Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/7/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi-
Im a 36 yr old male who has been a part-time actor for years with gigs far and few between. (I have a day job) How can  make acting a full time profession without moving to L.A? I live in Tampa, FL and plan on moving to Miami. I love acting but I have very bad allergies and the pollution in Los Angeles hurts my lungs. I dread moving back to LA since I was out there for a while and suffered too much with allergies so I left. It kind of hurts my dreams. any suggestions?

Thanks Todd
Answer -
Todd,

Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, my advice is to find another career that can support you. 95% of all American feature films are cast out of Los Angeles. They may shoot elsewhere, but they cast here.

If you don't want to live in LA, the chances of you making a living as a film actor in Tampa or Miami are slim to none.

Have you considered doing theatre in the area?

Sorry for the bad news.

Phil


Phil-

Yes, I am doing theatre now. But I'm glad you offered some reasonable advice. I figured LA was were all the jobs were anyway.

Thanks again,
Todd

Answer
Todd,

The reason I suggested theatre is that if you love acting enough, and are not opposed to traveling, many actors work the regional theatre circuit traveling from theatre to theatre across America. For example, you could work for the Asolo State Theatre in Florida, then travel to the Playmakers Theatre in North Carolina, then on to the Actors Theatre of Louisville in Kentucky, and so on. You can make a living doing this, build a good resume, and gain a tremendous amount of respect for your craft. It may lead to film and television work.

There's a great organization to join called TCG, Theatre Communications Group, out of NYC. They are a non-profit educational resource for non-profit theatres and regional theatres in the US and Canada. They also have job listings each month. You can find them at TCG.org. Check it out, it may be of some help to you.

Good luck.

Phil