making a move to a new city for your acting career? it’s okay to be nervous.
This is a guest post from Alex Collins, co-founder of Beyond Acting
One of the things that isn't often talked about is how difficult it can be to move cities for your acting career. For many of us, we're leaving behind friends, family, comfort for a big ol' question mark on the other side.
And while we might be excited we can also be really scared, intimidated, and feeling alone throughout the process. If you've ever felt that way or are getting ready for a move, read on for some helpful tips!
Sooner or later, it's something every actor must address. Whether you're from a small town in Iowa, or even a big city, the lights of Tinseltown eventually call to everyone. Because of the way the industry functions these days, you may not be feeling the pull of New York City or Los Angeles, but instead Atlanta, or Chicago, or even Vancouver.
BONUS: We have an entire episode on 13 Tips for Actors Moving to A New Market on the podcast! Click here to listen while you read, walk the dog, or get ready in the morning!
3 common concerns when moving to a new city
Here are three common issues that all actors might face when dealing with a move for their career.
Family and friends
Any move is difficult, but moving to a major city for acting often means moving far away from what you may have known for most of your life. The downside is that when you're just starting out, finances may not allow you to travel to see family regularly. The upside is that a)they can travel to see you, b)there's technology, and c)that emotional strength is great for character development.
The industry
Actors always have self-doubt, I don't care who you are. Just because you were the most talented/prettiest/busiest actor in your market, there are TONS of people just like you in the major markets. Instead of being paralyzed with fear about that, acknowledge it, accept it, embrace it, and find what it is that still makes you unique amongst the sea of others who look just like you. Couple that with diligent training and an open mind for being coachable, and you'll make headway.
What city is right for me
Theatre actors have dreams of footlights and treading the boards on Broadway, while others want to see the twinkle of lights from the Hollywood Hills. In recent years several other cities have emerged as places to ply a trade, including and most notably, Atlanta. There is NO RIGHT ANSWER, only what answer is right for YOU at this point in your career and life. Here's something I tell students who ask about whether they should move to LA or Atlanta.
If you could clone yourself and send one to LA then fast forward five years, the clone in LA would have enjoyed the Hollywood sign, the beach, the nightlife, the amazing training and perhaps clawed and scraped out some wins. The Atlanta version wouldn't have quite the visual memories of being in the epicenter of the industry, but would have a stronger resume, in both episodic television and maybe even studio films. So, when that five years has passed, the Atlanta actor could reassess and decide then if a career move to LA makes sense.
The clone example doesn't hold true for everyone. Some experience great success in LA. A great many others leave the city after a year or two, broken, dejected, in debt, and without ever setting foot on a set.
So, I moved to LA (or NY) and perhaps I need to move again. Now what?
Okay, so you made the move to your ideal city to pursue your dreams and here you are several years later and you don't have much to show for it except for some debt, stress at making rent every month, a collection of amazing memories and friends, and the weekly celebrity sighting at the coffee shop. What now?
Ego, insecurity, and fear are powerful monsters. For me, I knew that my time in LA needed to come to an end, but that was difficult. It took me two years from the time I first had the thoughts of leaving to when I actually left my house and headed back to Atlanta. Why? It came down to three things:
Fear of failure-I had come to LA to be an actor and had achieved almost none of my goals or dreams.
Fear of judgement-Would I be ridiculed and judged by my old friends in Atlanta who saw me returning with my tail between my legs?
Fear of losing friends-In LA, you're often too financially strapped to see family frequently so your friends become your tribe and your tribe becomes your family. The decision to leave them and the longest place I'd ever called home was difficult.
Ultimately, however, I knew it was the right decision and once I'd set off towards the east coast, I let the highway, the music, and the beautiful views of the country be a cathartic experience for me. I wasn't leaving in failure, I was closing a chapter of a book and beginning the next chapter. In hindsight, it was exactly what I needed for my career and my life. I've never been busier as an actor and I get to help other actors unlock their potential and achieve their career dreams, too.
In conclusion, if you think Atlanta and the southeast may be right for you, do you research, talk to actors who are already here, network online, and never make decisions out of fear or looking backwards in life, but instead lean forward into hope and potential and by looking forwards to your next chapter.
Moving to Atlanta and need a little help to start out on the right foot?
The Beyond Acting 10 Steps To Break into The Atlanta And Southeastern Market Course is exactly what you need! Completely virtual and on-demand, these 5 module will set you up for success. From agents and casting directors, to where to live and work, to networking and getting experience - we’ve got you covered to help make your move easier, or help you make that decision to move.
