Anyone who loves the performing arts knows that to become a professional actor, dancer, or musician, you’ll need hours of training and practice, as well as funds to cover the costs of lessons and certifications. But even though you put in the work, there’s no guarantee that you’ll earn a lot once you become a pro. Community theater actors usually don’t get paid for their performances, while the average backup dancer in the US earns around $30,000 to $45,000 per year. Artists know that unless you hit it big, you’ll need to constantly book jobs or juggle side hustles in between gigs to be financially secure.
However, most artists also know that nothing compares to the rush that comes from performing for a crowd. This is why they choose to carry on, despite the constant challenges that they face as they strive for success. If you’re thinking about showcasing your skills as a side hustle, you’ll be happy to know that there are several ways to earn from your talent. Here’s how to make money while embracing your passion for the performing arts.
Dance Your Way to the Bank
To become a professional dancer, one must receive extensive dance training from a reputable dance academy, gain experience, and go on countless auditions to be part of a dance or entertainment company. But if you’re not looking to be a pro and you simply want to earn from your skills, look into doing choreography instead. For instance, you can choreograph dance routines for local beauty pageants or teach a simple routine to engaged couples for their wedding dance. You can also teach office employees a dance routine to perform at their company anniversary or a corporate event.
To get the word out about your services, advertise on social media and make sure to set an hourly rate. According to recent data, the average hourly rate of a choreographer in the US is about $28.13 an hour, so you can charge the same amount. Alternatively, you can teach dance classes to children, beginners, or seniors in your community. You can also start a YouTube channel and create Zumba, hip hop, or pop dance tutorials, or post easy-to-follow dance moves on TikTok.
Be a Working Actor
Most actors go on tons of auditions to get a part in a TV series, movie, play, or an advertisement. However, don’t wait for your big break to start making money. Instead, spend your free time in a productive way and create a gig that’ll give you a steady income. You can reach out to a local bookstore and see if they would like to hire you to do readings of their best-selling children’s books. Go the extra mile and come in costume to wow the kids with your performance. You can also become a costume character or party character and get hired to appear at children’s birthday parties or events. The average cost for party characters is between $110-$200 per hour, and all you have to do is interact with people as a Disney or Marvel character or as a celebrity impersonator.
Making Money with Music
Musicians can earn money in different ways. You can teach online classes, or make money playing gigs. Events are your best bet, so get in touch with event organizers and see if you could work with them on product launches, weddings, corporate events, and the like. Meanwhile, composers and producers can make music for ads, or sell their music on popular streaming services such as Spotify, iTunes, or Bandcamp.
You can make money while embracing your passion for the performing arts. Consider these ideas to stay financially healthy while working your way towards your dream career.
by Jenny Smith
