4 Tips For Those Looking To Make Acting A Side Hustle

Many people think that in order to act, you need to have the perfect face, the best body, and the coolest demeanor. That’s certainly not the case. Many successful Hollywood actors are outside what most people accept as ‘the beauty standard,’ and that’s a great thing. Provided you can act, looking like a normal person is more than enough. And if you have unique features, that can actually work in your favor, too.

 

What matters is having the confidence and willingness to get out there and try. Our previous guide about starting a successful acting career can give you those fantastic long-term tips which help you flourish in the best possible sense. But what if you wish to make acting a side hustle that you can partake in when and where you’d most like to? You’d be surprised, but this can serve as quite a comfortable side activity if you have the drive to try it.

 

In this post, we’ll discuss how to achieve all of that and more. Without further ado, let’s begin:

 

Have Your Photographs Taken Professionally

 

If you’re going to present yourself as an actor, even an amateur one, then it’s good to make the best first impression. This can be achieved by having your photos taken professionally, otherwise known as headshots. These can be used to showcase you from a couple of different angles, with a relaxed and smiling face.

 

This can be used to curate an actors profile online, be that on social media or a website like spotlight. Some amateur actors decide to invest in a decent outfit to have their photos taken, some have a great hair cut and others decide on teeth whitening to seem more presentable. This way, you can put your best foot forward.

 

Join An Amateur Acting Group

 

It might seem as though joining an amateur acting group is an intimidating prospect, but most of them are filled with people like you – people with other jobs, responsibilities, and families to take care of, but who feel like acting and expressing themselves through that art, even if it’s only to open them up from their shells.

 

You’d be tremendously surprised as to how much this can work. Don’t be afraid to get involved. Contact the person who runs the club, see what the joining fee may be, what kind of activities you get up to, and when the sessions are. Odds are, just like a martial arts club, it’s run by someone with some past experience who enjoys training new actors and having fun. This can help you get involved with others, relax a little, and act in a safe and comfortable environment. You may even come together to act out bigger roles, such as running a stage play at the end of the year.

 

Sign Up For Extra Work

 

Extras can be paid up to $150 a day or more depending on what kind of work you get. A background extra can make a tidy sum, if infrequently, by appearing as background walkers, cafe attendees, and random people in the background. 

 

Some people even make a living from this. It can be a good way to get involved in productions, but remember, you may have to be on set for long hours. It’s a good way to spend free weekend days, and the more you sign up for a placement, the more you’ll be considered for the next one. That in itself can work for you.

 

Work With Universities

 

If you live near a city, then it can be truly worthwhile for a budding actor to volunteer for some student projects near university film schools. Students are given budgets to make minor films, and some of them even tour the local film circuit and festival. Volunteering to be part of that process, and on the list of actors used by the universities, may give you the chance to properly showcase your talent but moreover, help with the creation of an actual film.

 

You’ll gain experience on set with lecturers aiding with the production. You’ll see all the pitfalls that come with such a large machine to manage. This kind of effort can make a profound difference in seeing how your professionalism may develop, and you may make something of a name for yourself among future contacts potentially going into the industry.

With this advice, you’re sure to make acting a side hustle in the best way, through focusing on this approach as a craft more than a quick earner.