If the only “realistic” advice you’ve ever received on how to make money as an actor was “get a side job at a bar”… you’ve been lied to.
For decades, actors have been fed this romanticized image of struggle. Like you have to “suffer for the art” or else you’re not doing it right. Spoiler alert: you’re not a better artist just because you can balance four plates while memorizing lines for a callback.
The industry has changed. The tools have changed. And if you’re under 35 and still stuck in this 1990s survival narrative… that’s on you now.
Because there are real, concrete, and creative ways to make money as an actor—without selling your soul to customer service.
Why This Matters?
You don’t need to choose between doing what you love and paying the bills.
In fact, the actors who stay broke the longest are usually the ones who think money and art are enemies. You’re not less “pure” as an artist just because you want financial stability. You’re just more prepared. And preparation (fun fact) is one of the most respected traits in any casting room.
Learning how to make money as an actor on your terms gives you more time to train, audition, and grow—without burnout or breakdowns.
The Real Problem?
Most actors are trained to think like employees, not entrepreneurs.
They wait for someone to cast them. They wait for the agent. The opportunity. The “break.” They don’t realize that acting is not just a craft—it’s also a business. And businesses need income strategies.
10 Ways to Make Money as an Actor (Without a Restaurant Name Tag)
1: Teach (Even If You’re Still Learning).
Run a local workshop. Offer private coaching to beginners. Create short video tutorials on voice, movement, or confidence. There’s always someone who knows less than you and is willing to pay to catch up.
Bonus: teaching makes you a better actor.
2: Do Voiceover Work.
Got a halfway decent mic and a quiet room? You can start doing voiceovers for YouTube channels, indie video games, audiobooks, or e-learning platforms. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork have plenty of listings.
Pro tip: start by narrating public domain books for practice and put them on YouTube.
3: Create an Acting-Adjacent Side Hustle.
Sell self-tape equipment kits. Edit other actors’ reels. Offer résumé formatting for performers. Build audition websites. You already know what actors need—you are one. Solve their problems.
4: Monetize Your Rehearsals.
Film your rehearsal process, script prep, or physical warmups. Share behind-the-scenes content on Patreon or YouTube. Add commentary. People love learning from someone actively “in the arena.”
Especially if you’re honest about the mess, not just the wins.
5: Become a Standardized Patient.
Hospitals and medical schools pay actors to help train doctors. You’ll act out symptoms, scenarios, and reactions. It’s weird, fun, pays well, and actually improves your improvisation and realism.
6: Work in Immersive or Corporate Theatre.
Think murder mysteries, escape rooms, historical tours, or corporate training skits. It’s still acting. It’s still performance. And yes—it still counts.
Plus, the audiences are very, very different. Good training ground.
7: Sell Digital Products for Actors.
Scripts, audition templates, vocal warmup MP3s, downloadable stage blocking guides, etc. If you’ve solved something for yourself, package it. Sell it.
People aren’t just buying the product. They’re buying your experience.
8: Do Content Creation (Smartly).
Start a niche acting-focused TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. Share tips, character breakdowns, or parodies. If it takes off, you can monetize with ads, collabs, affiliate links, or your own offers.
You don’t need to “go viral.” You just need to get specific.
9: Act in Non-Traditional Gigs.
No, not “background in a toothpaste commercial” (though do that too if you want).
I mean:
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Training videos for HR
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Roleplay for police or psychology departments
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Product launch demos with scripted presentations
Boring? Maybe. Paid? Definitely.
10: Start Your Own Small Theatre Company
Yes, it takes hustle. But if you and a few friends create even small, local productions—your own shows, tours, or workshops—you can control your own income and your artistic vision.
If no one gives you a role, write one.
One extra practical advice on how to make money as an actor.
Write down 3 things you already know how to do as an actor that someone else might pay for.
Are you good with accents? Script breakdowns? Self-taping?
Now post a story, tweet, or message in a local actor group offering to help someone with just one of those things—for a small fee.
That’s your first client. Not an employer. A client.
Want Help Turning Your Skills Into Income?
If you’re tired of waiting for someone to “pick you” and ready to start making real money as an actor (without selling cocktails to finance bros), I’ve got something for you.
Check out my free 5-day mini-course on making more money as an actor.
You’ll find the form below. Just drop your email and I’ll send it right away.
This isn’t fluff. It’s the next logical step in turning your passion into profit.
And remember…
You don’t have to starve to be a “serious actor.”
Starving doesn’t build character. Acting does.
And if you learn how to earn like a professional, you’ll have more time to become one.
