Hi everyone! Just a question to you left-coasters. I know, obviously, that the theatre scene in L.A. is not what it is in NY, but I wanted to get a general scope from you what its like. Do folks have the mentality of L.A. for castings like having to have a reel? I will be moving to L.A. in the not-so-distant future and my theatre credits heavily outweigh my film credits, and to be honest, I prefer theatre over film. I was told that its best to join a theatre troupe, where you pay dues to join, and work your way into showcases and such with that group. Any thoughts or advice on how to jump into the groove out there?

There are actually more theatres in Los Angeles than in Manhattan.
Of course, it's a much bigger area so that's part of the reason, but I think people underestimate just how much theatre is going on in LA. Most of it is (practically speaking) non-paying but because of the LA 99 seat plan AEA actors can do what amounts to, for most intents and purposes, nonunion theatre. So there's lots to do for both union and nonunion actors. ANd there are some AEA houses as well, such as the Mark Taper Forum and South Coast Rep...
Begin searching the west coast theatre casting listings and you'll see...

You don't have to join a dues-paying company (and if you do, be sure to do lots of research first and make sure the fees are SMALL and cover something of value like, for example, the ability to sign up for use of the rehearsal space for your own needs).

No one expects a reel for work in theatre, and there are many, many LA actors that feel as you do and prefer theatre to film and TV. There are lots of good companies and theatres to look into--maybe LA folks can list their favorites on this thread? I suggest you come out, begin asking around and doing your research (read reviews on the different plays presented by different companies, check the listings, etc) and start auditioning. You'll find a niche.

Good luck!

Jackie, what's your take on due taking companies?

Can you recommend any? I have been thinking about that for a while... I just need to be regularly on a stage, and it's maybe better to do more than just acting classes when you are without engagement... how do you know if a company is real... how do you know if you're being taken for a ride?

Jackie, is it safe to say one would need a full time 9-5'er to suppliment income? I know in DC the theatre rehearses at night and weekends because most (if not all) actors work during the day with their "normal" jobs. Does the L.A. theatre scene act in a similar fashion? Or are rehearsals mid-day sometimes.
I'm trying to figure out what to do as a day job when I make my move. I'm looking at the Culver City area. To be honest, I need to do more research, period! Every time I've visited L.A., I stayed in Beverly Hills, and let me tell ya, $25 for a hamburger and $12 for a bottle of water (I stayed at the Hilton and the Now-called Intercontinental on Avenue of the Stars. Too steep for my blood!
Do you know of any apartments around the $750-$800 range around the Culver City area? (as if you were my travel agent/realtor today)
Would you recommend a wait-staff job? Or an office job during the day? I know a wait-staff position will allow more flexibility to go to auditions, but when are auditions normally held? Weekends? Evenings?
Ok, I think I asked enough questions for a years worth here. Thank you so much for all your help Jackie, you've been amazing!
Nick

avidactor, who recommended Culver City to you? It has some OK areas, but also really ugly ones.

There are better areas for lower rent housing.

As for dues paying companies, there are good ones and there are bad ones and there are really bad ones. I was in one for a while that was, in my opinion, a good one. Dues were $40 (and then cut to $20) per month and you got to use the rehearsal space for your own work if you signed up ahead of time. The money clearly went to space rental (which we had a lot of access to and use for) at a lovely theatre in Venice. Anyhow, that company isn't around anymore...BUT there are other dues companies that are legit. You just have to research/ask around/ask lots of questions/try it on for size...
In general I think paying dues to act is...not so good. Certainly you shouldn't feel compelled to join a dues paying company, there are plenty of non-dues companies in LA. And you can begin, instead of deciding on a company, by just auditioning for lots of plays and getting to know the HUGE theatre scene. (read lots of reviews in back stage! see who's doing work you think sounds interesting! see plays!! see plays!! see plays!!) Take your time and ask a lot of questions and things will become clear for you as to where you fit....
As for rent--you can find a place in LA in that range but I don't know Culver City prices off the top of my head. When I lived nearby in the pricier Venice I paid $650 for a small studio with a shared bathroom, but it was on a walk street (go to venice when you get to LA and you'll see what I'm talking about) a block from the beach. I also rented a 1 bedroom for $900, but it had a small yard, etc. This was in the late 90's so prices have surely gone up....I have suggested westsiderentals.com on here before, and I think it's a good resource to look for rentals. You must of course first decide what part of town you want to live in. You will always be driving around to everything, unlike Manhattan there's no central area, so try and live somewhere you like as opposed to somewhere you think is going to be "central." That said, Studio City is probably about as "central" as you can get if that's what you're into...
As for jobs, it depends. Wait staff night jobs are great for auditioning, but many plays rehearse at night and on weekends and so for those the 9-5 works well. If you wait tables somewhere that serves breakfast/lunch as well, you can switch to those shifts if you get into a play...Any which way, you want something flexible. And be wary--temping in LA is not as good a deal as it is in NY. It still works, but it pays less and the people seem less 'cool' about auditions, etc....
whew, I'm winded...did I cover everything!??

