Improv Actors

Up to $74/hr

Depending on the project

Bachelor's

,

Master's

,

Ph.D's

,

Postdocs

Remote

Part-time

Flexible hours

OPT/CPT Eligible

Overview

Earn $74/hr (average pay) while working remotely on a flexible schedule.

Handshake AI is inviting actors, improvisers, and performers to join a paid, collaborative improv project to work with one of the leading AI companies. You'll be matched with other performers over video and given a light prompt or scenario to explore together.

Sessions are unscripted and open-ended. You'll improvise scenes, explore characters, and respond naturally in the moment, with plenty of creative freedom to shape how each interaction unfolds.

Projects are remote, part-time, and flexible, making them easy to fit alongside auditions, classes, or rehearsals.

Example Video

0:00 / 0:00

Details

  • Improvise scenes and dialogue using light prompts, personality notes, and creative constraints. You'll have wide latitude to explore tone, emotion, and character choices.

  • Collaborate with other performers by building on scenarios and interactions that feel grounded, human, and fun to play.

  • Experiment with character, emotion, and subtext drawing on your acting instincts to create natural, engaging moments.

Qualifications

  • Acting or Improv Experience: Background in improv, acting, theater, sketch, or other performance-based work (formal training or real-world experience both welcome).

  • Strong Creative Instincts: You enjoy making bold choices, playing with character, and following the moment where it leads.

  • Emotional Awareness: Ability to recognize, express, and shift between emotions in a way that feels authentic and human.

  • Consistency & Care: You can stay true to a character's voice and emotional logic across a scene or interaction.

Selection for each project is limited to a small cohort chosen for their disciplinary and research expertise. We are seeking experts in new research areas to test the limits of the world’s top LLMs’ understanding by completing tasks that positively impact the next frontier AI model.

Work authorization information

F-1 students who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects on Handshake AI. Work with your Designated School Official to determine your eligibility.  If your school requires a CPT course, Handshake AI may not meet your school’s requirements. STEM OPT is not supported. See our Help Center article for more information on what types of work authorizations are supported on Handshake AI.

The application process

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The career network
for the AI economy

Students

Handshake AI

Employers

Career centers

Company

Support

©2026 Handshake. All rights reserved