Life as a working actor comes with thrilling highs and frustrating lows. Booking a role can be an exhilarating rush, but the time between those roles can stretch into uncertain weeks or months. The unpredictability of the entertainment industry isn’t for the faint of heart, but I’ve learned that what gets you through is flexibility, resilience, and yes,side jobs. Reliable, steady side income not only covers the bills but keeps the mind active and creatively nourished when auditions are scarce.
Throughout my journey, I’ve explored a range of side gigs. Some paid better than others. Some drained my energy, while others enriched my artistic growth. What matters most is finding the right balance,a job that supports your financial needs without crushing your creative spirit.
Let me walk you through the landscape of side jobs that help you stay afloat between gigs.
Freelance Voice Work
The world of freelance voiceover is one of the most actor-friendly spaces outside of traditional on-camera work. Thanks to affordable recording gear and online platforms like Voices.com, Fiverr, and Upwork, I’ve landed narration gigs, audiobook readings, animated character roles, and even educational content projects,all from my home setup.
What I love about voice work is the flexibility. I can schedule sessions around auditions or callbacks, and I’m still exercising my vocal range and performance skills. If you’ve got a solid demo reel, a clear mic, and a quiet room, this side job might become more than just a stopgap,it could become another professional lane.
Teaching or Coaching Acting
Whether it’s private coaching or teaching group classes, passing on knowledge can be deeply rewarding. I started by tutoring high school drama students, then eventually took on workshops for adults. Teaching keeps me sharp,constantly thinking about technique, scene work, and emotional access,and it also creates a sense of community.
Platforms like TakeLessons, Superprof, or even local community centers often look for instructors. You don’t need a Broadway résumé to get hired,you just need passion, clarity, and patience. For actors with strong communication skills, this is one of the more fulfilling side jobs that help you stay afloat between gigs.
Background Acting
When I’m in a dry spell, I turn to background work. Sure, it doesn’t always come with prestige or screen time, but background acting keeps me connected to sets, crews, and the general flow of production life. It’s especially useful for observing directors and other actors at work without the pressure of performance.
Signing up with casting agencies that specialize in extras can result in regular work, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, or Toronto. The pay isn’t glamorous, but it beats waiting tables and sometimes leads to opportunities you’d never expect.
Event Staffing and Brand Promotions
I’ve donned costumes, handed out flyers, served hors d’oeuvres, and even emceed product launches. Event and promo work can feel strange at first, but it pays decently and leverages your charisma and performance instincts. Companies often want staff who are confident, photogenic, and able to improvise,qualities most actors already have.
Sites like Shiftgig, Victory Marketing Agency, and event staffing companies in your city are constantly looking for new faces. Many events happen on weekends or evenings, which means you can keep your weekdays free for auditions and rehearsals.
Copywriting and Content Creation
My passion for storytelling doesn’t end when the curtain falls. Writing articles, blog posts, website copy, or social media content has become a solid income stream for me. If you’ve got a good grasp of language and enjoy playing with words, content creation can be a great way to earn without compromising your creative energy.
I started by pitching pieces to small blogs and businesses. Eventually, I picked up consistent freelance clients who valued quick turnaround and authentic voice. It’s one of the few side jobs that help you stay afloat between gigs while still giving you the satisfaction of creative output.
Personal Assistant and Virtual Admin Work
Being a virtual assistant or personal aide might not sound glamorous, but it offers consistency. I’ve done everything from managing calendars to booking travel, answering emails, and organizing digital files. These gigs tend to pay by the hour and allow for remote flexibility, which is ideal when you need to jump on a last-minute audition or self-tape.
Remote job boards like Belay, Fancy Hands, or PeoplePerHour are full of listings, and many professionals are looking for help that’s reliable, quick, and discrete. As long as you’re organized and good at communication, this can be a stress-free way to earn money during slower acting seasons.
Fitness and Wellness Jobs
For actors who stay active, working as a personal trainer, yoga instructor, or even fitness class assistant can be a perfect match. I started teaching beginner yoga classes part-time after getting certified, and not only did it help pay rent,it also kept me physically and mentally balanced.
