Here’s the thing:
All New Yorkers, be they natives, out-of-stage college students, recent transplants looking to get their start in acting, or veteran actors looking to hone their craft in a new neighborhood, need a place to call home. Somewhere to run lines, stretch before a dance class, read up on coming auditions, or just get away from crowded streets for a few hours.
And if you’re new to New York, finding that place can be tough. Even within the five boroughs (or six, depending on whether or not you count Jersey City), there are dozens of neighborhoods each with their own very unique benefits.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your hunt:
Affordability
Yes, we know this tends to be number one in a city like New York, and not just for burgeoning actors. But as one of the most expensive cities in the US, this particular trait can be a little tough to hone in on.
First, let’s assume that ‘affordable’ means you are paying around $1000 for a private bedroom, utilities included, 30-50% of a bathroom, and about a quarter of a kitchen. That probably means a 3–4 bedroom apartment, with 3–4 roommates as well—but if you’re a people-person, and your roommates are also artists? This can definitely work in your favor.
All that said, if you’re looking to pay under $1000, you’re probably looking in Queens, Brooklyn, and Harlem (aka, NY’s most rapidly gentrifying areas).
READ: Moving to NYC? Where to Live
Creative Spaces
In addition to affordability, you’ll want to keep an eye out for local creative venues. For some artists, this means studio space, either to display or practice their work—most recently, in Brooklyn.
For actors, performance space is (usually) part of the job. Fortunately, areas like the East Village and downtown Brooklyn are littered with various performance venues, not to mention coffee shops and other quiet places to read through your script.
Local Art & Art Communities
In the same vein, there are a dozen reasons to look for a neighborhood that’s already got an established or up-and-coming arts community. This is where you’ll find news on cheap studio space, local castings, where to get a new set of headshots, and maybe even collaborators for new work opportunities. Red Hook, also (surprise!) in Brooklyn opened Pioneer Works just for such an occasion.
Train Proximity
You’ll know you’re thinking “like a local” when you start looking for apartments by letter. This can be a little tricky if you don’t know where you’ll be working yet, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Staying in Brooklyn? The G line is a solid bet and can get you as far as Long Island City in Queens, without taking you through downtown Manhattan as most of the other trains do.
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If you’ll be heading to Manhattan, you’ll want to break it down by neighborhood. Most lines converge around Times Square if you’re heading to the theater district—just keep in mind not all your work will be there right off the bat.
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The 4/5/6 (Lexington Ave) line will get you to Manhattan’s east side, but if you want to get all the way over to the west side, try the A/C/E (or the 7, if you’re coming from Queens).
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The N/Q/R/W goes up and down Broadway (N & Q are express!), stops in the Village and the traditional theater district and has terminals in both Queens and Brooklyn.
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The 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and D trains all go as far north as the Bronx. If you’re homing in Harlem, you’ll want to stick with the 1.
Consider this a crash course in apartment hunting for the actor. Stop by again next week for a list of some of our favorite neighborhoods.
Check out Backstage’s New York City audition listings!