Most aspiring actors can’t decide which location to reside. There is more to life than New York City, Los Angeles, and London. There are other locations for aspiring actors such as yourself. You can move to one of the big cities, or see what other areas have to offer. Check out the five major locations for acting auditions, according to expert Wood Harris.
Los Angeles, California
It may seem obvious, but Los Angeles is the best place for aspiring actors. But beware – it’s overrun by actors who want to make it big. If you choose to live in LA, you need to have an edge over the others, since it’s the place where some of the top casting offices, production companies, and talent agencies reside. The goal for living here means any aspiring actor can rub elbows with the famous and network with the people who can help them get their dream job.
There are lots of groups and organizations in the area, such as the Centre Theatre Group, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It’s also home to schools and institutions such as Colburn School and the USC Thornton School of Music. It’s also close to Hollywood, which is recognized as the entertainment capital of the motion picture industry. While most film and television companies are based in New York, most of the production companies are in Los Angeles.
New York City, New York
New York is the next best location in Los Angeles. While it’s as competitive as LA, it’s still one of the best locations for finding a job in movies, music, and television. It’s also one of the fashion capitals of the world. The Big Apple alone is known for its Broadway productions, which are performed across 40 professional theaters along Lincoln Center and Theater District.
The Broadway Theater District of New York City features hundreds of Broadway shows and makes upwards of billions each year. New York City is also home to arts organizations such as Alice Tully Hall, Central Park SummerStage, Jazzy at Lincoln Center, the Julliard School, the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, Tisch School of the Arts, and the Vivian Beaumont.
Many popular films and television shows have been set in New York City. Some of the most popular include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sex and the City, The Wolf of Wall Street, Winter’s Tale, and Ugly Betty.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has one of the largest media districts in the U.S. It’s the third largest market, after Los Angeles and New York City. It’s also home to four major television networks: ANC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Chicago also has its own Broadway entertainment district at five different theaters. However, Chicago has become known for its climate, food, and breathtaking views and historic neighborhood.
The city also has a thriving film industry that’s home to many actors and crew members. Over 1,100 films and television shows have been filmed in this city, including Batman Begins, Batman: The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, I Robot, and Public Enemies. Notable television shows include The Bob Newhard Show, Family Matters, Prison Break, and of course, Chicago: P.D.
Since so many films and television shows were filmed in this city, it’s known as one of the most respected production locations in the U.S. Hundreds of international and national commercials and photo shoots have taken place in this city. There is plenty of opportunity for business owners, photographers, filmmakers, and actors.
Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the biggest entertainment capitals in the U.S. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts comes in second after New York City’s Lincoln Center. This center is known for its world-renowned ballets, concerts, musicals, and large-scale operas. Thousands of actors, dancers, musicians, orchestral players, and singers perform in this city. That’s because Miami is known or its art conservatories and orchestras such as the Florida Grand Opera, FIU School of Music, Frost School of Music, Miami Conservatory, and the New Worl School of the Arts.
Miami is the second major fashion center, behind New York City. It’s the place where some of the biggest modeling agencies and talent agencies are found. The city also hosts its own annual fashion shows, including Miami Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Miami is a popular filming spot due to its attractive climate and beaches. Since the majority of the city is Hispanic, it also has an increase in Spanish-language film and television productions. Many Spanish-language programs take place here, such as game shows, reality shows, telenovelas, and variety shows. Some of the most popular television shows that were filmed here include The Golden Girls, LOST, and Miami Vice.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a city that’s known for its arts, ballet, music, opera, and theater. This city has plenty of its own Broadway shows, concerts, exhibitions, and television shows. Since actors have been flocking to Atlanta, it’s been hailed as “the new Hollywood.” It has the perfect climate for filming, which has attracted more film and production companies.
Some of the most popular television productions that have been filmed here include Drop Dead Diva, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Walking Dead, and Zombieland. Locals and tourists have been encouraged to check out the celebrities who film in the city.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto has been referred to as “Hollywood of the North.” It’s become its own center for film and television production, similar to Los Angeles and New York. Many television shows and movies have been filmed in this area. Aspiring actors have attended the Toronto Academy of Acting and the Toronto Film School. Acting groups such as The Actors’ Connective Toronto and the Toronto Association of Acting Studios have brought resources to those interested in an acting career. Some of the most popular productions filmed in Toronto include Crimson Peak, Hannibal, Orphan Black, Reign, and Suicide Squad.
Each of these cities is a great place for aspiring actors. No matter which city you choose, the future of your career lies in your hands. If you don’t have the dedication and commitment to become a successful actor, then your acting career won’t take off as much as you’d like it to. If you’re determined to work hard to book acting auditions and get booked, then the odds could work in your favor.
