Moving to NYC for Acting
For actors and others in an entertainment career, a constant stream of work is available in New York. Soap operas like "All My Children" and TV shows like "Law and Order" are produced in NYC. Studio films such as "Spider-Man" and "The Producers" were shot here. Roughly 50-100 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows open each year. Plus, hundreds of independent films, TV shows, and quirky experimental theatre pieces are made here every month.
Work happens in all corners of the city. While most theatre, audition and rehearsal spaces are located in Manhattan, the city's largest TV and film studios are in Queens and Brooklyn.
New York is a vast, complex city. Approximately eight million people live in the five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Almost every culture on earth has a presence here; walk the streets and you might hear a dozen languages in a single block.
Finding your way around, at first, is difficult, as is knowing where to live.
When looking for an apartment, take into account the amount of space provided, rent level, length of commuting time to work, and "hipness" factor. Note: In Manhattan, where neighborhoods are "hippest" and the commute is shorter, the average living space is considerably smaller than in the outer boroughs, and rent, food and luxuries are much more expensive. As an alternative, look into living in the boroughs, or in northern New Jersey, Westchester or Long Island.
Research is key. Browse through ads in The New York Times or The Village Voice. Talk with brokers - in most of NYC, their fee is a percentage of the first year's rent. Consider a roommate-finding service. Or ask fellow actors on message boards like Back Stage's for advice. If possible, take a short vacation here, and discover which areas you like and can afford.
Getting around NYC is easy. Walking is great; companies like Hagstrom make good NYC street maps. The subway and buses are currently $2 per trip, but unlimited ride weekly or monthly 'Metrocards' are available. Yellow taxis are convenient but expensive, especially for shorter trips.
If possible, find a job before moving here. Check out listings on The New York Times or job sites like Monster.com and MediaBistro.com. Lastly, accumulate several thousand dollars in savings before coming here. (The first year of an entertainment career will cost much more than you imagine.)
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY LINKS
Big City, Big Budget?
What it costs to live as an actor in the Big Apple.
The A to Z of Getting Started as a Performer in the Big Apple
Once you've found a place to live in New York, you'll want to handle your career in a professional and competitive manner.
Twelve Steps To Getting Your Career Started
Back Stage has assembled some sound advice on how to get settled and get started on taking that proverbial bite out of the Big Apple.
Day Jobs and Temping
To help fill the budget gap when living in NYC.
Where to Find Medical Care in NYC
If you're a young, sturdy performer new to New York and feel that finding health care isn't important, you'll quickly learn the reality.
NYC Service Organizations
A sampling of service organizations supporting the arts in New York City.
2005 List of NYC Talent Agents
Here is a list of talent agents in the New York City area.
NYC Area Acting Schools, Teachers, and Coaches
A list of New York-area stage and film acting schools, teachers, and coaches. Also included is a separate list of career coaches/counselors.
Off- and Off-Off-Broadway Theatre Companies
A list of Off- and Off-Off-Broadway theatre companies in New York City.
|
|
