Can acting be a hobby? This is a huge yes! A big ole yes! There are a plethora of opportunities for people who want to have acting be something they do for fun, without having the stress of wondering if it’ll turn into a career or make them money.
The reason I’m so enthusiastic about this question is that all too often, people who enjoy acting try it as a career, realize that it’s really tough and step away. Another situation that arises is that some people don’t have enough skill to pursue it as a career. Often times in these situations, instead of feeling motivated, people become really discouraged and quit altogether. What’s unfortunate about this is that ultimately they are walking away from the thing that brings them joy.
Ways to act as a hobby
Here are some ways that you can find acting gigs with little or no experience or that you’re pursuing just for fun!
- Local libraries typically have a posting section for small community and independent theatres. Check out your main library branch.
- Do a Google search for theatres near me. Then call each one of them and ask how they find actors or where they post auditions.
- If you live in a city, go to the suburbs or smaller towns just outside of the city and find their local theatres. They’ll also have opportunities for acting.
- Find film and television programs where you live and find out how their film and television production students find actors for their films.
- Sign up for Actors Access if you live in North America. They will regularly have postings for independent film and television projects.
- You can also create your own films and invite others to take part in them!
You can do both hobby and career acting
Note that just because acting is a hobby now, doesn’t mean it has to be a hobby for the rest of your life, and just because it is your career now it doesn’t have to be your career for the rest of your life.
All the things I’ve listed above are things that I still do as a professional, working actor. Sometimes I just look to see what’s out there, and other times I might find something really interesting and submit (try to audition) for it.
Acting whether you’re doing it full-time, part-time, for fun, professionally or as an amateur is a lifestyle first and foremost. So choose the lifestyle you want and don’t worry if you want to change it later.
Articles to help you audition for both professional and hobby acting projects
Curious about how to prepare for an audition? Check out our article How To Prepare For A One Line Audition, with some fun tips and tricks to help you stand out from the crowd!
Additionally, check out the article about Audition Tips for Actors by Accomplished Actors.
