Apart from acting they had to find other work. Often they pulled handcarts, sold junk or cigarettes, hired themselves out as coolies, or collected cigarette stubs.

• 演员们唱完戏还要各自找点儿活干,有人拉排子车,有人卖破烂,卖烟卷儿,当小工,拾烟头是普遍现象。