Where to Live Your Dream

Starting your acting journey is only the first step before you fully live your dream of being a professional actor. After some training and experience, it is time to decide where you want to live. It is no secret that some states offer more opportunities for actors to make a living. And, contrary to popular belief, California is not the only place actors choose to live. Although it is the first place that comes to mind when you want to live your dream as an actor, there are other options, too.

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How to Choose

The best U.S. states to live your dream of pursuing an acting career are typically those with strong entertainment industries, ample job opportunities, and vibrant arts communities. But you need to assess whether or not you would be happy in the place where you work. For you to live your dream fully, pursuing your career should not be the only goal. With that in mind, below are the best 9 states to pursue an acting career.

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California

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the heart of the entertainment industry, home to Hollywood, numerous studios, and many ways to live your dream in film, television, and theater. For actors, LA offers an unparalleled concentration of casting agencies, production companies, and networking events, making it the epicenter for aspiring and established talent.

The city’s extensive infrastructure supports a high volume of productions year-round, providing a steady stream of auditions and roles. Additionally, Los Angeles is home to prestigious acting schools and workshops that offer rigorous training and development opportunities, helping actors hone their craft and stay competitive. The vibrant community of industry professionals fosters collaboration and innovation, making it easier for actors to build relationships and advance their careers.

San Francisco

San Francisco boasts a thriving arts scene with a focus on theater and independent film projects. The city is known for its eclectic and diverse cultural landscape, which attracts a wide range of creative talent. Theaters such as the American Conservatory Theater and the San Francisco Playhouse provide actors with numerous opportunities to perform in high-quality productions.

San Francisco’s independent film community is also robust, with many filmmakers choosing the city for its unique locations and supportive artistic environment. For actors looking to diversify their experience and be part of a dynamic arts community, San Francisco offers a vibrant alternative to the more commercial focus of Los Angeles, while still providing ample opportunities to live your dream and thrive in the industry.

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New York

New York City is renowned for its Broadway theaters, numerous off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway productions, and a growing film and television production industry. Broadway is the pinnacle of theater arts, attracting top talent from everywhere and offering actors the chance to perform in high-profile, critically acclaimed productions. Off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theaters offer roles for actors to showcase their skills in more experimental and avant-garde productions. This variety allows actors to build their résumés, gain valuable stage experience, and work with diverse creative teams. Additionally, New York City’s film and television industry has been expanding, with numerous shows and movies being shot on location, providing further opportunities for actors to break into screen acting.

The city’s diversity and cultural richness provide ample networking opportunities and artistic inspiration. New York’s vibrant arts scene is fueled by a melting pot of cultures, offering actors a unique environment to grow and thrive creatively. Networking events, industry mixers, and workshops are frequent, allowing actors to connect with directors, producers, and other industry professionals who can help advance their careers. The city’s museums, galleries, and cultural institutions also serve as sources of inspiration, enriching the creative lives of actors. Furthermore, New York’s energy and pace encourage constant artistic exploration and innovation, making it the place to live your dream of acting.

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Georgia

Atlanta has become a major hub for film and television production, often referred to as the “Hollywood of the South.” This transformation has positioned the city as a significant player in the entertainment industry, rivaling traditional centers like Los Angeles and New York. Major studios have established substantial operations in the city, attracting high-profile film and television projects. This influx has created a bustling production environment, making Atlanta an attractive destination for actors seeking consistent work and opportunities to participate in large-scale productions.

The state’s tax incentives for filmmakers have played a crucial role in this growth, attracting many productions and thereby creating numerous job opportunities for actors. Georgia’s film tax credit program offers up to a 30% tax credit for qualifying productions, making it one of the most competitive in the nation. This financial incentive has drawn a steady stream of major productions, including blockbuster films and popular television series, to the region.

As a result, local actors benefit from an increased number of casting calls and auditions, as well as the chance to work alongside established industry professionals. Moreover, the thriving production scene in Atlanta has spurred the growth of related industries, such as casting agencies, acting schools, and production services, further enhancing the city’s appeal as a vibrant hub for actors.

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Illinois

Chicago has a strong theater community, known for its improvisational theater, and also hosts many film and television productions. The city boasts a rich theatrical tradition, with renowned institutions like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Goodman Theatre providing platforms for both emerging and established actors to hone their craft. Chicago’s theater scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a range of productions from classic plays to contemporary works.

The city’s commitment to the arts ensures a steady stream of opportunities for actors to perform, collaborate, and gain valuable stage experience. Additionally, Chicago has become a significant location for film and television productions, with numerous projects choosing the city for its unique urban landscape and supportive infrastructure. This dual focus on stage and screen makes Chicago an ideal place for actors to develop versatile careers.

The city’s Second City is famous for comedy and has been a launching pad for many successful actors. As one of the most influential comedy theaters in the world, Second City has produced a remarkable number of talented comedians and actors who have gone on to achieve national and international fame. Alumni include notable figures such as Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Amy Poehler, underscoring the theater’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier comedic talent.

Second City’s rigorous training programs and live performances provide actors with invaluable experience in improvisation, sketch comedy, and character development. The skills learned at Second City are highly transferable, benefiting actors in a variety of performance contexts. Chicago’s robust support for comedic arts, combined with its strong theater community and growing film and television industry, creates a dynamic environment where you can live your dream and launch a successful career.

