5 Jobs Similar to Being an Actor
So you want to be an actor?
Well, I hate to break it to you, but the odds of at least making the A list are lower than the San Diego Padres ever winning the World Series.
With the rise of nepotism in Hollywood and the need to be at the right place at the right time, it’s important to consider a backup plan. Believe me. This is coming from experience.
But don’t fret too much! It’s still possible to be a working actor or at least a frequent performer in community theater. Still, you need to consider how to make a livable income and whatever work comes your way may not always cut it. However, you shouldn’t let your day job be a polar opposite to your artistic passion that’s burning inside. Here are just a few potential careers to explore that have many similarities to acting. For this list, I decided that these jobs need to have the potential to be full time work and not just side gigs. Also, there will be no talking of serving tables WHATSOEVER. Any aspiring actor will tell you that they’re sick and tired of hearing that’s all they’re ever going to do while they wait for their big break.
- Salesperson
I’m not just referring to those who work in department stores. For example, you could be a medical sales representative or selling software. It may not sound like you’re persuading people towards the things that you love, but the persuasion is as if you’re giving a performance. Actors need to be convincing. They need to be believable and sell it to others that they’re feeling a certain way. These same skills can be used in sales in order to convince people to purchase the products you’re selling. If your sales skills are as good as your acting skills, then you’ll be a top performer at your company.
2. Teacher
There are so many places where you can be a teacher. Elementary schools, junior and high schools and even online! When you’re a teacher, you’re always talking to an audience (AKA your classroom) and trying to engage them in your performance (AKA your lessons). How you present learning to your students can come in a variety of ways and allows for creativity. Maybe dress up as a fictional character or historical figure? Create a funny video? Do a puppet show? The possibilities are endless. I went to a performing arts high school so I witnessed first-hand the amazing school projects that can come out of arts integration in classrooms. Also, keep in mind that there may even be the opportunity to become a theater teacher. You can run the drama department at a school, become an acting professor at a college or be a teaching artist at a local theater company.
3. Psychologist
Why study neuroscience and how people develop? It’s actually an incredibly valuable tool for actors. When you’re acting, you have to break down and analyze a character. In psychology, one can study the behavior of humans (or even animals if they want to) and understand why they develop in certain ways. Long readings and in-depth analysis may not always seem fun, but they can provide fascinating theories that can make us look at things differently. That being said, it might be a good idea to consider being a therapist. Aside from just being able to make a connection with others, there’s been further developments in the field that allow for opportunities like drama or art therapy. Maybe the office you work in will allow for theater games as a way to get to know your clients a bit better.
4. Model
Maybe this one sounds like it’s cheating but being an actor and being a model are technically two different careers. Regardless, both careers allow you to artistically express yourself. This can be either on camera or on the stage (AKA the runway). You get to wear beautiful clothes or even costumes depending on the gig. Yes, modeling can be as hard to get as acting gigs, but you don’t have to sign with a premier agency. You can always sign up with a local one and that will present you with further opportunities, especially considering the stereotypes that come with models in the media. The reality is that you don’t always have to be skinny and 5’10”.
5. Jobs in the Theater (Just Not as an Actor)
It may sound hard to abandon center stage, but if you’re willing to, then there’s still plenty of opportunities to be involved in productions. I know people who used to pursue acting but are now on the technical and/or administration side of the performing arts. Even if you’re behind the scenes, you can still take part in creating and witnessing the magic of theater and bringing a piece to life. Whether you’re managing your own theater or painting the sets, you can put your work towards something that you can be proud of.
I hope these suggestions were helpful, especially if you can relate to what aspiring artists have to face. Feel free to share any other similar jobs in the comments. Regardless of what path you choose career wise, I wish you the best in each and every one of your pursuits and passions.
THANKS FOR READING :) Please follow me to see more of my work. I specialize in 2000s nostalgia, theater tips and acting careers of singers at the moment. You can also email subscribe so that you’re notified when I publish a new story: https://medium.com/@brigidp16/subscribe
Lastly, if you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/brigidpfeifer It takes a lot of time and energy to write these articles. Showing your support would help me refuel and create more :)