Are you an actor who is looking for ways to make extra money? Finding steady work in the entertainment industry is a challenge, so many actors turn to side hustles to make ends meet. Whether it’s teaching classes, renting out space, or driving for a rideshare company, there are plenty of opportunities for actors to generate extra income. In this article, we explore some of the best side hustles for actors.

Top Side Hustle Ideas for Actors

Here are the best side hustle opportunities for actors. Some are related to your job, while others are completely unrelated to your profession but are nonetheless achievable and will provide you with sufficient money.

Voice-Over Artist

With the demand for audio content increasing, many actors have found that taking on voiceover work can be a lucrative side hustle. As a voice-over artist, you need to have excellent diction, enunciation, and intonation, as well as the ability to project your voice in a way that conveys emotion and clarity. It’s also important to be able to take direction well and be comfortable working with a script.

Modeling

Modeling can be a great side hustle for actors. It’s a great way to make some extra money and build your resume, plus it helps you stay in shape and get comfortable in front of the camera. Whether you’re looking to break into the modeling industry or just want to supplement your acting income, there are lots of opportunities out there for aspiring models.

Start a Podcast

Before you start a podcast, you’ll want to decide what topics you’ll cover. Once you’ve chosen these, you’ll need to create a show outline and record your first few episodes. After that, you can start promoting your podcast online and begin earning money from sponsorships or ads.

Become a YouTuber

YouTube has become an incredibly popular platform with billions of monthly viewers. As an actor, your unique perspective can bring something fresh to the table. To become a successful YouTuber, you’ll need to come up with an engaging concept for your channel. Once you’ve established that, you can start creating content and promoting it online.

Brand Ambassador

A brand ambassador can be a great way to supplement your acting income while creating an exciting and unique experience. As a brand ambassador, you promote products or services for a company or organization. You often do promotional work at events, such as giving away samples or handing out promotional materials. This job can be a great way to make extra money while still pursuing your acting dreams.

If you earn at least $600 by working as a freelance brand ambassador, you will receive a 1099 form from your client. It is advisable to establish an LLC to deduct equipment and material costs incurred in providing your services.

Dance Instructor

Actors are usually good dancers, and as an experienced dancer, you already have the skills necessary to share your craft with others. Plus, teaching dance classes are a great way to stay in shape while making extra money on the side. When getting started as a dance instructor, you should decide which styles of dance you want to teach, find a space to rent, and advertise your services.

Teach Acting

If you have experience in the industry, consider teaching acting to aspiring performers. You can offer private lessons or host a group class at a local studio or your home. It’s an excellent way to share your knowledge and make some extra money at the same time.

Party Character

If you’re an actor looking for a great side hustle, consider becoming a party character. This is a fun way to make money by bringing your acting skills to special events and parties. As a party character, you will be responsible for entertaining the guests through impersonations of popular characters, such as superheroes, princesses, cartoon characters, and more.

Host Events

Hosting events allows you to use your networking skills, meet new people, and most importantly, give back to the community. Before becoming a host of an event, it is important to research and plan carefully. You should consider what type of event would be best for your audience, the date and time of the event, and any additional tasks that need to be taken care of.

Rent Out Property

Many actors own properties, such as apartments or houses. By renting out your space, you can generate a steady stream of income without having to perform. Of course, you’ll need to do research and make sure that you are compliant with all local laws and regulations.

Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is an excellent side hustle for actors because it allows you to work flexible hours. Plus, it’s a great way to get some furry cuddles. You could offer pet-sitting services through an app like Rover or advertise your services on websites like Craigslist.

Ride Sharing

If you have a car, consider driving for a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft. It’s an easy way to make money while you’re on the go. Plus, you’ll get to meet interesting people and explore new places.

Barista

Bartending at a local cafe or coffee shop can be an excellent source of income for actors. It’s a great way to meet new people and hone your skills in customer service. You may even get a few acting gigs out of it.

Babysitting

Starting a babysitting service is a great way to bring in extra cash while still allowing you to pursue your acting career. Babysitting is a wonderful option for actors because it’s flexible and can be tailored to your needs. You can take on as many or as few clients as you’d like, and you don’t need to have any special qualifications or certifications.

Server

Although the hours of a server are often unpredictable and the work can be demanding, it’s also a great way to make extra money and meet new people. As an actor, you may find that the fast-paced work environment of a restaurant or bar is just what you need to get out of your comfort zone and hone your acting skills.

Personal Trainer

As an actor, you’re already familiar with the importance of maintaining a healthy physical image. That’s why becoming a personal trainer can be a great side hustle option. By taking on clients as a personal trainer, you’ll have the opportunity to design workout plans and offer nutritional advice. You will also get to work flexible hours that accommodate your acting job.

Flipping

Flipping involves buying items at a discounted price, and then reselling them at a higher price. It can be done in person or online, and the profits can be quite substantial if you can find the right deals. To start flipping, it’s important to do your research. Learn to recognize a good deal and find ways to differentiate yourself from the competition.  

