Q: Do you have to move to Los Angeles for film and New York City for stage work? Is it possible to build a TV or film career in NYC? —Allison H.
The simple answer is no, you don’t have to move to L.A. for film and New York for stage. While these are traditional hubs for each, you can build an onscreen career in NYC. These days, dozens of television shows—“Law & Order: SVU,” “Blue Bloods,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Orange Is the New Black,” “Gotham,” Netflix’s Marvel series, etc.—cast and shoot in New York.
What’s more, thanks to new technology and tax credits, film and TV projects cast and shoot all over the country and world, so you could even consider cities like Atlanta, Chicago, D.C., or Dallas and have just as thriving a career. But the real question, in my opinion, is whether you have to move at all.
Before you decide, consider a couple of things:
What does a dream career look like to you? Are you most passionate about television, film, theater, or voiceover? Do you love New York or L.A., or would a smaller market like Atlanta serve you better? Are you OK working several survival jobs to pay rent in a big city without much time to actually pursue acting work, or are you open to starting your career where you are?
I highly recommend building your résumé where you are and saving up before moving to a bigger market when you’re ready to compete. You’ll need at least six months’ worth of a monetary safety net before moving to a city like Atlanta, New York, or L.A. Who knows, you may be able to have the career of your dreams where you are now. Tap into all of the opportunities in your current market (i.e., day player roles on films coming into town, supporting and lead roles at local theaters, narrating audiobooks, etc.).
These days, it’s a global actor’s market. Your tenacity and strategy in acquiring training, cultivating industry relationships, and continuing to grow as both an artist and businessperson will be what sets you apart in any market.
Elise Arsenault is an actor, coach, and founder of The Global Actor. She offers private and group coaching for actors looking to book work and live life in multiple markets. Get your #GlobalActor GPS here! More at www.theglobalactor.com.
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