8 Side Hustles for Musical Theatre Performers
Your Ultimate Guide to Side Hustle Success (Onstage and Off)
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. 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.
🎁 Free Resource: Want even more income ideas? Download my free guide: 50 Ways I Make Money Offstage — complete with tutorials, links, and real-world examples to get you started.
Active Income Ideas
1. Teaching: Share Your Wisdom
Teaching extends far beyond vocal technique. Today, there are endless opportunities to educate, coach, and inspire others with the skills you've gained as a performer.
How I did it:
Started as a TA in high school dance classes
Taught youth acting/singing/dance throughout undergrad
Directed summer theatre camps
Coached performers privately during grad school
Became a professor of musical theatre for nearly a decade
Transitioned to online teaching & coaching
Think beyond traditional voice lessons. What questions do people constantly ask you? What skills do others pay to learn from you?
This could be:
Career coaching
Website design help
Branding/social media support
Want help turning your skills into a coaching offer? Book a 1:1 session with me.
2. Party Entertainment: Where Magic Meets Money
From princess parties to high-end character events, these gigs can be both fun and financially rewarding.
How I did it:
Tested it by working with a local party business
Launched my own company after researching the market
Created a website and business card
Focused on fewer, high-quality events with premium pricing
Treat it like a real performance—and you’ll stand out.
3. Personal Assistant Work (Including Virtual)
PA work helped me during the 2008 recession, and now, virtual assistant (VA) work opens even more doors.
How I did it:
Found early jobs via Craigslist
Focused on one trusted family for stability
Built trust and expanded my responsibilities
Eventually shifted into online, flexible VA tasks
Choose clients and tasks that align with your values and lifestyle.
4. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Voiceovers
If you’re comfortable on camera or with editing, this is a no-brainer. Brands are always looking for creatives to showcase products.
How I did it:
Found gigs through Backstage and casting sites
Focused on products I genuinely use (tech, wellness)
Students of mine do UGC for pet brands—so fun!
You don’t need a massive following—just authenticity and a clear niche.
Passive Income Streams
5. Digital Products & Online Courses
Turn your knowledge into scalable income.
How I did it:
Took my experience as a college professor and created digital products
Started with courses like YouTube for Artists and mini-workshops
Now host everything on my website for a seamless business presence
You don’t need to be tech-savvy to start—just organized and focused on helping others.
6. Affiliate Marketing
Earn commissions recommending things you already love.
How I did it:
Joined Amazon’s affiliate program
Added links to my YouTube descriptions and blog posts
Always disclose links and follow guidelines
Ask your favorite brands if they have affiliate or referral programs—you’d be surprised!
7. Airbnb Hosting
Got a guest room or travel often? This can become a powerful passive income stream.
How I did it:
Started renting our home when we traveled for work
Built listings for both of our homes
Bookings came in within 24 hours!
We’ve since expanded to hosting during off-seasons and have built systems that make managing it easy.
8. YouTube Monetization
Share your knowledge, build a community, and earn ad revenue.
How I did it:
Started with a series during grad school
Grew my first channel to 10k+ subscribers in months
Joined the YouTube Partner Program
Now monetize through AdSense and affiliate links
Old videos can still generate income years later.
Ready to Build Your Side Hustle Strategy?
I've walked this path—through auditions, late-night side gigs, and entrepreneurial pivots. You're not just chasing a dream. You're building a legacy. Whether you teach, create, rent, or film, your artistry can fund your life and future.
🔥 Want help getting started with your first income stream? Book a personalized 1:1 coaching session and let’s make a plan that fits your schedule, strengths, and stage of life: Schedule Coaching.
🎁 Or grab this freebie to get inspired: 50 Ways I Make Money Offstage
Break a leg—and a bank account!
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers thrive onstage and off. She brings over two decades of experience and a unique perspective from her bi-coastal lifestyle as a working artist. A former college professor, she now splits her time between performing, coaching, and creating digital resources to support other artists. Follow her on Instagram or check out the Musical Theatre Mentor YouTube channel for weekly career advice.
