Commercials/ Film/ Radio/ TV
There are several avenues for actors to explore either exclusively or in conjunction with other work like theatre. It is important however to have a "plan" in mind (even though that can always change), but, it is important to know if you are focused on what you want to pursue. The two major choices break down to theatre or live performance (which could encompass radio) or recorded medium such as film/ TV. Obviously if a student tells me they are in it for the money possibilities (even though I discourage them) I tell them, then you need to seek out commercial auditions, which is the quickest way to get work and need to apply less shooting time or voice over work for the radio/ cartoons. Another way is to explore the world of the "extra" which is an actor or non-actor who attends calls or auditions to play background people or talent in movies or TV. Extras can make up to $300 a day if it is a SAG (screen actors' guild) shoot or as less as $75 a day for a non-SAG or independent shoot. Again, this does not always satisfy the "actor's pallette" so to speak, but can pay the bills; which is when an artistically driven actor may take one of the above assignments.
The feature film world is hard to break into and the closest most actor's get is background or supporting work. Independent films are rampant and conatantly holding audition calls, however most do not or cannot pay, unless for some reason the film gains success down the line and you have a written agreement promising payment if that occurs. "Indie" work is better for the actor who is seeking film experience and a future career in the movie industry. Again, anything can happen in this business, look at some of the stars we have today, some have zero talent and were just at the right place at the right time.
So a "plan" is good to have. We tell students to go to as many auditions as possible and if they don't have the experience to take every job they get, whether it pays or not, it will benefit them later on. If you want to go into the film/ TV, or commercial industries, you need to find those markets. Most popular for film, of course is California/ LA in Texas there is a small market in Austin/ Houston Dallas, but to be hittng the audition load you need to be in CA. NY has a growing market for film but not like L.A.