Supporting Yourself While Acting
I'm an actor and for me it's been a struggle finding a job that allows me to make some necessary income while practicing my craft. I'm not lazy and if I need to I will do nine to five work, but it would mean leaving the field I love because I'm too old to do both.
I'm sure this is a problem that other members of Thrifty Fun who are in the acting field have faced or are facing. I'm not a dreamer. I have succeeded in my craft. I've done stage, film and Television, but despite popular belief we don't all make as much as Tom Cruise. Any feedback from actors or non-actors with incite?
Victor
Feedback About This Post:
RE: Supporting Yourself While Acting
Dear Victor,
I thought about your situation over night. I had some more ideas.
My precious uncle died recently. He was a theatrical set designer in the 1930s right in the middle of the Depression. He also took up photography. Guess what I inherited his original photos of Stella Adler, Douglas Fairbanks and many other greats of theatre! (He knew I would be the one to truly appreciate them.) Maybe you could go back to community college and study photography and set up a studio in your home taking headshots. You never know whom you might photograph. Also, these actors may let you in on auditions that your agent never told you about.
Our wedding florist worked out of his house. He sectioned off his dining room, which he had turned into an office. I never saw his living quarters. It looked very professional and he did a wonderful job. Ever thought about studying horticulture? Do you have any other interests or hobbies?
Maybe you could take some courses in accounting and be a bookkeeper at home.
Peter Bogdonovich started out writing movie reviews before he became a director.
If you have not done so already, read The Artists Way.
You can do it! Break a leg!
Post By Sally (Guest Post)
RE: Supporting Yourself While Acting
Have you thought about joining Avon? Lots of men offer it! I'm disabled and needed to be able to work when I was able to & Avon fits perfectly. No set hours, no inventory to keep, no meetings to attend, no quotas.
It's something to consider.
Post By Stacy (Guest Post)
RE: Supporting Yourself While Acting
I love to see fellow entertainers online!
I have been in show biz for years singing, acting, etc. Are you funny? As stand-up comedienne, I made more money in an hour than my father the doctor! Look into different categories in show biz. You never know. I know of musicians who make arrangements for high school band. They do very well. How about teaching? My brother is a composer, but he also helps develop music software. My husband is an artist, but we also have an antiques store. He sells his art there. How about free lance writing? By working in the outskirts of your craft, you can make more money and still make connections.
I worked for a temp service for years and really enjoyed it. I told them up front that I would be going to auditions. If you give them your best, they will be more wiling to let you off for auditions. They even named me employee of the year!
If you don't mind telling me, what state are you in? It might give me some ideas for resources. Meanwhile, check out http://www.score.org and http://www.sba.gov for business advise.
Break a leg!
Post By Sally (Guest Post)
RE: Supporting Yourself While Acting
My husband and I are musical entertainers, and we have recently started working part-time for a homestaffing company, as companions to the elderly. They are willing to work around our schedule, and we can choose the shifts we want to work. The pay is not great, but it's extra money when we need it most. Best of all, we don't have to "bring the job home" or do any intense planning. We like the arrangement!
Good luck with your career. Your great attitude should take you far.
Post by zballoongirl
RE: Supporting Yourself While Acting
I am a musician and understand this plight. You can't count on gigs coming through like a 40-hour week. A few things--1. Physical work can always be had if you market yourself--painting, cleaning house, helping someone pack up to move . . .2. Sign up for survey groups in your area. They are always cash-on-the-spot. 3. I don't act but have friends who work with "Renaissance festivals" 4. All of us who are artists are basically happy just to be able to be available to work our craft when those jobs come up (and they always tend to come up at the spur of a moment!). I've found that good friends who believe in my work are the BEST when it comes to finding work for me--they know I have no qualms about getting sweaty and dirty. They also know I am not in this business expecting to be rich or famous. I just want to be able to pay the bills and continue creating.
Post By bekkicat (Guest Post)
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