Q: I don't live in or near a major city. I want to start auditioning, but I'm worried - do I need to live near New York or Los Angeles?

A: First, congratulations on having the courage to challenge the conventional wisdom. You definitely do not need to live in New York or LA to get your start in the entertainment business. In fact, in some ways, living outside the major metros might actually be an advantage. Let us explain:

It is true that most major film, television, and modeling projects are based in the big cities. But those jobs represent only a small portion of all the opportunities that are out there for you. And to be honest, if you are a beginner, you probably have a better chance at landing a job in a smaller project that might be located in a smaller city. There are lots of opportunities in the big cities, but there's also lots of competition. If you are talented and professional, you can find good work in almost any part of the country.

Here are some projects that are often found outside the big cities:

• Regional / local theatre
• Local television advertisements
• Fashion shows and pageants
• Print / catalog shoots for local department stores
• Student films connected to a nearby university

InstantCast lists all these types of opportunities, not just big Hollywood blockbusters. When you search for parts, you can scan for parts that match your location. You may be surprised by how many different locations are represented.

And finally, consider expanding your geographic area to include one or two midsized cities that you might travel to if there was a specific audition you were excited about. For example, if you live in Des Moines, you could expand your search to include Chicago. Many auditions now allow you to submit your portfolio online, so it costs nothing to apply. If the casting director is interested in meeting you in person, you'll get a callback and you can decide whether it is worth the trip. If the opportunity is big enough and you have a real shot, you might even consider splurging on that last minute flight to New York!

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