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Money, Money,
Money
Spending, Saving, Earning
One of the more challenging realities of
becoming an actor is that it can and will
get expensive. The cost of classes, pictures,
marketing, demo reels, scripts, theater company
dues and union initiation fees and dues, showcases,
etc. etc., etc. adds up big time. Even participating
in graduate films and small theater will necessitate
spending some money on wardrobe, make-up,
and props not to mention gas and parking fees.
The sobering news is that almost any other
profession you choose will probably cost you
much more, however, with most other professions
you would have a somewhat better chance of
earning a steady income, -unless you are in
the 5% who can make acting a career. When
embarking on other professions, you would
have a good idea of all the necessary expenses
for your training, start up business costs
and the money you would need to get you through
the first few years. Unfortunately, most new
actors don't stop to consider all the costs
involved with the necessary training and marketing
or have a plan to finance their career. Often
that means major obstacles are in place before
they even get started. Some get lucky and
fall into situations and opportunities that
help make it easier. Some have rich families
or influential friends. Nevertheless, new
actors must "get real" and go into this business
as if it were a business. (It is easier to
get lucky when you are knowledgeable and have
a plan). I STRONGLY suggest that you put together
a financial structure. Outlined in this chapter
is most of the information you need to be
financially prepared for every step in this
trip.
Spending
Saving
Earning
SPENDING
THE COSTS OF BECOMING
AN ACTOR
In order to structure a feasible plan, first
it is important to have an understanding of
most costs involved. Please realize that the
following costs are approximate prices
based on an average and the year you purchased
this book. Also, know that I have listed a
maximum number of activities you could be
involved in and items you could purchase in
each year of your development. Although it
is ideal, I realize that most new actors probably
won't be able to do and get everything on
the following lists; therefore I will also
suggest variables and options for you to consider.
YEAR
ONE
- Acting Classes
- $225 per month for approx.
11 months - $ 2475
- Improv Classes
- 2 Twelve week workshop sessions
@ $450 each - $ 900
- Commercial Workshops
- 1 Eight week session - $ 425
- Books and scripts - $ 125
- Photographs
- Photo session - $ 375
- Photo and Resume Duplication,
250 copies - $ 150
- Mailings
- Includes postage, mailing
labels and mailing envelopes - $ 110
- Speech and/or Diction lessons (if
necessary) - $ 500
- Gym membership or dance and/or yoga
classes - $ 500
(I believe that taking care of your body
is an acting expense.)
- Cell phone and voice mail - $ 500
TOTAL OF FIRST YEAR'S ACTING
RELATED EXPENSES: $
6,060.00
AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSE
$ 505.00
It really adds up doesn't it? Again, it is
better to know the expenses so that you can
organize and be prepared to get the most out
of this first year.
Someone once told me, "It is not that you
can't really afford what you need, it's that
you choose to spend your money elsewhere.
And if you don't have enough, make more."
As simple as that sounds, bottom line, it
is the truth. If you want to be an actor,
be smart about making, saving and spending
money.
VARIABLES
Here are a few items that might help to reduce
some of your acting related expenses in this
first year:
- No speech and voice lessons (If
not necessary); Deduct - $ 500
- Exercising on your own; Deduct - $
500
- Hold off until your 2nd year to get
pictures and resumes and to start marketing;
Deduct - $ 635
- Barter services for your acting classes;
Deduct $ 2000
(Sometimes teachers will exchange their
class for a student being a class assistant
or a work-study)
- If you are approaching acting as an
investigation you might not take as many
classes; Deduct $1000
(If you are doing this as a career or hobby,
classes are the wrong place to cut back)
RECCOMENDATIONS
Many actors will invest in their training
and when the time comes for photos, marketing
and union expenses (in the second year) they
are not prepared financially and thus often
miss wonderful opportunities. The way you
handle your finances can make a big difference
in the pursuit of your career. Here are some
suggestions.
