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Is a career as a paralegal a good day job for actors?
Hi! I recently just graduated from NYU Tisch and have my B.F.A in Drama. After graduating, I decided to move back home and focus on building a solid foundation for my acting career. Part of being an actor is finding a good day job and I am tired of working in restaurants, so I did some research on obtaining a Paralegal certificate. From my research, I found that becoming a paralegal can provide great financial stability which is something that is very important however, I'm not sure if I would be able to balance being a paralegal and an actor. I would really like some advice if this is a good career path and if not could you some great day jobs for actors.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kenyatta !
Congratulations on graduating NYU. I do have some reaction to your inquiry and can share some of my experience, too, but you will learn which direction to go as time goes on. You were certainly living right at one of the major hubs and now living back home in Texas. Your interest in being a paralegal is wonderful and a very satisfying career.
It is perfectly fine to delay your acting pursuit while you work as a Paralegal, but you will have to delay the acting as working in a law office may require structured hours, overtime and your time may be occupied during the times acting auditions and filming/rehearsals/video work or print work may require you. Sometimes, as with extra work or feature or leading roles, sometimes, your schedule as an actor can be unstructured or you may be needed more than you've anticipated. Keep in mind that some auditions are done via internet but at some point you would be expected to go in person to read or be seen. Some require photo/resume and then call you to come audition in person.
As a paralegal, you would be expected to be at work during the hours your employer needs you and sometimes you may have to travel - most times locally - to see clients. I have to be honest. Acting and Law are two careers that require you to be available practically at any time. So it is my opinion that the two wouldn't work very well together. Especially when you start a paralegal job and want to be reliable for your employer.
My acting career began during a time when there was no internet and a common thing we did was signed up at all the temp agencies for reception and clerical work. It worked out well because you didn't make a commitment to an employer, just work two weeks, or three days or for however long the temp assignment was. I enjoyed that and had spaces in between and available for auditions. Out of college, I worked in administration at a professional Theatre in Los Angeles, but because of connections, I got acting work accommodating my schedule while working the "9 to 5" there. Things were much more affordable back then, so gaps in regular job work didn't matter. It's just a decision you're going to have to make yourself based on what you really want to do. There may be theatre jobs in your city that you can apply for other than acting, too. It's just a decision between applying your craft or starting in a new field of work. You can always go back to acting as I did. I started acting in 1978 to about 1993, then was a social service case manager for 27 years and then went back into acting in 2018. Everyone's career goes differently.
Try being a paralegal and see how it works out for you. Remember that both careers require a full commitment and remember that if employers see that your degree is in Theatre or Film, they may feel that you'll quit if you get a part. They may not mention it, but it's a thing. Go where your heart leads you is the best advice I can lend.
Best wishes in whatever you choose !
Congratulations on graduating NYU. I do have some reaction to your inquiry and can share some of my experience, too, but you will learn which direction to go as time goes on. You were certainly living right at one of the major hubs and now living back home in Texas. Your interest in being a paralegal is wonderful and a very satisfying career.
It is perfectly fine to delay your acting pursuit while you work as a Paralegal, but you will have to delay the acting as working in a law office may require structured hours, overtime and your time may be occupied during the times acting auditions and filming/rehearsals/video work or print work may require you. Sometimes, as with extra work or feature or leading roles, sometimes, your schedule as an actor can be unstructured or you may be needed more than you've anticipated. Keep in mind that some auditions are done via internet but at some point you would be expected to go in person to read or be seen. Some require photo/resume and then call you to come audition in person.
As a paralegal, you would be expected to be at work during the hours your employer needs you and sometimes you may have to travel - most times locally - to see clients. I have to be honest. Acting and Law are two careers that require you to be available practically at any time. So it is my opinion that the two wouldn't work very well together. Especially when you start a paralegal job and want to be reliable for your employer.
