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Actors outside of LA can build solid local careers, defying the stereotype that success is confined to LA. That is because:
Mastering a local market means you can understand the pay differences between your market and LA, and work with your agent to leverage your skills and talent to earn what you deserve.
[Read also: Agents and Managers: 5 Unique Differences]
“If you want to be a lumberjack, you might as well go live in the forest,” said Michael J. Fox’s father when his kid decided to move to LA to continue his acting career. But the myth of proximity makes it so that many actors assume it will be easier to book high-paying acting jobs if they live in LA.
It is important to consider that:
[Read also: Can Background Acting Ruin My Career?]
Pursuing an acting career involves understanding the cost of living in and outside of LA. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) reveals that only about 14% of actors earn enough from their acting jobs to qualify for health insurance. This stark reality underscores the importance of considering the financial challenges actors face in any market.
Keep in mind that:
While LA is a global production hub, its high living costs can be a financial hurdle. Understanding these disparities can guide actors in making informed decisions about where to base their careers.
[Read also: Why Focus and Passion Matter Against the Odds]
Living in LA does not guarantee success. Moreover, you can be strategic by:
With planning, you can achieve all of your acting goals without the financial struggles of risky moves and impulsive decisions.
[Read also: How to Be a SAG-AFTRA Actor in a Right-to-Work State]
The notion that financial success in acting depends on living in LA is flawed. The industry’s competitiveness and the rise of remote auditions allow for talent to thrive anywhere. Moreover, it is always important to consider:
Ultimately, success in acting is not confined to a specific location; it flourishes through talent, strategic planning, and a firm grasp of regional markets, challenging the misconception that LA actors make more money.
[Read also: Professional Acting: 3 Unexpected Truths]
At Teacup of Wisdom, we share knowledge and insights about the entertainment industry from the actor’s point of view to inspire and empower your acting journey.
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