10 ways to make money as an actor

You want to find a paying gig, get that film audition, break into the business and earn the big bucks. There are many ways you can get paid work as an actor. Here are a few examples.

• Commercials

Apply for auditions/ castings in your local area.

• Background artist

Join an extras agency and make yourself available. Check out our recommended UK agency: Casting Collective

• Playing characters in films

The obvious choice. Try to score some small roles to start out with. Even one line parts can be well paid.

• Voice over/ dubbing

Voice over work can be well paid. If you are good with accents try to join an agency, create a demo reel and offer your services

• Theatre plays

• Community activist

Charities sometimes need people who can entertain people with special needs or someone who is a good communicator.

• Teaching

Teaching at film/drama school or at the theatre can be very rewarding

• Parties

Can you dress up as a clown and put yourself in a different role to entertain kids?

• Corporate entertainment

Can you impersonate people? Do you have a unique voice? Big corporations often hold special dinners and events.

• Computer games

Do you have what it takes to spend your day in a green screen studio and mimic movements directed to you? Even voice over for video games is well paid.

Here is a list of useful articles helping you search for paid jobs and learning the craft of acting:

Where to find auditions
How to become an actor: Training (part1)
How to become an actor: Getting roles in student movies (part 2)

Other stories:

1. 10 ways to make money with your film
2. How to make a short film : Casting (part 3)
3. How to make a short film : Pre-production (part 4)
4. How to make a short film : Budget (part 2)