There is nothing romantic about being a "starving artist" when you are actually a starving artist. Between L.A.'s high housing costs and rising prices at the pump, many actors will run out of money long before they run out of talent. So what's a non-trust-fund baby to do? Plenty! Back Stage called on 10 Angelenos for advice on what actors can do to cover the basics—food, shelter, and headshots—and stay in the craft.
Stereotypical though it may be, waiting tables might just be the best job for an actor waiting for his or her big break. Actor and model Amy Harber, repped by BMG Model Management, loves the flexibility, cash, and occasional free meal that her serving job at Universal CityWalk's Hard Rock Cafe provides. "I'm allowed to get crazy with my hair and makeup, so it's as if I can be different characters from shift to shift," she explains.
Harber considers every shift a new opportunity to perform. "One day I'm '80s glam girl [and] the next day a goth chick with dark makeup; it's so much fun that I joke that I'm not really going to work, I'm going to 'act like a rock star' for a few hours." And working at a well-known restaurant can give an actor flexibility outside of Southern California. "'We have locations in other markets' means that if you want to go to New York City or London for a bit, you have a day job already lined up for you," she says.
Perhaps mixing it up in some chic hot spot, Ã la Tom Cruise in the 1988 film Cocktail, is more your style. Actor Wesley Edberg, repped by the Brogan Agency, says bartending has given him the flexibility to pursue his acting career. "It's good because it's always night, so it leaves me free during the day for auditions and everything else," says Edberg, who pours at the Union Cattle Co. in Old Town Pasadena. "It's a great atmosphere, the people that come in are a lot of fun, it keeps you upbeat all the time, the music is good, and you make enough money to make a living and then some."
Bartenders must be at least 21 years old, creative, have a knowledge of common drinks, and be able to make drink suggestions to customers. Edberg says not to worry if you don't know what goes in a Long Island iced tea, a red-headed slut, or a cactus cooler. "Most people think bartending school is necessary, but most bartenders have not gone to bartending school, from what I know," he explains. Many bartenders learn their craft through on-the-job training. "I've worked in restaurants for a long time," he adds. "You're around it so much you just kind of learn it. A lot of times [managers] will move you up and teach you the drinks, or you'll kind of fall into it."
Most actors can't wait to get face time with a major casting director or agent to make a good impression. Actor and model Marie Michel, repped by Nancy Chaidez & Associates, has had such an opportunity—several in fact—as an office assistant to commercial casting director Sheila Manning. Michel says working as an office assistant has given her a perspective on the entertainment industry that she would not have had in another position. "It gives me a chance to audition in the event I am not submitted on my own," she notes. "It gives me a chance to learn the ins and outs of the industry, as well, because a lot of actors can't really see that. They're usually in a waiting room, whereas I'm kind of behind the scenes and behind the cameras sometimes."
Hollywood is a rather small town, and working for a good casting director, agent, or producer can open doors that might normally be closed to actors. "Often [agents] come in to say hi to Sheila [Manning]. So when they come in, they're like, 'Who are you?'" says Michel, laughing. Good assistants—who are tech savvy, organized, professional, and extremely patient—can make a little money and a solid impression, and get an excellent referral by doing a great job. Online industry resources, such as Ross Reports (www.rossreports.com), can help you target such potential employers.
What's the best way to get in as an assistant but maintain your acting career? "Be up front," says Michel, who has also worked with feature casting director Robi Reed (Crooklyn, Clockers, Do the Right Thing). "A lot of casting directors don't want to be used," Michel says. "They need help just as much as you do. You help them out; they help you out. It works both ways. Be up front on what you want from the job. It's not just any office work. There's a lot of work that goes into getting actors here. I didn't realize it until I actually started working here."
Acting may be your first love, but how about forming a relationship with a crush? Actor Karen Jin Beck always had an interest in music, and while attending the University of Southern California, she found her side gig quite unexpectedly. "When I was going to school, I was working part-time at the Laugh Factory as a hostess," she says. "When I first went in on Sunday, I noticed hip-hop music was playing, and [I thought], 'How come we can't have it on other nights?'" Soon, Beck got up the courage to ask Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada for a shot at the turntables.
She became known as DJ Shy. "I was kind of nervous because I'm an Asian girl spinning for a predominantly African-American hip-hop club," she says. "But because of the music they were responding really well. Really it's all about the music. People would see me, and from then on I would get hired for other events. It was like a ripple effect."
Today, DJ Shy is also the only female deejay at 102.7 KIIS FM and has rocked parties—for celebrities and regular folks alike—across the country and all over the world. And she has parlayed her prowess on the turntables into an acting career. Her screen credits include a feature spot on Damon Wayans' sketch comedy show The Underground, as well as Disney programs such as 2005's Totally Suite New Year's Eve and most recently Sing-Along Bowl-athon.
Anyone who has ever gone apartment shopping in L.A. knows that most apartments look like those tiny overpriced studios in Koreatown, not so much like the ones on Melrose Place. Actor and screenwriter John F. McCormick, repped by the Morgan Agency, has what many other performers only dream about: free rent. As an apartment manager, McCormick is able to devote time to writing and developing characters while on the clock.
The California Code of Regulations requires all apartment buildings with 16 or more rental units to have a "responsible person"—apartment manager, caretaker, or maintenance person—residing on the premises. An apartment manager's responsibilities may include collecting rent, coordinating maintenance requests, and showing apartments to potential tenants. Some managers may also be responsible for building maintenance—such as changing light bulbs, sweeping common areas, and watering the lawn. Listings for management positions can be found on websites such as Craigslist (www.craigslist .org) and the Apartment Owners Association of California's site (www.apartmentownersassociation.com).
