Casting Websites: Which one’s Right for You?
If you’re new to the world of castings and acting auditions you might ask yourself: how do actors find auditions to begin with?
That’s where casting websites come in.
Casting Breakdowns
A casting breakdown is a detailed synopsis of an acting project, detailing character description, story plotline and relevant information surrounding the production itself, including filming or performance location, rates and dates. A casting website is a platform for actors to find and submit themselves to these casting breakdowns, in an effort to book the project and get hired. Here is a casting breakdown example:
Casting Sites for Actors
Casting websites are commonly used by working actors, casting directors, agents and talent managers to post jobs, find talent or submit themselves to acting projects. While features vary from site to site, these sites offer an actor the opportunity to personalize their profile by selecting a few headshots to feature, upload their resume and share their acting credits (professional work an actor has done).
While casting sites are generally free, many of them require a paid memberships in order to unlock their full benefits.
There are many acting websites at your disposal. Here some of my personal favorites and among the most reputable and recognized in the entertainment industry.
Backstage
When I first started out, I heavily relied on Backstage (and I highly encourage you to use it as well!) Backstage is an online magazine and job board for performing artists of all types. Founded in 1960, it is one of the most recognized and user-friendly actor websites in the market. In addition to acting jobs, Backstage offers a free resource section with a plethora of blog and article posts surrounding all things relating to the entertainment industry and being a working artist. These helpful articles serve all kinds of performing artists and creative entrepreneurs including models, voiceover, theater and film actors, content creators, freelancers and many more. These resources include an abundance of information and helpful topics, from pop culture and casting news, to content creator niches and the most specific tips surrounding actor logistics (like what monologue to choose at your next audition, how actors find an agent and much, much more!)
Backstage offers different subscription plans varying between $85 – $145 annually depending on which membership you choose. Users have the option to create and update their actor/model profile and filter job submissions according to their needs.
Actors Access by Breakdown Services
Actors Access is another favorite of mine. Closely mirroring the type of professional casting breakdowns that Talent Agents see and submit to, Actors Access allows performing artists to get a taste of it themselves. This platform offers professional job postings in theater, film, television, voiceover, commercial and print. Breakdowns include Union and Non-Union jobs, offering professional opportunities for varying stages of your career.
While Actors Access has a free option, it does come with very limited features. If you’re constantly auditioning, you might want to consider upgrading to the Plus Membership at $68/year or $9.99/month. This plan offers unlimited submissions to job postings and Eco Casts (self-tape auditions through the website).
It’s important to note however, that while your profile comes with two free headshots and one free slate shot, any additionally uploaded photograph will cost you $10 and $5 for each additional slate shot, regardless of your membership plan. The same goes for any uploaded Media: in order to feature these on your profile, you will need to pay an additional fee (that is not included in the yearly plan). Media Clips start at $22/minute.
Casting Networks & Casting Frontier
Some other reputable casting sites include Casting Networks and Casting Frontier. Casting Networks in particular, offers great options when it comes to leading roles for reputable brands in film, tv, theater and commercial niches. This casting site offers two membership plans – a free one and a paid one. Their Premium (paid) membership is on the pricier side but then again, you’re paying for great benefits – check them out here to see if it’s right for you.
Casting Frontier operates similarly to Backstage in that it is very user-friendly. This site has three membership options including a free or “Basic” plan, with limited options pertaining to project submissions. Check out their other Membership Plans to see if there’s one that’s right for you!
Which one’s Right for You?
Most (if not all) of these casting websites allow actors to also link their representatives (agents, managers, etc.) This allows your agents and/or managers to directly submit your active profile (giving you a better opportunity to stand out during that submission period!) A reminder: just because you (or your agent) submit you to an acting job, doesn’t mean you’ll always get an audition. The more you submit (or the more that you’re submitted), the more chances you have to actually be considered for an audition. If a paid membership offers feasibility and allows you to more constantly apply, it might be worth the price if it means more chances to be seen!
So, which casting website is right for you? We all have different budgets and creative needs which are factors that heavily weigh in your final decision.
At the end of the day, all of these sites come highly recommended by industry professionals and entertainment creatives. You’ll be in good hands, regardless which one you choose!