- Plan for all of your expenses
- Along with acting expenses factor
into your budget the costs of living:
home or apartment, food, eating out, insurance,
gasoline, car payments, going to the movies,
transportation, recreation, phones, internet
and cable access, the costs of taking
care of your appearance and health and
every other possible expense. (These living
expenses would be the same with any profession
that you pursue.) Once you have a clear
financial picture you will know how much
you need to earn.
TIP: Know that everything
will cost more than you thought. You can
count on it. So factor at least a 15% cushion
into your best estimate.
- Make lots of money
- My strongest money advice to
the new actor, (in the first year) is
to work at the best paying job or jobs
possible. Many actors have to take several
jobs in order to support themselves and
their careers. It usually is overwhelming
but realize it is just part of YOUR game
plan. Don't be afraid to take a day job
during the first year when you are training.
It's not a necessity at this time to keep
your days free for auditions. I believe
it is very important to focus all your
attention on training and just make as
much money as you can. This way, in the
second year and after, you would have
the money you need to handle the increase
in expenses to pay for your marketing
and promotion as well as joining the union(s).
TIP: You might want to get
an entry-level job in another field in the
entertainment business that you might like
as a second choice to becoming an actor.
First of all, it is an opportunity to meet
people that might help you as an actor.
Secondly, it could be that if you choose
to pursue a career in this second choice
business then you would have made a foothold
in this first year or two.
- Open a designated bank account
- For those who are pursuing an
acting career, I recommend that at the
beginning of your two-year plan, you open
a bank account just for acting related
expenses. Each month deposit (if at all
possible) $ 650 into that account. The
$650 would cover your monthly workshops,
phone and misc. expenses plus allow you
to save the money necessary to take photographs,
market yourself and eventually join the
union(s).
- A separate account will help
you to keep your acting business financially
organized.
- It is the best way to justify
all of your acting expenses for tax
purposes
- For those approaching acting
as an investigation or a hobby, you may
or may not want to take on all the above
listed expenses for Year One. I believe
that $275 to $400 is a reasonable amount
of money you should deposit into your
designated acting account each month.
This will cover your training and some
marketing expenses. It is realistically
what you might need to spend per month
in order to facilitate how you choose
to proceed in year two or three. And it
is what you will need to spend to determine
if you want to continue or not after year
one.
YEAR
TWO
The heat gets turned up this year for your
acting related expenses as well as your time
commitments. This is the period when you start
to showcase yourself, find acting work as
well as continue to develop your craft. Now
is when it starts to even get more exciting.
Enjoy the ride by being financially prepared.
Remember, the costs listed are approximate.
TOTAL FOR SECOND YEAR ACTING RELATED
EXPENSES: $ 12,638.00
DON'T BE OVERWHELMED!
These potential marketing expenses and union
initiation fees really kick up the expenses
to more than double in the second year. (Most
actors will usually only join one of the unions
the first year. So, for most, the total will
be less.) Don't be stopped by the sum of all
these costs. This is just what could be spent
if an actor started actively looking for work
and landed acting jobs in all the mediums
right away. Find solace in knowing that once
the union initiation fees are paid, this 2nd
year is usually the most expensive time.
Most new actors will not need to or be able
to afford all the elements that could be available
to them during this time. In order to get
a more realistic idea of what you might be
spending, factor in the below mentioned Variables
and Ways to Save Money. If you plan ahead
and are creative and resourceful, you will
find that you can greatly reduce your acting
expenses.
VARIABLES
Here are some of the expenses that might
be deducted or put off to the 3rd year:
- If you are approaching acting as a
hobby you might not take as many classes.
(If you are doing this as a career,
classes are the wrong place to cut back).
Deduct $1000
- Join only one of the three unions.
(The one will be determined by where
you start to do your professional work,
i.e. Film, Soaps, Sit-coms, Commercials
or Theater). It will probably not be
necessary or realistic for most new actors
to join all of them. I listed all three
to give you an idea of what all the initiation
fees and dues cost. Deduct $ 2600 OR
- If you choose to stay non-union
(whether you do this as a career
or a hobby) and decide not join
any of the unions during this second year.
