things like auditions, scenes, or specific acting styles.
To find clients, tell people in the acting community. Use social media and maybe make a website. A good reputation will help you get more students.
- Key Steps:
- Decide who you want to teach (beginners, advanced, kids, adults).
- Create a teaching plan that works.
- Set fair prices.
- Make a website or online profile.
- Ask happy clients for reviews.
Public Speaking Coach
Actors know how to speak clearly and confidently. These skills are very valuable in business and other fields. You can teach public speaking to people who need help with presentations or communication.
You’ll use your acting skills to show others how to be better speakers. This is a great way to use your talents in a new way. It also provides a useful service.
- Key Steps:
- Create a coaching plan that covers common speaking problems.
- Tell business people and companies about your service.
- Use your acting skills to show good speaking techniques.
- Give helpful feedback and practice exercises.
- Meet business people to find clients.
The Creative Entrepreneur: Building Your Own Brand
Actors are creative people. This creativity can be a big help in starting a business. You can find a special market and create products or services you care about. This lets you build your own brand and earn money.
Starting your own business gives you the most freedom. You can set your own hours and work around your acting. You can shape your business to fit your life and your art.
There are many options. You could sell online courses, make and sell crafts, or create unique performances. Using social media helps you find customers. Starting a business takes work, but it can be very rewarding. It puts you in charge of your money and lets you be creative in new ways.
Content Creation (Blogging, Vlogging, Podcasting)
Actors often have good stories and interesting things to say. You can share these by starting a blog, a YouTube channel, or a podcast. This can help you build a following and your personal brand.
You can earn money through ads, sponsors, or by selling your own things. Find a topic you love and create good content regularly. This can be a fun and flexible way to earn money.
- Key Steps:
- Pick a topic you care about and know well.
- Choose the best way to share (blog, video, audio).
- Make a plan and create interesting content often.
- Use social media to get more followers.
- Look for ways to make money as your audience grows.
Handcrafted Goods/Artistic Creations
Many actors have other artistic talents. Maybe you paint, make jewelry, or write. You can sell your creations online or at local markets. This is a fun way to use your creativity and earn money.
Platforms like Etsy make it easy to sell online. You can also connect with other artists and art lovers. You need a good brand and smart marketing to sell well.
- Key Steps:
- Decide what you want to make and sell.
- Create a unique look for your brand.
- Choose where to sell (Etsy, your website, markets).
- Price your items fairly.
- Take good photos and write good descriptions.
Leveraging Your Online Presence: The Digital Hustle
Today, actors need to be online. It’s not just for showing your work. Social media and websites can also be tools to make money. By using your online presence well, you can build your brand and earn income.
This “digital hustle” is very flexible. It often fits well with an actor’s life. You can work with brands, promote products, or sell special content. It’s all about being real and connecting with your audience.
If you understand how social media works and give your followers good content, you can find many online opportunities. This adds another way to earn money and be more stable.
Social Media Influencer/Brand Ambassador
If you have a lot of followers online, you can work with brands. Companies might pay you to talk about their products. It’s important to work with brands you truly like. This keeps your followers trusting you.
Building a strong online presence takes time. You need to know how to market yourself. But it can be a good way to earn money.
- Key Steps:
- Get a strong following on social media.
- Find brands that fit your style.
- Make a kit showing your online reach.
- Be honest about paid posts.
- Agree on fair pay and what you’ll do for the brand.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing means you promote other companies’ products. You get a small payment when someone buys something using your special link. You can put these links in blog posts, social media, or videos.
Only promote things you really like and use. This can be an easy way to earn money once you set it up. It doesn’t take much ongoing work.
- Key Steps:
- Find products your audience might like.
- Join affiliate programs.
- Share your links in a natural way.
- Tell your audience about your affiliate links.
- See what works best and try to improve.
Beyond Financial Gain: The Unexpected Benefits of Side Hustles
Side hustles are mainly for money. But they can offer much more. Doing different kinds of work can make you a better actor and person. You’ll meet new people and understand life better. This helps your acting.