My acting career began during a time when there was no internet and a common thing we did was signed up at all the temp agencies for reception and clerical work. It worked out well because you didn't make a commitment to an employer, just work two weeks, or three days or for however long the temp assignment was. I enjoyed that and had spaces in between and available for auditions. Out of college, I worked in administration at a professional Theatre in Los Angeles, but because of connections, I got acting work accommodating my schedule while working the "9 to 5" there. Things were much more affordable back then, so gaps in regular job work didn't matter. It's just a decision you're going to have to make yourself based on what you really want to do. There may be theatre jobs in your city that you can apply for other than acting, too. It's just a decision between applying your craft or starting in a new field of work. You can always go back to acting as I did. I started acting in 1978 to about 1993, then was a social service case manager for 27 years and then went back into acting in 2018. Everyone's career goes differently.
Try being a paralegal and see how it works out for you. Remember that both careers require a full commitment and remember that if employers see that your degree is in Theatre or Film, they may feel that you'll quit if you get a part. They may not mention it, but it's a thing. Go where your heart leads you is the best advice I can lend.
Best wishes in whatever you choose !
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
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Alexis’s Answer
Hey Kenyatta! Fellow Tisch grad here (MFA Acting). Finding a good day job as you audition can be tricky: you want to find something consistent but it has to be flexible. You need something that isn’t too involved, but pays well enough.
My wife was a paralegal in NY while dancing. It worked somewhat, but she was at a pretty busy corporate law firm and finding flexibility to audition, rehearse and perform was tricky. It was only when she was able to negotiate a flexible, part time schedule that she was able to dance.
I catered for a good portion out of school. And for a while that worked great: I could cancel a job the day of if an audition came up or be gone for months and jump back into it when I was back in town. But like all service work, it was physically taxing and eventually I needed to pivot to something else.
I ended up taking a full time job and while that allowed more financial security, it also made me feel less connected to acting.
I think it’s smart to get into something stable now and set yourself up. If it isn’t too much of a financial investment, go for that certificate and see what kind of jobs are available. Most casting is self-tape now so needing to run to an audition isn’t so necessary these days. You can work a full-time job and squeeze in self-tapes when you can.
My only caveat to that is understand the level of commitment in any day job. Some full time jobs can offer great flexibility and some don’t stay just day jobs. If you’re having to stay late and on weekends, that might start interfering with your main goal. Check in with yourself every few months and be honest if an arrangement is still giving you the balance you need.
Finally, be flexible and know that things will ebb and flow. There will be times when paying bills will be more important. There will be times when you need to focus on acting. But if you stay flexible and adapt, you’re going to be just fine. Enjoy this exciting time and go for it!
My wife was a paralegal in NY while dancing. It worked somewhat, but she was at a pretty busy corporate law firm and finding flexibility to audition, rehearse and perform was tricky. It was only when she was able to negotiate a flexible, part time schedule that she was able to dance.
I catered for a good portion out of school. And for a while that worked great: I could cancel a job the day of if an audition came up or be gone for months and jump back into it when I was back in town. But like all service work, it was physically taxing and eventually I needed to pivot to something else.
I ended up taking a full time job and while that allowed more financial security, it also made me feel less connected to acting.
I think it’s smart to get into something stable now and set yourself up. If it isn’t too much of a financial investment, go for that certificate and see what kind of jobs are available. Most casting is self-tape now so needing to run to an audition isn’t so necessary these days. You can work a full-time job and squeeze in self-tapes when you can.
My only caveat to that is understand the level of commitment in any day job. Some full time jobs can offer great flexibility and some don’t stay just day jobs. If you’re having to stay late and on weekends, that might start interfering with your main goal. Check in with yourself every few months and be honest if an arrangement is still giving you the balance you need.
Finally, be flexible and know that things will ebb and flow. There will be times when paying bills will be more important. There will be times when you need to focus on acting. But if you stay flexible and adapt, you’re going to be just fine. Enjoy this exciting time and go for it!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Kenyatta
Nice to meet another Tisch baby! I'm considering being an paralegal for Entertainment Law Firms since it would be a perfect combination of both passions (film and advocating for others). The responsibilities for paralegals in this field mainly involves writing, research, drafting contracts, fact-checking, organizing files, etc. So it's not too daunting and I think I would still be able to have enough energy to record self-tapes. I plan to do a zoom info session next month on the field. In case it doesn't work out do you have any suggestions on good day jobs for actors that don't include food or retail.