Deduct $ 4214.90
- Join just one of the on-line or printed
directory casting services. Deduct $ 263
- Hold off until the 3rd year to join
the Networking Organization. Deduct $ 300
- Reduce the number of Photo and Resume
Duplications, Postcards, Business Cards
and Mailings. Deduct $ 350
- Work out regularly on your own so that
you can go without a Gym membership or dance/yoga
classes. Deduct $ 500
FACTORING IN VARIABLES, MY ESTIMATE
OF THE ACTOR'S SECOND YEAR ACTING RELATED
EXPENSES: $ 8275.00
AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSE $
690.00
NO NEED TO WORRY
I bet this still seems like a lot of money
and for many they will believe it's not doable.
You mustn't be naïve. Acting is a career (for
those who choose it) and needs to be treated
like a business. Investing in any career you
pursue would probably cost you at least this
much if not a lot more; but if you: save money
(either before you start or in your first
year), plan carefully and are resourceful
and creative, you should be able to do this
right in your second year. My suggestion is
that you amortize the costs of the second
year into the money you put away monthly during
the first year.
DISCLAIMER: Spending all this money does
not guarantee you one job, nor does it mean
that you won't succeed if you don't spend
this money. This is just the approximate amount
that could be spent for the activities and
purchases that I have designated. And
I truly believe that what I have outlined
in my three year plan will give you a better
chance of becoming a quality actor as well
as creating better opportunities for getting
work and becoming successful.
YEAR
THREE
Although this book primarily covers the first
two years, I believe it would be valuable
for you to know the potential 3rd year acting
expenses so that you will be prepared. (Again
all costs are approximated).
- Acting Classes
- $250 per month for approximately
11 months - $ 2750
- Cold Reading Workshops
- 1 Eight week session - $ 425
- Specialty Workshops (Sit-com, Soap,
Shakespeare, Theater)
- 1 Eight week session (in
one of these mediums) - $ 425
- Showcases and One-on-One Casting Director
Workshops
- Two Showcases
- OR Three workshops a month
for eleven months
- OR One Showcase and 12 Workshops.
Average cost - $ 1050
- Theater Company dues
- Monthly dues - $50
per month - $ 600
- Union Initiation Fees and Dues
The Initiation Fees for the three unions
are posted under the 2nd year expenses
- SAG (Screen Actors Gulid)
- www.sag.org
- Average Dues $65.00 semi-annually-
$ 130
After joining, a member's
dues are based on earnings in SAG's
jurisdiction during the prior year.
- AFTRA (Actors Federation of
Television & Radio Artists) - www.aftra.org
- Average Dues - $ 130
After joining, a member's
dues are based on earnings in AFTRA's
jurisdiction during the prior year.
- AEA (Actors Equity Association)
- www.actorsequity.org
- Basic Dues per year $ 118
Working Dues 2.25% based
on earnings in AEA's jurisdiction
during the prior year.
- On-Line and Printed Directory Casting
Services
- LA Casting Network - www.lacasting.com
- Represented Talent - FREE
- Or per year fee - $120
- Now Casting - www.nowcasting.com
- Union and Represented Actors Only
- Free
- or per year fee -$120
- Showfax Inc (in conjunction
with Actors Access powered by Breakdown
Services)
www.showfax.com;
Actors Access http://www.actorsaccess.com
- Actors Access Registration -
Free
- One year subscription to Showfax
- $ 68
- Academy Players Directory
- www.playersdirectory.com
- Used for casting purposes on The
Link
- Registration Fee
per Category per year - $
75
- Networking Organization Membership
- One year $ 600
- Photographs - $ 375
- Photo and Resume Duplication (Commercial
& Theatrical) 600 copies - $ 450
- Postcard and Business Cards - $ 100
- Mailings
Includes postage, mailing labels and mailing
envelopes - $ 260
- Gym Membership or Dance and/or Yoga
Classes - $ 500
- Audition Wardrobe - $ 250
- Cell Phone and Voice Mail - $ 500
- On-Line Casting Services and Academy
Players Directory
- Graduate Films and Theatrical Productions
(Your personal expenses, i.e. wardrobe,
make-up, props, gas, parking, etc.) guesstimate
- $700
TOTAL FOR THIRD YEAR ACTING RELATED
EXPENSES: $ 8483.00
VARIABLES
Here we are with the variables again. As
you can see, this is where you have to do
your creative planning and make choices for
yourself:
- Take only six months of acting classes.
