Actor needs help from fellow actors: Best place to live in NYC

[Never Shuts Up]

On the work side of things, there's a lot of scams in the industry. If you're looking into reputable agencies, Central Casting is one of the few legitimate background agencies in the city. Grant Wilfley and Silvia Day are a couple of others. (But GW and Central handle about 90% of the TV and film work in the city.) You're also not going to be likely to get a speaking role without an agent and Union status, just as an fyi. So if anyone approaches him with offers to get him a speaking part in anything besides a student film they're probably full of it.

[BrightRabbit]

Many skilled actors work in serious independent companies such as these, while keeping part or fulltime jobs during the day. Here, Backstage covers the top 8 troupes.

8 Young (and Mighty) New York Theater Companies | Backstage

Living as a working actor in NYC is not all about Broadway shows, although that's certainly hitting the jackpot.

[seansean]

Originally Posted by sazure

Kefir King - YOU missed the point entirely. I alluded to the fact that just as their is a female "casting couch" ditto for men.

Nothing to do with homophobia (my twin brother was gay so know this area well) but one will get pressured to "perform" or out. So find those that do not want extras for taking a simple "head shot". They exist.

That said, I never did anything I would not feel proud of when I died. If he goes to Julliard so on, then a tad of protection - better connections per the school. That said, former boyfriend (Juliard) 2nd in Van Cliburn Competition - the mess behind the scenes. Wealthy woman (married at that) finding out he had a girlfriend (me) and cutting off his much needed scholarships so on. And worse - like anything else, tough!

Working Actor here. To OP: I'd advise against dropping big cash on a place for him. Let him rent a decent apt in Astoria or something, it's 10 mins from the city. that's fine. If you want to front him a year'
s rent, fine. Also, if your son actually starts getting work, he'll be L.A. within the next 3 years, so keep things fluid as far as living situation.

Headshots: It's not homophobia, and it's not that gay male photogs will try to get over on your son. It's more like this: most of the casting directors in NY/L.A. are women. Women know what women like to see in men. Straight men can give you a serviceable shot, and so can gay men..but SOME gay men do have a certain sensibility that comes out in visual work. If your son's headshots come out a bit too "pretty", let's say..it could be an issue. In any case, as long as he looks in person like he does with his headshots, he'll probably be OK. where actors **** up is looking completely different than what casting was expecting. don't do that

Be aware of one thing: THERE ARE A LOT OF PREDATORS IN THIS INDUSTRY. A lot of scammers and cheats, and bitter people who NEVER got work, and your son will have to deal with all of it. Make sure he has his head screwed on tight, tell him to leave the drugs(he will be offered every drug you can think of at some point) alone. eyes on the prize. As I like to say, "keep your beer cold, and your circle small".

Good luck to you both.

[misskittytalks]

if I had seen this sooner I'd have said something sooner; although these may be long term propositions all, the Actors Fund is actually rather good about pushing forward housing opportunities:

Housing | The Actors Fund

They even offer seminars, amongst other options:

Looking for Affordable Housing? The Actors Fund Can Help.