Your First Acting Gig: A Practical Guide
Nobody tells you what to actually expect on your first non-union gig. This guide covers the practical stuff — from booking to wrap day — so you walk in prepared instead of guessing.
Written for non-union and indie actors. Updated March 2026.
Before You Accept
Read the full casting notice
Not just the role description — read the pay, hours, location, usage rights, and any contract language. If it's vague, ask before committing.
Confirm pay and payment terms
Get the daily rate in writing. Ask when you'll be paid (NET 15, NET 30, NET 60). 'We'll figure it out' is not a payment term.
Check the production company
Search their name on StageBlind, Google, and social media. Any history of late payments or bad conditions? One search can save you a terrible experience.
Understand your time commitment
How many days? What hours? Is there overtime? A '1-day shoot' that runs 16 hours is a different commitment than they implied.
Read the contract carefully
Especially the rights section. 'All media in perpetuity' for a $200/day gig is a bad trade. Use the StageBlind Contract Reviewer if you're unsure.
What to Bring on Set
Your ID and any signed paperwork
W-9, deal memo, signed contract. Keep copies of everything you sign.
Wardrobe options (if requested)
Bring more than they asked for. Three options in the right color palette gives the wardrobe team flexibility.
Snacks and water
Even if they promise craft services, bring your own backup. Low-budget shoots underdeliver on food more often than they overdeliver.
Phone charger and a book
You will wait. A lot. Bring something to do during the hours between setups.
A positive attitude and thick skin
Sets are stressful. People may be short with you. Don't take it personally — but also don't tolerate genuine disrespect.
On Set Etiquette
Be early
Call time means you're ready at that time, not arriving at that time. 15 minutes early is on time.
Know the chain of command
Director, AD (Assistant Director), and your department head. The AD runs the set — listen to them.
Stay off your phone when cameras are up
Silence your phone. Don't scroll between takes. Be present and ready.
Don't touch equipment
Cameras, lights, props — if it's not yours, don't touch it unless asked.
Be kind to everyone
PAs, craft services, hair and makeup — everyone on set is working hard. The actor who treats crew well gets called back.
After You Wrap
Track your hours
Write down your actual call time and wrap time. If there's a discrepancy with what they pay you for, you need records.
Follow up on payment
If you haven't been paid by the agreed date, send a polite follow-up email. If they ghost, that's important information.
Save the footage request
If the contract allows, ask for a clip or still for your reel. Do this soon — productions move on fast.
Log the gig
Write down what happened while it's fresh: pay, hours, conditions, what was good, what was bad. Future you will want this data.
Leave a review
Share your experience anonymously on StageBlind so the next actor knows what to expect.
Red Flags on Your First Gig
They change the terms on set
If the rate, hours, or scenes change from what you agreed to, speak up immediately. Silence is consent.
No paperwork at all
Legitimate productions have contracts, deal memos, or at minimum a written agreement. 'We'll handle it later' means they might not handle it.
Pressure to do things you didn't agree to
New scenes, nudity, stunts, or extended hours that weren't in the original agreement. You can say no.
No one seems to be in charge
Chaotic sets with no AD and no clear schedule usually mean the production is underprepared — and you'll pay for it with your time.
They ask for your money
Paying for workshops, registration fees, or 'portfolio' packages to get a role is almost always a scam.
Got a gig offer? Check it before you say yes.
StageBlind Editorial — practical guidance for working actors.