Deduct - $ 1375
I suggest (if at all possible) you stay
in your acting class unless you are doing
a theatrical production, working on a film
or if you just need to take a break for
a short time to do another project or program
that is acting related.
- If you just take either the Cold Reading
or the Specialty Workshops: Deduct - $ 425
- If you join one or more unions in the
2nd year and join the other one or two this
year: Add $1406 - $ 3867
- Join just one of the on-line or printed
directory casting services. Deduct - $ 263
- If you are already a member of one
union and only pay dues to one union: Deduct
- $ 225
- If you choose to do half the Showcases
and One-on-One Casting Director Workshops:
Deduct - $ 500
- Subscribe to only one of the on-line
or printed directory casting services: Deduct
- $ 263
- Work out regularly on your own so that
you can go without a gym membership or dance/yoga
classes: Deduct - $ 500
- Plus, whatever other ways you can find
to save money like bartering and/or doing
class assistant work.
ALLOWING FOR VARIABLES, MY ESTIMATE
OF THE AVERAGE THIRD YEAR ACTING RELATED EXPENSES:
$ 6,050.00
AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES $
504.00
IN CONCLUSION
After this year there will continue to be
expenses depending on the classes you choose
to take, the marketing you do and how well
you clothe, house and take care of yourself.
The good news is your major acting expenses,
at this point, will be behind you. You have
done a great deal of your preparation and
career groundwork; now pursue your career
with all of your focus and energy.
SAVINGS
WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
Since having the money you need to train
and market is so crucial for most, an important
key to your success can be how you save money.
Here are a few ways where you can cut back
on some expenses:
- Manage your
apartment complex
- When you are the manager of
an apartment complex, you get your apartment
for free. Often you can earn a small salary
depending on the size of the complex,
your skills and the responsibilities you
assume. If this interests you, I recommend
you take the course for Apartment Managers
and get the certification. Once you finish
the course and get certified, you will
get a list of apartments that are looking
for managers or you can check the want
ads.
TIP: I suggest that you
do not take on a building that has more
than 24 units. Larger complexes will probably
take too much time to oversee and might
make it difficult to pursue all you need
to do for your acting career. Also, I suggest
that you negotiate with the building owners
to pay for all or at least half your phone
and/or cell phone bills. You will be on
the phone a lot for this job.
- House Sitting, Caretaking
or working as a Nanny
- Three ways to get a free place
to live.
- House Sitting: If you don't
have a lot of personal possessions or
furniture, watching other peoples homes
while they are out of town could be
a great way to get your lodgings free.
Often the places you stay are really
nice and if there are responsibilities,
i.e. taking care of the pets or plants,
there might be a small stipend. The
disadvantage to this living arrangement
is that there may be times when you
are between house sitting assignments
and you may have to sleep on a friend's
couch.
- Caretaking: Often elderly
or disabled people prefer to have someone
living with them to help them with,
driving, cooking, shopping, errands,
cleaning, carrying things, etc. If you
have references and are licensed though
an agency, you could also make a small
salary as well.
- Working as a Nanny: Live-in
caretakers of babies or small children
normally are provided with a place to
live and meals. Often your employers
will want you to be licensed through
an employment agency. There is always
a salary for this work. The amount is
negotiated and depends on your employer
and the strength of your references.
- Start your own Networking
Group
- Select 10 -15 actors that
you know or that you have worked with
in classes or on projects and put together
your own networking group. Set up a
regular meeting day and time for several
hours each week or every other week
or at the very least once a month. At
these meetings discuss teachers, photographers,
networking opportunities, agents, casting
directors, acting work, etc. and ways
you can help each other. There could
also be assignments for the members
to bring back desired research, information,
or industry speakers to your next meeting.