By the way, if you do decide to do a dues paying company, the dues should be LOW!! And it should be clear what the heck they pay for. (space rental, productions, etc...)

Thanks Jackie! I think you summed up about everything! Thank you thank you thank you! Im going to start on my research right away!

quote:

Originally posted by Jackie:
In general I think paying dues to act is...not so good. Certainly you shouldn't feel compelled to join a dues paying company, there are plenty of non-dues companies in LA. And you can begin, instead of deciding on a company, by just auditioning for lots of plays and getting to know the HUGE theatre scene

Thanks, Jackie! You're a great guy!

When you go to an audition you act, too! And I only want to act, if someone's interested in me, not in my money.

And you meet more people.

That dues taking company thing just entered my head, and I'm glad you helped me getting it out again.

ahh, darn. I was enjoying being male there for a minute. I used to write under the name Jack, actually. I think a lot of people imagine writers as whomever they want them to be...
Anyhow, everyone drives everywhere in LA and your friends will probably be spread out all over the place. I don't think its impossible to make true friends, but it is harder than in NY in some ways. You don't ever run into anyone in LA...It takes 30-45 minutes to get to a "central" location, so meeting up with people takes planning and lots of time.
You really need to GO to LA and spend a week or more driving around and checking the various neighborhoods before making a decision. Secret Agent Man gave this advice on another thread and it's worth taking. Venice feels very different than West Hollywood than North Hollywood than Hollywood than Glendale than Tarzana than Culver City than Santa Monica than Topanga....
What kinds of things are important to you for your neighborhood? Easy access to freeways and central (as much as you can be) to things? Neighborhoody--where you can walk to things like coffee shops and restaurants? Suburban with good schools for the kids? Where to live depends on so many factors!!

quote:

Originally posted by avidactor:

Not to burst bubbles here, but Jackie isn't a guy. Far from it!!

Jesus Christ!

Jackie Onassis!

Sorry, Jackie.

quote:

Originally posted by avidactor:

Jackie, I've been doing some snooping around, and I found a couple places in Studio city that look appealing. I was thinking Culver City though because I have a very good friend that lives there. I dont want to be stuck in another town not knowing anyone. I hear in L.A. its hard to make friends....true friends. .

[/QUOTE]

So this is why you want to live in Culver City.

Well, you better get your behind over here, and see for yourself.

Culver City? I mean, you can kill yourself in Mar Vista, too.

Ah, that was a joke. Sorry it didn't work.

Culver City has a few pockets.

But for your budget I suggest the San Fernando Valley. Not too far north.

Many movie people live in Studio City, but it go quite expensive.

Van Nuys can be OK. Seen a few nice pockets there, but also awful ones, farther north.

Me, when I go to look for a new area to liv ein, Ilook for the cars. If I see those older cars with tiny wheels, or many HOnda Civis with sports exhaust, I am gone.

Friends is a problem in LA. Sometimes I'm not even friends with myself.

And true friends, too! It's even hard to get false friends here.

But, other than that... LA is a boil and a great to live in. Can't exactly tell you why, but it's a fact.

quote:

Originally posted by Truthie:

Jesus Christ!

Jackie Onassis!

I wish!

As for SF Valley, if you can't afford Studio City try Valley Village or Valley Glen (which are both fancy names for parts of North Hollywood). North Hollywood even has a little section called "NoHo" of all things where there are theatres and restaurants and bars like Tokyo Delves where you dance around and the sushi chefs throw things at you, but...I digress....