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Texas

Austin

Austin is known for its vibrant film scene, hosting the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which attracts filmmakers and actors from around the world. SXSW is a premier event that showcases a diverse array of films, from independent projects to major studio releases and provides a unique platform for networking and exposure. For actors, SXSW offers opportunities to participate in screenings, panels, and workshops, as well as to connect with filmmakers, producers, and other industry professionals. Austin’s commitment to fostering a creative community is further evidenced by its numerous film festivals, independent theaters, and film production companies that contribute to a thriving arts scene. The city’s laid-back atmosphere and supportive arts community make it an attractive destination for actors looking to immerse themselves in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Dallas

Dallas, with its strong corporate presence and economic growth, has seen a rise in commercial productions, corporate videos, and independent films. The city is home to various production companies and casting agencies that provide a steady stream of work for local actors. Additionally, Dallas hosts several film festivals and cultural events that celebrate the cinematic arts, further enriching its entertainment landscape.

Houston

Houston, on the other hand, boasts a diverse and culturally rich environment that is increasingly attracting film and television productions. The city’s vibrant arts scene includes a range of theatrical productions, film screenings, and arts festivals. Houston’s multicultural population provides a unique backdrop for storytelling, and the local government’s support for the arts has spurred growth in the creative industries. Both Dallas and Houston offer actors opportunities to work in a variety of mediums, from theater and film to commercials and corporate work, making Texas a compelling option for actors seeking a supportive and expanding entertainment industry.

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New Mexico

Albuquerque and Santa Fe are popular filming locations, thanks to the state’s attractive tax incentives for filmmakers. New Mexico offers some of the most competitive tax incentives in the country, providing up to a 35% refundable tax credit for qualifying productions. This financial benefit has drawn a multitude of film and television projects to the state, transforming Albuquerque and Santa Fe into bustling centers of production activity.

The influx of these projects means more job opportunities for local actors, who can benefit from the increased demand for talent. Both cities have developed the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale productions, including sound stages, professional crews, and post-production facilities. For actors, this translates to a robust ecosystem that supports and nurtures their craft, making New Mexico a desirable location to build a career in the entertainment industry.

The state’s diverse landscapes are frequently used in film and television productions, adding to its appeal as a filming destination. New Mexico’s varied geography includes deserts, forests, mountains, and urban settings, offering filmmakers a wide range of scenic backdrops. This diversity allows for a multitude of genres and styles to be filmed within the state, from Westerns to science fiction to contemporary dramas.

Albuquerque’s urban environment has been featured in numerous television series and films, while Santa Fe’s historic charm and stunning natural surroundings provide a unique setting for period pieces and independent films. For actors, the variety of productions shot in New Mexico presents opportunities to work on different types of projects and to gain diverse experiences in front of the camera. The combination of attractive tax incentives and picturesque locations makes Albuquerque and Santa Fe ideal places for actors to pursue their careers.

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Louisiana

New Orleans and Baton Rouge have seen a surge in film and television production due to state tax incentives. Louisiana’s Motion Picture Production Tax Credit offers up to 40% in tax credits for production-related expenses, making it one of the most attractive states for filmmakers. This incentive has successfully attracted numerous high-profile films and television series to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, transforming them into bustling centers of production activity. For actors, this surge in production means more auditions, more roles, and more opportunities to work on major projects without leaving the state. The growing infrastructure in these cities, including sound stages, production facilities, and a skilled local crew base, further supports the burgeoning entertainment industry, making Louisiana a compelling destination for actors looking to build their careers.

The unique culture and history of New Orleans also provide a rich backdrop for theatrical productions. Known for its vibrant arts scene, New Orleans boasts a plethora of theaters and performance spaces that showcase everything from classic plays to avant-garde performances. The city’s deep-rooted traditions in music, dance, and storytelling infuse its theater scene with a distinctive flair that is unmatched elsewhere. For actors, performing in New Orleans means engaging with a community that values and celebrates artistic expression. The city’s historic architecture, lively festivals, and multicultural heritage provide endless inspiration and opportunities for creative exploration. Together, New Orleans and Baton Rouge offer a dynamic environment where actors can thrive in both film and theater, enriched by the unique cultural tapestry of Louisiana.

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North Carolina

Wilmington has been a significant production center for film and television, with a strong infrastructure for supporting actors and crew. Moreover, the city is known for popular shows like “One Tree Hill” and for being the choice of many TV actors to live. When you choose to live your dream in a city so far from LA or New York, you give yourself a unique experience in your acting journey. And that can be extra exciting.

Wilmington is a port city known for being one of the best places to live in the US. Combining a great life experience with your acting journey is getting the best of both worlds. Especially if you are a laid-back actor who does not particularly love the fast pace of LA or New York.

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The State Where You Live Now

Live your dream where you live! If you are not ready to move yet, or undecided about where to, pursue acting where you live. Get to know other creative people in your state. Start your own theater group or production company – one person filming while the other acts. Sometimes life passes you by when you are busy making plans.

Remember that you are an actor, no matter where you live. Let that confidence guide you where you need to go to live your dream.

[Read also: Is Talent Enough For An Acting Career?]

Conclusion

If you want to live your dream of being an actor, you may consider moving to a different state. We gave you the best options considering the industry. But ultimately, your decision needs to meet your personal goals – not just professional but personal. Choose to live where you know you can be happy, keeping in mind that your acting journey is only one part of your whole identity. 

Once you know where you want to be, make plans to move there with confidence and preparedness. Moving to a different state is a major life change. Get to know everything you need before leaping.

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