- Create a Cold Reading practice
group
- Organize a group of actors
to get together on a regular basis.
(If you have put together a Networking
Group, the same people could do cold
reading workouts). Bring in all kinds
of scripts and practice doing readings.
You might even hire a cold reading teacher
to come in once in a while to give you
instruction. Then you could continue
to practice what you learned when your
group meets.
TIP: You also have the
option to pay a casting director to come
in to work with your group for an evening.
Unless you can get a casting director
to volunteer (which is rare), this will
cost between $100 to $200 dollars. It
is better if you have at least ten to
fifteen actors in your group to make it
financially feasible for each participant.
- Get a camera and practice
auditioning
- If you absolutely cannot afford
to take a commercial audition technique
or an on-camera cold reading workshop,
then somehow buy or borrow a video camera
and practice. The camera can be an inexpensive,
basic model with none of "the bells
and whistles". Most teachers will let
you audit a class at least once. Audit
several top recommended teachers and
take copious notes then at home in front
of your camera work with their information.
Actor friends who take these classes
might be willing to teach you what they
have learned. (It is good for them to
teach the information they receive so
that they understand it even better
and this will give you more techniques
to practice). When you watch back your
work on camera, you get the necessary
feedback to see what works and what
doesn't then you can make adjustments
and practice some more.
The key elements to saving
money here are: a camera, good instruction
and PRACTICE. Then as soon as you
can afford it, take a commercial audition
technique and/or an on-camera cold
reading workshop. If you have practiced
well, you should be able to skip the
introductory level and get into a
more progressed class thus, saving
some money. Plus, practicing correctly
on-camera could speed up the training
process and improve your auditions
so that you might start getting work
sooner.
TIP: Be sure to get a
signed statement from the "test shot"
photographer saying exactly how they will
be using the photos they take of you.
Also, if you would like to have your make-up
done for the shoot and you can't afford
a make-up artist or one is not provided
by the photographer, go to a make-up counter
at a department store. Sometimes you may
have to buy some make-up, but at this
time Sephora and somer department stores
do make-up for no charge.
- Find a photographer who wants
to shoot "test shots" for their portfolio
- Search for student photographers
looking to shoot pictures for their
classes, new headshot photographers
needing to create sample work and established
photographers starting to include headshots
into their services. They are usually
willing to shoot pictures for actors
(which they refer to as "test shots")
at no fee. The photographer will give
you an agreed upon number of prints,
but they will own the negatives. Some
may charge you for developing the film
or printing the pictures but there should
be no fee for shooting the pictures.
(Get the receipt from the lab to make
sure you are being charged correctly).
Good ways to find these photographers
is through agents, mangers, universities,
other photographers and friends.
TIP: Being your own teacher
for any kind of acting or auditioning
technique training is only good for a
limited time. If you are not sure when
you are ready to get into a professional
class, then that is when you should get
in one.
- Buy Drug Store 4X6 Proof Prints
- Instead of getting a proof
sheet or 4X6 proof prints from the photographer
who shoots your headshots, ask him/her
for a CD disc and then take the disc
to a major drug store that develops
photographs. Most of these places now
have a machine that will give you 4X6
prints at a fraction of the cost you
would have to pay if the photographer's
lab had done them. Then, use these prints
to select which you want your photographer
and/or their lab to blow up to 8 X 10"
photos.
- Work-study or be a class assistant
for an Acting, Improv, Coldreading or Commercial
teacher
- Most every teacher has someone
in their class that is a work-study,
an assistant or a monitor. Their job
is to take care of the class paperwork,
monitor the attendance, make phone calls,
do data entry, etc. In exchange, they
take the class at a discounted price
or for free. Once you have found an
acting, improv, cold reading and/or
commercial teacher you love (and possibly
have already studied with for a short
time) talk to him/her about being an
assistant. If that position is not available,
ask if you can clean, baby-sit, run
errands, etc. in exchange for the class
or at a discount. If the answer is no
and if you continue to study with them,
ask again at a later time. (Or look
around for another teacher you love
who might be willing.) It is always
worth a try.
