Question: I'm sure this is a common question, but I want to act in film or television -- I'm not interested in professional theater at all. After school (some training in theater of course as well as film), should I settle in New York or Los Angeles. I was wondering if Los Angeles was really that much more advantageous for film and TV than New York. --Alex
Answer:
Hi Alex,
Well, New York is definitely more theatre-centric than Los Angeles, but I
haven't met a single actor in Los Angeles who *hasn't* done stage work. Nor
have I met a single casting director who doesn't value theatre for the
training, the discipline, and the acting chops it gives its participants.
So, I want to warn you, that if you think you can have a lasting film and/or
television career without setting foot on a stage professionally, you may be
in for a rude awakening. Good acting is most fully developed on a stage, and
because most casting directors come from a theatre background themselves,
they value that on a resumé much more than a certain look or on-camera
credit.
But, yes, while there is a growing film and television market in several
locations, Los Angeles will always remain where the majority of films and
television shows are produced. And while theatre actors are respected
everywhere, you are far more likely to "get away" without strong theatre
credits in Los Angeles--but not for very long.