You also learn useful skills like time management and hard work. These skills help in acting too. Side jobs can also lead to new contacts. You never know who you might meet.
These connections could lead to acting jobs. A chat with a client or coworker could open a door. Looking at side hustles as more than just money can bring many benefits. It helps you grow as an actor and a person.
Skill Development
Even jobs that seem unrelated to acting can teach you useful skills. Customer service helps you communicate better. Office jobs improve organization. Starting a business teaches you creativity and problem-solving.
These skills make you a more well-rounded person. They also make you a better professional in the acting world.
- Key Skills Developed:
- Talking and listening.
- Staying organized.
- Solving problems.
- Managing money.
- Meeting new people.
Networking Opportunities
Every job is a chance to meet people. You might meet a director, a casting agent, or a producer. Be friendly and professional with everyone you meet.
Think of your side job as a way to expand your network. You never know where your next acting opportunity will come from.
- Networking Strategies:
- Be professional and nice at work.
- Get to know people.
- Talk about your acting when it feels right.
- Be open to new connections.
- Keep in touch with people you meet.
Balancing Act: Juggling Hustles and the Pursuit of Acting
Having a side job while acting is a balancing act. It takes good time management and focus. You need a plan that lets you do both without getting too tired. Set clear goals and make a flexible schedule. Be ready to change things when acting needs your attention.
Using tools like calendars and to-do lists helps. Learn to say “no” sometimes. It’s also vital to rest and take care of yourself. Find a balance that works for you. This way, you can handle both work and acting without burning out.
Time Management Strategies
Good time management is key. Use tools like calendars and lists to stay organized. Decide what’s most important each day.
Try to group similar tasks together. Review your schedule often and change it as needed. This helps you stay flexible for auditions.
- Time Management Tips:
- Use calendars and apps.
- Make daily lists.
- Block out time for specific tasks.
- Know what’s most important.
- Don’t take on too much.
Avoiding Burnout
Working a lot can be tiring. You need to take care of yourself. Set goals you can reach. Be proud of what you achieve. Have friends and family to support you.
Do things you enjoy, like exercising or spending time outside. Know when you’re feeling stressed and take a break. This helps you stay healthy and creative.
- Burnout Prevention Strategies:
- Set realistic goals.
- Take care of yourself.
- Have a good support system.
- Notice signs of stress.
- Take breaks when you need them.
Legal and Tax Considerations: Navigating the Financial Landscape
When you have side jobs, you need to think about money matters. If you work for yourself, you have certain responsibilities. You need to track your income and expenses. You also need to understand taxes.
Talking to an accountant or financial advisor can help. Look for someone who knows about artists’ finances. They can help you follow the rules.
Learn about self-employment taxes and what expenses you can deduct. Think about saving for retirement. Taking care of your finances helps you feel secure. It makes sure your money supports your acting dreams.
Tax Obligations
Keep good records of your income and spending. If you work for yourself, you’ll need to pay self-employment taxes. These cover Social Security and Medicare.
Keep track of business costs like headshots or travel. These can lower your taxes. Talk to a tax expert for help.
- Key Tax Considerations:
- Track all money in and out.
- Understand and pay self-employment taxes.
- Deduct business costs.
- Think about a separate bank account.
- Get advice from a tax pro.
Business Structures and Legalities
You might need to set up a business structure. Options include sole proprietorship, LLC, or S-corp. Each has different rules and benefits. Think about what’s best for you.
You might also need licenses or permits for your side job. A lawyer can help you figure this out. They can help you follow all the rules.
- Business Structure Options:
- Sole Proprietorship (easy, but no protection).
- LLC (offers protection).
- S-corp (can save on taxes, but complex).
- Legal Considerations:
- Register your business if needed.
- Get licenses or permits.
- Understand contracts.
- Think about business insurance.
In conclusion, being an actor often means being an entrepreneur too. Side hustles can give you the financial stability to chase your dreams. Choose jobs that fit your skills and schedule. They can help you grow as an actor and a person. The modern actor builds a career with both passion and practical planning.