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Professional Actor Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Lafayette, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Assists consumers in the development of meaningful connections by acting as a "bridge builder" to ... Responsible for maintaining professional, respectful and sensitive communication with co-workers ...

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Assists consumers in the development of meaningful connections by acting as a "bridge builder" to ... Responsible for maintaining professional, respectful and sensitive communication with co-workers ...

Direct Support Professional

Lafayette, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Assists consumers in the development of meaningful connections by acting as a "bridge builder" to ... Responsible for maintaining professional, respectful and sensitive communication with co-workers ...

Direct Support Professional

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Assists consumers in the development of meaningful connections by acting as a "bridge builder" to ... Responsible for maintaining professional, respectful and sensitive communication with co-workers ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Actor information

See Indiana salary details

$5

$21

$51

How much do professional actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional actor in Indiana is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.53 and $41.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professional Actor vs Theater Actor?

AspectProfessional ActorTheater Actor
CredentialsOften requires acting training, auditions, and sometimes representationTypically requires acting training or experience, but formal credentials are less strict
Work EnvironmentFilm, television, commercials, stage, and digital mediaPrimarily stage productions in theaters
Employer & IndustryStudios, production companies, casting agenciesTheaters, production companies, arts organizations
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in acting careers across various mediaFocused on stage acting opportunities and theater-specific roles

While both Professional Actors and Theater Actors perform in acting roles, Professional Actors often work across multiple media including film, TV, and digital platforms, requiring diverse skills and sometimes formal training. Theater Actors primarily focus on stage performances, often in live theater productions. The key differences lie in their work environments and the scope of their work, though both share foundational acting skills and industry connections.

What defines you as a professional?

A professional actor is defined by their ability to perform consistently at a high skill level, demonstrate strong acting techniques, and adhere to industry standards. They often have formal training, a professional portfolio, and are committed to ongoing development and punctuality in auditions and performances.

What it means to be professional?

Being a professional actor means consistently demonstrating reliability, skill, and dedication in performances and rehearsals. It involves adhering to industry standards, maintaining a positive attitude, and respecting deadlines and colleagues. Professional actors often have training, such as acting classes or certifications, and adapt to various roles and environments efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Actor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Actor, you need strong acting technique, emotional range, and often formal training from drama schools or conservatories. Familiarity with audition platforms, script analysis software, and sometimes union memberships like SAG-AFTRA are typical technical requirements. Exceptional creativity, resilience, and clear communication make actors stand out in auditions and on set. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering compelling performances and building a sustainable career in a highly competitive industry.

How do professional actors typically collaborate with directors and other cast members during a production?

Professional actors work closely with directors to interpret scripts, develop characters, and deliver performances that align with the overall vision of the production. Collaboration often involves attending rehearsals, participating in table reads, and giving and receiving constructive feedback with fellow cast members. Effective communication, adaptability, and a willingness to take direction are essential for building strong on-stage or on-screen chemistry. This teamwork not only enhances the final performance but also creates a supportive, creative environment that fosters professional growth.

What defines a person as a professional?

A professional actor is someone who performs acting duties as their primary occupation, often demonstrating a high level of skill, training, or experience. They typically work consistently in the industry, may have formal education or training, and often participate in auditions, rehearsals, and performances as part of their career. Certification is not mandatory, but a professional reputation and ongoing skill development are key indicators of professionalism in acting.

What are professional actors?

Professional actors are individuals who perform roles in theater, television, film, or other media as their primary occupation. They bring scripts to life by portraying characters, using voice, movement, and emotion to engage audiences. Actors often audition for roles, attend rehearsals, and may work irregular hours depending on the production schedule. Their work requires creativity, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively with directors and other performers.

What do you mean by professional?

A professional actor is someone who performs in acting roles as a paid occupation, often with formal training, experience, and a portfolio of work. They typically audition for roles, work in various environments such as theater, film, or television, and may belong to industry unions or guilds. Being a professional also involves adhering to industry standards and maintaining a consistent work schedule.
What are the most commonly searched types of Actor jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Actor jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Professional Actor jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Professional Actor job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Actor job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,000 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Acting and Acting for the Camera

Assistant Teaching Professor of Acting and Acting for the Camera

Bsu

Muncie, IN โ€ข On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

Assistant Teaching Professor of Acting and Acting for the Camera

Compensation:

$52,000 - $56,000

Department:

Theatre & Dance

Start Date:

08/17/2026

About this opportunity:

The Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a non-tenure-line Acting position beginning August of 2026.
Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship.

What you'll do and what you will bring:

Ball State University seeks an individual with a commitment to collaborative discourse, interdisciplinary inquiry, and entrepreneurial learning practices as a teacher of acting, acting for the camera, and industry centered courses within theBFAacting and musical theatre areas. The successful candidate will be an accomplished pedagogue and educator who will play an active role in the crafting of curriculum, recruitment of students, and building connections within the discipline that will further enhance the opportunities presented to our students during and after their matriculation.

Ball State's BFA performance options offer an innovative and demanding training curriculum consisting of rigorous and varied coursework, utilizing our production program as a true "laboratory" space, a strong foundation in an "actor first" mentality within all realms of storytelling, and an emphasis on synthesizing the body, voice, and mind. Applicants should be committed to inclusive pedagogies in their teaching, scholarship, and artistry. Additional consideration will be given to applicants possessing the ability to teach all levels of movement, experience with teaching acting for the camera, and those with experience in the synthesis of singing and acting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • A teaching load that will include all levels of course work in acting, acting for the camera, industry centered courses (such as audition), and introduction to theatre;
  • Mentorship and coaching of upper-level students in conjunction with showcases and professional auditions;
  • Work as a director, coach, or actor in assigned departmental productions;
  • A dedication and commitment to helping foster and cultivate overall student success;
  • Facilitating the Department's ongoing relationships with the Department of Media including Radiance Cinema and our innovative collaboration with the Heartland Film Festival;
  • Fulfilling service obligations, including assigned committee work at the Department, College, and University level, on a national, regional, and local level.
  • Working in collaboration with theatre and dance faculty, staff, and students in facilitating the theatre and dance production program at Ball State University.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in performance or equivalent professional experience completed by date of employment.
  • The ability to teach all levels of acting, acting for the camera, and industry-centered courses for acting and musical theatre students.
  • Teaching experience at the university/college level, gained concurrently or at any time.
  • Ability to serve as an artist for production work when needed.

Tested Experience Qualifications:

  • Five years consistent professional performance, directing, accompanying, or coaching experience in established regional or national theatre performance venues including Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, or Major Regional Theatre venues OR
  • Three years consistent professional performance experience in mainstream television and film OR
  • Recognition/award by a regional or national awards organization (Tony, Joseph Jefferson Awards, Helen Hayes Awards, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • M.F.A. in Acting completed by date of employment.
  • Three years of teaching experience at the university/college level.
  • Connections and recognitions within the professional acting and/or musical theatre industries.
  • Experience in the synthesis of singing and acting.

How to apply:

Inquiries regarding this opportunity may be directed to Bill Jenkins, Department Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at: wjenkins@bsu.edu.

Required application materials include:

  • Cover letter

  • Curriculum vitae along with a professional resume (Do not use the autofill resume feature.)

  • A one-page teaching philosophy

The names, e-mail address, and telephone numbers for three professional references will be requested in the application.

Applications must be received by 12:01 AM June 25, 2026.

What we offer:

At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you.

Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow.

Curious about our excellent benefits package?

We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits.

Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet.


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About BSU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

1989