Life in the arts:-What kinda of jobs can I do outside of being an actor?

Question

I'm doing reasonably well in my career but I still have months at a time where I'm not in work. I have to be free to audition and some times I'm auditioning alot. Does any one know how I could make money in the interim? A flexible job? I'm a hard worker when I need to be. Reasonably intelligent and very creative. Are there any other actors who've found a solution? I'd love to hear it.

P.S. I don't drive! I'm not a musician but I can sing.

Answer 1

You might try being a concierge at a nice hotel that offers such services. Having a background in the arts gives you a fresh insight into providing for guest's needs and entertainment.

Another option is being a real estate agent -- it's the most steady acting gig ever!

Answer 2

Bars and restaurants can get pretty irritated if you ask for a lot of time off, especially at night. (Are you a theatre or film actor?) Why don't you look for a job in a theatre, maybe in the box office or doing telemarketing for subscription sales. Telemarketing, while it may sound miserable, is actually great money, and if you're selling theatre tickets, at least it's something you can get passionate about. And the people you work for are more likely to understand if you need to take off for an audition or rehearsal.

Also, I have a book called "Great Jobs for Actors." Not sure if it's still in print, but it lists all kind of things you may not have thought of, like playing Santa Claus, singing telegrams, stuff like that.

Answer 3

Waitress or bartend. MANY in the acting profession do that as well. I'm amazed you haven't heard that.
Also, hotel work can be a good option...
Can you paint (rooms) very well? You could put out the word (an ad, or word of mouth) during those months of not working and then you would be in a totally flexible situation of when you work.

Answer 4

You could apply as a chorus participant, cameramaperson, you could sing at weddings and funerals, you could be a waiter part time, you can perhaps draw pictures of people ( caricatures), You could type for someone or translate if you know another language. You could read for the blind ( it doesn't pay very much, but if you can read well, there is an org. that tape books for the blind, you could be a clerk part time, you could do surveys. You could entertain people in homes and parties, being creative, this shouldn't be too difficult. Freelance writer perhaps?

Good luck in your search

Answer 5

Can you write or produce your own material? If you use your time in between jobs to write short scripts, films or comedy sketches. Maybe you can start your own company with other actors in the same position. You could start doing regular gigs at comedy clubs or social events if you develop your own repertoire. If you write your own material you control the production and ownership which is good experience for you. Then you will have regular work to fall back on in between other professional gigs if you and a team of writer/actors can develop a regular program. For examples, see http://www.houstonprogressive.org/jr-index.html for a musical revue I wrote to create work for students and actors in between jobs. This is meant to be produced as a touring troupe, or as individual scenes at public events related to the various political issues. I am also producing political skits and environmental rock songs for public radio -- posted at http://www.houstonprogressive.org/hb-index.html or http://www.houstonprogressive.org/songbook.html -- for the production experience and future career development.

Answer 6

Do voices for commercials.
Do voice-overs for film and tv.
Do local commercials.
Work the Industrials as an announcer.
Phone sex operator?
Do voices for computer games -- it is now as big as the movie industry.
Be an assistant-to-the-director and learn more about your craft.

Answer 7

Tinkerbella's right, wait staff at an eatery is best! Look at the captive audience you have, great way to get your face known!

Answer 8

waitress, it works. madonna.