How to get regular income whilst attending auditions

If you're not Tom Cruise or Keira Knightly, which most people aren't, it can be tricky paying for your life's necessities on simply acting jobs alone. Especially if casting websites are your main source of Auditions as it mean's your actively looking for jobs yourself whilst doing others, rather than have your agent doing that. Whether you have an agent or not, sometimes there are large periods of times where you are getting no auditions, or auditions but no acting jobs. Here is just a simple list of jobs you can do whilst auditioning for other work, from my experiences working in London.

1. West End Theatres. Working as an Usher is a very easy job to do and the best thing about it is that you work usually in the evenings, save for two or three matinee afternoons and so you have time during the day to audition. Within theatres there's also bar work, box office work and even other jobs like Cashier and fireman but they tend to be reserved for employees who stick around so they don't have to keep training people. The money's not wonderful, but it is possible to live off of an ushers wage and also with some theatres they get children's shows during the morning as well as Sunday shows as well, which may be a bit more hours but also means a lot more money.

2. Tourist Attraction. There are many tourist attractions in London, a lot of them specifically hire actors as well, as they know that they are friendly (or can act friendly) and are hard working and versatile. If a company mainly hires actors they are also usually quite willing for you to have some last minute time off if possible as they understand that that's when auditions usually tend to turn up. As long as you are professional and honest, usually companies will let you audition and leave in terms of them having a good reputation in hiring actors. But, do not take liberties and don't just not turn up because a guide on the internet said they would be lenient. Also be friendly and work hard, that way they'll be more inclined to give you time off. Depending on the company and how many hours you make this can be a very comfortable wage to live off.

3. Call Centres. I'll be honest with you, the two times I've done call centre work, I have hated it to my very core. However, other actors and people I've worked with do seem to be very good at it and also if it is on a commission basis then it can be a very good money maker. There are usually companies advertising on spotlight for call centre work and if so, like the tourist attractions I mentioned up above, they will be used to hiring actors and flexible with their hours and also last minute audition calls. It's not for everyone this but it can be good for networking and also it's quite easy when you get the hang of it.

4. Teaching. There are many weekend performing arts schools which will require acting, singing and dancing teachers which, although won't really pay the rent, these schools are good for experience in working with children, they can be good for obtaining a CRB if you haven't already got one and also quite rewarding if you'd like to pursue it more in the future. However these are mainly so you can make a bit more extra money on the side and weekend performance teaching is in no way a wage you can pay rent with.
As well as the weekend schools there are also jobs in being an assistant teacher, which although might involve a bit of training can also be quite flexible and rewarding and a good pay packet with it.There are specific websites that can help you with this.
Lastly though there is also private tuition in terms of singing, piano or any other instrument or skill you have. It's a good little money maker if you have the confidence and skill in teaching. But again, unless your doing this for three or four full working days, you won't be paying for holidays with it without another job as well.

5. Temping and Promotions. I'll just add this on the end here as I don't really have much experience with them, but again they are good money makers, and they are usually used to having mainly performers working for them and temping is great if you have an acting job looming up in the distance and you need something to tide you over for a bit, but only really good if you are OK in an office environment. Promotions, if you can find is is usually very good pay, and is very easy as well most of the time. It can be a bit boring though and can also be quite hard to find so if you find a good company then work hard, be punctual, flexible and be nice!

These are my main areas in which I've made my money in which I can live, when I've been without performing work from graduating from drama school, until now. Of course there are other jobs I haven't mentioned like bar work, and waiting in restaurants but these tend not to be as flexible and are usually very long and tiring hours as well. I've not mentioned any specific companies here for I don't wish to advertise companies or jobs which may not be available and also they may have changed slightly since my absence. The last thing I would advice, is that don't limit yourself to acting. If you see an opportunity that seems too good to miss then take it, if you see something that involves getting paid to go to another country you've never seen before, then do it to broaden your horizons. Being an actor is great in terms of performing, but also the offers we get that coincide with our line of work are also brilliant as well.