Showbiz 7’s: How out of work actors pass their days

Being an actor isn't necessarily a glamorous job, especially if you aren't a famous actor. You always have to look presentable, you can't have rice with your sushi because of the carbs, and you're either driving all over town going to acting classes, showcases and auditions or you have absolutely nothing to do. And the truth is, for most actors there's a lot of nothing to do. Some take up knitting, some take up shopping, but actors Lynn Chen and Christine Meyers took up podcasting. The subject? What actors do to fill their time between jobs. So far they've interviewed the guy who plays Walter on "Ugly Bettie," Ian Gomez from "Felicity" and "The Drew Carey Show" and the executive director of the SAG Foundation. New episodes will be coming soon on www.actorsoff.com.

Since they're now experts on the subject, we asked Chen and Meyers to tell us seven ways for actors to fill their downtime.

1. Exercise. It helps with any frustration or depression, and you have to look your best anyway.
2. Go to the Mall. Get a free makeover at the department store, then walk around pointing out all the extravagant things you'll buy for yourself once you've made it.
3. Online Personality Quizzes. Find out a little bit about yourself, or answer the questions in character for whatever upcoming audition/project you may have.
4. Podcasts. Listen to them or make them.
5. Revisit Your Youth. Have a day where you eat a childhood meal, read a book that meant a lot to you as kid, and watch your favorite cartoon.
6. Coach Your Friends. Help fellow actors on their upcoming auditions/projects; it'll help sharpen your own skills without any of the pressure.
7. Plan an Elaborate Vacation. A refundable one, because once you do, you'll book some job that won't allow you to go.

Lynn Chen ("Saving Face") and Christine Meyers ("Madness and Genius") are the hosts of "Actors Off." Visit their official websites at:www.lynnchen.com and www.christinemeyers.com

You can listen to the "Actors Off" podcast at www.actorsoff.com.

As told to Deborah Netburn, Times staff writer