Being an apartment manager is a 24-hour job that requires a flexible schedule for handling impromptu emergencies. McCormick is quick to point out that there are big drawbacks to living at the office. "One of the biggest [misconceptions about] this business is that everybody thinks you get free rent," he says. "I always caution people that there's nothing in this world that's free, because the first time that someone knocks on your door at 2 a.m. and they're locked out of their apartment, you realize that your rent is not free."
If reading, writing, and arithmetic are right up your alley, consider becoming a substitute teacher for a nearby classroom. Michelle Flowers, repped by the Morgan Agency, says becoming a substitute teacher isn't anything like you see in the movies. "If one wants to substitute teach, it's important to find the right environment, because you're only there for a short period of time," she advises.
Flowers found her niche at the Renaissance Arts Academy. She explains, "It's great because not only are all of the instructors there artists—like theatre, artists, musicians, writers—but many of the kids are artists themselves, too. So that environment has probably been the best fit for me. I get substitute-teaching assignments either the night before or the morning of, and so if I know I don't have anything else to do that day, then I'll take it."
Substitute teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District must have a bachelor's degree with an overall 2.7 GPA from an accredited college or university, as well as successfully complete the California Basic Educational Skills Test. The CBEST tests candidates in reading, mathematics, and writing. By paying a $41 registration fee, prospective candidates may sign up for one of four sessions offered throughout the year. For upcoming test dates, visit www.cbest.nesinc.com. After passing the preliminary interview session, substitutes can look forward to $163 to $220 compensation for a six-hour day. For more information on teaching opportunities in L.A. County, visit the LAUSD website, www.teachinla.com.
Actor Mel Isaia, repped by Envy Model & Talent, was able to transfer his love of fitness and healthy living to a job as a personal trainer. "I think that it's the coolest job ever," he says. "I am blessed—knock on wood—with the greatest clientele so far, and most of my clients are dropping weight like crazy. That makes me proud because I know that I am doing my job to the best of my abilities to help others with what I'm passionate about: teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle."
Personal trainers are regulated by the National Federation of Professional Trainers and must be certified to work in a gym. The NFPT examination comprises 120 multiple-choice questions and covers topics from human anatomy and physiology to understanding wellness and legal issues. For more information, visit www.nfpt.com.
Achieving success in Hollywood is often about your ability to play the hand you're dealt. Actor Melissa Pollard decided to parlay her card-dealing expertise into a full-fledged business as the co-founder of Dealer Dolls, an all-girl group of professional, trained Texas hold 'em poker, blackjack, and roulette dealers.
The Dealer Dolls, primarily models and actors, have transferred their skills at the card table to the set, appearing alongside Brad Pitt and George Clooney in this year's film Ocean's Thirteen. "It's worked really well for the girls, getting them on set," Pollard says. "We got some of them their SAG cards through working on Ocean's Thirteen, and so they're pretty grateful for having the job, too."
Pollard understands how important flexibility is to the performer, and she makes sure her employees have schedules that work for them. "Girls can take a poker gig whenever they want," she says. "We just email all over our dealers and say, 'Hey, who wants to work?' If anyone's free, they let us know." For information and job opportunities, visit www.dealerdolls.com.
Working for "the man" didn't interest actor and musician Presto after he left the military in February 2006. "I did not want to work a 9-to-5 type job, because in this business you have to be very flexible for auditions, bookings, etc. I was always either too busy or not busy enough. Jobs in acting are like roller coasters, [and] you should be free Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. You never know when you might get that call for an audition," says Presto, repped by Castle Management. "Acting itself is a day job. I decided to start my own business and work for myself. I opened an eBay store. I had to, of course, like any entrepreneur, do my research and make sure I was ready to take risks."
Los Angeles is a great place to start an online business. Nearby Long Beach has its own shipping dock that receives goods from all over the world. A savvy entrepreneur can often purchase a variety of goods at wholesale. If you intend to sell goods in California, you must apply for a resale license through the California State Board of Equalization. A resale license allows business owners to purchase goods from a wholesaler without paying sales tax, with the expectation that they will charge sales tax to their customers. Business owners are required to keep accurate records and file a yearly tax return. For more information on getting a resale license, visit www.boe.ca.gov or call (800) 400-7115.
"It is a hard business, but I work for myself, and my office is basically my laptop," Presto says. "Like any job, though, I do put in my hours—marketing, promotion, inventory, etc.—and you really can't be lazy if you want a successful business, period. It's good to be your own boss. I'm 22 years old and can actually say I've got my own business."
Actor Cassandra Church, repped by Cunningham Escott Slevin Doherty Talent Agency, found that her skill as a makeup artist goes hand in hand with her acting career. "When I get acting work on an independent film, I ask them if they have a makeup artist, as well," Church says. "Often I end up doing both. Why hire two people if you can just hire one?"
With brushes in one hand and foundation in the other, Church is able to make a living and stay connected to the industry. She says networking has been the major key to her success. "Most of the work that I get is just through friends who need me, like photographer friends and things like that," she notes. "In order for it to be a logical supplement to acting, you have to stay freelance, because normally to start out as a makeup artist, you work at a makeup counter. But that puts you back into a 9-to-5 job, which keeps you from auditioning and taking all the steps you need to move further in an acting career. As a freelancer, you can take on odd jobs in everything from independent jobs to photo shoots and keep your schedule open."
The jobs listed here are only a small sampling of what L.A. has to offer. When choosing your next gig, focus on jobs that offer flexibility to pursue your main passion. Consider your other interests and skills, and see if you can parlay that into a support system for your life and your acting career, like DJ Shy, Church, and Isaia have. Or cut your own path, like Presto or Pollard. There is no big door that you can just walk through to become a successful actor—but your side gig could open a window.