6 answers
Jorden
Student
11
Questions
Updated
783 views
Is being a history renactor a career???And if so how much money do they make????
I love history and want to know if thats a career #history #career #money
6 answers
John McCarthy
U.S. Military
92
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
John’s Answer
Most reenactors are typically volunteers unless they are the ones organizing the events and those are events that have been sponsored by state or private entities.
I found this:
"If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. Too many curious volunteers have spent hundreds of dollars on costumes and equipment only to find out that the experience is more grueling than they bargained for. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved.
https://money.howstuffworks.com/economics/volunteer/opportunities/volunteer-historical-reenactments1.htm
I found this:
"If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. Too many curious volunteers have spent hundreds of dollars on costumes and equipment only to find out that the experience is more grueling than they bargained for. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved.
https://money.howstuffworks.com/economics/volunteer/opportunities/volunteer-historical-reenactments1.htm
Jason Middleton
VP / Tech Editor (Bay Area)
1
Answer
Oakland, California
Updated
Jason’s Answer
This is definitely not my expertise, but I lived in LA for a long time with would-be-actor friends. Re-enactments is one way to get your face on film (for future use in a reel, etc), but it's also an exposure to a film set. A working set is a beast unto itself. Getting comfortable in your environs may be of value.
All that said, being as actor is as equally glorious as it is challenging and frustrating.
I wish you luck!
Scour the 'trade' publications & websites.
Lower-budget reenactments, commercials or films will often use Craigslist for listings.
All that said, being as actor is as equally glorious as it is challenging and frustrating.
I wish you luck!
Jason recommends the following next steps:
Hannah Ollen
Teacher
21
Answers
South Bend, Indiana
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Jorden,
While, as other answers have stated, reenacting is usually a hobby or volunteer effort, some local and state historical museums or historic sites may hire part-time or full-time actors to help with educational programming. This may not be something to pay all the bills, but it can certainly be a rewarding component to a history-lover's life!
I recommend researching history museums and historic sites in your area to learn more about available work and wages. This will give you an idea of how this facet of history and performance could fit into your career goals, and it may open up some opportunities for volunteering or internship experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with questions, either! History museums are fantastic, fun places and should be an inviting community for people who are excited to learn about the past!
If you are also interested in acting in fictional plays or dramas that take place in the past rather than reenacting, which typically synthesizes a very specific event in history, a career in drama could be for you! There are so many ways to fit history into a career - from writing, to museum work, to research, to conservation, to reenacting - you've got lots of options!
P.S. I LOVE history. I got my masters degree in art history with a focus on American art because I find American history so fascinating, and I also enjoy writing historical fiction as a hobby. My love of history was fully realized while working as a conservation technician fixing old books and materials for my college's library. When I say there are a lot of ways to fit history into your life (and as a career), I mean it!
While, as other answers have stated, reenacting is usually a hobby or volunteer effort, some local and state historical museums or historic sites may hire part-time or full-time actors to help with educational programming. This may not be something to pay all the bills, but it can certainly be a rewarding component to a history-lover's life!
I recommend researching history museums and historic sites in your area to learn more about available work and wages. This will give you an idea of how this facet of history and performance could fit into your career goals, and it may open up some opportunities for volunteering or internship experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with questions, either! History museums are fantastic, fun places and should be an inviting community for people who are excited to learn about the past!
If you are also interested in acting in fictional plays or dramas that take place in the past rather than reenacting, which typically synthesizes a very specific event in history, a career in drama could be for you! There are so many ways to fit history into a career - from writing, to museum work, to research, to conservation, to reenacting - you've got lots of options!
P.S. I LOVE history. I got my masters degree in art history with a focus on American art because I find American history so fascinating, and I also enjoy writing historical fiction as a hobby. My love of history was fully realized while working as a conservation technician fixing old books and materials for my college's library. When I say there are a lot of ways to fit history into your life (and as a career), I mean it!
Patryk Czyzo
Student
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Patryk’s Answer
Hi Jorden
Historical reenactors have historically made about $25,000 annually, which is well below average and not enough to live off of in most locations. As others have said, it is typically something people do as a hobby or on the weekends. Moreso, it takes a bit of investment to get into it, because you have to purchase props/costumes. Maybe it can be something you do on the side. Nowadays, with the pandemic, it's hard to tell when historical reenactments will be able to resume again, so it might not be the best choice unless you are extremely passionate about it. In the end it all comes down to you and your preferences, and how you see yourself in the future!
Patryk
Historical reenactors have historically made about $25,000 annually, which is well below average and not enough to live off of in most locations. As others have said, it is typically something people do as a hobby or on the weekends. Moreso, it takes a bit of investment to get into it, because you have to purchase props/costumes. Maybe it can be something you do on the side. Nowadays, with the pandemic, it's hard to tell when historical reenactments will be able to resume again, so it might not be the best choice unless you are extremely passionate about it. In the end it all comes down to you and your preferences, and how you see yourself in the future!
Patryk
Riley Carr
Business Analyst
179
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Riley’s Answer
Yes, this is a job! Usually working for a museum, you can be hired in this field and make up to $30,000 per year. However, most people who are involved in this do it as a hobby alongside their main career in order to have enough money to support themselves.
Brett Dalzell
Electronic Banking CSR
21
Answers
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hello,
In my experience most of the reenactors I have met over the years are volunteer. Although if you love history I would suggest a history major. Perhaps being a teacher that way you could reenact on your spare time and use your skills as a reenactor to teach and allow history to come alive for those you are teaching. Best of luck!
In my experience most of the reenactors I have met over the years are volunteer. Although if you love history I would suggest a history major. Perhaps being a teacher that way you could reenact on your spare time and use your skills as a reenactor to teach and allow history to come alive for those you are teaching. Best of luck!
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