Dear Michael:
I am in Las Vegas and really want to get into TV and films. I wonder if I can get involved from here, or do I need to go to Los Angeles? I can't tell who the "real" agents are out here or where the "real" acting classes are. A lot of scams here! And if I do go to L.A., where do I start? I would have loved to land a role in "Stargate Atlantis" or the new "Conan the Barbarian" movie. I'm a sci-fi nut for sure and could easily train for some weapons or swordplay.
—Saris, Las Vegas
Dear Saris:
Here's the math: Los Angeles has many more opportunities and far more competition; Las Vegas offers less competition for fewer opportunities. As a beginner, you're best advised, I think, to start where you are—where you already know your way around, where you have (I'm assuming) a place to live and (I'm hoping) a support job, and where you may already know people who know people. That seems a more sensible immediate plan than moving to a strange new city, trying to infiltrate the big leagues, and competing with experienced pros.
"I've always been of the opinion that paying one's dues in a smaller market such as Vegas is more advantageous to a healthy career than just going blindly to a large one like L.A. and either being overwhelmed, only to disappear, or achieving success too quickly and not being ready for longevity," says Las Vegas actor Lysander Abadia, who co-hosts "The Las Vegas Theatre Arts Production Show," a weekly podcast dedicated to the Las Vegas theater scene (www.lvtaps.com). "There are plenty of very talented filmmakers and Web series producers in town looking for talent with whom [they] can cut their teeth." Actors are also needed, he says, for re-creations for reality TV shows: "It's a great opportunity to learn those basics that a lot of people take for granted…. There's more patience here for those starting out."
"For television and film, Los Angeles is clearly the place to be," admits two-and-a-half-year Las Vegas denizen Derrick Davis, who has sung with the local philharmonic and currently appears in "The Lion King" at Mandalay Bay. But in L.A., he adds, "It's difficult to begin, because there are tons of other hopefuls trying for the same gigs. It's almost impossible to start without an agent in television and film, so my suggestion would be to find a reputable agent and begin" in Las Vegas.
True, most Vegas-based productions cast their leads in L.A., but you're not at a place where you're competing for those roles anyway. Focus on the background work and small roles that are cast locally. To that end, actor John Paul Almon recommends sending your headshot to the local casting offices. "The office I know that handles most major motion pictures and television productions in town is Goldman & Associates," he says. "Julie Goldman is well-respected and has an exceptional reputation in Hollywood." Others can be found in Back Stage's publication Call Sheet (which you'll find in drama bookstores or online). Back Stage also publishes production charts detailing film and TV projects that are slated to shoot in town and information on who is doing the casting, and of course you can do a search for Las Vegas casting notices on BackStage.com.
If science fiction is your focus, Almon advises watching credits to learn which productions were shot in Las Vegas and who did the casting. "Write to them and tell them how much you enjoyed the film and that you would love to be a part of just such a project should they be casting another one in the future," he says.
Finding an acting class in Las Vegas can be challenging, as the city is more known for great casino-style entertainment (dance, singing, circus acts, magic, and so forth) than for great acting. "Vegas is not an easy place to train for acting," says "America's Got Talent" finalist Murray SawChuck, a magician, comedian, and host. "There aren't a lot of great teachers in Las Vegas. My teacher is Gerald Gordon. His classes are wonderful, and he has been doing it a lifetime." SawChuck also mentions that there are occasional workshops taught by visiting actors.
As for representation, "Casting directors and agents are one and the same in this town," explains Abadia. "A Las Vegas actor needs to be on everyone's database…. Basically, a production comes to town, hires an agency to do their local casting, and that agency pulls from their database. You only have access to that job if you're on everyone's list. To avoid a scam, the same rules apply as in other markets. Yes, there may be a registration fee, processing fee, whatever they want to call it, but if it's anything more than $20 or so, it's a scam. If you have to pay some kind of monthly or annual membership fee, it's a scam." Abadia recommends the Nevada Film Office website (www.nevadafilm.com), which lists the established agencies in town. "It's great for actors as a jumping-off point before making the rounds," he says.
Information about local auditions can also be found at www.vegasauditions.com and www.callbacknews.com and on Abadia's above-mentioned podcast. Finally, there's the University of Nevada film department, which holds biannual open auditions for actors to appear in student films.
Doing local theater is a great way to hone your talents, meet people, and get seen. And in Las Vegas, says Abadia, "The talent pool is smaller and therefore stage actors appear in many of the short films and Web series that are produced here. Same goes for directors and producers. Everyone knows everyone, so good networking is good business."
For your interest in combat, training is available. "With shows like 'Tournament of Kings' and the Renaissance Festival that happens every year, there's a vibrant community where one can learn," Abadia says. "UNLV has a fight-school intensive once a year. There's the Red Rock Fencing Center and Duel at Dusk Combat Group."
Eventually, however, my Vegas panel agrees: You need to be in Los Angeles for a career in TV and film. If you're still considering that move, educate yourself by reading books on the subject, reading Back Stage (our combined Welcome to L.A./Welcome to New York issue will be published July 28), and checking out our online message board. There are plenty of discussions and articles about the various elements of an L.A. career. And, as always, your first step as an unemployed actor in a new city is to find a day job that can support your pursuit. Diving in without one is too much of a gamble.
Remember, readers: If you have questions about anything related to your acting career, send them to us at TheWorkingActor@gmail.com. Be sure to include your city and state and (if you choose) a pseudonym. We look forward to hearing from you.