After graduating from a drama program, the subsequent logical transfer is, properly, to maneuver. Nonetheless, selecting the place to stay as an actor is an age-old question.

For many years, the lots have pointed to 2 areas for those who wished to be a profitable actor: LA for TV and movie actors and New York Metropolis for stage actors. That being stated, the reply has now develop into extra nuanced than ever earlier than.

Funneling down from the obvious selections to smaller ponds you might not have thought of, listed here are eight great cities in America to stay as an actor.

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“N.Y.C.! Simply received right here this morning…Three bucks. Two luggage. One me.”

Although the music of Annie was written within the Nineteen Seventies, the dreamy really feel of its hovering solo from N.Y.C. nonetheless rings true at this time. New York Metropolis is extra viable for entertainers than ever, not solely touting Broadway and Off-Broadway alternatives, however a glittering listing of TV and movie productions as properly for NYC-based actors.

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In case your final aim is theater and also you benefit from the hustle and bustle of a giant metropolis, New York Metropolis is the right possibility. There are many world-class arts to absorb in your downtime, and plenty of courses and performing workshops to take to brush up in your craft and join with fellow actors.

Simply keep in mind that once you take your performing profession to New York Metropolis, you’ll be diving into a really crowded pool head-first. Like its West Coast leisure hub cousin, Los Angeles, the price of dwelling in New York is pricey, however it can save you slightly by dwelling in surrounding areas equivalent to Astoria, Queens or Jersey Metropolis, New Jersey.

Be taught extra about performing in NYC.

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LA is one other metropolis synonymous with skilled actors — particularly these within the film trade. When you could also be prepared to offer Mr. DeMille that close-up, there are a lot of issues to think about earlier than shifting to the world’s leisure hub.

To begin with, Cecil B. DeMille has handed away. Second, what are your targets? Figuring out what space(s) of the leisure trade you need to work in will preserve your profession targeted.

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Though TV and movie productions at the moment are forged and shot all around the world, Hollywood remains to be the Mecca of showbiz.

When you’re particularly trying to break in as a TV day participant or enter the sitcom world, extra alternatives might be provided in LA. In fact, like its East Coast sibling, the market is extremely saturated. You gained’t be capable to throw a stone with out hitting a fellow actor (however by no means throw stones).

When fighting the continued debate between New York and LA, a easy decision-maker is evaluating the vastly totally different environments along with your preferences (e.g., Do you need to be a part of the tv trade or the film world? Or are industrial productions and theatrical roles extra your fashion?).

Like New York, you’ll be capable to make extra trade connections and have entry to extra trade occasions in Los Angeles than you’ll in one of many different cities on this listing, however that doesn’t imply you will have any much less of an opportunity at making it in showbiz.

Be taught extra about performing in LA.

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Viva las actors! Las Vegas is an iconic metropolis that boasts all types of performing alternatives. Whereas many consider the casino-littered strip as touristy glitz and glamor, Las Vegas is a world-class leisure vacation spot at its coronary heart.

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Las Vegas gives a barely smaller pond for actors to get work, from stay exhibits to movie productions. The world’s dwelling bills are rather more reasonably priced than New York or LA and gives a wide range of enjoyable survival jobs like working at a on line casino. Discuss dwelling in leisure!

That stated, Las Vegas is within the desert, so ensure you like the warmth!

Be taught extra about performing in Las Vegas.

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One other unsurprising possibility, the TV and movie trade has been booming in Atlanta due to tax incentives. From Marvel movies to Netflix exhibits, this state has some peachy alternatives for creatives.

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Atlanta is one other barely smaller pond, with a extra reasonably priced housing market. When you’ll get to see and really feel modifications within the seasons right here, remember that summers are usually very muggy!

Be taught extra about performing in Atlanta.

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San Francisco doesn’t at all times get the golden acclaim it deserves for its arts. Slightly below a six-hour drive to LA, this distinctive metropolis gives slightly little bit of every little thing, together with a thriving arts and performing scene.

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There’s a big community of actors to attach with within the Bay Space. Whereas the town itself is pricey, you could find extra reasonably priced surrounding neighborhoods. As with a lot of the cities on this listing, tradition and nightlife are pulsing, and the climate stays delicate for a lot of the yr.

Be taught extra about performing in San Francisco.

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All proper, humorous individuals! It’s your time to shine. If improv and comedy are your calling, Chicago could possibly be a beautiful possibility to think about.

Chicago is residence to among the most well-regarded comedy golf equipment and faculties on the planet, together with the long-lasting Second Metropolis, which has cranked out a few of Saturday Night time Stay’s most memorable forged members. Chicago has provided stars like Melissa McCarthy and Tina Fey fertile floor to develop. There’s additionally a significant TV/movie presence.

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That is the much less in style sibling of New York and LA, with many contemplating it a smaller pool. That stated, you’ll have entry to a variety of alternatives, a top-notch performing scene and a thriving tv trade.

With tons of artwork to soak up and be part of, actors definitely gained’t lack alternatives right here. In fact, there’s a cause why it’s dubbed the “Windy Metropolis,” so watch out for chilly gusts!

Be taught extra about performing in Chicago.

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Venturing into our extra off-the-beaten-path strategies, Stamford is a fast 45-minute prepare experience into NYC’s glittering Grand Central Station.

Connecticut has quietly maintained a flourishing arts scene for years, with among the world’s most prolific actors making a house for themselves there. Lately, it’s develop into a mini Hollywood of types, with main productions filming all through the state.

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When you’re not a fan of the concrete jungle and in search of barely cheaper choices, Stamford and its surrounding cities have gotten you coated.

The native theater scene is hopping with historic levels just like the Westport Nation Playhouse (everybody from Paul Newman to Liza Minnelli has carried out right here) and the Downtown Cabaret Theatre (the place Kelli O’Hara received her fairness card). Plus, TV and movie initiatives are getting increasingly more frequent due to manufacturing firm Artificial Cinema Worldwide.

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If New York and LA are too costly, and Chicago is simply too dang windy, Austin could possibly be your glad place.

They are saying every little thing is greater in Texas, however that’s merely not true in the case of the performing pool. Because of this, a metropolis like Austin could possibly be a very good place to begin your performing profession. Referred to as a vibrant artist’s hub with main annual trade occasions like SXSW, alternatives are there throughout numerous mediums, together with unbiased movies.

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When you’re trying to break into commercials, this could possibly be a smaller market to begin in.

Business alternatives are probably the most bountiful Texas enterprise, in addition to a revolving door of TV and movie productions. This could possibly be thought of extra of a coaching wheels spot for actors trying to construct their resumes earlier than attempting a bigger market, and because of its main universities, actors will discover they’ll additionally minimize their tooth on a lot of pupil movies and low-budget initiatives.

It’s possible you’ll even fall in love with the standard of life, which has lots to supply exterior of leisure alternatives.

Be taught extra about performing in Austin.

When selecting the place you’d wish to take your performing profession, your location to nonetheless issues, however not as a lot anymore. The present leisure trade is a double-edged sword in that an aggressive transfer towards self tapes provides casting administrators entry to a wider pool of expertise than ever earlier than.

In fact, for theater and the fast-paced world of tv manufacturing —which gives co-star and smaller roles for the silver display— your location might make or break your contract.

Take into consideration your targets and what location would enable you the perfect probability at reaching them. When you’re capable of, check out numerous cities till you uncover the perfect one for you. In the long run, it’s about discovering a spot that provides alternatives, means that you can create an artist’s community and most significantly, makes you are feeling at residence.

This text initially appeared on Casting Networks.

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Written by Robert Peterpaul