Side Hustle Jobs for Musical Theatre Performers
Explore 8 strategic avenues, from active teaching roles to passive online ventures, meticulously curated by a seasoned musical theatre coach. Discover how to elevate both your artistry and your earnings, transforming your passion into a pillar of financial stability.
8 Ways to Make Money as a Musical Theatre Performer: Your Ultimate Guide
If you're reading this, you're likely navigating the exciting yet often unpredictable world of musical theatre. We all know that being a musical theatre performer is a dream job, but let's also be real—it often requires additional sources of income to keep the show running smoothly. So, today, let's dive into how you can not just survive, but thrive, financially in this industry.
But wait! Before we jump in, let's talk about the term "survival jobs."
Can we retire that phrase? When you chose this career, it wasn't about mere survival. It was about passion, love for the stage, and a drive to create magic through performance.
So, from now on, let's call them what they are—side hustle support jobs. These gigs are what keep our dreams alive and our pockets jingling with stability.
Now, let's get down to business.
Here are eight ways, divided into active and passive income options, that have not just paid the bills but have been the *highest paying* jobs I've had as a musical theatre performer, aside from gracing the stage with our musical talents.
Part One: Active Income
Teaching: Share Your Wisdom
Teaching extends far beyond imparting your musical theatre expertise. In today's world, there is a myriad of opportunities to educate, coach, mentor, and inspire individuals using the skills and experiences you've gained throughout your life and career.
My journey began at a young age when I served as a teaching assistant in my dance classes during high school. Throughout my undergraduate studies pursuing a BM in Musical Theatre, I enthusiastically led youth dance, singing, and acting sessions. Additionally, I spearheaded summer musical theatre programs and eventually took on directing roles for musical productions.
While pursuing my MFA in Musical Theatre in grad school, I continued coaching musical theatre performance techniques on the side to earn extra income. The demands of grad school typically consume all available time, leaving little room for pursuits outside of training.
My graduate studies eventually transitioned into nearly a decade of experience as a college theatre professor, specializing in performance techniques and navigating the business aspects of this career. Additionally, I ventured into online teaching, which opened doors to numerous opportunities to support artists and educators while maintaining flexibility in my schedule.
Teaching online enabled me to discover innovative ways to assist individuals in a manner that allowed for income generation and adaptable scheduling. Eventually, I made the decision to take a pause from academia to pursue the work I was truly passionate about — guiding performers in navigating a fulfilling career in the industry, tailored to their personal definitions of success, a pursuit I've dedicated my entire career to.
My point here…
Brainstorm what unique skills you have that would benefit others that are overlooked. Then see if there is a need for that and test it out.
What questions do people constantly ask you?
What skills do you possess that others would pay to learn?
Teaching can extend far beyond vocal techniques
It could be about career coaching, social media mastery, or even website building
Explore your expertise and test out how to deliver that skill in a way people need and are willing to pay for
How I did it
Everyone was requesting help with work I was teaching at the college level on a regular basis
I started doing 1:1 coaching then that shifted to adding monthly classes
Then, I started noticing that majority of the work was actually career coaching and less about nuts and bolts
I created and launched my signature program The Empowered Actor that offered everything I was teaching 1:1 and in the monthly classes into one main space.
Recently, I’ve been asked for help with website design, online presence and cultivating online businesses for performers and educators so that has shifted into new ways I can continue to support and teach
Party Entertainment: Where Magic Meets Money
Children's party entertainment isn't just for fairy godmothers.
Whether it's dressing up as beloved characters or showcasing your musical talents, these gigs can be lucrative.
I once founded my own party entertainment company, and it was a hit. Princess parties, character appearances—the possibilities are endless, and the paychecks, delightful.
I truly loved this job and was able to also offer opportunities to other performs to earn extra income on an as needed basis.
How I did it
I began testing to see if working for a nearby event planning business would interest me.
Then, after a few years of research and development, I launched my own company
I created a website and business card
Work from referrals mostly, I build one of the most well known and requested upscale companies in Southern California
I focused on the highest level of performance value and treated each event as if it were a full blown performance onstage
Quality vs Quantity
Less bookings mean you can set a higher price rate and offer the highest quality of service rather than doing more parties at a
Personal Assistant: Flexibility and Earnings
Being a Personal Assistant (PA) saved me during the financial whirlwind of 2008-2009.
From running errands to managing schedules, it's a role that demands flexibility but offers steady income.
In today's digital age, the evolution of PA work into Virtual Assistant (VA) roles opens up a world of remote opportunities, perfect for performers with hectic schedules.
How I did it
Back in the day when Craigslist was safe…I submitted to local job postings that fit my needs and offered flexibility in my schedule
I focused on working with one main company founded family business that I could really work with and build a relationship of trust
I expanded my services with that one family so that I could make more income on an as needed basis
I was honest and open with the entire family about my career
When I decided to attend grad school, I thanked them for the opportunities they had given me and then they even came to my wedding.
