Which is better for an aspiring actor NYC or LA?

Question

I want to be an actor and was wondering which is better for a chance at success... I'm not looking for the easiest place to become a star, I want to know which would be better to work and become a professional at my craft.

Answer 1

You can "craft" in any city - but if one peruses your acclamations, (Um.. are there any acclamations?) I would say New York FIRST. If you think rent in NYC is expensive, wait 'til you get to L.A.! I like Spanish Harlem myself, because you're in Manhattan, near the park & subway, and there ARE a million dreams before your eyes. Every concievable color, creed and language congregate there - it's conducive to the creative spirit, overall. Plus, rent, food, and cigarettes are a bit less expensive. That said, there is an element of danger still left, believe it - but before you know it, you embrace it - you feel a little stronger. Just take my word for it.
AND DON'T DRIVE IN NEW YORK! PERIOD!
You know as well as I that there are a great many more smaller productions and performance plays about - as well as The Great White Way.
One more thing - the dames in NYC are more beautiful per capita than anywhere in the states, and many are professional, too. They like to hang outside in the bistros at night. If you've got your game on, you can connect.
You might prefer L.A. - but I doubt it.
Yes, there is work there - TAKE THAT NUMBER IF YOU SEE ONE. But, you'll probably spend a fortune these days on fuel alone - and parking? Fugeddaboutit!
Career moves?
Examples - Nicholson starved for years in the desert before he made it - even when everyone knew he had talent. DeNiro worked in films pretty soon, didn't he?
You tell me.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Depends on what you're interested in:

Theatre - New York
Film/Tv - LA

Of course, there's also film and tv in NY and theatre in LA, but they aren't really what the cities are known for. However, even many NY-based actor will admit that if you want to be an actor who can actually live on their salary (unless you get a Broadway gig), LA is the place with the greater chance at success. Mainly because there are so many little things you can do (guest spot of sitcoms, commercials, etc) that can allow you to be a "working actor", but won't make you famous. If you do go the LA route, it would be in your best interest to get your SAG card before moving there. In order to book a gig, you need an agent and the only way an agent is going to take you seriously is by being SAG (well, in addition to the "duh" things like having solid training and experience). Course it still doesn't guarantee you'll get an agent, but at least, they hopefully won't immediately throw your h/r out - they'll actually look at it first.

Also, acting aside, consider how vastly different the cities are culturally. A true New Yorker may be miserable in a place like LA and vice versa, so take that into consideration as well.

FInally, moving to LA or NYC will not make you a "professional at your craft". There are many other cities in the U.S. where you can hone your craft and gain valuable experience, especially when you're just starting out.

So, think carefully about your decision and best of luck!!!

Answer 3

neither. You have a better chance at success in some other area where there is a lot of theatre and film production, such as Atlanta, Denver, Austin, Dallas, San Diego. Now if you want to be an artsy snob about "my craft" you can't beat NYC where the stage actors think they are something special (even if they can't get a job), but is you mean you just want to be a professional actor, then enough said.

Answer 4

Depends on what you want to get out of it, love. Do you want fame? If so, LA is your place. Professionalism would probably be NYC. Minnesota is the second best place for professionalism. There are so many theaters, such as Channhassen and the Guthrie.

Answer 5

If you're looking for a career in theater, NY is the place to be! On the other hand if you want to be a film star, then I would suggest going to LA. In both cities you get a lot of "real" and "model type" people but in the end it sorta balances out and there isn't more perfect people or real people in either city. Depending on what you're interested in career-wise will determine which city is best for you. hope this helped :)

Answer 6

NYC is known world wide for its theater work but is also known for its movie work. LA is known world wide for movies, but its pebably harder to win parts against seasoned professionals untill you have some creadits. im in the same posission.

Answer 7

NYC, in LA you already have to be a professional

Answer 8

for live theater and soaps NYC for tv and movies LA

Answer 9

L.A because u will get discovered for what u do