Studios are often looking for instructors or front-desk staff. Sometimes the perks include free classes or gym access. And let’s face it: staying fit is a bonus in this industry, whether you’re prepping for stage roles or camera work.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Simple, consistent, and surprisingly lucrative,pet care is a popular fallback for actors. I’ve walked dogs during the day, stayed overnight in clients’ homes, and even handled multiple animals at once. Services like Rover or Wag can connect you to pet owners, and many people are willing to pay top dollar for trustworthy care.
This side job allows you to structure your day with breaks and outdoor time. Plus, who can complain about getting paid to hang out with animals?
Catering and Restaurant Work
I’ve spent more than a few seasons behind a bar or serving tables. Food service jobs are a long-time staple in the acting world for a reason,they’re relatively easy to find, offer flexible shifts, and don’t require extensive resumes.
While it’s not always creatively fulfilling, hospitality work hones people skills, builds resilience, and can even open doors to networking. I’ve met producers and directors who were just grabbing a coffee, and you never know what small conversations can lead to.
Temp Agency Assignments
When I needed short bursts of income without long-term commitments, temp work was a lifesaver. Assignments have included front desk reception, data entry, and customer support. The key advantage is flexibility: you can accept or decline gigs based on your schedule.
Temp jobs are especially helpful if you’re between larger projects or only available for a few days at a time. Agencies like Adecco or Randstad are a good place to start. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s one of those practical side jobs that help you stay afloat between gigs.
Selling Digital Products
Selling eBooks, acting worksheets, audition prep guides, or even monologue compilations can generate passive income. Once the initial work is done, the content continues to earn money while you focus on your craft.
I published a downloadable audition prep guide based on my experience, and it’s continued to trickle in earnings months later. If you have a niche, a bit of digital know-how, and some marketing effort, you can create a low-maintenance income stream that doesn’t drain your energy.
Tour Guide and Local Experiences Host
For actors living in big cities or tourist areas, becoming a local guide can be an exciting way to combine performance with work. I’ve led haunted history walks, improv-themed tours, and behind-the-scenes theater experiences for curious travelers.
Sites like Airbnb Experiences or local tour companies often look for charismatic individuals with a flair for storytelling. It’s a fantastic way to meet people, share knowledge, and get paid to perform,even if it’s not on a traditional stage.
Babysitting and Childcare
Actors often have irregular schedules, and so do parents. I’ve found babysitting to be a surprisingly flexible side job. Parents are especially grateful for caregivers who can be playful, creative, and dependable,three things that come naturally to performers.
Whether it’s after-school pickups, evening sitting, or weekend care, this kind of work can fit snugly between auditions and callbacks. Plus, kids can be a welcome dose of spontaneity and inspiration.
Podcast Production and Editing
With podcasts booming, the demand for producers, sound editors, and show hosts is growing. If you’ve got a good ear and some basic editing skills, podcast work can offer regular income with creative input. I’ve edited interviews, coached hosts on delivery, and even helped launch new shows.
It’s one of those side jobs that help you stay afloat between gigs while expanding your skill set. Bonus: working on podcast content can also hone your storytelling instincts and audio performance techniques.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a career in acting means embracing uncertainty and knowing how to stay resourceful. Not every season will be filled with bookings, and the financial pressure can easily mount if you don’t have other options in place. For me, the key has been staying open,to different types of work, to unexpected opportunities, and to roles that may not involve scripts or cameras but still allow me to show up fully.
Side jobs that help you stay afloat between gigs are more than just temporary fixes. They’re bridges. They connect the peaks and valleys of the artistic life, offering not just money, but structure, inspiration, and skill-building. I’ve learned to see these jobs not as a step back, but as an extension of my journey.
Every dollar earned between roles has supported a headshot session, a voice demo, a self-tape setup, or simply the rent that keeps me grounded in the city of dreams. And that, in the end, keeps me moving forward,gig after gig, one audition at a time.
