Life As A Freelance Actor: What It’s Really Like
Dreaming of a freelance acting career?
This Is Not a “How to Get an Agent” Guide. Neither is it one of those “How to Make It in Hollywood” checklists. Or a step-by-step guide to casting websites.
This is about the real-life challenges of actually living as a freelance actor.
Mentally, practically, creatively. — I want to share the systems I’ve built to cope with them.
First, we’ll look at the challenges of freelance life. Then how to build skills beyond performance. And finally the systems I use to stay grounded, paid and find meaning in my creative life.
Finding Honest Information About Acting
There’s a lot of noise out there.
Acting schools pushing $30K programs.
Agents promising breakthroughs.
Online casting platforms selling subscriptions.
Yet very few sources actually describe what life is like.
Unless you know people in the industry, it’s hard to form a realistic idea of how to create a sustainable career — or even how to keep your sanity once you’re in.
And I’m not talking about how to perform well on stage or screen.
That’s a different article.
I’m talking about building a career you can actually feel good about.
And the tasks you actually need to handle.
What It Actually Takes to Build an Acting Career
If fame is your goal — fine.
Honestly, most actors start there.
But the motivation that keeps you going will change many times throughout your career.
Regardless of your dreams, you need to equip yourself with knowledge based in reality, not fantasy.
I believe in dreams.
But turning them into reality has very little to do with “being discovered” — and everything to do with building a way of life.
Essentially. Building an acting career is about building the right habits.
It means you’re immersed in the different areas of this industry. Because you are passionate about the craft and the stories that are being told in modern society.
Storytelling is such a vital aspect of what shapes the morals and values we live by.
1. The Mental Reality: Living Without Anchors
The Challenge No One Prepares You For
Let me explain with a simple comparison:
At seven years old, most of us adapt to a familiar rhythm:
- A classroom
- A teacher
- Classmates
- Routine
Later in life, most people trade that for:
- An office
- A boss
- Coworkers
- More routine
But as a freelance actor?
You have none of that.
You have colleagues — but only during projects.
You have a workplace — but it shifts every few months.
You rarely know where you’ll be working six months from now — or if you’ll be working at all.
It’s not just the instability of income.
It’s the instability of identity, belonging, and daily life.
Every time I move to a new city for a role, it takes me a while to “find myself” again.
The routines break. I have to rebuild my sense of stability.
It can be draining — even disorienting.
Which is why I had to create systems to keep myself grounded — even when everything around me keeps changing.
(More on that later.)
I made a short video about my experience of moving for a theatre gig here:
I guess you can call it a “journal video”. With a voiceover from a phonecall.
2. The Lifestyle Challenges: More Than Just Acting
Why Actors Need More Than Performance Skills
Yes, the foundation of any acting career is craft.
Acting is practical knowledge — you have to regularly stand in front of a camera or audience.
You can’t learn acting in theory.
But that’s not enough.
Most actors I know are naturally curious people — about other people, about life.
They’re avid readers, attentive listeners, lifelong learners.
You’re not just a performer.
You’re a collaborator.
Actors need great communication and leadership skills.
They need to know how to lead and how to follow.
This isn’t a job where you can hide behind a desk when you’re having a bad day.
You have to show up and be emotionally present — no matter what.
I know actors who have performed on stage while their parents where dying. I know, its sad. But it takes a lot to cancel a show. And for many theatres theres a lot of money involved.
And over time, you also learn what kind of actor you are.
Who you work well with.
How to be both an artist and a partner.
Growing as an actor means growing as a human being.
Thats the best way to grow a personal brand anyway. Because as your reputation grows. People will start mentioning your name.
And that far better marketing then having pretty photos of you on instagram.
Identifying Yourself As an Actor — Without Losing Yourself
When I tell people I work as an actor, I can feel the hesitation:
“Right… you mean waiting tables nine months, and acting three?”
When I was younger, my answer would depend on whether I was working at the time.
Essentially — it depended on my confidence level.
Today, I know better.
My profession is acting. Its the only thing I know well.
Regardless of whether I have a job lined up this week or not.
However — I don’t say “I’m an actor” like it’s my entire identity.
Why?
Because if acting is your identity, then not working feels like losing yourself.
And that’s a dangerous loop to fall into.
When I didn’t have gigs, I used to spiral:
“Am I talented enough? Should I switch careers? What will people say about me?”
Here’s my point:
- Claim your professional status as an actor.
- But don’t make it your entire identity as a human being.
3. The Financial Reality: Waves You Have to Surf
The Gig Economy — for Artists
Freelance work as a professional actor isn’t just about performing.
It’s about running a service business, – and you are the product.
The photo above is a BTS photo from filming “The Hypnosis”.
Being on set is a good reminder that you are a small piece of a bigger puzzle. On you are there, to be of service for the production.
Dont make the mistake of thinking its about you. Acting is paradoxical in that way. Because it seems like its about you. The makeup artist is focusing on you. The director. The first AD.
But you are a tool for the story. Its never about you as a person.
In a good year, I might do two theater productions, four months each.
In between, I fill the gaps with voiceover gigs, film work… or chasing gigs.
When there’s no work?
I’m lucky — Sweden has strong unemployment support (a-kassa).
