How to Become an Actor in NYC

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Familiarize yourself with the local scene

Often dubbed the cultural capital of the world, NYC pulsates with a unique blend of artistic energy, making it a haven for actors. From the stages of Broadway to intimate black-box theaters, there’s an avenue for every type of performer. The city also embraces experimental art, nurturing both avant-garde performances and classical renditions. 

• Broadway: With its 41 theaters, Broadway is the pinnacle of theatrical success. It’s not just about the leading roles—ensemble casts, understudies, and behind-the-scenes jobs are equally vital and can provide consistent work.
• Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway: The city’s many Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theaters include New World Stages, Theatre Row, the Soho Playhouse, Atlantic Theater Company, Ars Nova, 59E59, Dixon Place, Here, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and Under St. Marks.
• Film and TV: On any given day, there might be dozens of productions in progress. NYC’s rich architectural history and diverse locations make it a favorite spot for filmmakers. The city is home to iconic shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Law & Order.” 
• Production companies: Several prominent production companies are headquartered in NYC. HBO, NBC, and Paramount Pictures have a significant presence. Engaging with these companies can provide both on-camera and off-camera roles.

The city’s sheer volume of productions means a continuous stream of auditions and roles. NYC not only offers opportunities but also molds actors, sharpening their skills and pushing their boundaries. It’s a city where passion, talent, and determination converge, making it an irreplaceable launchpad for any actor’s journey.

Train

Enrolling in one of the city’s renowned acting schools can give you the skills, contacts, and credibility to get started in the city. Some of the best acting classes in NYC are offered by:

• Atlantic Acting School
• HB Studio
• The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute 
• Neighborhood Playhouse
• Stella Adler Studio of Acting
• T. Schreiber Studio 

Prepare your materials

Your headshot, acting résumé, and demo reel will help you stand out to casting directors in NYC such as:

• Ellen Chenoweth
• Sarah Finn
• Kimberly Hope
• Amanda Mackey Johnson
• Avy Kaufman
• Lynn Kressel
• Suzanne Ryan
• Jonathan Strauss

Network with fellow actors

Networking opportunities in the city are unparalleled. On a single day, one might attend a workshop led by an acclaimed director, catch a play starring a Hollywood icon, and end the evening at a gathering filled with budding artists. To start your own networking journey, join groups such as:

• Actors Connection
• Networking for Actors, Entertainers & Media Professionals
• NY Actors Tweetup
• NYC Actors/Filmmakers Network
• One on One NY

Submit to auditions and casting calls

Use our NYC casting call database to find and submit to opportunities. 

Audition

Keep auditioning and refining your craft. NYC auditions often require performers to be triple threats: actors who can sing, dance, and act. For theater, especially musicals, it’s essential. For film and TV, it’s a significant plus. Being prepared with both a monologue and a musical number is advisable. 

Sign with an agent

Submit to SAG-AFTRA-franchised agencies in NYC such as:

• A3 Artists Agency
• Avalon Artists Group
• Buchwald
• Carson Kolker Organization
• The Gersh Agency
• Innovative Artists
• Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associates
• Paradigm Talent Agency
• Stewart Talent

Having an agent based in New York City can be a massive advantage due to their deep-rooted connections in the city’s industry. However, if you have an out-of-town agent with strong connections in NYC, that can work, too.

Join actors' unions

If you’re a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, you’ll have access to specific auditions and enjoy other union benefits such as minimum earnings.

Related

How to Join SAG-AFTRA

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• Woody Allen: Quintessential New York filmmaker Allen has created films, ranging from “Annie Hall” to “Manhattan,” that showcase the city in all its nuanced glory, providing actors with complex roles in authentic settings.
• Tina Fey: With her roots in “Saturday Night Live” and as the creator of “30 Rock,” Fey is a comedic genius who has shaped the television landscape, giving many actors a platform in the city.
• Spike Lee: Born in Atlanta but raised in Brooklyn, Lee has directed films, from “Do the Right Thing” to “Malcolm X,” that are deeply interwoven with NYC culture and its sociopolitical landscapes.
• Debra Messing: Known globally for “Will & Grace,” Messing started her journey in the NYC theater scene. Her transition from stage to screen and back again serves as inspiration for many budding NYC actors.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda: The mastermind behind “Hamilton” and “In the Heights,” Miranda has dramatically impacted the theater community, bringing fresh narratives and diverse casts to the forefront of Broadway.
• Cynthia Nixon: An Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winner, Nixon’s work spans both screen and stage in NYC. 
• Sarah Jessica Parker: Famously known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw on “Sex and the City”—a role she reprised for “And Just Like That…”—Parker’s influence extends to the theater and NYC’s cultural scene.
• Jordan Peele: While he’s made significant waves in Hollywood, Peele is rooted in NYC, where he was part of the comedy duo “Key & Peele.” His transformation into a notable filmmaker has given actors new, provocative roles that challenge the status quo.
• Martin Scorsese: An iconic filmmaker known worldwide, Scorsese produces films that frequently showcase New York’s diverse atmospheres. His projects offer actors roles that resonate deeply with the city’s pulse.
• Meryl Streep: Hailing from New Jersey but a prominent figure in the New York film scene, Streep is an icon of both stage and screen, with her work in films and occasional returns to the NYC stage.

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• Always be ready: NYC’s acting scene is fast-paced. You might get a call for an audition in a few hours or be asked to perform a cold read. Flexibility and adaptability are your best allies. Make sure to find a day job that can be as flexible as you need it to be.
• Networking is key: Attending industry events, joining acting groups, or merely hanging out at actor-friendly spots can open unexpected doors. Other actors aren’t just your competition—they are your greatest insight into the world of working actors.
• Diversify your skills: Taking improv classes, doing voiceover gigs, and even perfecting your standup routine makes you more marketable. In this business—and in this city—you must keep learning and growing to stay on top of your craft.
• Be resilient: Rejection is a part of the NYC acting journey. Each “no” takes you one step closer to that coveted “yes.”