Improv Places and Theatre cities to move to.

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell · February 1st, 2011, 9:13 am

i should note under the "other cities" category, i love what i've seen of the Minneapolis scene and Madison, WI as well.

i yield the rest of my time...

MitchellD · Post by **MitchellD** » February 1st, 2011, 9:41 am

I also love directing a whole lot!

But I've never really heard "Oh! This city is great for it's directing opportunities!"

Does anyone know which cities might prove to be the best when it comes to providing opportunities for directing that lead to more projects and bigger projects. Without waiting a very long time after joining the scene.

Then again, directors are the opportunity starters. But for those who might want to make films, but don't know people friends with all the equipment, or those who want to use a theatre space, but can't pay 200-50,000 a day. I've always found creations of theatre space like the Coldtowne Theatre pretty inspirational. But.... well you get the idea, I suppose.

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell · February 1st, 2011, 10:10 am

what kind of direction? film? stage? improv?

MitchellD · Post by **MitchellD** » February 1st, 2011, 10:27 am

Well, I do like them all. But, lets say theatre direction.

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell · February 1st, 2011, 11:31 am

well, if you're just looking to get stuff up quickly or find a cheap space, L.A.'s good for that. the town's littered with black box theatres looking to make their rent for the month.

on the flip side of that, since it is so easy to put something up and since L.A.'s not widely seen as a "theatre" kind of town, it's hard to build much clout or reputation from your direction. i would imagine similar spaces in New York might cost a bit more or be harder to get projects up in, but the potential for recognition would be higher. there's always something to be said for paying your dues.

scook · Post by **scook** » February 1st, 2011, 1:00 pm

MitchellD wrote:Without waiting a very long time after joining the scene.

Bigger opportunities after joining the scene won't really happen, especially in cities with larger scenes. There will be 100 people ahead of you that already have the trust of performers/spaces to put the work up (sometimes unjustifiably, but often times, they're trusted because they're actually good).

That said, wherever you go, there's nothing wrong with paying your dues. And you'll be better for it when you do get larger opportunities.

valetoile · Post by **valetoile** » February 1st, 2011, 1:48 pm

Find the people you like to work with, do the work you like to do, keep meeting more people and seeing more things. Build a web. If you have like minded people interested in and passionate about the same things, you'll get stuff done, and it won't seem like you're biding your time until the "real" work begins. Because you'll have been doing what you love all along, and before you know it, you've put in your time and paid your dues and big things are happening for you. And your best friends will be right there beside you.

MitchellD · Post by **MitchellD** » February 1st, 2011, 2:08 pm

scook wrote:
MitchellD wrote:Without waiting a very long time after joining the scene.
Bigger opportunities after joining the scene won't really happen, especially in cities with larger scenes. There will be 100 people ahead of you that already have the trust of performers/spaces to put the work up (sometimes unjustifiably, but often times, they're trusted because they're actually good).

That said, wherever you go, there's nothing wrong with paying your dues. And you'll be better for it when you do get larger opportunities.

Oh yes. I really have no problem with paying my dues and starting bottom up. In fact, I love internships. Theres so much you can learn and do and people to meet. What I am talking about is just that fear of those gridlocked systems that might only allow you to do things after 3-5 years. Or those that might only allow certain people, favorites, or senior members to do things. Which... is the case in some educational systems, especially those with grad programs.

Also kinda wanted to know since a friend of mine is highly set on directing and directing focus, so wanted to perhaps inform him as well.

scook · Post by **scook** » February 1st, 2011, 3:41 pm

valetoile wrote:Find the people you like to work with, do the work you like to do, keep meeting more people and seeing more things. Build a web. If you have like minded people interested in and passionate about the same things, you'll get stuff done, and it won't seem like you're biding your time until the "real" work begins. Because you'll have been doing what you love all along, and before you know it, you've put in your time and paid your dues and big things are happening for you. And your best friends will be right there beside you.

Val wins.

No matter where you move, you'll find people you like, want to work with, and who will want to work with you. Empty space in any of these cities to put up your projects is not hard to find. Your experience (even in larger scenes with "systems") is entirely what you make of it. I can vouch for both Austin and Chicago in this respect.

Pick a city you like with an energy that excites you. You probably won't regret whatever city you move to because you'll find something there that you like.

If you're looking at theatre directing, Chicago is one of the best theatre towns in the world. There's a very workmanlike and experimental approach to theatre up here. There are big theatres, and then like a million theatre companies doing work all around the city. You can't throw a rock without hitting a theatre. I don't really know much about theatre in the other cities.

When you think about it, which city of all that you're considering does it excite you most to think about moving to?

MitchellD · Post by **MitchellD** » February 4th, 2011, 7:50 pm

I find New York to be exciting, and complicated, but the trains should be a lot of cool fun. Right now, it seems bottomless and I don't know as much as I should, but it's cool.

LA's systems of film excite me too. I don't know why, but the whole "everyone has an agenda" thing and the back stabbing and shallowness for some reason makes it more interesting and fun, even though I'm not like that. Lol what a bad reason to like something. But it would be cool to work my way up a film system, even as a non actor. The traffic/valets are a bit of a turn off though.

So right now, I'm leaning toward New York.

scook · Post by **scook** » February 6th, 2011, 5:51 pm

MitchellD wrote:I find New York to be exciting, and complicated, but the trains should be a lot of cool fun. Right now, it seems bottomless and I don't know as much as I should, but it's cool.

So right now, I'm leaning toward New York.

Go for it.

jillybee72 · Post by **jillybee72** » February 6th, 2011, 11:17 pm

There was a funny quote on the http://www.improvresourcecenter.com message board from an old thread:

I can't wait for your memoir. Specifically the chapter entitled "And Then I Moved to Chicago Because a Message Board Told Me To...."

brittjw · Post by **brittjw** » February 7th, 2011, 1:37 am

MitchellD wrote:Yeah, just kinda wondered about Chicago, because the main things I know about them include:

1. 2 of the most well known improv establishments
2. Good amount of theatre
3. Lots of wind.
4. Pizza
5. They have a train system (which I find cool)
6. Jazz?
7. Air port
8. Notorious School System

And.... that's about it. And I don't really know the specifics of their other theatre establishments. I haven't actually taken a real good look at the city though or know it's feel.

Having lived in NYC, I can't say enough wonderful things about that city. It's my favorite place in the world and there is so much to take in and see. However, it's so godda*n expensive and it can be very overwhelming for people who've never really spent much time in a big city. Nonetheless, they have an incredible theater and film scene (obviously) and the improv theaters are some of the best around. The winters can be a little tough, but not too harsh.

As much as I love NYC and try to always talk it up to people thinking about moving there, there's a reason I don't still live there-- I can't afford it! If you're thinking about moving there, just make sure you have lots of cash saved up and a job lined up before you get to town.

Moving on...I went to Chicago last summer and loved it! It's a beautiful city and it isn't too overwhelming. The train system is great and easy to navigate. My improv mind was blown after seeing a few shows at iO Chicago. I got a chance to see their Harold showcase on Sunday night (a weekly thing) and went back to see the Armando Diaz Experience on Monday (also a weekly show). They know their shit there, for sure! I've also heard really amazing things about the Annoyance Theater and (of course) Second City. As a youngun' living away from TX. for the first time and a budding improviser, my recommendation is Chicago. It's definitely cheaper to live there than NYC, but still not cheap. I also found the people to be very friendly and helpful. The winters are horrible, but if you can handle cold weather, then you'll be fine.

As for LA, I have no knowledge or advice on the city, except that I've heard good things about iO West from current students.

Good luck making your decision...

Cheers,
Britt Wright