Do you have to live in LA to have an agent in LA. What if I don't live near LA or NY?

Answer 1

There's a lot of answers here about not being able to get work outside of NY or LA, but I want to emphasize how important it is to get experience, build a good reel and get some solid technique and credits before you move to one of the larger markets. You're specifically mentioning LA, so I take you want to break into film/tv. There are tons of "hopefuls" who fly into LA every day (and just as many who fly out dejected), what sets you apart from any of them right now? Probably not much.
Agents in LA will not look at you unless your SAG. Forget about that being discovered on the street/in the bank/etc stuff. That happens to 1% of the people in this business who are trying to become working actors. You have to show them that you're going to be able to make them money, becuase they don't get paid unless you book a job. How do you do that? With a solid resume that shows a mix of theatre and film/tv projects (check your local university for student films) and good training that shows your dedication.
If you don't live in LA, don't worry about getting an agent, you don't need one. Most smaller markets are freelance, meaning you can register with many agencies. Yes, the commercials and whatnot you will be working on will be local BUT it is a good way to build up your resume and possibly become SAG.
Many people seem to think that NY and LA are the be all and end all of the acting scene in the US and while I agree that those are great places to be when you're ready and have a good foundation and skills, there are many smaller markets that are invaluable in helping build up those skills so that when you do make the move, you aren't cast aside with the other thousands of hopefuls.
So, use your hometown resources to get going, do some community theatre to get experience and start building your resume. Get some training. Also check out Chicago (many great actors came out of doing theatre in Chicago!), Wilmington NC (where Dawson's Creek was filmed), and of course, Washington, DC. (hey, I'm partial!).

Good luck.

Answer 2

You need an agent in the area you live in. NY and LA already have lots of great "undiscovered" talent - they don't need to fly more hopeful actors in. Auditions often happen with less than 24 hours notice - so even if you're rich and would pay to fly back and forth, you'd miss the auditions.

Yes, a great bulk of the work is in NY and LA.

But there is lots of work in other big cities, too. In fact, so much so that LA has a name for it - "runaway film production."

Austin, Chicago, Shreveport, New Mexico, Vancouver - lots of places have a film industry. Some "Hollywood" movies are shot in these places, along with lots of lower-budget projects.

In a smaller town, there may be less opportunity for film work, but in many cities, you can be a professional, working film actor.

Answer 3

Use the below resource. You do NOT have to be a Screen Actors Guild Member to access this list of agents:

http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=page1.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=AgentInformation

Just a word of advice. The jobs that an agent in small markets can get you, are going to be commercials for the local Car Dealership or whatever. Just collect the "demo reels" that you can while filming or taping those small market acting gigs. Trust me, you will need them when you do move to LA or NY to become a top level working actor.

Be smart. Take acting lessons and MASTER your craft as much as you can before moving to the "BIG BOMB MARKETS". That way, you can compete on a level that can get you paying work as an actor.

Talent is everything. The people who will hire you to work as a performer will know if you can handle the job way before you can fake it. Be PREPARED! The worst thing that can happen is you show up for a job and SUCK! You really can be "blacklisted" in Hollywood if you suck too many times. There are only so many people who can hire you for big time jobs, so you must make sure that you do not burn too many bridges when you are starting out.

Ok, then. GO FOR IT!!!

Alan Baltes

Answer 4

Hon, you have to live where the work is located.
Acting is located in NYC and Los Angeles.

If you live in middle America, you can stay there or move to NY/LA, or, get an agent where you live.

You must be aware that you will not have access to auditions for motion pictures, commercials, etc, in middle America.

The answer is yes, you must live in LA or NY, that's where the work is. It's a long commute for an audition. You decide.

Answer 5

nicely in some cities like in Houston , Texas , a great number of skills brokers come from disney channel and carry auditions.perhaps u wanna look at interior sight casting calls and start up off small. good success ! :)

Answer 6

as I've known in South Florida have some too. Does it near by to your living now?

Answer 7

there would be many more chances to be an actress if you did. i am an actress but i live in los angeles

Answer 8

Your out of luck

Answer 9

no you don't they will do call or travel where ever for there 15% if you have a lot of talent