It gives me breathing room to hustle properly.
Basically, finding work through:
- Sending emails to casting agents
- Outreach for in-person meetings
- Networking with industry professionals
- Watching plays and TV shows to write smarter pitches
- Attending industry events
- Updating social media profiles, like IMDb & Spotlight.
Freelance acting means you work part-time in marketing and sales.
It’s about building relationships — and regularly reminding people that you exist.
Another part is continuously improving your craft:
- Classes or workshops
- Voice exercises
- Dancing
- Keeping you body in shape
What a Week Looks Like When You’re Not Working
Some days I’m the marketer.
Other days I’m the cinematographer (recording self-tapes like in the photo above).
The next day, I’m the researcher. Trying to figure out the industry. What people to email. What productions are coming up. Or what photographer I should book when I need new headshots.
Another day Im the accountant. Sending invoces for my voice-over jobs. Or the copywriter.
Every freelancer knows: there’s always something you could be doing.
Personally, I’m bad at taking time off.
Every gap in my schedule is filled with the hope that I’m setting up my next move.
Auditions that go nowhere.
Grant writing. Admin.
Free time?
Yes and no.
The Financial Rollercoaster
It took me many years to build a living from freelance acting.
The reason it took so long? Mostly due to a lack of strategy, consistency, and real-world skills.
Talent matters.
But adaptability, planning, and self-worth matter just as much.
Most beginner actors won’t see much income in the first few years.
You might land occasional gigs, but a steady income usually takes years to build.
Money comes in waves.
Some months you feel rich.
Other months, you feel invisible.
That’s why I’ve spent time learning about investing — to build my own financial safety net.
My goal?
To always have enough savings to survive one year without a job.
Survival Jobs, Side Hustles + Side Gigs
Side gigs are crucial in your first years. Not only for economic reasons. Having a place to go and colleagues is crucial aswell.
Key rule: they must be flexible and not draining.
If a side gig prevents you from accepting acting work — it defeats the purpose.
Personally, I built my own voice-over studio. Voice acting is a great side gig in my opinion. Because it lets you stay focused on your career path. And develop your skills in the right field.
You can start small & improve over time.
I started with a simple setup. And found gigs on Fiverr and Upwork.
Now, I have a broadcast-quality studio setup. With a much broader customer base. And I can work from home with time flexibility.
I’m also leaning into digital content — like this blog.
Hoping someday it will generate an extra income stream.
Other gigs I’ve had:
- Delivering cars (great for listening to podcasts!)
- Working in psychiatry
- Telemarketing
- Videographer (also a great skill for self-tapes)
My advice?
Find something flexible, grounding, and meaningful enough that it feeds you emotionally, not just financially.
4. How to Stay Grounded (Even When Everything’s Shifting)
How to Build Emotional Stability
Routines are sanity.
Structure gives freedom.
As human being we need to feel like we belong somewhere. Most people find that on a daily basis at their jobs. With their families.
But if you don’t have a “regular job”. You can build that sense of consistency in other ways.
Here’s what helps me:
- Weekly check-ins and planning (even if the week looks empty)
- Daily anchoring with morning routines (meditation, stretching, journaling)
- Setting non-outcome goals (developing my craft, not just getting booked)
- Having hobbies outside of acting (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for me). Where you meet people regularly and build a strong connection with others.
- Building personal projects (so you don’t wait for permission)
- Growing a creative presence online (like this blog). For a sense of autonomy and ownership.
Personally, I believe all actors should have their own projects. Like films, theatre or just writing.
You don’t have to be a filmmaker. But you can take the initiative for short films. Then find a director and a screenwriter.
Or you can start a theatre group. And invite other actors and actresses. Find the right people that inspire you. That you have a good time with – that’s the key.
You’re not just waiting for permission to act.
You’re building a career — even during the gaps.
Why I Keep Doing This (Even When It’s Brutal)
Some days, it’s demoralizing.
But then there’s that one moment:
- A role that hits deep.
- A collaboration that clicks.
- A moment of expanded presence on stage. (Every actor know it. Its a magical moment of bliss when everyone in the room is absolutely present together)
That’s what I live for.
Meaning. Impact. Creative aliveness.
Acting is about self-expression made visible — connection made possible.
Whether it’s a feeling in the room, a message from an audience member. Or simply surprising myself with a performance I didn’t expect…
Those moments keep me here.
What I Wish I Knew When I Started Freelancing
- You’re not behind — you’re in progress.
- Development as an actor goes hand in hand with your personal growth.
- If you don’t land a role, it’s rarely about talent alone.
- Take every opportunity seriously — or don’t do it at all.
- Keep making things — even when nobody’s paying you.
Time spent acting equals talent.
✅ Conclusion: Real Talk and Real Hope
Freelancing as an actor is one of the most uncertain paths you can take.
But it’s also one of the most alive and fulfilling.
It’s a path of deep self-discovery — probably more than any profession.
You’ll be forced to discover yourself on every level.
And you’ll also discover the world around you.
You won’t always feel in control — but you can feel grounded.
You won’t always feel ready — but you can keep moving anyway.
I hope this article resonated with you. And brought you some valuable insight.
