How to Keep Busy Outside of Acting

It’s easy to let your mind go into overdrive and become swamped in anxiousness as to when that next audition or acting job will come! Have a look below on how to keep working (and sane!) whilst staying in the industry.​

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​Keep working on your craft!

So, you have the basic requirements down - a great headshot, a short but punchy showreel, and showing to be active on social media - now what to do? It’s important to remember to not go and work on jobs because you ‘have nothing better to do’ – there is always something you can be doing to expand your craft.
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If the job looks unprofessional and something you do not really believe in, then use that time instead to take a class; read a new play; write and expand your network connections. One of the best ways to get involved is with students. Student films are happening ALL THE TIME.  They’re one of the industry’s best-kept secrets, constantly casting, as well as being very open in the audition and typically allowing you a great deal of time to show off what you can do. Not many pay but usually cover travel expenses, as well as providing food on set. There's a lot of patience required at times with crew and director; but they’re developing – you were once starting out and are always learning! So go on the journey together. Most typically you will be able to get some great material for your showreel and if not, just remember that that filmmaker is just as hungry for success in the same line of work as you; they may well remember you for the next time they are casting. You never know where anyone will end up or how much he or she would be willing to pay next time.

Look after your body and mind

It’s essential you remember to do things that will help better yourself as an actor but also release stress. Pick up fitness activities that you enjoy; swimming, dance, yoga – all great healthy hobbies that will not only tone your physique but can also beat 'The Gym' and any pressures there. Any physical activity will make you feel good about yourself and replenish your mind to give you the energy to motivate your optimism to begin the next acting battle. 

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​Expand your network
 
Surrounding yourself with people who have the same mind set as you; driven, hard working and with a healthy outlook on life, will have a great impact on your work ethic. It also helps to make as many connections as you can. Mingling and making small talk with someone you usually wouldn’t, can pleasantly surprise you, so push yourself out of your comfort zone if you’re one to usually stay quiet. 

​Get a flexible job
 
Being an actor costs money with all the essentials to pay for, so keeping busy and making money outside of acting is invaluable. The best work examples that offer flexibility are bar jobs, weekend receptionist work, promo work, temping and waiting staff. One of the ultimately overall rewarding jobs is to create your own work as an actor – of course this takes a lot of patience, but as actors that is a key trait to possess. Become a script reader, write your own material and find bases where you can perform them, get involved with new writing and scratch night events, become a member of an improv troupe, produce your own films for which you can write.

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​Stay Positive!
 
Sounds like a cliché but it is so important. At the end of the day, it is a brutal business; all you can do is your best, stay resilient and never give up. If this is the one profession in the world where you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else, then you’re on the correct path.