Do Actors Work on Sundays?
Exploring the Demands of an Actor’s Schedule in Theater, Film, and TV
(By Jim Webb)
(Photo: Joel Filipe | Unsplash)
The Short Answer: Yes, Actors Often Work on Sundays
Unlike many traditional jobs that adhere to a Monday-through-Friday work week, the life of an actor is far less predictable—and far more demanding. The simple answer to the question “Do actors work on Sundays?” is yes, and often, Sunday is just another workday in the industry.
In theater, film, and television, production schedules and performance calendars often extend across weekends. As actor Bryan Cranston once said, “Acting is not a nine-to-five job. It’s an all-the-time job.”
This flexibility—or lack of traditional boundaries—requires actors to be fully committed to their craft, regardless of the day of the week.
Stage Actors and the Sunday Matinee Tradition
Theater is one of the most prominent areas where actors consistently work on Sundays. Many stage productions follow a six- or seven-show week, including two shows on weekends: a Saturday evening and a Sunday matinee.
The Sunday matinee has become a staple in both Broadway and regional theater. Audiences often attend these performances because they are more convenient, making it a prime opportunity for theaters to sell tickets and increase revenue.
Patti LuPone, the Tony Award-winning actress, has spoken about the physical toll of stage work, saying, “You can’t be tired. You don’t have the luxury. Sunday shows don’t care how you feel.”
Stage actors must perform with the same intensity and commitment whether it’s Tuesday night or Sunday afternoon. There are no exceptions.
Film Shoots: Seven Days a Week Is Not Uncommon
In the world of film, schedules are often dictated by tight budgets, location availability, and the complexity of scenes. As a result, film shoots frequently include Sundays.
Take the example of Tom Cruise, known for his tireless dedication to stunts and production. During the filming of Mission: Impossible – Fallout, the crew worked long days, weekends included. Director Christopher McQuarrie confirmed in interviews that “Tom works harder than anyone. Weekends aren’t really weekends when you’re on his set.”
Sunday shoots are especially common in location-based filming, where cities may close streets or allow special permissions for a limited time. If the perfect sunset shot is only possible on a Sunday, then that’s when it gets done.
Film actors need to be adaptable. Sunday is not a rest day—it’s an opportunity.
TV Actors and Tight Shooting Schedules
Television productions—especially network series with 22-episode seasons—are under even more pressure. Actors working in TV may film six or seven days in a row, especially when approaching a mid-season deadline or a series finale.
Viola Davis, star of How to Get Away with Murder, described the rigorous pace of TV: “It’s relentless. You finish a scene, you prep for the next, you shoot on weekends, and it doesn’t stop for months.”
When shows are filmed in front of a live studio audience, such as sitcoms, Sundays may be used for rehearsals, rewrites, or pick-up shots.
Production doesn’t always adhere to a traditional calendar. If a director or producer needs to stay on track, Sunday becomes fair game.
Commercials, Voice Work, and Sunday Deadlines
Even actors involved in commercials or voiceover work may find themselves called into the studio on a Sunday. These gigs are often dictated by advertising timelines and rapid turnaround needs.
If a commercial is set to debut during the Super Bowl or a holiday weekend, companies will pull all-nighters—and yes, include Sundays—to meet the deadline. Voice actors might record on Sunday mornings to match the schedules of editors or clients in different time zones.
Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, once explained, “You get a call, and you show up. Sunday, Tuesday, midnight—it doesn’t matter.” Voice actors, like their on-screen peers, often work whenever the need arises.
Auditions and Rehearsals Don’t Stop for Weekends
For actors who are not currently shooting or performing, Sundays might still be packed with auditions, callbacks, or rehearsals. Independent films and community theaters, in particular, rely on weekend availability to schedule group practices.
Rehearsals for stage performances often include Sunday run-throughs to accommodate cast members who may have day jobs during the week.
