The Inexpensive Actor – products and services to continue your craft.
This thread was created in response to the abrupt and immediate displacement of some of Australia’s largest touring shows between January-June of 2026. Including but not limited to Back To The Future, Beetlejuice, and Waitress – these shows were cut short prematurely some 6 months to 2+ years. The Inexpensive Actor blog is your hub of useful resources to begin developing your craft in your profession (when you’re not currently booked on a show).
The purpose of this thread is to provide a light on our arts community about products and services available for private and group hire. Included is a list of locations of available artists with open classes, coaching, and professional development services to assist in your journey as you develop your own professional craft.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN – photography services in Melbourne
Strictly July 6-9 & 20-23rd
A temporary and immediate initiative for photography services has been curated by Cameron Grant, Parenthesy, in his Brunswick East Melbourne studio.
A limited number of 30minute sessions are available between July 6th-9th, and July 20th-23rd, 10am-6pm, for just $50 (from $550)
The aim is to capture an immediate suite of images, designed to help push your independent portfolio for personal professional services
Images will be captured on a plain backdrop, with several lighting options to choose from, pending your intended purposes.
Examples provided of similar offerings available:
- Role positions include, but not limited to: Actor, Crew, Musician, BOH/FOH, Advertising, PR Agency, Usher, Merchandising, etc
- Your portfolio package can focus on updating: Pilates instructing, singing teaching, dance classes, private coaching, etc
- These are NOT actors headshots or casting portraits. They’ll be shot and delivered specifically for you to use in an immediate self-marketing campaign push for your professional service.
If you have been displaced due to the recent closures of multiple major musicals, you’ll be required upon the booking link to state which show you were working on/at (if operating in a venue capacity like an usher eg, state the venue rather than the show), and your position. You will also be required to state how you will be using the images. This is to ensure that those affected are being catered to appropriately.
An upfront $50 booking fee is required to cover studio hire and necessary costs.
Additional cash donations will be accepted in an anonymous tin on the day.
My bookings retail at $550 for this service, however have been slashed by 90% to accomodate those displaced be the recent show closures who have lost income and job security.
This is your perfect and immediate introduction to becoming an inexpensive actor.
Additional services have been listed below:
Listed alphabetically by service/city:
Included in this list are industry, certified professionals that are leaders in their field. See below the list of artists to hire or book for their services.
Want to be included on the list? Simply add your details to the google form below, and your services will be manually input to the appropriate category.
https://forms.gle/BBEvrfJEni5pbGtS7
Melbourne
- Rose Shannon-Duhigg beginner dance classes available sessionally
Sydney
- Jamie Winbank drop in PWYC classes available
Australia wide:
- Carol Chin, Accountant (Secrets To Accounting) offers a free 30minute consult onboarding session
- Emily Corkeron, Bookkeeper and finance advice (G’Day Corky) free drop-in sessions every monday
To follow the conversation, you can keep up to date with Parenthesy services on Instagram, or through the main Parenthesy website.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, lodge them below, or contact us here:
All details are current and accurate as of June 29th 2026.
Details may change at any time, subject to the upkeep of the individuals involved in the Services list.
