Should I move to Chicago or Philadelphia?

Should I move to Philadelphia, Atlanta or Chicago?

• I am an aspiring theatre actor. I have a degree in Theatre Arts and over 10 years of training. I am planning to relocate. After a conversation with various mentors, it was decided that moving to New York fresh out of college was not a great idea because it will be very hard to find work and be taken seriously without receiving an Actors Equity Card. I am currently a Candidate for Equity membership with about 30 more weeks to complete. It was told to me that it would be better to move to a smaller city that has an active theatre community where I would be able to find work and complete my weeks before tackling New York City. My goal is to start off as a stage actor and then move into film later. I have narrowed it down to three cities: Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago. There are pros and cons with each of these cities. Philadelphia pros: It has a strong, active theatre community. It is very close to New York City, so when I decide to relocate it will be an easier move. Being close to New York, it also makes it easier for me to keep up with opportunities in New York. Cons: Philly does not have a really big film/television industry. Atlanta Pros: It has a very active theatre community. It has an active film industry. Cons: It is not close to New York at all. Chicago Pros: It has the most live theatre of any US city outside of NYC, and lots of opportunities for stage actors. It also has an active film/television idustry. Cons: My fiance HATES Chicago weather and does not want to move there. This decision is very hard for me. Any EXPERT advice is greatly appreciated. Please do not leave any negative or surly comments. Thank you very much.

• Answer:

  You should go to Utah and become a hot dog vendor, and then join the circus. Just watch out for the flocks of Edward Cullens that fly through the sky at night and leave their droppings in the woods!