<p>Some great advice here. To add to others: How about taking classes? As I’m sure you know, NYC has wonderful acting studios. If you have the money to move there, surely you’d have the money to take classes. That will both build your training and bring you needed connections and letters of recommendations for college when you go. </p>
<p>YOu say nothing about your looks or type, so I would also urge you to consider that. If you are young looking or special type (beautiful, ‘nerdy’ etc) then your chance of securing an agent for film etc would be greater. 18 TPY, particularly a certain type, are in high demand. I would definitely second Shacherry’s idea of simply soliciting agents with the list she generously gives. See what happens. If there is no responses from agents, then you can hone your skills with classes and auditions for non-union theatre, such as community theatre, or in student films. This is a great way of building experience and a resume.</p>
<p>Do be aware that NYC is extremely expensive and also extremely competitive, particularly if you’re competing for theatre work with union actors and you do not look young or are not a certain type. </p>
<p>But what are your motives in taking the gap year? REmember your goals and focus on these. If your goal is to strengthen your resume for college and to build experience, then taking the classes and auditioning for non union would be great (and if you land a spot in a film or commerical, or land an agent, even greater!) But if your goal is to see if you can bypass college, then you need to take a realistic look at your finances, type and experience. Good luck.</p>