New York or LA?

Question

I'm an aspiring actress and I wanna know whether New York City or Los Angeles has more opportunities for me to get my big break.

And when I do relocate, what's the best way to get started in my career?

x

Answer 1

It depends more on whether you want to pursue film/tv or theatre. LA is the place for film, NY is the place for theatre, though both have opportunities in both areas (there are several tv shows, soaps and films filmed in NY). To be honest though, I think it's easier to become a working actor in LA. Do one national commercial and your set the the year without having to worry about next months rent. Not so with theatre, unless you land a Broadway show.

As for when to relocate, do so when you've built up a solid resume including PROFESSIONAL credits, not just community theatre and training. If you go to either place as a newbie, you will get chewed up and spit out. NYC and LA are not places to go when you're just starting out. It's very difficult to build a resume in both places so you have to go with a good one already.

That means auditioning in your hometown, getting some experience, getting some training and reading every book on the business that you can so you know what to expect.

I know everyone who asks this wants it to happen immediately, but it takes years. You really have to love it to do this and even have a shot at being successful.

So, check out some local community theatres and go to their next audition. That's a great place to start.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Neither. it is better to become established elsewhere and go to LA or NYC when you are known.

Answer 3

First you going to have to go to acting schools for training. Not only one but a couple. Then you should get in local plays, school plays, student films. You could search for auditions on craigslist.com or subscribe to backstage.com The you should get headshots that look like you. Professional headshots are pretty expensive they cost $200-$1000 but on craigslist you could find less expensive headshot that range from $50 to $150. As you get more and more credits on your resume, you may want to go for an agent. An agent gets you auditions and they want people who they think would nail all the auditions they give. If you get a part in an audition. The money you make out of that work you pay 10% to your agent. ONLY 10%. If they ask for money upfront they are a SCAM. Once you get an agent you would start getting a lot of auditions which means more audition. As you make money out of roles you make you may want to get professional headshots. Then in the future you may want to join Union such a SAG, AFTRA , AEA.... HOPE I HELPED

Answer 4

Either city works, though Hollywood of course is in LA... This could mean that you have more opportunities because of all the acting there or that you are more likely to be another face in the crowd.

I have a good friend who was offered a part in a Robert Deniro film while living/striving to act in New York.

As far as personalities of the cities, LA's more superficial and materialistic, while New York is more artsy and historical.

Answer 5

i would think L.A. does of you want to be in movies, while NY is more for broadway etc.  I see alot of casting calls for both cities here: hollywood-opportunities.com