Perhaps you've heard this too. Perhaps you've even said this yourself (I know I did at one point in my career). Clearly, we all know that large markets (LA, NY, Chicago, Seattle, Toronto, London, etc.) are where it's at for actors and performers. No one would deny that. While there is more work and opportunity in these markets, the stakes are raised (financially, personally and professionally) and nothing is guaranteed.
A month or so ago I read and shared an amazing post by Mark Sikes through Actors Access' Casting Corner about the reality of "making it" in large markets. The post goes on to mention about how only about 5% of the actors who head out to LA actually make a full-time living. The other 95% act, but need other employment to help provide for themselves. If you're serious about your acting, you will need to head to large markets at some point in your career. But what about the countless number of actors who live in small markets and can't swing the transition for a variety of reasons (age, finances, logistics)? All is NOT lost if this is the case. Just keep working. It can take time. But that does not mean that small market actors have an excuse to slack off or whine and complain about living in small markets.
The truth is there ARE things to do in small markets all across the world. Sure, they are usually community theatre productions, high school shows, college student films or small business industrials. The summer blockbusters, pilots, webisodes, and national commercials are clearly available in larger markets. This you knew. The truth is that there ARE things you can do for your acting career if you are in Smallmarketsville, USA. Here are two myths that I have encountered with this small market actor mentality:
MYTH #1-Small markets = no work.
This is just pure silliness. Even in small markets there are performances and shows to participate in. Check the community theaters in your area for classes, shows, auditions and seminars and you'll be amazed at what actually is available to you. Again, these are low-budget, non-pay positions but you can't be too picky about that.
If community theater productions are not your thing, then look into the larger markets around you for background/extra work, short film work and/or industrial work. Here in central PA we are half way between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh which have actually been quite active with big films and major network shows. Look for legitimate casting directors in your area and don't be surprised or discouraged if you have to expand your search radius. The bottom line is: there IS an ample amount of stage work and film/TV work in small markets. You have to know where to look and be willing to travel a bit in most cases.
[NOTE: Don't discount or dismiss the power of online casting. See my previous blog entry on jumpstarting your online acting career for more great info]
MYTH #2-Big markets wouldn't care about my small market work or training
This again is just ridiculous. If you are in small markets now and have ANY intentions of heading to large market at some point in your life, your #1 focus should be on BUILDING YOUR RESUME. Get involved in productions. Act, direct, run tech, or take classes. Create and update your resume with the goal of building it for the future. Then when it becomes time for you to make the huge life-changing transition from small to large markets, you will have a foundation to build on. You will bring with you a resume that shows large market casting directors and producers that you have put in the time and effort before you made the move to the "big time." This by no means is a guarantee that you will get work, but I can assure you it certainly looks much better than having little to no training or experience when you make the small to large market transition.
One final thought: When considering the small market vs. large market issue it is imperative to stop making excuses about your location and lot in life and get busy taking necessary steps toward your long-term goals of success. I get asked all of the time: "When should I start?" The answer is simple: NOW. There truly is no better time.
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