The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
#0The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 3:50pm
I am planning to move to New York in two years in hopes of being an actor. I don't care if its television, Broadway, off-Broadway, a film, a short film, or a solo concert in an alley. Hopefully, I will one day be on Broadway.
In any case, for those who have already made the big move, any advice? What should I do, besides finding a job & apartment?
How do I find a tolerable roommate? Where do I find out about auditions (in addition to getting an agent)? Where is the theatre-people watering hole?
Thanks,
Signed: The Young & Ignorant, But Well-Intentioned Kid
--Aristotle
#1re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 4:04pm
I made the big move ten years ago. Moving with a couple friends made it slightly easier, although, a year later, we were no longer friends anymore. We all went our seperate ways.
I have to say, trying to make it in NYC is not easy. Auditioning is just as much a job than the one that pays your bills. The problems I had was that I had to work all the time to pay rent and bills, etc. which held me off from auditions.
A friend of mine moved from CA recently, and although she was getting lots of work over there, once she came here, she realised it was a lot different. She's on Equity, but because she has three jobs, she cannot attend most auditions.
Another friend moved here from Florida. Living with her Aunt, her expenses were cut down, and she had the time. Less than three months here, she got a job in Tony N' Tina's Wedding.
It's not easy. Expect it to be hard, and as long as you have the will, motivation, and determination, you will pull through.
It also takes awhile to get accustomed to the city, so prepare for that, too.
As for the roomate situation - I find it better if you room with someone that you have no relations with - a stranger. Usually people looking for roomates aren't the ones you have to worry about.
And you can find auditions in Backstage - an actor's trade paper that can be found at every newstand.
#2re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 7:27pmMy roommate and I found each other on craigslist, it is a great way to find apartments or roommates.
TheGaIsSilent
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/25/04
#3re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 7:38pmDitto on Craigs List (I got my job that way, as well). If you move in with a stranger, you're just as likely to get along as not, and if you don't, you can either ignore each other, or move somewhere else. Moving in with a friend is pretty risky, as apartments in NYC, for the most part, are tiny tiny, and you could get on each other's nerves pretty easily.
#4re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 7:42pmI really can't offer you any advice, but I hope that all goes well with you and that you get what you hope for!
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#5re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:18pmGet an equity card by doing work where you are, it's MUCHO hard to find work without a card, it is do-able, but get an agent where you are and do you best to then an ACTRA card or EQUITY card and your much better off in the Big City.
#6re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:20pmshneb - to understand correctly: Become Equity before I move to NYC?
--Aristotle
#7re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:21pmBreak a leg! Hope everything goes well!
#8re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:25pmHope to see you on Broadway!!!
#9re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 8:27pmLet me reiterate that I won't be moving to New York for a couple years now - I am collecting information.
--Aristotle
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#10re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/5/05 at 9:54pm
The first thing you should do is beef up your resume. Try to get an internship or some experience in the regional theaters before moving to NYC. You should also have some skills that will help you to obtain non-acting work: typing, waiting tables, etc.
You should have a fairly large amount of money saved up. NYC is very expensive. Plus, if you have a large amount of money, you can mount your own show in a small venue and invite agents and casting directors to come see it.
#11re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/6/05 at 12:57ambest of luck to you! i'm definitely remembering all this stuff for when i make the move in a few years!!!
#12re: The Big Move To New York - Suggestions?
Posted: 2/6/05 at 3:18amStill, best of luck when you do make the move.
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