A question for all the actors out there

[??]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:34pm

Hi guys,

I have a question that I'm sure has been asked many times, but I hope you don't mind me asking again. I have started to book some more regional theatre work which requires me to head off to different parts of the country for a few weeks at a time. Back in the city I have a job waiting tables where it is very difficult to get any time off, let alone the month or so required sometimes.

My question is, as actors, what jobs do we take that allow us to go away for a month and come back to start working immediately. I am a very hard worker, and seldom take time off, except for situations such as this. I do not want to come back to the city and be out of work again, but I can not justify turning down a paying show to serve cokes and burgers.

Any advice?

[SamanthaisFierce]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:37pm

Find a job that either permits you or requires you to work from home.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:41pm

Temping agencies, let you ask for blocks of time off..they take you off their roster.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:44pm

There are always "other" restaurants to work for....and most places are use to the roaming actor.

But I was also going to say Temp Agencies.

Congrats on the "problem"!

[BrianS]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:46pm

You can also work for a smaller restaurant where, if you develop a great relationship with the owner and manager, they're usually pretty cool about letting you have other people cover your shifts. I've seen that happen at more than one restaurant. Of course, to make it work, make sure they see you as a much better than average employee before you ask.

Temp agencies are great, but just know that if you ever claim unemployment and you've worked for one in the past year, they will offer you work and if you turn it down, will be denied unemployment benefits.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:48pm

Go work at Joe Allen. :)

[??]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 3:57pm

Thanks everyone for the advice! And thanks dramamama for the congrats! I actually work for one of the more famous restaurants in NYC, and they are very strict about taking time off. It's very, "this is your job" and I might as well quit than ask for this 4-5 weeks.

As far as temping agencies. Can anyone recommend a really good, reputable one? I don't mind alternating jobs and working two, but I'd like to work as much as possible. Has anyone, or does anyone work temp and can tell me a little more, how to join? How often you work etc etc? Many, many thanks!

[LadyDramaturg2]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 6:56pm

ditto on the Temp Agencies question -- I'm sure many would appreciate recommendations...

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/19/09 at 8:24pm

Or do some more free lancing type work. Like catering or something where you make your own schedule.