I want to move to LA to pursue an acting career so how do I convince my parents?

We get this question in this forum regularly (especially in winter) from selfish kids (especially in cold states) who get it in their heads that California is some magical place, where the weather is great, everything is pretty and everything is wonderful. In other words, SoCal is a sitcom where there’s no trash, dirt, smog, crime, or traffic, and any problem is resolved in 23.5 minutes (allowing for commercial breaks). They just don't think it through. Do you realize what you are asking your parents to do? -Give up their jobs. California has some of the highest unemployment in the US. How will you survive? -Give up their friends -Move to a MUCH more expensive location. Did you ever stop to think how much it cost to live here? The average home price is $400K, which means your mortgage would be about $2,800. Renting a 3 BR home would be about $2500-$3000 in a decent area. Try asking your parents how much they pay in rent or mortgage each month. Sure, the weather is great out here. But asking us to come up with reasons that will magically convince your folks to move out here is unrealistic and selfish. Give your parents some credit. Maybe they cannot afford it, and don't want to admit it to you. Wouldn't it be terrible if you moved out here, tried to make it work, then lost your home and had to live out in the streets? Count your blessings. Moving to California is not a solution to your problems. "Life IS pain, princess. Anyone who says differently is selling you something." -The Dread Pirate Roberts, in "The Princess Bride" If you are taking the acting classes and doing community theater, then stick with it. The only practical way to get to LA is to get to a point where you have succeeded as far as you can in Chicago, and your only way up is to go to LA or NY. If you are at that point, you will have an agent, regular work, and even some contacts in LA. Your parents won't need convincing from us. It doesn't sound like you are there yet, or even close.

have you been to that acting studio or something on medinah rd in medinah il near the train station. it's in dupage county and i've driven by it a number of times. i think it was called "Windy City Acting" or "Windy City Casting" or something. maybe they have connections with LA and might be able to help convince your parents. i don't know if this helps. just a suggestion.

the problem is that moving to LA and living in LA is VERY expensive, and rents don't come cheap nor do houses either also since you are only 13 you will be required to school (yes every child actor has to go to school every day even while on the set any money you earned you cant touch until you are 18... then your parents will have to find jobs in California where there are none.. you should try acting take drama classes and acting classes in Chicago first

Why not start acting in Chicago ?!.... work your way up, then get into the film industry, I'm sure Chicago has got a lot to offer as well. And you are ONLY 13. Why think about it already ? ... You're supposed to concentrate on school at that age. Thousands of others come to LA to pursue acting, you're not the only one. Think about this. 99.7% of people end up broke, sleeping in their car, because they did not make it. Chances are very low. Also, consider going to College, get a degree, to fall back on something if it all fails. In order to live comfortably in LA, you must have a very well paying job, Because rents are very high here in LA, or generally speaking, in California. A 1 bedroom apartment would cost you about $1200 + at a minimum. And unemployment has currently reached up to 12%, so you will have trouble finding a well paying job. It's almost impossible. California is in a terrible state at the moment.