I graduated 2 and a half (wow) years ago with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University. This is long… eep. I had to split it up in to three parts. Beware:
- Besides NYC, what towns are good places to live for aspiring MTs?
To be honest: I have only lived in New York City since graduating. However, many of my friends are currently making the move to LA and LOVE IT. But I will also say that many of them are more interested in pursuing film/tv at the moment. I recently went to DC where I booked a gig and found it to be a really amazing city. I’m looking forward to rehearsing there soon and can report back on the scene, but I’ve heard it’s a really close but thriving community. There’s also great work in Houston/Dallas/Austin so I could see someone making the rounds in Texas, and obviously - Chicago has its perks, but there are many posts on here about its pluses and minuses.
- What sorts of "survival" jobs did you find? How much time/what sort of schedule did these jobs require?
I’ve been through a lot of these. So here’s what I’ve got IMO…
Babysitting: I am signed with an AMAZING new babysitting agency called Broadway Babysitters. They specialize in providing sitters in the theatre community to parents in the theatre community. Babysitting is a great job because it’s usually a solid hourly pay and can he really flexible. Through the agency, I set my own schedule weekly and am booked appropriately. However, the amount of work obviously varies. People with more open schedules work more than others. Nannying is a whole other beast that I have not done in NYC. But from what I’ve heard, the money is great and it’s a very fulfilling job, however- there’s a lot of pressure and commitment. You obviously get connected to the family and children and it often requires a lot of daytime work which can conflict with auditions. In addition, there is some guilt if you book and have to leave the family.
Personal Assisting: Amazing! I’ve been with a Broadway producer in and off for two and a half years and she is the best and most understanding about gigs. Pay us great. Some people may be more crazy/less flexible though. A lot of my work is dependent on when she needs- I don’t have a set amount a week.
Waiting/Hosting/Bartending: I haven’t done these, but if you enjoy it and you’re good at it- the jobs are plenty and the money can be really good. There definitely is a restaurant mentality though and I know a lot of people who have gotten sucked into the late nights/lifestyle/good money and they audition less.
Box Office/Ushering/Theatre merch and bartending: I work at an off Broadway show and it has always been a great experience. The hourly pay is usually pretty good, they tend to hire actors so they know the territory that comes with it. People can cover you, and you feel creative as you’re in a theatrical environment. These are my favorite kind of jobs but it did make it hard to see my friends at night sometimes. 
Retail: More power to you.
Fitness/Teaching: This is what a LOT of actors do. Teaching dance or fitness is flexible and great money if you can do it! And you stay fit, so bonus. I want to get certified in yoga eventually 
- Did you continue to train/take classes? How often? How important is it to continue to take lessons?
Okay. It’s very important. But it’s hard to find the time and money when you are trying to survive. Work means money, and these classes cost money.
I haven’t taken a voice or acting lesson since I graduated. Eep. But I have done coachings on specific songs for auditions and I’ve taken dance classes at various places at it’s my weakest link. I also recently did a month long casting director class with The Growing Studio that was beyond helpful in getting opinions in my audition material/technique and allowed me to meet 8 high profile CDs.
Even at the best universities in the country, I think the audition technique classes are always going to be a step behind because the industry is constantly changing (see: new online EPA/ECC sign ups, etc). An audition technique class with people here in the city that are currently casting or ITR is very important when first transitioning. I wish I’d done it earlier.