In addition, its many diverse neighborhoods and populations offer a cultural diversity that has inspired generations of artists. With a talent pool of over 100,000 professional actors who live and work in the metropolitan area, there is also the benefit of being taught by those who are actively working in the entertainment industry, While their expertise and first-hand knowledge is priceless in the training and nurturing of young talent, there is also a unique professional bonding which can plant the seeds for future business relationships. As students move from a school environment to pursuing a career in the theatre, New York City offers an abundance of performance venues where industry representatives actively seek out fresh, young talent. The main office of Actors Equity also calls this city home, and many touring companies audition and launch from New York, giving young actors further networking opportunities. For those wishing to explore the world of film and television, there is a wide variety of independent and feature film productions each year.
Opportunities also abound in network and cable television.
For the aspiring young theatre artist, New York City offers the best of both worlds, a learning environment unsurpassed in cultural equivalent, and a thespian community always ready to bring forth and guide new talent into the professional arena.