To bi-coast or not to bi-coast! I was compelled to write after reading your article about moving from L.A. to New York ["New York Is Crazy: A Transplant's Guide," July 28]. I moved to New York from Chicago to build my career as an actor and was there for two years. I moved to L.A. in 2004 and, wow, what a difference. Everything you said about New York was my exact life while I was there! I lived in a closet, which was a "rented room." I moved from downtown Brooklyn to East Flatbush, Brooklyn, on the F train, which took about seven trips. I would read monologues and prepare scenes on the daily train rides to and from class. I didn't even know what jaywalking was until I moved to L.A., since pedestrians in New York cross whenever they can and you watch out for your life while doing it!
The crazy thing is that I sort of miss New York and want to go back, at least for six months, to connect with agents, CDs, producers, managers, and actors to network and build relationships. Plus, I just miss perusing the city and the theaters. However, after living in L.A. for over five years, I've built a home for myself here. I'm concerned about when I go to New York: What about my life in L.A.? Do I just pay rent on my apartment here in advance and cancel the electricity, or do I sublet? Part of me wants to just dive back into New York like I did when I was 18, but I'm older and wiser now and know that "having a plan" is the best all the way around. I have friends in New York that I would be able to crash with for a week max, but six months would require a place of my own. I was asking an actor friend in L.A. if he wanted to go as well and we could rent a place that has a month-to-month lease. Or maybe I can rent a hostel room. What about money? I would have to get a survival job just for a few months.
A part of me is saying forget about New York for now and focus on getting more work in L.A. and allow my career to take me to New York later.
—Stuck in the Middle
Dear Stuck:
Glad the column brought up some interesting memories for you! I wonder how many actors have moved around the city on the trains.
It sounds as if you're feeling some perfectly understandable New York nostalgia, but I wonder about the logic of a six-month visit. Visiting friends, reconnecting with contacts, and soaking up sights doesn't need to take months, while pursuing acting work is going to take considerably longer. To be truly bicoastal, you'd need to commit to a more regular, consistent stay or be able to afford frequent cross-country flights. You'd also need a housing-and-work plan in place. I'm not saying that's a bad idea, but, especially before you have an established career, it will take some real planning and very understanding agents.
To more fully investigate the option, start with finding a bicoastal day job. Many temp agencies have offices on both coasts, and you may be able to register with several that can employ you in both cities. Some national chains, such as Starbucks, may be able to help employees transfer from city to city (and back again) as well. You might also look into seasonal employment in hotels, restaurants, stores, or attractions, as the coasts appeal to tourists at different times of year. Housingwise, subletting can be a great way to cover some of your hometown expenses while traveling for work. You might also find a roommate situation in which you pay a lower rent in exchange for only partial-year occupancy. There are plenty of guesthouses and guest rooms in L.A. where an owner might appreciate semivacancy. Think too about acting training. Could you enroll in short-term acting intensives in each city, as opposed to one long scene-study course?
If you have an agent, this is obviously something you'll want to discuss with him or her, but if you are unrepresented, consider how you'll present your situation to prospective agents. Yes, some agencies are bicoastal, but most successful agent-client relationships require personal development and tending. This will be more difficult if you're a geographically inconsistent client. And what about your personal life? It may quickly become frustrating to jump in and out of in-person friendships and relationships.
For now, why not head out to New York on a two- or three-week working vacation? Instead of worrying about practicalities, you can use your prep time to save money and plan for optimal social and professional activity. You might arrange your visit around shows you want to see, workshops you want to attend, or events with friends. Put the money you'll save on trying to find a short-term apartment rental toward a decent hotel and splurges that will help you enjoy your trip. When you return to Los Angeles, you'll be able to reconsider whether your yearning for New York needs further attention or if it was in fact satiated.
Dear Jackie:
I've just moved to L.A. and so far don't see any online audition board specifically for indie film. We had one in New England, so I'm surprised not to see one here. Or am I just not looking in the right places?
—Searching, via the BackStage.com message board
Dear Searching:
There isn't a website devoted specifically to L.A. indie film auditions. Such calls are folded into the notices placed on the general casting sites, such as BackStage.com, ActorsAccess.com, and LACasting.com. Mandy.com, a site devoted primarily to production work, also has a casting area. In a town rich with filmmakers, however, you'll be able to find many opportunities to meet future collaborators.
"If you're an actor in L.A. hoping to meet indie filmmakers, you should definitely consider joining Film Independent," says Josh Welsh, the group's director of talent development. "Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization for independent filmmakers. We have several thousand members, mainly based in Los Angeles, but also some nationally and internationally as well. We produce the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards, as well as many, many educational events and film screenings for our members throughout the year. Starting this fall, we'll be programming film series at LACMA [the Los Angeles County Museum of Art] as well. So if you're an actor, and especially one who is new to town, attending these events is a fantastic way to meet up-and-coming writers, directors, and producers. We don't have workshops specifically for actors; however, our membership includes lots of actors, DPs, production designers, etc., and joining Film Independent is an excellent way to meet a wide range of talented filmmakers."
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