Real Estate Assistant

As a real estate assistant, you support real estate agents, property managers, and other real estate professionals with administrative tasks such as managing listings, coordinating viewings, preparing paperwork for transactions, and other duties. This job provides you with flexible hours and can be a great way to gain experience in the real estate industry and make connections with potential employers. 

Telemarketer

Telemarketing involves making calls or sending emails with the goal of selling products or services. While this may not sound like the most glamorous job, it can be surprisingly lucrative and offer some flexibility. With the right attitude and dedication, you could find yourself building a successful telemarketing business in no time.

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is someone who provides administrative or creative support remotely for a business or individual. This type of work usually involves managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling other administrative tasks. As a virtual assistant, you can work from anywhere in the world and have the flexibility to focus on your career as an actor. 

Freelance Writer

Working as a freelance writer offers flexible hours, the opportunity to work from home, and great pay. With a little bit of research into what kind of writing services are in demand, you can easily find a way to supplement your income with freelance writing. One of the best things about freelance writing is that it requires no prior experience. As long as you can write well and are willing to learn, there’s a world of opportunity available for actors who want to make extra money on the side. 

Take Surveys

Taking surveys is an excellent side gig for actors, as it does not require much time or energy. It can be done from the comfort of your home and on your own schedule. Most survey companies require that you have access to a computer and the internet, so if you have those available, then this could be a great option.

Blogging

Acting is a great way to make money, but it’s not always easy to build a consistent income as an actor. That’s why many actors are turning to side gigs like blogging to supplement their regular income. Blogging offers the flexibility of setting your own hours, creating content that you care about, and having the potential to earn passive income over time.

Test Websites

For actors looking to make some extra cash, testing websites can be a great side hustle. As an online tester, you’ll be responsible for providing feedback on websites or applications to help developers and businesses create better user experiences. You don’t need any special qualifications to become a website tester — just an eye for detail and the ability to provide constructive criticism.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great side job for actors who want to supplement their income and take advantage of their online presence. As an affiliate marketer, you promote a product or service of another company and earn a commission when someone purchases the product or service through your affiliate link. It can be a great way for you to leverage your online following and generate additional income from something that you are passionate about.

Transcription

Transcription involves listening to audio or video recordings and typing out what is said in those recordings into written text. Transcriptions are used in various industries, such as law, medicine, and business. With the right attitude and dedication, you could find yourself building a successful transcription business in no time.

Social Media Manager

Social media managers help brands, businesses, and individuals with their social media presence. To become a successful social media manager, you’ll need to understand the basics of marketing, be familiar with various social media platforms, and have the ability to create content that resonates with your audience. 

If you earn at least $600 through freelance social media management, you will receive a 1099 form from your client. It is advisable to establish an LLC to deduct the cost of equipment and materials used in providing your services.

Clean Houses and Cars

With the right attitude and some hard work, you can make a decent living while maintaining your acting job. In order to become a cleaner, you’ll need to have an eye for detail and the ability to work quickly and efficiently. You may also need to invest in some cleaning supplies or equipment if you don’t already own them.

How to Start Your Side Hustle as an Actor in 5 Steps?

For most actors, achieving success in the entertainment industry can be a long and difficult journey. While waiting for the big break, it’s important to supplement your income and get creative with how you make money. Starting a side gig is a great way to increase your financial stability while still pursuing your acting career. Here are five steps to help you get started on your side hustle as an actor:

1. Identify Your Skills

Take some time to think about the skills you have that could be valuable to others. Do you have experience in writing, video editing, or website design? Are you good at networking and marketing? Once you’ve identified your skills, it will be easier to determine what type of side hustle would best suit you.

2. Determine Your Goals

Think about your goals for a side gig. Are you hoping to supplement your income or are you looking to make more money than what your current job pays? Setting realistic goals will help you create a plan of action that will keep you motivated and focused.

3. Research the Market

Once you’ve identified your skills and set some goals, it’s time to do some research. Look into what services are in demand and how you can differentiate yourself from the competition.

4. Build Your Brand

Once you’ve identified the market, it’s time to create a brand for your side hustle. Think about creating a logo, website, social media accounts, or any other marketing materials that will help you stand out.

5. Start Networking

It’s time to start putting yourself and your brand out there. Connect with other professionals in your field, attend events, and join online communities to help you find potential clients.

These are just a few steps to help you start a side hustle as an actor. With the right attitude and dedication, you could find yourself building up a successful business in no time.

Make Money with Side Hustles While Waiting for Your Next Acting Gig

When it comes to side hustles for actors, the possibilities are endless. From freelance voiceover work to hosting virtual events, there is something out there for everyone. The key is to find what best suits you and your career goals. Whichever side gig you choose, make sure it meets your financial needs and meshes with your acting job so that you can stay in the game while still taking care of yourself.

It will be difficult to balance your acting job and side hustles. You’d need a partner to help you manage your income, expenses, and taxes. We, at doola, can assist you in setting up your side hustle business, managing your books, and doing your taxes. Contact us right away! 

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