Meet A Member: Lisa Gorgin

Meet Lisa Gorgin from London. Lisa moved to LA eight months ago to further her career in acting

Tell us about your move to LA…

I have loved California and dreamed of living in the US since I can remember! A director I had worked with in London suggested I should come over to LA and give it a shot, but I thought it would be impossible! Whilst here on holiday two and a half years ago, out of the blue (be prepared for anything to happen in LA), I was overjoyed to get signed by Theatrical Management, The Bohemia Group. I immediately started collecting everything together towards my visa and when I got approved my California dream became a reality!

What  do you miss most from home?

Apart from friends and family, Sainsbury’s own medium cheddar cheese and public transport! I don’t drive and although Ubers and Lyft are great to get around, buses and trains are few and far between. Coming from London I am used to dashing around the city on the flowing amounts of public transport, or by foot. You often see me walking the streets in LA – most of the time I’m the only person on the ‘sidewalk!’

What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? 

Beauty, palm trees, heat, hikes, open laptops in coffee shops with scripts, actors (!) the Hollywood Bowl, rooftops and smiley happy people! I landed in a heatwave and literally never stopped for the first month! I was exploring every nook and cranny and doing all the typical LA ‘must dos’. Friends and friends of friends were incredibly welcoming which made my experience and first impressions of LA inviting and magical. Although I had visited, I wasn’t very familiar with the city. I posted a lot of my LA experiences on social media, and a couple of friends who have lived here for years said I did more in one month then they have done in 20 years! I even experienced an earthquake a week after I arrived! (Keep your ‘tennis shoes’ and passport by your bed and buy an Earthquake Kit!) The only thing that changed was the weather! It doesn’t get as cold as the UK but you definitely need a coat for the first few months the year.

What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?

Mentality. Culture, and I never thought I would say this but also pub culture! I’ve never really been into pubs until I moved here! People don’t tend to ‘go for a drink’ to socialize. Perhaps because most people drive or work longer hours? I noticed it more on a recent trip back to London. The sun was shinning and people were standing outside the pubs having a pint after work. I don’t miss the pint but I do miss the social side of going to the pub and meeting friends! Brunches, coffees, or hikes are more of the everyday social thing to do in LA. Another difference is property… Most houses and apartments are all individual. It gets hot walking the streets in the height of summer but you’ll never get bored looking at the individual unique properties, usually with a palm tree outside.

Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?

I LOVE DOWNTOWN! Not really a hidden gem, but it’s great! And you can get the train! (Metro) It reminds me of New York in the 70’s (not that I experienced it, but can imagine). It’s rich in history and architecture, has lots of entertainment – museums, galleries, theatres, great jazz bars (if you are into jazz) rooftops, and it oozes arts. Grand Central Market is fab and really buzzy. LA actually has a lot of hidden gems. You often find a ‘box of chocolates’ hidden behind an ordinary looking door, or cool spot behind an entrance designed like a fridge door! I love that about LA.

What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here? 

Advice! Talk to people who moved over here or have lived here. Though each person’s journey is different, so do your own research also. Don’t expect it to be easy and prepare yourself, as it can be overwhelming when you arrive. If you are an actor, I suggest taking classes. Not only because some techniques and methods are specific for the US market, but they are a great way to meet people and get your face out there. Get out and about. Always talk to people, even in an Uber because you never know what can happen! Be open to opportunities in LA, because anything can happen… and things really do! However, also be prepared to hear BS! You’ll quickly learn! Oh and if you are a tea drinker, bring out stashes of Builders – I love LA, but the tea sucks!

Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Be yourself! Be prepared to work hard, hustle, keep it real and do not expect miracles! LA takes time.

Lastly, how can we find out more about you?

I use social media sites Instagram (lisagorgs) and Twitter @LisaGorgin. I am currently performing the role of Lesley, playing opposite the devilishly handsome Craig Young in the comedy ‘Old Frenemies’ at the Hollywood Fringe. Written and starring Wendy-Meredith Bain. Other cast members include lovely Aussie, Nick Hardcastle and gorgeous wee Scottie, Richard Rennie! Looking forward to seeing you there!