GETTING STARTED
What Are the Best Cities for Child Actors?
BY JENN BOYCE
FORMER HOLLYWOOD TALENT AGENT & FOUNDER OF THE HOLLYWOOD PREP
Los Angeles and New York are the two major acting markets, but here’s the good news: they aren’t the only places your child can work.
There are some really great smaller markets around the country where kids are working professionally all the time.
So if you’re reading this from somewhere other than LA or New York, please don’t think, “Well, I guess we’re out.” 😂
You’re not.
Where you live will affect the opportunities available to your child and how you pursue them, but there isn’t only one place to start.
Let’s look at some of the markets I want parents to know about.
Los Angeles & New York: The Major Markets
Los Angeles and New York are still the two major acting markets.
A lot of the larger TV, film and theater opportunities are cast through these cities, and this is where many of the major Talent Agencies, Managers and Casting Directors are based.
But that doesn’t mean your child needs to live in LA or New York on Day One.
Depending on where you live, starting in a strong regional market can be a really smart way for your child to get experience, build credits and learn how the business works.
Atlanta
There is a LOT of TV and film production happening in and around Atlanta.
If you live in that area, having a great local Agent can give your child access to projects shooting there—and your child can start building credits without your family having to pack up and move across the country.
Chicago
Chicago is another great market for young actors, especially for commercials, TV and film.
Again, you don’t have to be in LA or New York for your child to start working professionally.
Texas
Texas is another market where there are professional opportunities for kids.
And Texas is HUGE, so obviously what’s available is going to depend on where you live. 😂
But if you’re there, it’s absolutely worth looking into the Agents and opportunities in your area.
New Orleans & Louisiana
New Orleans and Louisiana have had a strong production community for years.
I met some incredibly talented kids through the years who were training and working in Louisiana.
So believe me when I tell you, talented kids don’t only come from Los Angeles and New York.
They’re everywhere.
What If We Live Somewhere Else?
Don’t panic.
These aren’t the only places where kids can work. There are smaller acting markets all over the country.
And depending on your child and your family, starting locally may actually be the perfect place to start.
Get some experience.
Build some credits.
Learn how the business works.
And then, if your child’s career starts growing and it makes sense to expand into a major market, you can figure that out when you get there.
You do not have to figure out your child’s entire acting career today.
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And if you’re living in a smaller town and wondering how on earth you’re supposed to get your child started when there isn’t an acting class or Casting Director anywhere nearby, don’t worry! 😂
I’ve put together some practical tips for families just like yours, from finding good online acting classes to exploring local opportunities and getting some experience right where you live.
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What Kinds of Roles Are Cast Locally?
Generally, when a production is shooting in a regional market, local Casting Directors will cast many of the day-player and smaller roles locally.
And that makes sense.
Production doesn’t necessarily want to fly someone in from Los Angeles or New York, pay for travel and put them up in a hotel for a smaller role if they can find a great actor locally.
Many of the larger roles, however, are still cast through Los Angeles or New York—even when the project itself is shooting somewhere else.
Now, does that mean your local Agent can’t get your child an audition for a series regular, recurring role or another big opportunity?
Absolutely not.
Great regional Agents can—and do—get their clients wonderful opportunities.
But if your child is serious about building a professional TV and film career, I also want you thinking about representation in a major market.
If you live in Atlanta, Texas, New Orleans or another regional market, for example, having a strong local Agent can be incredibly valuable. They know the local Casting Directors, they know what’s shooting in their market and they can submit your child as a local hire.
Then, as your child becomes ready and competitive for larger opportunities, I would look at whether adding representation in Los Angeles or New York makes sense.
Ideally, if your family can make it work, I love the combination of a great local Agent plus the right major-market Agent.
That gives your child someone who understands what’s happening in their own backyard while also giving them access to opportunities being cast through the major markets.
But—and you know I’m going to say this—😂
Don’t rush out and get three Agents because you just read this.
Your child’s representation should grow with their career.
Start where it makes sense. Build experience. And when they’re ready for that next level, then we look at expanding their team.
Jenn's
Take
Your child doesn’t need to start in the biggest market. They need to start in the market that makes sense for your child and your family.
Start where you are. Build from there. And if their career eventually needs a bigger market, you can cross that bridge when you get to it.