What are Survival Jobs?

This site is a resource for actors, so they are able to pay the rent while following their dreams!

This site has listings and advice for non-acting work, which are often referred to as Survival Jobs. http://survivaljobsforactors.com/

Why did you decide to start this kind of activity?

I decided to start Survival Jobs because I needed a survival job and couldn’t find a resource, other than friend recommendations, that had this info.

Did you have a business plan when you started your business?

I did have a business plan. But it has changed numerous times over the years!

Do you think business plans are necessary for entrepreneurship?

I think it is important to have a plan, but know and be able to be flexible if it needs to change.

What three pieces of advice can you offer developing creative/arts entrepreneurs?

My advice:

1. It’s ok to fail. You always learn from failure. Always.

2. Dreams are great, action is more important.

3. It doesn’t have to be perfect before you start. Just get going. I’m always learning, refining, improving. In the artist life your life, isn’t 9-5 scheduled, but I work better when I make myself make a schedule (for work / practice time).

Interview by Francesca Chiumento, student in Developing an Arts Venture Plan–Arts Entrepreneurship at Meadows School of the Arts, SMU.