Making the move to LA after highschool?

Question

So I'm making the move to LA after highschool and I'm going to be going to college to major in theater arts and take acting classes. So I need a little advice on choosing Acting classes, what I need to do before seeking an agent and how to find one, how to find a photographer to get my headshot done and how to find out about auditions. Basically I just need to know everything that I need to do. Now aside from all that, I also need to deal with the moving process to LA or just moving to another state period. This will be my first time being on my own once I make the move so I need some guidance on everything I need to do before and after I move out to LA in order to make my moving process as smoothly as possible. So any advice will be really appreciated.

Answer 1

A lot of times I agree with Theatre Doc, but not always. I think actors should further their education, but it's definitely not for everyone. The Entertainment Business is a BUSINESS and if you're not educated you may or will likely get taken advantage of. If your parents are paying for college and living expenses as long as you are in school that may be the best thing for you to do. I don't see how an education can be a bad things here. One think you can take is business management and marketing because in this business you are a commodity and you will have to learn to market yourself. You should also keep in mind accounting. entertainment law, and many other business classes that pertain to your career. The less you know, the easier you will be to take advantage of. Not to mention how much taking any class can potentially help you with a character in the future... whether it's knowledge or just someone you meet in class. OK, on to the next :-)

A good resource for you will be the Working Actor's Guide. http://www.workingactors.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?g=&d=1 Click on any link on that page and you'll get a list of links for anything you need in Los Angeles including moving info. That doesn't mean they are all reputable, you need to check out any business before you use them. These business pay to be listed, but I have found this guide very helpful in the past and I'm sure you will too. They have the guide in print version as well, but it's free online so why bother?

Seriously you will find links for everything from finding a roommate to finding an agent (though there are better ways to find an agent)

If you want to find a legitimate agent to represent you for commercials, TV & film go to Sag.org. Use the dropdown menu on the right labeled 'resources' and choose 'agent information'. On the next screen, on the left choose 'Find a SAG franchised agent' and follow the directions. There's also Ross Reports which will give you a lot more info on the agents including whether or not they're accepting submissions. Check out www.rossreports.com or www.backstage.com where you can get a discount on a subscription to both. Backstage may be very helpful to have so it may be worth it to get both at least in the begining.

Another website to check out is www.actorsaccess.com If you do not have an agent you can get your own auditions here though they will not be of the same caliber of work. They may be on shows that you have heard of, but it will generally be a bit part or even extra work. You're better off with an agent unless you have no experience in which case you can stick with backstage and actorsaccess until you get enough on your resume to get someone to give you an interview.

For acting classes check out what you find on working actors.com and the advertisers on backstage.com. Call around and see what they offer. It's always good to see if you can try a class for free to see if the studio may be the right place for you before you commit to an expensive set of classes.

I hope I covered everything!

good luck!

Answer 2

You've gotten some good advice (but do stay in school!!! Education is invaluable!) but you are asking for way more information that can be provided in this little section :)

Check out the forums at Backstage.com. It's filled with actors in NY and LA and this topic comes up a lot and there's a section for beginners.

Also, as far as the moving, you're moving for college, right? Into the dorms? So, as far as that goes, your parents can help you. Your situation is no different than all the thousands of other kids going off to school for the first time. It's very exciting! :) If you're going to be in school, just enjoy that for a while. For at least the first 6 months or so, just get into your classes, meet some people, and get to know the city. Then when you know a bit more about what's going on, start thinking about headshots (you can ask some of your new connections who they recommend), taking some outside classes and finding an agent.

Also, check out "An Actors Guide - You're First Year in Hollywood" - by Michael Nicholas

Good luck!

Answer 3

YOu didn't say which college. Most actors do go to college and you can find photographers in the photography and art department who will do you head shots for free, graphic artists who will hepl you put you information down at the bottom.

There's basically two schools of thinking in acting. Improv and method.

You should study both.

You basically need to live eat and breath at the department and try out for everything.

Entry level is usually the prop room.

As the teachers get to know you and your work they'll eventually give you a one liner.

Go to the filmmaking department and talk with students there to see if you can get in on their film projects as an actor.

This will be your chance to try your hand at writing and directing as well.

You should take Pantomime, Modern Dance, Jazz Dance and singing if they offer a course in that.

You should also study lighting and learn to work the main theater lights.

If you really, really, really have a knack for acting and survive you should try and get into Pasadena Playhouse to do Graduate work.

That is the best school of acting in Los Angeles and one of the top 10 in the world.

It will be expensive and you will have to pass an audition.

There is a lot of side street theater and you should check them out an make friends and network and even see if you can get in plays over the summer.

That builds your resume.

Answer 4

Yeah, I'd say you nead boucoups help! So why are your going to college? If you want to be an actor it will only waste the best four years of your life. The internet and phone book and people in your professional classes will help you find a photographer and agent when you are ready for one. How were you planning on obtaining food and housing? You are going to need a day job. You need lots of help all right, and that is my job, helping people become actos. I do that for nothing. Click on my name, read my profile and write me at my aol address for more help.

Answer 5

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