- Barter your work skills in
exchange for membership in acting organizations
or services
- You probably have skills that
you might be able to barter with some
professionals or organizations for services
you need. When dealing with networking
organizations, theater companies, photographers
or with specific businesses, check to
see if they would be willing for you
to do designated work for them in exchange
for their fee.
- Have your hair cut and colored
at beauty schools
- Businesses that train beauticians
usually have their more advanced students
cut and/or color patron's hair for free
or a minimal fee. They are trained but
not experienced. There is normally no
reason to be concerned about their inexperience
because their instructors are supervising
them. (I have heard of some people who
have had problems with hair color or
bad cuts. I suggest you ask questions
and pay careful attention while they
work on you, just to play it safe).
- Work Out on your own
- If you are a disciplined,
focused and creative you can get the
physical exercise you need to keep yourself
in shape, stay healthy and look good.
Jog around your neighborhood, buy exercise
tapes and workout with them, stretch,
create your own weight workout, do sit-ups
and push ups, etc. Put a daily routine
together and stick to it. It is difficult
for most but if money is an issue don't
jeopardize your health, work out on
your own.
TIP: You should change
your workout every eight weeks. Get a
copy of "Shape" or another fitness magazine
and try a new regiment that is featured.
- Buy your clothes at Thrift,
Charity, Outlet and Discount stores as well
as Garage Sales;
Buy your groceries, gasoline and
home necessities at membership clubs
- You can save lots of money
and get great clothes (even designer
fashions) when you shop at Thrift, Charity,
Outlet and Discount stores and garage
sales. You may have to hunt around and
sometimes do some altering, but the
money you save is often worth the time.
Membership clubs like Costco, offer
incredible savings on groceries, gasoline
and many necessities. Most items are
oversized or you have to buy them in
bulk. I suggest you divide your purchases
among roommates or friends. There is
an annual membership fee, but it is
only a fraction of the money you will
save. (Maybe the fee could be split
up among those sharing your purchases).
TIP: There are stores
in New York and Los Angeles that specialize
in wardrobe that was bought for actors
(and not always worn) in films, TV shows
and commercials. Many times it is designer
wardrobe and costs half of what is charged
in department and specialty stores.
- Put Coupons to work for you
- In newspapers, magazines,
mailings and handouts there are coupons
you can use to save money on all kinds
of items. Look at them, cut the ones
out that can work for you and use them.
It might surprise you how much money
you can save.
- Utilize Referral Discounts
- Often times acting teachers,
photographers, photo duplicators, etc.,
give discounts to agency clients, networking
organization members, class students,
etc. Depending on whether or not there
is a referral discount set-up with a
person or business you are affiliated
with you might be able to save money
on a class or service you need. So,
don't hesitate to check out who takes
referral discounts.
TIP: Again, don't let
the discount be the only criteria for
choosing a teacher, photographer or service.
You only save money if it's a service
you truly want. If not, you are wasting
money.
- Take Advantage of the Public
Library
- Join the library, which is
free, and check out copies of books
or scripts you want. Libraries also
have copiers and often Internet access.
Although, these savings may be small,
they can add up.
MONEY SAVING
WARNINGS
Most of us are always looking for a bargain
or creative opportunities to save money. Realize
it is crucial to weigh and measure what you
are getting against what you might be saving.
Many times in an attempt to save money, it
will cost you more money or more importantly
valuable time. Here are some specific examples:
- Saving money on a house or an apartment
that is a good distance from where you will
be working, studying and auditioning is
not really going to save you money. The
expense of gasoline as well as wear and
tear on your car will oftentimes end up
costing you a lot more than the higher priced
apartment or home closer to the hub of your
activities. Plus, the time spent driving
(usually in traffic) a long distance could
be used working at your "survival" job making
you more money so that you can afford the
more expensive abode closer to where you
need to be.