Actor John Malkovich once said, “Rehearsal is where the real work is done. Performance is the cherry on top.” For many actors, Sundays are prime time for that foundational work.
Aspiring actors trying to break into the industry may find themselves busier on weekends than weekdays—especially if they’re juggling part-time jobs or classes.
Sunday on Set: A Day Like Any Other
For many in the industry, Sunday is indistinguishable from any other day. On a set, actors arrive early, go through makeup and wardrobe, rehearse, film, and reset—all according to a production schedule that respects deadlines more than calendars.
Zendaya, during the filming of Euphoria, mentioned in interviews that, “There were weeks we didn’t even know what day it was. Sunday could be Wednesday, and Tuesday could be Sunday.”
On high-budget productions, where every minute is money, union rules and overtime come into play. But even then, Sunday work is permitted—provided actors are compensated accordingly.
Union Guidelines and Actor Rights on Sundays
The major unions—SAG-AFTRA, Equity, and ACTRA—protect actors’ rights when it comes to weekend work. Working on Sunday is allowed, but additional pay and rest requirements are enforced.
According to SAG-AFTRA’s contracts, actors who work on Sundays must be paid at a premium rate, and certain guidelines ensure they receive proper rest between call times.
Equity (which covers theater) also has clear policies. For example, if a show has two performances on Sunday, actors may get Monday off to balance their schedule.
These union protections don’t eliminate Sunday work—but they make it fair. Professional actors, while often working long hours and weekends, are not without representation or recourse.
Actors with Families: Balancing Sunday Commitments
For actors with spouses or children, working on Sundays can be challenging. Family time, church services, and personal rest are often missed due to weekend work demands.
Jennifer Garner, a mother of three, has spoken about the difficulty of balancing family life and filming schedules. “You miss birthdays, Sundays, dinners—but you try to make up for it when you can,” she said in an interview.
This balancing act is even more pronounced for actors working on stage, where Sunday matinees are non-negotiable.
Actors must develop strategies to stay grounded—whether it’s through video calls with family, adjusting sleep patterns, or carving out rest days during the week.
The Mental and Physical Toll of Seven-Day Work Weeks
Working Sundays can contribute to actor burnout, especially on projects that require long hours, emotional depth, and physical exertion. From fight choreography to emotional breakdown scenes, repeated day-after-day performances can wear even the most seasoned actors down.
Jake Gyllenhaal, reflecting on shooting Nightcrawler, said, “We worked constantly—there was no rhythm. It was hard to tell where the week ended or began.”
Mental health professionals working with actors stress the importance of self-care. Working through Sundays may be standard in the industry, but it’s crucial for actors to recognize when to rest, take breaks, and seek support.
When Do Actors Get a Day Off?
Given the frequent Sunday work, many people wonder: When do actors actually rest? The answer varies.
For stage actors, Monday is often the day off, traditionally known as the “dark day” in theater. For film and television actors, rest days are scheduled based on the needs of the production.
Some actors, like Keanu Reeves, are known for using any day off—be it Monday or Thursday—to reset with meditation, reading, or motorcycle rides.
Others—especially those working on intense projects—may go for weeks without a full day off, only catching short breaks between scenes or travel days.
Still, for most professional actors, rest is a priority, and good productions build downtime into the schedule—even if it doesn’t fall on a Sunday.
In Conclusion
So, do actors work on Sundays?
Absolutely. In fact, for many, Sunday is one of the busiest and most important days of the week. Whether it’s performing a matinee, shooting a sunset scene, recording a voiceover, or rehearsing for an upcoming role, Sunday is often part of the job.
Yet the dedication and passion of actors—combined with union protections and support systems—allow them to sustain the demanding schedule. They may not rest on Sundays, but they bring characters to life, tell powerful stories, and entertain millions—all seven days of the week.
As Hugh Jackman once said, “If you love what you do, the calendar doesn’t matter. Sunday or Thursday, it’s a gift to be on set.”
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