Known the world over for its distinct blend of history, art, and culture, New Orleans is a hub of activity for creatives and performers—and not just during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. Colloquially known in recent years as “the second Hollywood South,” New Orleans hosts a growing market for actors striving to join the industry onscreen or onstage.
1. Get to know the city’s flourishing acting scene.
New Orleans hosts a rich history of major cultural movements. The legendary Théâtre d’Orléans hosted the American premieres of several French operas; the first movie theater in America, Vitascope Hall, opened in New Orleans in 1896; and, of course, New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz. The city’s most popular theaters and live performance venues include:
- The Music Box Village
- The Historic Carver Theater
- Mahalia Jackson Theater
- BB’s Stage Door Canteen
- Le Petit Theatre
It also boasts a thriving acting scene for themed tours and haunted houses:
Thanks to a boost in tax incentives in 2002, New Orleans has grown as a viable location for film and television production. With the potential for even greater incentives in the near future, New Orleans is set to be a burgeoning market for actors looking for more experience in film and television.
2. Refine your acting skills.
Finding your home amid the Big Easy’s acting scene may feel daunting, but attending acting classes will refine your skills as much as your social standing. These are just some of its seriously respected classes and workshops in and around NOLA that can help you become a better actor:
3. Prepare your materials.
No matter what job you’re applying for, you need to show the person hiring why you’re a good fit. Acting is no different, and there are some key materials you’ll want to have prepared to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Start with a killer acting résumé that shows off your best experience, especially anything that’s tailored to the project you’re auditioning for. Match that résumé with a demo reel that shows (rather than tells) who you are and how you appear onscreen. Headshots are just as if not more important, as they provide a quick visual reference for casting directors to assess whether you fit the specific aesthetic needed for a role. Some places in N’awlins for up-and-coming actors to submit their credentials include:
- Anne Massey Casting
- Central Casting Louisiana
- Coulon Casting, Inc.
- Hollywood South Casting
4. Build your community.
You’ll only make it so far going it alone, so invest in yourself by investing time and energy into finding your people in New Orleans. Attend and join local acting events and meetups such as:
5. Find gigs.
Land acting jobs in New Orleans and surrounding areas by searching in our comprehensive New Orleans casting call database. Pay careful attention to what materials you need to submit, and practice with your network of like-minded performers to get moving in the Crescent City’s film and television business.
6. Land an agent.
In addition to the network of other actors and performers you’ve hopefully enmeshed yourself in, an agent is a key player in the bid to secure paying gigs to boost your acting career. According to SAG-AFTRA, there aren’t any franchised agents in New Orleans, so keep an eye out for larger casting companies such as Central Casting and Coulon Casting.
7. Persevere.
Don’t let the heat and humidity get you down; instead, recognize that failure is just one of the first steps toward success, and use your experiences to learn how to better hone yourself into the actor you want to be. Strive to maintain your energy and drive and know that perseverance is one of an actor’s greatest skills.
