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25+ Side Hustles for Actors That Work

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Are you an actor trying to figure out ways to boost your income?

I get it.

The entertainment world isn’t always consistent with opportunities. But you know what? There are several other ways to make some extra cash.

In today’s guide, let’s dive into some cool side gigs that might be perfect for you as an actor/actress.

Best Side Hustles for Actors

Surveys

How about sharing your thoughts for some cash?

Taking surveys is a pretty chill side activity for actors. You pick your surveys and place, whether that’s during a break or at home. The great thing is that you only need an internet connection. If you’re set on these, survey-taking might just be the easy-going gig you’re looking for.

They don’t pay all that much, but you can start now.  Expect to do these when you have downtime.  Start with Swagbucks or refer to my favorite surveys list.



Teach Acting

Got a wealth of acting experience? How about guiding the next generation of performers?

You can give one-on-one lessons or gather a group for classes, be it at a studio or even your place. It’s not just about passing on what you know; it’s also another avenue to boost your income.

Consider advertising your classes on social media or creating a website to advertise your services.

Become an Audience Member

Have you ever imagined being compensated to attend shows? It’s not just a wild idea.

There’s actually a demand for individuals to occupy seats in studios, playing the role of “audience members.” Organizations like Standing Room Only can help you embark on this journey.

Check out the more than five resources you can use to find paid audience work in your area.

Babysitting

Babysitting can be a pretty flexible gig for actors. It offers a neat balance – making some cash while still chasing the acting dream.

The beauty of babysitting is its adaptability; you get to decide how many kids you can handle, and there aren’t a bunch of fancy qualifications needed.  As long as you have a clean background and you’re CPR certified, you should be good to go.

Start with some of the bigger platforms to potentially find clients such as Care.com and Sitter.com.

Blogging

When acting gigs aren’t always steady, you might be seeking other ways to keep the cash flow consistent. Enter blogging.

Imagine crafting stories or sharing insights on topics you’re passionate about, all on your timetable. The beauty of blogging is that over time, it might just continue to earn you money even when you’re not actively working on it.

Don’t jump in right away, however, as there’s a lot to learn.  Check out my favorite free resources to learn how the blogging/SEO world works such as Authority Hacker, Backlinko, Quick Sprout and the Ahrefs Blog.

Brand Ambassador

How about becoming a brand ambassador?

It’s a cool way to pad your acting paycheck and dive into something thrilling. In this role, you’d be showcasing products or services for companies, often making appearances at events to hand out goodies or promotional stuff. It’s a solid strategy to rake in some extra cash without sidelining your acting pursuits.

You can often find these types of jobs on both Indeed and Craigslist.

Join a Theatre Crew

Another path you might contemplate is joining the crew.

Roles like production assistant or even administrative positions in casting or production offices can provide a fresh perspective on the industry.

A simple way to kickstart this is by browsing job listings on theater websites or platforms like Playbill.



Deliver Food

For those who don’t mind zipping around town delivering food, platforms like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Instacart could be your ticket.

These apps allow you to work on your time.

The great thing is that some markets can make you more than $25+ per hour, sometimes much more during the busy dinner/lunch rush.  Be sure to check out the many apps that pay you to deliver food.

Flipping Items

Imagine buying something at a steal and selling it for a nice profit. That’s what flipping is all about.

Whether you’re treasure hunting in person or scouring online deals, the key is to know what’s worth the flip.

Dive into some research, spot those worthy deals, and figure out what makes your offer stand out.  You can flip almost anything, furniture to cars.

Food Industry

Let’s talk about one of the most traditional side jobs: food service. There’s a good reason why waiting tables or pouring drinks have become the go-to gigs for many. The restaurant scene is booming, offering jobs that don’t just stick to the typical 9-to-5 routine. Got an unexpected audition? Often, you can switch shifts to accommodate. From being a server, host, bartender, to positions like maitre d’ and barback, there’s a variety to choose from.

Now, a word of caution.

Landing prime roles like bartending during peak hours can be as competitive as landing an acting gig. To nab those top-tier restaurant jobs, you might start from the ground up. However, show reliability and professionalism, and you’ll climb the ladder.

Websites like Craigslist, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed can help. Alternatively, there’s the good old method of asking around locally. For those eyeing big city spots with bustling food scenes, a word of advice: having prior restaurant experience can be a plus.

Freelancing

Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer are your gateways to a realm of freelance opportunities. From video editing and graphic design to writing, translating, and even photography, the sky’s the limit.  If you can do it, you can offer your services.

Stuck on what to do? I wrote about the easiest jobs you can do on Upwork.  Don’t think you can’t consider it if you feel you don’t have a marketable skill.  This isn’t true.

Modeling

Ever thought about modeling?

It can be a fantastic side gig for actors like you. Not only does it offer extra cash, but it also adds to your professional profile. It’ll help you get more comfortable on camera, and who knows, it might even help with staying fit!

So, whether you’re eyeing the modeling world or just want a fun way to add to your acting funds, there are many chances out there.

Patient Role Playing

Have you ever thought about using your acting skills in a medical setting?

Many medical schools and teaching hospitals are on the lookout for actors to become “standardized patients.”

