Unlock Your Acting Potential: Entry-Level Gigs to Launch Your Career

Break Into Acting with These Entry-Level Opportunities

Ready to take the first step toward your acting career? Whether it's student films, shorts, or background gigs, there's no better time to start than now. Here's a roundup of entry-level jobs perfect for beginning actors looking to make their mark.

“Illusion” – Musical (New York City)

• Roles: Lead male (35–55), lead male (17–24), lead female (40–60)
• Pay: $200
• Filming: Sept. 20–21

“Vampire Lover” – Dark Comedy Romance (New York City)

• Roles: Lead male (18–35), supporting female (18–35), and more
• Pay: $150–$500
• Filming: November

“You Got the Wrong Person” – Drama Series (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Supporting female (7–8)
• Pay: $200 per day
• Filming: Aug. 22–28

“Moments That Matter” – Online Ad (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Grandparents (65–85), Father (35–45), Mother (35–45), Teenager (16–21)
• Pay: $400 per day
• Filming: September

“What Happened to Mr. Peppers” – Comedy Short Film (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Lead female (28–35), lead male (24–29), supporting roles
• Pay: $150 for three days
• Filming: Sept. 19–21

“Daphne” – Fantasy Period Piece (New York City)

• Roles: Lead female (21–29), day player female (40–60)
• Pay: $100–$150 per day
• Filming: Aug. 29–31, Sept. 5–6

“Those Ryderz” – Sci-Fi Action (New York City)

• Roles: Lead female (18–25), lead male (20–27), supporting female (14–18)
• Pay: $50–$200
• Filming: August to September

“The A.I. Kiss” – Experimental Short Film (New York City)

• Roles: Lead female (18–25), lead female (18–28), lead male (18–35)
• Pay: $75
• Filming: Dates TBD

“Her Unseeing” – Horror Short (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Lead female/non-binary (18–22)
• Pay: $200 for three days
• Filming: Mid-to-late September

“Tender Disguise” – Psychological Mystery Drama (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Lead male (22+)
• Pay: $100
• Filming: Dates TBD

“Sheigetz” – Coming-of-Age Dramedy (New York City)

• Roles: Lead male/non-binary (18–30)
• Pay: $500
• Filming: Fall

“My Own Private River” – Student Film (New York City)

• Roles: Lead female (14–15), lead female (10–13), lead (40–49)
• Pay: $200 for four days
• Filming: August

“Don’t Let Me Down” – Drama Thriller (New York City)

• Roles: Supporting female (40–60), supporting male (30+), day players
• Pay: $50–$125 per day
• Filming: Dates TBD

“Gut Feeling” – Dark Comedy (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Supporting male (40–70), day players
• Pay: $100 per day
• Filming: Aug. 19–25

“Grace” – Dark Comedy Thriller (Los Angeles)

• Roles: Lead female (21–37), lead male (25–36), lead female (18–30)
• Pay: $500–$600
• Filming: August

“Once Upon A Time in Hell” – Western Psychological Horror (New York City)

• Roles: Lead male (25+), supporting roles, background
• Pay: $50–$100 for four days
• Filming: Sept. 27–30

“Rocky Racoon” – Dramedy Feature (New York City)

• Roles: Supporting female (45+)
• Pay: $225–$500 per day
• Filming: Aug. 23 and 25