Cool inexpensive ways for a college student to spend the summer...?

Question

Just thinking ahead about how I would like to spend next summer...would like to be able to make money at the same time or at least break even...

My ideal summer: spent doing something acting/theatre-related (not an acting major-just really enjoy studying the craft...)

I would appreciate very much your sharing your ideas/experiences with me! Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't know what sort of opportunities are in your area, but it pays to look into internships, summer stock, or even film.

Internships with large theatre companies can be extremely hard to get (there's a lot of competition for them), but if you start early, it's worth a shot. Also, if you have smaller theatre companies in your area, contact them for information. I don't know if editing or camerawork would interest you--if so, look for film & TV production companies, or even television studios (I used to work for a gov't-access TV studio, and they would frequently have summer interns).

Also, look for film and theatre resources in your city, like a film office or theatre alliance. If there's a website, they should have links to area companies/organizations, and/or a call board with auditions, internships, and production jobs.
If you're interested in acting, look into summer stock, semi-professional, or even a local fringe or theatre festival (there are excellent Shakespeare festivals all over the country: Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Utah come to mind). Also (and this may sound a little strange), but if you have good improv skills, a Renaissance Faire is a great opportunity. You can get work as an extra (you don't need to be in LA--plenty of films are shooting on-location these days), but be warned that it isn't necessarily steady work.

In fact, none of this is particularly well-paying (if it pays at all); if money becomes an issue, don't discount amateur or community theatre. You can work a job during the day (teach at a drama camp, or get an intership that's associated with your major), and go to rehearsals in the evening. Many local theatre groups will do larger shows, musicals, or youth-oriented productions during the summer.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you do a show or a film, it shouldn't cost you anything but transportation. Just audition and see if you get something.

www.backstage.com
www.actorsaccess.com

If you happen to be spending the summer in Los Angeles you could always do extra work. You'd work on major films, get paid, yes it would be long hours but you'd have something to talk about when you went back to school.

good luck