Comparing Apples to Angels: How to Choose for a New Actor

NYC and LA can be different in terms of culture and location, but they’ve one thing in common—they’re two major cities in the US for aspiring actors and actresses. So, which city should you choose?

Before we get to the advice, let’s scrap away some of the glamour and glitz so many people associate with the acting industry.

Building a successful acting career in New York City and Los Angeles is possibly one of the hardest professions to break into and expensive to boot. It needs careful planning and hard work.

However, thousands upon thousands of aspiring actors and actresses flock to these cities with dreams of fame and fortune, but many have no plan or understanding of what awaits them.

So, where do you think you have the best chance of fulfilling your goals as an actor? With careful planning and research, these two major entertainment hubs can be better understood and help you make the right decision.

Being an Actor in NYC

The pursuit of theatre careers is the number one reason why actors and actresses move to New York. This city has hundreds of theatres operating in the city, with over 40 theatres in Broadway alone.

Besides the plentiful opportunities in theatres, the city has grown into a substantial TV market with dozens of TV shows filmed in the city. This makes NYC one of the best cities to kick-start your acting career.

New York City Pros

• Impressive Schools: New York has some of the finest training schools for actors. Also, the compact nature of the city means that actors can walk or ride public transport to most auditions and meetings.
• Opportunities to Perfect Your Acting Roles: There’s always a reading, workshop, play, or student film happening somewhere in the city.
• Cooler Climate: Climate and culture are equally as important to consider, just like acting opportunities. This is because, to be successful, you must be comfortable with your surroundings. New York’s climate is much favorable and varies widely from hot and humid summers to frigid cold winters.
• It’s New York! One of the most vibrant and unique cities on earth. The city has endless streams of inspiration to draw from.

New York City Cons

• This is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Its cost of living is higher than in most cities in the US.
• In NYC, nearly everyone is talented. Everyone is special. Everyone wants it. This makes it challenging for amateur actors and actresses to land high paying acting opportunities, due to stiff competition.

How to Become Successful In New York City

• Join an Acting Studio in NYC: This will offer you the necessary training to help you land more acting opportunities and realize your goals.
• Put in the Time: This is key. You need time to train, time to build your resume, and time to meet people. This brings us to the next point.
• Build your Network: Meet people and do projects with them. You should always be courteous, kind, and helpful to others. The entertainment industry is smaller than you think.
• Hone your Talent: Everyone is born with particular talents, acting included. And some people are just naturally better at it than others. At the same time, talent also comes with training and practice. If you’re a beginner, don’t stress about it. Everyone gets better.

Being an Actor in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the epicenter of the world for television and film production. Most movie franchises such as Universal, Disney, Paramount, and Fox are located in this sprawling city.

Los Angeles Pros

• Film Training: Los Angeles has some of the top film schools worldwide, and many of them shoot lots of films. Films need actors. You’re an actor or actress. See where this is going?
• Unrivaled Film and Television: If the silver screen is your passion, Los Angeles is the place to be.
• Networking is Easy: In LA, you can’t turn a corner without running into a writer, actor, or producer. This makes networking easier. Just ensure you surround yourself with like-minded, productive, and focused people.

Los Angeles Cons

• Though there are lots of projects being shot in LA, there are also more actors. This makes acting roles very competitive.
• Personal transportation is also a necessity when it comes to auditions. In contrast to New York, LA has dozens of casting directors scattered all over the hills and valleys.
• Like New York, LA is also very expensive to live in. A studio apartment alone can run you $1,500 to $2,500.

How to Become Successful Actor in Los Angeles

• Get to know the film industry
• Find acting auditions and casting calls
• Starting practicing, marketing, and networking
• Get used to hearing ‘No’ and dealing with rejection

How to Choose Between New York City and Los Angeles

Move to the city that makes you the most comfortable, where you have a reliable support system both in and outside of the business.

In terms of weather, while NYC has a drastic climate, LA has a stable, Mediterranean climate and a more laid back atmosphere.

Most importantly, consider the quality of life you want to lead, especially when you’re not working. Where you call home significantly impacts the way you approach your career.

As simple as it may sound, work, and live where you think you’ll be happiest.

Both New York City and Los Angeles will always reign supreme as the dream destinations for actors and actresses. However, acting opportunities exist all around the country, and you can pursue your career with enthusiasm no matter where you live. Perhaps someday your Broadway or Hollywood dreams will come to a reality.