He estimates about 85 percent of the waiters and waitresses in Los Angeles are actor wannabes trying to support themselves. The competition in theater and film is too fierce to rely only on the luck of getting that first big gig. To get that first performance, you need an agent. It's not as easy to find that first performing role as some people think. While there are greater opportunities for working in film in Los Angeles, attaining that definitive starring role is more difficult.
Directors expect an actor to be the character upon entering an audition.
An actor may perform exceptionally, but if he fails to create a character in the likeness a director wants, he might not get the role. The advantage of moving to California is that many Penn State alumni work there and the connections are abundant. Rothman also said it helps if an actor has an entrepreneurial attitude and is willing to get out and sell himself to directors and producers during the auditioning process. He also needs to be strong willed, as the road to fame is rough with its continual ups and downs. Dan Carter, director of the School of Theatre Arts, offered his own advice.