Kenyatta
You can consider teaching. With a degree, you can teach in after-school programs or camps, in addition to independent schools. You can all look into being a nanny, tutor, personal assistant, those types of jobs. Customer service at call centers/tech support could also fit well with your skills. These are typically called survival jobs. When I hear you mention your interest in law, you may be thinking more about a parallel job. This is something that is a little more than a survival job, it’s something you’d actually like to pursue while you pursue a career in performance. This is something worth investing a little more time and treasure to do. Knowing if you want a survival job or parallel job will help you figure out how to move forward.
Alexis Camins
Updated
Heather’s Answer
For a decade, I worked as an Office Manager and Paralegal at a small firm. This role typically requires commitment from 8 am to 5 pm, leaving little room for daytime auditions. However, if you're considering this as a part-time role, it could work. If you plan to attend many auditions, I recommend seeking a remote job with flexible hours.
Updated
Teri’s Answer
Have a look into audiobook narration and voiceover or voice acting. You’ll find many more opportunities doing voiceovers and still be able to use your craft. There are many types of voiceover; animation and video game characters, e-Learning and corporate narration, explainer videos, audiobooks, phone IVR, commercials, radio/internet ads that all require acting skills and being able to read copy and do script analysis. You’ll find many more opportunities in voiceover than on screen acting. For a start, look at Audibles website for narrators and authors, ACX.com to find narration opportunities for books with multiple characters. You’ll still need to audition but your chances of find work are greatly increased. You can find voiceover listings on Backstage, Casting Networks, Actors Access and Casting Call Club to name a few. Remember to be yourself and just keep going! Good luck
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Congrats on earning your degree!
The question you pose is complex. I am concerned because you didn't express anything that attracted you to the thought of being a paralegal, other than it looks like it will let you pursue your acting career.
Law is a "calling," much like acting. It can be mentally and physically stressful/exhausting. I don't know how easily you could transition into character after a hard day at work.
Additionally, while I have seen lawyers let their paralegals leave to go pick up their children and then come back, there are still many times the job, or the attorneys you work for, can be more demanding. A lot also depends on the type of law the firm practices. For example, if they do trial law, and are preparing for a big trial, you practically live at the office. However, if you mostly handle routine matters, like writing wills, it should be pretty easy to be able to also pursue acting.
There are many well-paying jobs, including many work from home opportunities. One that comes to mind is Insurance Agent.
You could also consider putting on a summer camp for young people to teach them acting, or tutoring.
I wish you the best in both careers!
Kim
The question you pose is complex. I am concerned because you didn't express anything that attracted you to the thought of being a paralegal, other than it looks like it will let you pursue your acting career.
Law is a "calling," much like acting. It can be mentally and physically stressful/exhausting. I don't know how easily you could transition into character after a hard day at work.
Additionally, while I have seen lawyers let their paralegals leave to go pick up their children and then come back, there are still many times the job, or the attorneys you work for, can be more demanding. A lot also depends on the type of law the firm practices. For example, if they do trial law, and are preparing for a big trial, you practically live at the office. However, if you mostly handle routine matters, like writing wills, it should be pretty easy to be able to also pursue acting.
There are many well-paying jobs, including many work from home opportunities. One that comes to mind is Insurance Agent.
You could also consider putting on a summer camp for young people to teach them acting, or tutoring.
I wish you the best in both careers!
Kim
Hi! Thank you for your response. I am really interested in Entertainment Law and I noticed a lot of Film Production companies hire paralegals. I thought this would be a great way to mix both my passions (acting and advocating for people).
Kenyatta
It sounds like you've given this some thought! That is good. I like the direction you are thinking of going with it! There are some attorneys in houston who act. See this link. https://communityimpact.com/houston/heights-river-oaks-montrose/arts-entertainment/2023/07/24/order-in-the-theater-watch-houstons-all-lawyer-theater-company-perform-at-annual-show/
Kim Igleheart
Kim, your advice is spot on as always ! A note about lawyers that act - theatre has rehearsals and performances at night, and sometimes on weekends, so in that case any person working full time can be available for community theatre. I didn't go to the link, but I bet the lawyers are seasoned, have been in their careers for a while and even may have their own law firm which all allows for more flexibility to mix the two fields of work.
Michelle M.