How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 12/11/22 •  11 min read

Sharing is caring!

How to Become an Actor if you don't live in LA

Becoming an actor can be a challenging and competitive process, and many aspiring actors believe that they need to live in Los Angeles in order to succeed. However, this is not necessarily true. While living in LA can provide access to more opportunities and resources, it is possible for an aspiring actor to build a successful career without living in the city. In this article, we will discuss some steps you can take to become an actor, even if you don’t live in LA.

How to Become an Actor if you don't live in LA

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Take acting classes and workshops to improve your craft and learn about the industry.

Taking acting classes and workshops is an important step for anyone who wants to become an actor, regardless of where they live. Acting classes and workshops can provide valuable training and instruction in acting techniques and methodologies, as well as insights into the entertainment industry.

There are many acting classes and workshops available in most cities, so it is important to do your research and find a reputable program that fits your needs and goals. Some acting classes and workshops are focused on specific genres, such as stage or screen acting, while others offer a more general overview of the acting process.

In addition to providing practical training, acting classes and workshops can also be a great way to meet other aspiring actors and industry professionals. This can provide valuable networking opportunities and help you build connections that can be beneficial for your acting career.

Overall, taking acting classes and workshops is a crucial step for anyone who wants to become an actor, and it can provide valuable training and opportunities for growth, even if you don’t live in LA.

Done For You!
Acting Resumé Templates

Our acting resume templates are specifically designed to showcase your talents and highlight your experiences in the industry. With a polished and professional resume, you can stand out to casting directors and increase your chances of landing your next big role.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Create a professional portfolio, including headshots, a resume, and a demo reel.

A professional portfolio is an essential tool for any aspiring actor, and it can help you showcase your skills and accomplishments to casting directors and agents. A professional portfolio typically includes headshots, a resume, and a demo reel, and it should be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the entertainment industry.

Headshots are a key component of any professional portfolio, and they should be high-quality, professional photos that accurately represent your appearance and acting abilities. Your headshots should be recent, and they should be taken by a professional photographer who has experience with actors and the entertainment industry.

A resume is another important component of a professional portfolio, and it should highlight your acting experience and training. Your resume should include a list of any acting classes, workshops, and performances you have participated in, as well as any awards or accolades you have received.

A demo reel is a compilation of your best acting work, and it can include clips from performances, rehearsals, or auditions. A demo reel can help casting directors and agents see your range and abilities, and it can be a valuable tool for showcasing your talent.

Overall, a professional portfolio is an essential tool for any aspiring actor, and it can help you stand out and make a good impression on casting directors and agents.

Best for Beginners
Dezperate Actor - Cracking The Hollywood Code

Designed to help you catapult your career to new heights without compromising your art, all while building a profitable and purposeful acting empire.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Network and build connections with other aspiring actors and industry professionals in your area.

Networking and building connections is an important part of any career, and it is especially crucial for aspiring actors. By networking and building connections with other aspiring actors and industry professionals in your area, you can gain valuable insights, advice, and opportunities that can help you grow and succeed in the entertainment industry.

There are many ways to network and build connections with other aspiring actors and industry professionals. Some ideas include:

  1. Joining a local acting community or group. Many cities have local acting communities or groups where aspiring actors can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Joining one of these groups can provide valuable networking opportunities and help you build connections with other aspiring actors in your area.
  2. Attending industry events and showcases. Many cities host industry events and showcases where aspiring actors can meet casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals. Attending these events can provide valuable networking opportunities and help you build connections with people who can help you advance your acting career.
  3. Participating in online communities and forums. There are many online communities and forums where aspiring actors can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Participating in these communities can provide valuable networking opportunities and help you build connections with other aspiring actors and industry professionals.

Overall, networking and building connections is an important step for any aspiring actor, and it can provide valuable opportunities for growth and success, even if you don’t live in LA.

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Attend industry events and showcases to meet casting directors and agents.

Attending industry events and showcases is an important step for any aspiring actor who wants to build a successful career. These events provide valuable opportunities to meet casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals who can help you advance your acting career.

Most cities have industry events and showcases that are open to aspiring actors, so it is important to do your research and find out what events are happening in your area. Some examples of industry events and showcases include:

  1. Acting workshops and seminars. Many cities host acting workshops and seminars where aspiring actors can learn from industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the acting process. These events can also provide valuable networking opportunities, and they can be a great way to meet casting directors and agents.
  2. Film festivals and screenings. Many cities host film festivals and screenings where aspiring actors can see the latest independent films and meet the filmmakers. These events can provide valuable networking opportunities, and they can be a great way to learn about new projects and opportunities in the industry.
  3. Auditions and casting calls. Many cities host auditions and casting calls where aspiring actors can audition for roles and meet casting directors and agents. These events can provide valuable networking opportunities, and they can be a great way to showcase your talent and gain exposure in the industry.

Overall, attending industry events and showcases is an important step for any aspiring actor, and it can provide valuable opportunities to meet casting directors and agents and advance your acting career.

