Expert: Rusty Meyers - 4/5/2010

Question
Hi Rusty, My name is Jared Wyrick im 20 years old and want to act in Television and Film I have done some plays in Virginia and also Chicago as well as taken acting classes in Chicago, I just want your advice on this game plan that ive set out for myself and want to know how you would tweak it. I want to go to the william esper training program in New York next summer for the 2 year program and do a few plays their. 1.Have you heard good things about this program? 2. I noticed that you teach classes in Las Vegas, Would going to Vegas before venturing out to LA for awhile be a good idea and is there acting work there?. 3. The plan is after completing the 2 year program in NYC and hopefully doing some work there, then i was planning on heading out to LA to audition full time?. Rusty what do you think and is there anything you would change. The reason im waiting until next summer to go is because im working 2 jobs and saving my money for this plan. Let me know what ya think. Happy Easter

Jared

Answer
I guess the first question is what is it that you are interested in, theatre or film or tv?

NY certainly is known mostly as a theatre town. Howvere it also is pretty good for commercials and it also has some tv and lots of soap opera gigs available there as well.

I would assume (or hope) that you looked EVERYONE up (on imdb.com) especially the instructors in this training program.

It makes a difference.

Apparently you have (or will arrive with) quite a bit of money to live and study in NYC.

If not I would pass, because 10 grand will last you maybe 6 months.

Is LV a place to gain some experience?

Certainly, but so are a lot of other cities.

You need to get an agent, and the ONLY way is if you have experience or a connection otherwise it's a crap shoot.

I'm not saying don't do it (NY) but you better have some talent, LA doesn't require as much talent, but LA does expect a specific look or a friend in the industry to make it.