If you are wanting to be an actor, is it better to live in New York or LA??

Question

Which town is better if you are wanting to become an actor??

Answer 1

New York is far better for training. Both places are packed with people with the same dream and the opportunities are hard to come by on both coasts because of this however the overwhelming belief is that the better actors are in New York. When I first started out in casting there I remember being shocked by the fact that that many casting directors in LA would have satellite auditions checking out the NY talent first. Of course this is far from always the case but the general consensus is the "real" talent was in New York.

If you are predominantly interested in being in Film and TV I would say you want to end up in LA but you should start out training in New York without a doubt.

Answer 2

NO NO NO! Always start where you are. When you are ready to move up, go to New York first. New York is better for training. They have lots of Film and Theatre Schools there. It's always easier for some reason to start in New York then gradually work yourself up to LA. Keep in mind that moving out to LA too soon, before you're ready will not get you the jobs you want. Many people move to LA chasing wild dreams and end up just tangled up all the busy busy mess of casting calls and open auditions. Make sure you have an agent out there before you make such a big move because finding an agent in LA can sometimes be the hardest part. Good Luck with everything

<3Sandwich

Answer 3

I think that that is a stereotype. Many people that are actors came from small towns and cities, just because you want to act doesn't mean you have to live in LA or New York.

Answer 4

Sigh. Most of your answerers don't really know the answer. If you want to become an actor, I believe it is best to start in someplace other than NYC or LA, get your career going and then move.

Answer 5

It depends on the type of acting you want to persue. If you want to be a theatre actor (plays, musicals, etc.) you should live in New York. If you ant to be a film actor (movies, commercials, etc.) L.A. is the place for you. Though you can find both types of acting in each city, New York is better of theatre and L.A. is best for film.

Answer 6

I asked that same question in an interview to a trained actor and director in NY with 20 years experience. He now is executive director of an institution that introduces actors to casting directors and other industry professionals. Look at the interview and see what he says: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_in_new_york.html

Tony

Answer 7

never. Philadelphia, Chicago and Houston all have surprising actors and robust theatre communities. And confident, Toronto has been a stand-in for many American cities in lots of movies and tv sequence.

Answer 8

LA because there are a lot of producers in LA that are looking for new actors or actresses

Answer 9

Depends on if you want stage or film work.

LA is best for film and TV, mostly extra work and day player roles.

NY has more theater, union and non-union. More stage opporutnites, some TV, especial daytime Soaps which are easy to get into and commericals.

If you intend to go union have $2,500 packed away to buy your card, one payment, certified check and then kiss non union jobs good bye as your get fined and suspended for doing them.

Answer 10

I grew up in California and was into the Drama scene for awhile.

My drama teacher told us that if you were interested in TV., commercials or movies then California was where you want to be.

If Broadway is your thing then obviously New York. Keep in mind that many stars start out on Broadway and eventually move to California to fulfill their dreams.