- Choosing a teacher only because they
are less expensive, willing to barter with
you or make you a class assistant could
end up costing you more money and more importantly
your time. A barter only benefits you if
it truly serves you. Select a teacher who
you are willing to pay not just any teacher
who would be willing to work out a deal
for you. Your time should not be wasted
and your craft should not suffer just to
get a free or less expensive class.
- Networking groups are about building
your career. Even though I suggest starting
your own group to save money, realize that
professional groups with their established
contacts, tried-and-true tactics and networking
opportunities are definitely more valuable
if you can afford it. An established and
reputable networking or career guidance
organization will be able to move your career
along faster (especially after 18 months
into my plan) and might help you find more
acting work.
- Saving money with a less expensive
photographer does not always work. Do your
research and if you find that a more expensive
photographer is the one you prefer then
wait a little longer, save the money you
need and shoot with your first choice. If
you choose a photographer primarily because
they are inexpensive and you don't get photos
that serve you well then you will need to
go shoot with the better photographer (usually
the one that you wanted to shoot with in
the first place). In an attempt to save
money, you will have spent almost twice
the amount and lost valuable time.
These are just a few examples of mistakes
people make when they try to save money. So,
look at what you are getting for what you
are saving. And save wisely.
EARNINGS
JOBS FOR ACTORS
Okay, now that you know how much money
you could be spending and hopefully saving
let's take a good look at occupations and/or
part time jobs to help you make money. The
following suggestions for jobs are conducive
to actors pursuing a career.
After the first eighteen months of my plan,
actors need to have a job (or a few
part time jobs) that offer them the most
time flexibility allowing them to get
to their auditions and do acting work. It
should also be a job that makes you to feel
like a success. It is important to feel good
about yourself and any work you do. If you
are doing a job that you hate just to make
money you might take that negativity into
your acting work or even give up your career
in order to stop doing the "survival" job
you hate. So choose your "survival" job or
second career carefully.
The following are many of the more popular
jobs that give actors the flexibility they
require:
- $ Waiter and Bartender
- These are the more popular jobs
because most shifts are in the evening,
which leaves the days free for auditions
and classes. The shifts are scheduled
in advance and if you need to take one
off, you can usually get someone to cover
or switch with you. Plus, the money (if
you work for a popular restaurant or club)
can be pretty good. Besides working in
restaurants, caterers and party planners
also hire for parties and events, which
creates additional income. Depending on
the cost of the meals and drinks you can
make anywhere from $10 to $35 an hour
in gratuities in addition to minimum wage.
TIP: If you are thinking
about supporting your acting career as a
waiter or a bartender, before you move to
Los Angeles, New York or Chicago, start
working for a corporate restaurant that
has locations in the one of the three cities
in which you are planning to move. When
you are ready to move, ask for a transfer.
This way you will have a job when you get
to your destination. Finding work as a waiter
or bartender is not always as easy as one
might think because these cities are saturated
with lots of actors who want to support
themselves doing this work.
- $ Outside Sales
i .e. Medical Supplies, Real Estate, Magazine
Advertising, Multi-level Marketer
- Doing sales work primarily outside
an office can be an ideal job because
you usually are able to schedule most
of your client appointments around your
auditions and acting work. You can make
good money depending on the product, the
territory, your contacts and your skill
as a salesperson. Many sales jobs are
minimal wage plus commissions and include
expenses.
- Depending on the product, some
specialized sales jobs, i.e. Medical Supplies,
require a license. Others like Real Estate
require taking a course and passing a
test, where others might require training
from the company.
TIP: When selecting a product
to sell I recommend that you make sure it
is something that you believe in, really
understand and you feel good about selling.
(It is also important to have a good work
environment that will support not undermine
your confidence). This will make it a job
that interests and nurtures you so you succeed
and make good money.
