Meet Alice Jean from Dagenham who moved to LA 3 years ago to pursue acting
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
Honestly, I was wrapping up my A-levels, and it was time to sort out what I’m doing next. I knew I wanted to continue studying drama, but I wanted something different. So I chose to apply abroad. I ended up getting into the New York Film Academy, and came straight to the Los Angeles campus! So, in a sense, LA chose me.
What do you miss most from home?
I miss being in proximity to my family, if I wanted to see my sister, I didn’t have to catch a plane to do it. I miss the community feeling, when big events/holidays would take place, like the World Cup. Seeing all my friends back home going out and celebrating in the streets made me very homesick. I miss the food, I miss the usual restaurants I’d go to, or even just passing through the chip shop on my way home, and I miss the cold, I’ll always complain about it when I’m there but I still miss it.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
I hated LA when I first arrived, it was too hot, too dry, weirdly shaped houses, did I mention too hot?
After I stopped comparing it to home and adjusted a bit more, I loved it. I became comfortable. I started to see the beauty everyone told me about, before arriving. I started to enjoy the things that annoyed me most, and began looking on the brighter side, literally.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Dagenham?
When I lived in Dagenham I didn’t feel trapped. Growing up, I started using trains and buses from a young age so I was always free to go anywhere and it was cost effective. When I first arrived in LA, I didn’t have any means of transportation, so getting around was harder, because the public transportation system isn’t the greatest so I spent a lot of money on Ubers.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
I do! There’s this cool bar called the Blind Barber in Culver City. It’s lounge in the back and a barbershop in the front. So you have to go through the barbers to get to the bar! Had a few great times there!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Do your research, look at the pricing of everything and make sure you have enough money, emergency money etc. to keep you afloat while you’re getting everything sorted out. You don’t want to land yourself in an extremely compromising position like I’ve seen some people have. Prepare as much as you can.
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?
My first drama teacher once said, “No matter where you go, or what you do in life, make sure to keep your private life, private.” He told me that during one of my lessons with him and it stuck with me, and by heeding that advice, it’s helped me a lot throughout school and work life.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you working on anything at the moment?
You can find me on Instagram – @alicejeanfraser Feel free to reach out to me for anything. I am working on something I can’t talk about just yet, but stay tuned!
