Atlanta: A Prosperous City for Actors

Written by Adilene Delgado

For generations, young artists have been fed the narrative that New York or Los Angeles is the place to move to, to pursue their dream job. Although this advice may work for some, it dismisses the other possibilities that would best suit others needs and lifestyles. 

Although the surge in rent is on the rise throughout the nation, there are states where rent is significantly more affordable than in major cities, therefore, allowing actors to dedicate more time to their craft. Although Atlanta may still be expensive to live in, it is notably more affordable than Los Angeles or New York, “apartment rents in Atlanta have increased by about 18.8% year-over-year. The median rent on a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta runs $1,407”. This can easily be split amongst roommates. Stable income and housing are necessary for artists in general in order to keep producing their art.

According to actor David Alexander, who has landed roles in BET’s Genius, Black Lightning, House of Cards, and NCIS: New Orleans, claims that “It’s a great place to build credits and gain experience. There are wonderful teachers and talent and an exciting film community in Atlanta. Jobs are readily available and the cost of living is half of what it is in Los Angeles”. If rent is cheaper, then people are able to afford resources to further hone their skills and book more acting roles. The trope of the starving artist should stop being normalized, it’s a distraction from the real issue that is the rent and income disparity.   

Now with the internet becoming a major platform for anyone with the tools, it is creating more opportunities outside of New York and Los Angeles. Alexander states that there “is much less competition in Atlanta and lots of roles to be filled. Although that is changing. In the three years [he] lived in Los Angeles, Atlanta has grown so much and competition is more fierce,” and that “you will need a side job as making a living as an actor in Atlanta is tough”.

Although opportunities are more abundant in Atlanta, that does not guarantee a job, but with hard work, the chances of getting called back are higher. In fact, Alexander predicts that “for the foreseeable future, most of the major stuff is going to be cast out of Los Angeles (although more and more is being cast in Atlanta and that trend will likely continue)”. As a result of the internet, even more opportunities are appearing, and that includes actors creating opportunities for themselves. Due to the rise of social media, creative projects will only continue to increase in abundance.