Work with people that you feel comfortable and safe with especially in that type of personal environment
User Generated Content (UGC): Monetize Your Talent
UGC work, including voiceover gigs, can be a goldmine.
Casting profiles on platforms like Backstage have connected me with brands, leading to paid content creation.
Whether it's product reviews, tutorials, or sponsored posts, your creative skills can translate into a thriving revenue stream.
This is so easy for us as performers especially because most of us have experience with filming self tapes and posting content online. If you have a following on any social media platfrom then that can be even more beneficial for certain brands.
One of my students just started doing UGC work for cat products because she loves her pets and end the end she gets free products, has so much fun creating the content for the company and also gets paid…win win!
I do a lot of products regarding health and wellness for women along with tech products I already know and love.
Part Two: Passive Income
Digital Products & Online Courses: Teach Once, Earn Forever
Here's where your expertise becomes your eternal paycheck.
Online courses, ebooks, templates—these digital products can be set up once and continue to generate income.
Share your knowledge on self-taping, audition techniques, or even DIY costume making.
Once the ball gets rolling, these products work for you, round the clock.
How I did it
I started teaching online as a professor so I had a ton of experience creating online curriculum for theatre and musical theatre courses
I took that knowledge and experience of online education and created my first course which was YouTube for Artists and Educators.
I started creating mini courses to see which ones would be of interest to people
Canvas LMS is what I used at the college level for my courses but as a solo educator I shifted to Kajabi at first. Now, I use my website to host all of my digital products and courses. I really like having everything for my online business in one place so that it feels cohesive as an actress and an educator or as many people call it these days, a multi hyphenate artist.
Affiliate Marketing: Recommend and Earn
Love a product? Why not share it and earn from it?
Affiliate marketing with platforms like Amazon allows you to recommend products through unique links. When someone makes a purchase using your link, you earn a commission.
It's a win-win for you, your followers, and your wallet.
How I did it
I started to have people always ask me for items that they would see in my youtube videos or social media posts
Most of the items are on Amazon so I started by joining their affiliate program but now I’m a member of multiple ones
Then, I would list the items I use in the descriptions or direct them to my Amazon shop with that favs list but makes sure you are always following their guidelines and included a disclaimer statement
You’ll see in almost every YouTube video I list an Amazon link of some kind
Now, if I like a product or service I’ll always ask them if they do affiliates or commission or some kind of referral program
Airbnb Rentals: Turn Your Space into Income
Do you have a spare room, a cozy apartment, or a charming house? Rent it out!
Airbnb has turned many performers into property managers, earning passive income from short-term rentals.
It requires some initial setup and maintenance, but the returns can be significant.
How I did it
When my husband accepted a professor position at the University of Oklahoma in their BFA Musical Theatre program, we decided to test out a bi-coastal/multi city lifestyle
We didn’t want to sell our house and we didn’t want to give up summers and winters in our dream home that we had just completely renvovated
I set up a listing for our home in Cali on Airbnb on we had our fist booking within 24 hours…I know, that’s wild, right?
We then flipped our Oklahoma house and set that listing up as well expanding our business and giving us the ability to live a more nomadic lifestyle in a sense that worked for us
I spend a ton of time in NYC so now I Airbnb almost half the year as I travel for work and auditions since I know how to navigate that platform as both a host and a guest now plus it’s much easier and safer than subletting
Now that my husband accepted a position as Chair of Theatre at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, we also have a home base in Boston now yet we do not currently Airbnb because it’s not allowed in our building
YouTube Monetization: Lights, Camera, Paycheck!
Finally, the YouTube game—where content creators become money-makers.
AdSense revenue, sponsored videos, and viewer contributions through features like Super Chat all contribute to your YouTube paycheck. Even older videos can keep earning for you, making this a long-term income stream.
How I did it
I started posting my performance videos in grad school when I was getting my MFA in Musical Theatre
I decided to test out posting content on YouTube in 2019 and created a series called Actions for Actors
In 2020, I had a ton of colleagues ask about help with the quick transition to teaching online and using Canvas LMS as a college professor
I decided to post a few tutorials on YouTube and make them public so I could easily send them the link to view the videos
That snowballed and before I knew it I had gained 10k subs in a few months, joined the YouTube Partner Program and started posting online teaching and Canvas LMS tutorials every single week
When I made the decision to leave academia as a professor a few years ago, I hit the pause
There you have it—eight ways to not just survive but thrive as a musical theatre performer. Whether you dive into active income options or set up those passive streams, remember, financial stability is within reach.
I've walked this path, juggled these gigs, and found success beyond the stage. Now, it's your turn.
And remember, dear performer, you're not just chasing a dream—you're building a legacy. Here's to your talent, your passion, and the endless possibilities that await you on and off the stage.
Break a leg—and a bank account!
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Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With her expertise as an experienced actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she helps artists build fulfilling lives and careers based on their definition of success.
