there is a professional theater in town that does all their stuff in my college's theater, and tonight I'm going to see long days journey into night.
the other day during my theater history class the director and a few of the actors did a inside the actors studio type q and a with our class and one question was what advice would you give to aspiring actors.
along with some of the things, one actor who plays jamie, said that no one listens to his advice but it was too wait to go to new york until you become a part of equity and not to go to la before you are SAG because you will get swallowed whole.
I've heard a lot of indiscrepencies with this issue, and a lot of different opinions but most have resulted in argument.
I was just wondering what everyones thoughts on this was? is it on a case to case basis or is it right, or wrong.
just wanted some opinions.

It's nice to have the cards but if you don't and are not in a market to get the cards, then why not come to the pond and start fishing?

It's tough with the cards and without. You got to jump in a start swimming. I know actors with cards that never work. There are actors who make a living outside of the unions in bigger markets. Every single actor carves their own path. There are many more factors than the cards in your wallet: your training, your talent, you r connections, the amount of resources you have to invest in this dream, luck, looks.

That's my 2 cents.

I agree with Roz. I was able to get good agents and managers in both LA and NYC without being in SAG or Equity.

Also, being non-SAG and non-Equity allowed me to do many non-union roles that really helped to build up my reel, my resume and confidence.

In my opinion, there is no hard-and-fast rule about when to join the unions.

I moved from New York to LA early this year and I am SAG, but i have to say it's tough no matter if you are SAG or not. It's easier to get an AGENT and MANAGER if you are SAG but that doesn't mean that you will be working even if you are the greatest actor there is if your agent is not sending you out to many auditions.
I think both coasts are equally good.

I am SAG-eligible, and it has allowed me to go out for union AND non-union work in both NYC and LA. Don't take everything you hear as being the Ultimate, Last Truth.

Your success ultimately depends on how PRO-ACTIVE you are about finding acting jobs and good representation (or in creating your own work)... and how well you get along with others in your field. Just my two cents.

I share Roz's view. I know one person who came to Los Angeles without a card and was Taft-Hartley'd when he was booked on a primetime show after meeting the CD at a workshop. Another friend came to town, card in hand, and hasn't been able to get an agent, or even a single meeting. nevermind work.

As far as being swallowed whole, I think you run that risk when you move to a new city, especially towns like NY or LA. Just making your way can be terrifying for anyone, a butcher, baker, candlestick maker, or an actor. Plenty of non-union work to do here in LA while you are chasing the card, and plenty of life to live.
My opinion.
Peace
Jim
http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0446457/
http://www.myspace.com/jamesmartinkelly