- $ Swap Meet and Flea Market Vendor
- Selling products that you
either make or buy wholesale at weekend
market places is another option. There
is usually a venue to be found every
weekend in a city within a reasonable
driving distance. If you have a desirable
product at a good price, are a good
salesperson and secure a good location,
you can make enough money in these two
days not to have to work another job
during the week. At your convenience,
during the week you can handle the restocking
and finances of running your own little
business.
TIP: Get a business and
resale license as well as make sure your
paperwork is accurate and your taxes are
paid.
- $ Retail Sales
- Sales work in department,
clubs and specialty stores or on car
lots is a good job if you have an understanding
boss and other sales people who can
fill in for you on short notice. There
is a salary and often commission. The
amount of money to be made depends on
the product, the clientele, the commission
structure and your sales ability.
- $ Product Promotions @ conventions,
events, bars and parties
- The purpose of this work is
product promotion. Actors are hired
to talk about companies and/or demonstrate
products (either scripted or impromptu)
at large conventions or various smaller
venues. The money one can make depends
on the job being done, the venue, your
experience, expertise and the amount
of time required. Usually, most actors
can't count on these jobs for a steady
income, however it is great work to
supplement your money situation. Once
you get positioned with an agent, party
planners, caterers, clients etc., you
will be able to work fairly frequently
and make decent money for a day or two
or possibly up to a week at a time.
Most jobs are local but some require
travel, (sometimes even out of the country).
Again, YOU can choose to take only the
jobs that your schedule permits.
- $ Masseuse, Facialist or Physical
Therapist
- These jobs require a commitment
to a training program, a certification
and license. Once accomplished, masseuses,
facialists and physical therapists can
make anywhere from $25 to $150 a session
(plus gratuities) depending on their
clientele, service and whether they
work at a spa or for themselves.
- $ Physical Trainer, Yoga, Aerobics
or Dance Teacher
- Again these jobs require a
committed training program and a certification.
Actors performing these jobs can earn
from $20 to $75 an hour depending on
whether they work for a business or
for themselves giving classes or privates.
- $ Substitute School Teacher
- This job requires a degree
and a certification. Most actors who
teach school on a day-to-day basis get
work calls either the night before or
very early the morning they are needed.
If they are free that day, they take
the job. It is usually a 9am to 3pm
job. For six hours of work, the pay
is approximately $120.
- $ Teacher of Specialized Skills
- If you have a strong knowledge
or talent in a specialized skill, i.e.
computers, arts and crafts, dog training,
languages, photography, feng shui, golf,
tennis, baseball, cooking, quilting,
etc., etc., etc. and have a clear ability
to communicate that skill, you can make
either a living or supplement your income.
There are always people, sometimes lots
of people, who would like to learn what
you know. It's just a matter of locating
them or them locating you. With proper
advertising, word of mouth, and/or a
good location, finding potential students
to start your own business is doable.
You can also secure a job teaching with
an established teaching institution
or business. Your earnings are determined
by the complexity of your skill and
the demand.
- $ Casting Assistants, Casting
Camera Operator and/or Session Directors
- Casting Assistant
- They assist Commercial
and Theatrical Casting Directors
with everything from running errands,
sorting pictures, setting appointments,
writing letters, taking notes to
running a casting session's waiting
room. This job normally pays between
$75 and $125 a day
- Casting Camera Operator
- Almost every commercial
casting session is videotaped and
thus a camera operator is necessary.
Experience with video equipment,
lighting and deck to deck editing
would be pre-requisites for this
kind of work. This job usually pays
$100 to $150 a day
- Session Director
- Session directors run
a casting session for a casting
director. They inform the actors
what is required, direct their auditions,
make sure the casting tape(s) look
good and the paperwork is complete
as well as oversee the shipping
of the casting tape(s) to the client
and the director. Session directors
make $100 to $175 a day
- Camera Operator/Session Director
- Often the camera operator
and the session director are one
and the same. The person who does
both jobs for the same session will
earn from $150 to $250 a day
TIP: A great way to get
one of these jobs is to intern or work
for free for a month or two with the Casting
Director that you are most interested
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