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Consider relocating to a city with a thriving entertainment industry, such as New York or Chicago.

While it is possible to build a successful acting career without living in LA, many aspiring actors find that relocating to a city with a thriving entertainment industry can provide valuable opportunities and resources. Some cities that have thriving entertainment industries include New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami.

If you are considering relocating to a city with a thriving entertainment industry, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to do your research and find out what opportunities and resources are available in the city you are considering. This can include researching the local acting community, the types of projects that are being produced in the city, and the availability of acting classes and workshops.

Second, it is important to consider the cost of living in the city you are considering. Cities with thriving entertainment industries tend to be more expensive than other cities, so it is important to make sure you can afford to live there and still pursue your acting career.

Third, it is important to consider the support network you will have in the city you are considering. Moving to a new city can be challenging, and it is important to make sure you have a supportive network of friends and family to help you adjust and succeed in your new environment.

Overall, relocating to a city with a thriving entertainment industry can provide valuable opportunities and resources for aspiring actors, but it is important to do your research and carefully consider the costs and challenges involved before making the decision to move.

Best Seller
Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand Online Program

As you progress in your career, you're going to need Representation and what better way to obtain it than by following a proven system that works in landing you the best agents, managers, publishers and more! This online program will help you get closer to your goals in being a working professional Hollywood Actor.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Use online resources and networking opportunities to connect with casting directors and agents, even if you are not physically in LA.

Even if you don’t live in LA, you can still use online resources and networking opportunities to connect with casting directors and agents and advance your acting career. With the rise of the internet and social media, it is easier than ever for aspiring actors to connect with industry professionals and showcase their talent, even if they are not physically in LA.

Best Phone Plans
Google Fi

This single tool has saved my entire team literally hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars per year. Google Fi gives you great coverage, coast to coast. With a phone designed for Fi, you'll get even better coverage as it intelligently switches between networks and secure Wi-Fi connections. All plans include nationwide 5G for supported phones. If you need a local number for your California duties or if you travel the world this is the perfect phone plan for you.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Some examples of online resources and networking opportunities that can help you connect with casting directors and agents include:

Online casting websites

There are many online casting websites that allow aspiring actors to submit their headshots, resumes, and demo reels for consideration for roles. These websites can be a great way to gain exposure and connect with casting directors and agents, even if you are not in LA.

Social media

Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, can be a great way to connect with casting directors and agents. Many industry professionals use social media to share casting announcements and opportunities, and you can use these platforms to showcase your talent and build a following.

Online acting communities and forums

There are many online acting communities and forums where aspiring actors can connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. Participating in these communities can provide valuable networking opportunities and help you build connections with other aspiring actors and industry professionals.

Overall, using online resources and networking opportunities can be a valuable way for aspiring actors to connect with casting directors and agents and advance their careers, even if they are not physically in LA.

Best Seller
Dezperate Actor - Bundled Special!

This is the special Bundle of our Flagship Programs in one for a discount! Don't miss your opportunity to get the mentorship and online guidance you need to become an actor today. Includes Dezperate Actor - Cracking the Hollywood Code + Dezperate Actor 2.8 - Representation on Demand

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How to Become an Actor if you don’t live in LA – Continue to learn and grow as an actor, and stay determined and persistent in pursuing your goals.

Becoming an actor is a challenging and competitive process, and it is important for aspiring actors to continue to learn and grow as they pursue their goals. This can include taking acting classes and workshops to improve their craft, attending industry events and showcases, and networking and building connections with other aspiring actors and industry professionals.

In addition to continuing to learn and grow as an actor, it is also important to stay determined and persistent in pursuing your goals. The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, and there will be times when you face rejection and setbacks. But by staying determined and persistent, you can overcome these challenges and continue to pursue your dreams.

Some tips for staying determined and persistent in pursuing your acting goals include:

  1. Setting specific, achievable goals and working towards them. This can include setting goals for your acting career, such as attending a certain number of auditions or workshops, and working towards them in a systematic and organized way.
  2. Surrounding yourself with supportive and positive people. It is important to surround yourself with people who support and encourage your acting goals, and who can provide you with emotional and practical support as you pursue your dreams.
  3. Learning from your failures and setbacks. Rejection and failure are a natural part of the acting process, and it is important to learn from these experiences and use them to grow and improve as an actor.

Overall, continuing to learn and grow as an actor and staying determined and persistent in pursuing your goals is essential for anyone who wants to build a successful acting career, regardless of where they live.

Before you go…

Remember, that becoming an actor is a challenging and competitive process, but it is possible to succeed, even if you don’t live in LA. By taking acting classes and workshops, creating a professional portfolio, networking and building connections, and using online resources and networking opportunities, you can build a successful acting career, even if you are not physically in LA. And by continuing to learn and grow as an actor and staying determined and persistent in pursuing your goals, you can overcome the challenges and obstacles that you may face and succeed in the entertainment industry.

Do You Need Acting Classes to Become an Actor?

Sharing is caring!

Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actor® and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

Keep Reading