Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 6/8/2008

Question
My girlfriend and I are trying to do research about what city would be best for her to start her acting career in. She's been in classes for about a year, and done some small projects but now desires to move and start in a city that has more potential for her then Denver. We've been recommended to Dallas, Chicago, Austin, North Carolina, Philly, and Boston. But my thinking is that its not such a big deal as before thought. We just want to make the best decision for her, and where she'd have the most opportunities to get as much experiance under her belt as possible, then move to L.A. or New York. What would you suggest on ways to research the best cities to start an acting career? Or do you know which cities are booming and which are not? Thank you so much for your time and effort. We really appreciate it!!!!
Spencer

Answer
Hi there, Spencer.  And thanks for writing.  

Although it's true that some cities have a more vibrant community than others, you have already said what is most important - experience.  It is good to hear that you have been focused on that.  

What I am hearing is that there is a desire to move to find more opportunity.  Moving is a big decision and carries with it major change.  What looks like an opportunity to some is not opportunity for others.  As such, I think it would be best for me to answer your question by giving you some more questions for thought to guide your decision.  A move may not be at all what is best.  Only the two of you together can decide what is best by the research you do and looking at your personal circumstances and motivations and goals:

Have you looked in the newspapers and online at the theatre websites regularly (once or twice a week) for opportunities where you live now?  Have you auditioned regularly (as often as you are able per month) for theatres there in Denver whether community or professional?  Are there opportunities for you to be involved in larger projects in Denver?  What have you done to get involved with those?  Have you spoken with other actors in Denver who are full time?  What is their experience with the industry there?  Have you done everything they have done in Denver?  Are there projects that are coming up in Denver that you would like to be involved in?  How can you get involved with them?  

As for moving, what is the reason for the move?  Have you thoroughly determined there is no possibility of acting work where you are?  Be honest with yourself - how much of wanting to move is assumption that it will be better there?  What will be different if you move?  What's your ultimate goal?  Does the move need to be permanent immediately?  Would there be a way to "try out" a city?  Do you know of anyone (even just an acquaintance) in another city that you could ask to speak with about their city and how their career is going?  What are you looking for exactly?  Have you written it down?  What kinds of questions can you ask others in the industry to help you go where you want to go?

These are the kinds of questions and approaches that I would recommend you try first.  

Does that help you?

Wanda