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How do you budget between acting jobs?
Actors- do you have an outside reliable source of income for when you don't have acting work? Do you find work independently or do you have an agent? What are the pros and cons of each?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ryan !
This is something that you will know how to schedule once you are trained and ready for an Acting Career ! It depends on the way your life is at the time, your non-acting skills, what city you pursue the career in, family and friend supports and the realization that work comes from auditioning so there will be work but down time, too.
All actors are different. Some work in a restaurant if there are still flexible schedules offered. Some do temporary assignments through a temp employment agency. Now a days, there is also online work and some companies offer to make your own hours. Some have full financial support from family or spouse, it depends on the person's circumstances and can't be generalized. You'll know how to budget the money you take in. Just try to live within your means and not buy things that are not necessary.
There are two times when actors can expect to be completely available for auditions, rehearsals and performances and not have to worry about money. One is when a student actor is in college receiving financial aid and the other is when they officially reach that "retirement" age and can get Social Security. Other than that, the in-between ages can be challenging but most people don't give up and they manage based on what is doable for them. Oh wait, there's another one - living with parents.
As far as agency representation is concerned, if an agent feels that you're marketable enough they will offer you representation. It's not like you "sign up" for an agent, they choose you. Lots of networking and showcasing could increase your chances for an offer, but it's not guaranteed. The way things are set up today, casting people -not agents have websites. Actors create a profile and if you see a casting that fits your type you can submit to the company for consideration. It's made a lot of us independent. Freelance more or less. There are no particular advantages or disadvantages between agent representation or being independent except that with being independent, you get to keep your entire pay without having to give 20% to an agent. There are enough roles for young people on sites like Backstage, Linked In, Direct Submit, Actors Access that you shouldn't worry right now about the way to get work. Also, you will learn more about this through your training.
Keep in mind, depending on the agent and city you pursue the career in, if you get an agent, even if you obtain work on your own and not through an agent, your agent may expect a percentage of your pay from that project. Once you sign on with an agent, read the contract very carefully before signing.
Most of all, just concentrate on your training and obtaining experience. You'll learn everything as your awesome career unfolds. Don't give up, think positive and I wish you all the best !
This is something that you will know how to schedule once you are trained and ready for an Acting Career ! It depends on the way your life is at the time, your non-acting skills, what city you pursue the career in, family and friend supports and the realization that work comes from auditioning so there will be work but down time, too.
All actors are different. Some work in a restaurant if there are still flexible schedules offered. Some do temporary assignments through a temp employment agency. Now a days, there is also online work and some companies offer to make your own hours. Some have full financial support from family or spouse, it depends on the person's circumstances and can't be generalized. You'll know how to budget the money you take in. Just try to live within your means and not buy things that are not necessary.
There are two times when actors can expect to be completely available for auditions, rehearsals and performances and not have to worry about money. One is when a student actor is in college receiving financial aid and the other is when they officially reach that "retirement" age and can get Social Security. Other than that, the in-between ages can be challenging but most people don't give up and they manage based on what is doable for them. Oh wait, there's another one - living with parents.
As far as agency representation is concerned, if an agent feels that you're marketable enough they will offer you representation. It's not like you "sign up" for an agent, they choose you. Lots of networking and showcasing could increase your chances for an offer, but it's not guaranteed. The way things are set up today, casting people -not agents have websites. Actors create a profile and if you see a casting that fits your type you can submit to the company for consideration. It's made a lot of us independent. Freelance more or less. There are no particular advantages or disadvantages between agent representation or being independent except that with being independent, you get to keep your entire pay without having to give 20% to an agent. There are enough roles for young people on sites like Backstage, Linked In, Direct Submit, Actors Access that you shouldn't worry right now about the way to get work. Also, you will learn more about this through your training.
Keep in mind, depending on the agent and city you pursue the career in, if you get an agent, even if you obtain work on your own and not through an agent, your agent may expect a percentage of your pay from that project. Once you sign on with an agent, read the contract very carefully before signing.
Most of all, just concentrate on your training and obtaining experience. You'll learn everything as your awesome career unfolds. Don't give up, think positive and I wish you all the best !