Backstage

Backstage has been a fixture of the American performing arts industry since 1960, when it launched as a weekly print trade publication covering theatre, film, and television. For decades, the print edition was the go-to resource where actors found casting notices, industry news, and career advice — picking up the latest issue of Backstage was a ritual for New York theatre actors in particular. The publication transitioned to a digital-first model in the 2010s and evolved into a full-service casting platform and talent marketplace. In 2015, Backstage was acquired by Cast & Crew, a major entertainment industry payroll and technology company, which accelerated its growth into one of the largest casting platforms globally. The brand has since expanded further by acquiring Mandy and StarNow, creating a portfolio of casting platforms that collectively serve millions of performers worldwide.

Today, Backstage operates as a comprehensive casting platform, editorial resource hub, and talent database that serves actors, models, voice-over artists, dancers, and other performers across multiple markets. What distinguishes Backstage from platforms like Actors Access is its breadth — it covers everything from student films and community theatre to major studio productions and commercial campaigns, making it one of the most versatile casting resources available. The platform is particularly strong for actors who are still building credits, as it features a higher volume of non-union, indie, and emerging-project listings than most competitors. Backstage also maintains a robust editorial operation with career advice articles, how-to guides, industry interviews, and a talent database that casting directors and agents can search proactively. For actors who want both casting opportunities and educational resources in one place, Backstage is uniquely positioned.

Signing up for Backstage requires creating an account and building a profile with your headshot, resume, demo reel, and special skills. Free accounts can browse casting listings and read editorial content, but submitting for roles requires a paid subscription. Once subscribed, you can search and filter thousands of active casting calls by location, project type, union status, compensation, role type, and more. The submission process is straightforward — you find a casting call that fits, review the requirements, select your headshot and any additional media, and submit electronically. Backstage verifies casting notices before posting them, which adds a layer of legitimacy that many free listing sites lack. The platform is available via web browser and a well-designed mobile app that supports on-the-go submissions.

The daily experience of using Backstage revolves around checking new casting calls, refining your search filters, and submitting for roles that match your type and experience level. The platform publishes new casting notices throughout the day, with particularly high volume on weekdays. Backstage's search and filtering system is one of the most granular in the industry — you can filter by specific cities, project budgets, whether the role is lead or supporting, and whether the production provides travel or housing. The talent database feature means that even when you are not actively submitting, casting directors and agents may discover your profile through searches. The editorial section publishes daily articles covering audition technique, self-tape tips, industry trends, and interviews with casting directors, making it a genuine learning resource in addition to a casting tool. Backstage also hosts periodic virtual events and Q&A sessions with industry professionals that subscribers can attend.

Backstage serves the widest range of performers of any major casting platform, from complete beginners submitting for their first student film to working SAG-AFTRA actors seeking additional opportunities beyond what their agents provide. It is especially popular with actors in the early-to-mid stages of their careers who are building credits and gaining experience across different project types. The platform has a strong presence in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and London, and it lists opportunities in regional markets that other platforms often overlook. Voice-over artists, commercial models, dancers, and variety performers also use Backstage extensively, as its casting categories extend well beyond traditional acting roles. The platform's reputation in the industry is solid — casting directors at all levels post on Backstage, from independent filmmakers to major studio casting offices, though the highest-tier studio projects tend to flow more through Actors Access and Casting Networks.

Backstage requires a paid subscription to submit for casting calls, with three pricing tiers available as of 2025. The monthly plan costs $25 per month with the flexibility to cancel anytime. The six-month plan costs $20 per month billed semi-annually, and the annual plan costs approximately $17 per month billed at around $200 per year. Free accounts can browse casting calls, read editorial content, and build a profile, but cannot submit for roles. Backstage frequently runs promotional pricing during holidays and seasonal sales — discounts of 40-60% off annual plans are common during Black Friday and New Year promotions, sometimes dropping to as low as $75 per year. There are no per-submission fees once subscribed; your membership includes unlimited submissions across all listings. Compared to Actors Access Plus ($68/year), Backstage is more expensive, but it provides access to a different (and often larger) pool of casting opportunities plus its editorial resources.

Backstage is an excellent choice for actors in the early-to-mid stages of their careers who want access to a high volume of casting opportunities across multiple performance categories. If you are building credits, gaining experience, or looking for both union and non-union work, Backstage should be one of your primary platforms. For more established actors who work primarily through agents and submit for top-tier studio projects, Actors Access and Casting Networks may provide more direct value. Actors in the UK market should consider Backstage as a supplement to Spotlight, particularly for indie and commercial opportunities. If the full subscription price is a barrier, watch for seasonal sales where annual plans can drop to $75 or less — that is exceptional value for what you get. New actors who are genuinely unsure where to start should consider Backstage first because of its combination of casting access and educational resources.

Set up highly specific saved searches with location, project type, and compensation filters so that your daily casting browse is focused and efficient rather than overwhelming. Submit for roles within the first 24 hours of posting — Backstage listings can receive hundreds of submissions, and casting directors typically review in chronological order. Take advantage of the editorial content, particularly the casting director interview series, which gives you genuine insight into what specific offices look for in submissions and auditions. Upload multiple headshot looks to your profile so you can match the tone of each specific breakdown. If you are in a smaller market, expand your search radius to include self-tape opportunities in major cities — many Backstage listings now accept remote self-tape submissions regardless of the actor's location. Watch for promotional pricing around major holidays to lock in an annual plan at a steep discount, as the difference between promotional and full price can be significant.