Top U.S. Hotspots Where Casting Directors Are Finding New Talent Right Now

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Despite casting calls going digital and giving the opportunity to audition remotely more and more often, thus making the available talent pool for actors and models wider than ever before, some American cities are still at the forefront as locations where casting directors will typically turn to find their next star. Learn more about the current entertainment industry talent hotspots below.

  • Each hotspot is unique. While one city is more focused on the film business, other cities may be a better fit for stage actors or fashion models.
  • Hollywood is still the place to be. Despite the emergence of new markets, Los Angeles continues to be a top place for new talent.
  • City growth makes it an attractive place for the entertainment industry as well. Once the metropolitan area in general grows, so do the entertainment gig opportunities.

The City Of Angels Still Is Where It’s At For Showbusiness Dream Chasers

The more things change, the more they stay the same. It is certainly true in terms of where Hollywood ranks as a showbiz talent hot spot. While Los Angeles certainly has lost some of its film business to other cities in the United States and even abroad due to various factors, especially because of tax incentives, it is still the epicenter for the majority of the country's entertainment industry.

This is why the City of Angels can still offer the highest concentration of various work and networking opportunities for every type of performer. As a result, it means most of the talent looking to fulfill their dreams on any given day will be located there as well, from native Angelinos to transplants from all over the United States.

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All Types Of Performers Are Still Looking To Take A Bite Out Of The Big Apple

Similar to Los Angeles' historical impact on the entertainment industry, all the way to the East Coast, New York City also remains a top talent pool in the country in 2026. The Big Apple is still the very top destination for stage actors as the productions on and off Broadway keep attracting audiences from all over the world.

With numerous film and television studios working on their projects in New York, as well as the majority of fashion brands being based in this city, it is naturally attracting the talents of performers to explore the many opportunities available.

The Georgia Peach Has Never Been Sweeter For New Acting Talents

A relatively new market within the top talent pools in the U.S., the state of Georgia has been doing a great job by attracting some of the biggest film and television productions by offering tax incentives. Many of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s blockbusters are being shot in Atlanta, as well as streaming platform Netflix is increasingly moving its productions to the city.

What Atlanta loses to Los Angeles and New York in terms of job market, it can compensate for with being an overall more affordable city to aspiring actors and other performers looking to move to an industry hotspot.

The Breezes Of The Windy City Can Not Keep The Talents Away

As the top entertainment industry hub in the Midwest, Chicago, Illinois, has been a top location for stage actors for many decades now. From being the biggest theater actor market besides New York City, to a prime location for stand-up and improvisation performers, it continues to launch careers for many of the brightest stars in their niche.

Despite not being as busy with film and television productions as other cities in this list, Chicago more than compensates for it with opportunities within other vibrant fields of the entertainment industry.

Sin City Emerges For Those Looking For Entertainment Industry Luck

Las Vegas continues to be one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, still also being known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”. Matter of fact, its entertainment field has been significantly growing as well, diversifying beyond the casino resorts, which do remain major employers for live performers of many types, and heavily into the sports world, as well as film and television productions.

As Las Vegas continues its growing presence within various showbiz fields going into 2026, with the proximity of Los Angeles as a bonus, diverse talents are expected to increasingly flock to the Nevada desert as well.

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The Sunshine State Is Also Luring The Future Stars

With its great climate and professional opportunities, which include no income tax, the state of Florida has been emerging more and more as a place for varied types of performers. Especially in the city of Miami, which is known for its fast-growing entertainment market.

While Dade County's film and television production market is only experiencing a growth spurt, Miami has an amazing job market for various types of models and commercial actors. Its Spanish-language production market is an especially great opportunity for bilingual performers, giving a diverse platform while living in vibrant communities.

How To

How to Choose the Best U.S. City for Your Acting or Modeling Career

While auditions are increasingly digital, where you live still plays a major role in the types of casting opportunities available. Use these steps to choose the right U.S. talent hotspot for your goals.

  1. 1
    Step 1: Identify Your Primary Performance Focus
    Different cities specialize in different entertainment sectors — film, theater, modeling, commercials, or live performance.
    Pro Tip: Stage actors thrive in New York and Chicago, while film and TV actors see the most volume in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
  2. 2
    Step 2: Evaluate the Local Casting Volume
    A strong talent city offers frequent casting calls, not just prestige.
    Pro Tip: Check how many active casting calls are posted for a city before relocating — consistency matters more than hype.
  3. 3
    Step 3: Consider Cost of Living vs. Opportunity
    An affordable city can give you more runway to build experience without financial pressure.
    Pro Tip: Atlanta and parts of Florida often provide a better balance of opportunity and affordability than coastal hubs.
  4. 4
    Step 4: Look at Industry Growth Trends
    Cities attracting new productions, studios, and incentives often create more entry-level and background roles.
    Pro Tip: Emerging markets like Las Vegas and Miami offer less competition and faster access to bookings for new talent.
  5. 5
    Step 5: Leverage Remote Casting While Being Location-Ready
    Even with virtual auditions, being physically close to production hubs can lead to faster callbacks and on-set work.
    Pro Tip: Some roles still require local hires — living near a hotspot increases eligibility instantly.