In this unique role, you’ll act as a patient, helping future doctors refine their skills in exams, patient care, and even their bedside manner. While you won’t receive a traditional script, you’ll be handed a character complete with a medical background and symptoms to portray.

Your job isn’t just to act; you’ll also offer feedback on how the doctor or medical student interacted with you.

Party Character

How about becoming a party character?

It’s an opportunity to light up events by becoming some of the favorite personalities out there – think superheroes, princesses, or animated stars. It’s all about bringing joy and tapping into your acting chops.

If you live in a busier area, companies are almost always looking for characters.  Indeed.com is a great place to start to find these opportunities.

Pet Sitting

If you’re someone who adores pets, pet sitting might be your jam.

It’s flexible, lets you decide your hours, and come on, who doesn’t love some quality time with furry friends?

You can use apps like Rover to offer your pet-sitting services or put up ads on platforms like Craigslist. It’s a win-win – extra income and a fluffy companion by your side.

Podcasting

Thinking about starting a podcast?

First, figure out what you want to chat about. Once that’s settled, plan your episodes, hit the record button, and you’re on your way. Once you get your podcast rolling, there’s potential to earn from sponsorships or advertisements.

It’s a fun and engaging way to connect with an audience and earn on the side.

Rent Out Your Home

If you happen to own an extra apartment or house, why not consider renting it out?

It can be a consistent source of income, and the best part is that you don’t have to be on stage to earn from it.

Just make sure you’re on the right side of the law and familiarize yourself with local renting rules.  Airbnb and VRBO are both great places to get a feel as to what your place may rent for the night.



Rideshare Apps

Got a car?

Think about driving for rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. It’s a handy way to earn while cruising around.

The bonus is that you may meet all sorts of cool folks and stumbling upon some neat places you might not have known about.

Substitute Teacher

When the regular teacher can’t be present, it’s the job of a substitute teacher to step in. They manage the classroom and keep the learning going, even if it’s just for a day or sometimes a bit longer, depending on why the usual teacher is away.

What might a day look like for them?

Well, they’ll start off by marking who’s present and who’s not. They’ll then dive into the day’s lessons. Fortunately, most of the time, they don’t have to come up with these lessons on the fly. The regular teacher usually leaves behind a roadmap – the curriculum and lesson plans – for the substitute to follow. This means guiding students through the day’s topics, clarifying any doubts, and setting out assignments or homework.

You can find substitute teaching gigs on almost every local school district website.

Temp Work

The beauty of temp jobs is that they offer flexibility. If you’ve got breaks between your acting gigs, you can seamlessly slide into temporary roles, often filling in for employees who might be away.

While many of these roles lean towards office administration, there are temp agencies that cater to events or catering gigs. Think of it as a short-term commitment that ensures a steady flow until your next acting role.

In the past, I wrote about the best temp agencies around the United States.  Be sure to check it out to see how you can find the perfect temp role.

Test Websites

Ever thought of getting paid for sharing your opinion? Website testing might be your game.

Your role is to navigate through websites or apps, then give feedback so companies can enhance their user experience. The best part is that you don’t need to be a tech guru. If you can pinpoint what works and what doesn’t, and communicate it well, this could be a neat way to earn extra bucks.

Take a look at the many companies that will pay you to test websites and apps.

Tour Guide

Considering you’re already comfortable captivating an audience, how about guiding locals and tourists alike as a tour guide?

It’s a fantastic way for actors like you to keep your performance skills sharp, all while sharing stories and knowledge about interesting places.

Voiceover work

The world’s craving for audio content is always growing. And, many actors are discovering that voice-over tasks can be a good source of extra money.

If you’re thinking of this, you should have a clear and expressive voice. Remember, it’s not just about reading words; it’s about making them come alive. Plus, being able to follow directions and work with scripts will be a big help.

Even if you’re a beginner, you can succeed.  Check out the more than 15+ platforms you can check out to find work as a voiceover artist.

YouTube

You know, YouTube is a hotspot with a massive audience tuning in every month.

As an actor, you have a unique flair that could be a game-changer on this platform. To make a splash, first, think of an interesting theme for your channel. Once that’s in place, start creating and sharing your content online.

Check out the many YouTube tutorials online since there are a ton.  It can take some time to be successful, but it’s a nice way to make some passive income on the side.

Freelance Writer

Dabble into the world of freelance writing. It’s a job that lets you decide your hours, write from your couch, and earn a decent paycheck.

Just do a bit of digging to see what kind of writing folks are after. And don’t stress if you’re not a seasoned writer. If you can weave words decently and have a knack for learning, there’s a space for you to earn that extra bit, even as you chase the spotlight.

Check out these 17+ freelancer writing opportunities for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on an acting career often means waiting a while before the spotlight finds you. So, it’s wise to have a backup plan that lets you earn while also chasing your aspirations.

This guide on side jobs for actors is intended to steer you in a productive direction.  I hope you can find one that makes the most sense to you.

Don’t forget, managing your finances effectively can also be a game-changer. Being savvy with savings and adopting a simpler lifestyle can help bridge any financial gaps as you continue to hone your craft.

That’s going to do it for now.

As always, if you want to add an idea to this list, feel free to do so in the comments below.

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Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

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