Many performers and theatremakers have a second, flexible job to support themselves alongside acting roles, auditions, creative and backstage theatre contracts. Luckily, a variety of jobs are suitable for actors and theatremakers who are in-between work or those who need a second source of income with a more flexible schedule. In this blog post, we’ll be talking through a range of performer-friendly jobs and flexible work, including some that you might not have considered. We will also cover what skills these roles require, so that you can find one that works for you.
Flexible hospitality jobs
One of the most common performer-friendly sectors is hospitality. This includes roles such as waiting tables, hosting in restaurants, concierge staff in hotels, bar staff and working in a cafe.
Hospitality roles often offer flexible contracts, making them perfect for performers and can allow you to schedule your working day around auditions. Hospitality employers need confident communicators who can give customers a positive experience, which is ideal for performers who love to talk to people and provide good customer service.
Front-of-house roles
Another popular choice for actors and theatremakers looking for flexible or temporary contracts is working front-of-house in a theatre. Not only does this allow you to have time during the day to attend auditions, but you’ll also be working in the heart of the industry. Many theatres in the West End and regionally also hire students and graduates while they study and look for jobs. The skills needed for a front-of-house role are similar to hospitality; having a friendly, confident manner, being able to think quickly and providing a good theatre experience for an audience is paramount.
Teaching jobs
Teaching can be a great way to fit other work around your schedule if you are an actor, dancer or singer. This can consist of teaching weekend classes, giving private singing lessons, or even finding a more permanent position in a school assisting in the drama department part-time. Teaching will also allow you to develop and keep on top of your skills while you’re in-between jobs. You can also take up teaching alongside another performer-friendly job in-between contracts, for example, tutoring during the day and then working front-of-house in the evenings.
Call centre and sales roles
One flexible job that many might not consider is call-centre work. Actors and theatremakers have confidence in their skill set, and many call centres need individuals with a confident phone manner to deal with customers. Call-centre roles and sales positions often go hand-in-hand with companies seeking phone operatives to call potential customers to sell products. This is a great example of where improvisation and quick-thinking will be useful to complete sales and navigate difficult conversations.
Seasonal performing roles
Seasonal roles such as theme-park characters, grottos and scare acting can provide a way to bridge the gap and offer performer-friendly, short-term employment that will allow you to develop your craft and hone your skills, including a chance for you to interact directly with an audience and build your confidence and improvisation skills. Theme parks will look for actors all year round to join them temporarily for Christmas, Easter and Halloween.
These roles are often advertised on The Stage Jobs by employers such as Chessington, Parkdean Resorts and Alton Towers.
How to find flexible jobs
Are you looking for flexible and performer-friendly roles? On The Stage Jobs, we have dedicated categories for performer opportunities, front-of-house roles, hospitality jobs, part-time contracts, sales roles, teaching and theme parks. These categories are regularly updated with roles from across the UK and beyond.
Register for free on The Stage Jobs today to set up email alerts and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn so you never miss a role.