5 Biggest Differences Between Acting in L.A. Vs Vancouver

At the end of the day, how far you will go as an actor will ultimately be determined by two things: How hard you are willing to work at your craft, and how lucky you are. However, knowing the ins and outs of the acting market you’re in can, and does, make it easier to find a path to success. Los Angeles and Vancouver are the two most important cities for film making on the west coast, and, having worked for many years in both, I have detailed below the five biggest differences between the two.

Number 1

In LA, to be seriously considered, every actor absolutely has to be in an acting class unless they’re working a gig.  And not just any class.  Who you study with is extremely important.  So, do your research, and don’t just get a good teacher, get a great one.

Number 2

There is NO person to person access possible to Industry people in LA for new actors unless you know someone.  Period.  One out of a thousand might get lucky with a phone call to a secretary, but other than that, chances are near impossible. In Vancouver, you could walk in the door of 60 % of the agents in town and talk to someone.  

Number 3

In Los Angeles, Equity Waiver theater is the only viable option for new actors where they can be seen by Industry people.  That option does not exist in Vancouver.

Number 4

Getting a working gig in L.A., any working gig, is a VERY BIG deal.  Vancouver, in comparison, is a berry patch.  

Number 5

And finally, the fifth, and biggest difference between acting in L.A. and in Vancouver is that actors in L.A. DON’T TAKE BREAKS unless the Industry takes one (Usually around Christmas time).  They work at their craft year ‘round.

If you’re an actor in Vancouver, and want to be considered for the good roles, you have to up your work ethic.  Your competition is not here;  It’s the 1,000,000 actors in L.A. who don’t “take breaks.”