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Casting Frontier

A streamlined casting platform popular with commercial and theatrical casting directors.

FreemiumCasting & Audition Platforms

Overview

Casting Frontier is a digital casting platform that launched in the mid-2000s and has steadily built a reputation among casting directors for its clean interface and efficient workflow tools. While it does not have the market dominance of Casting Networks or the legacy of Breakdown Services, Casting Frontier has carved out a respected niche, particularly in the commercial and theatrical casting spaces. The platform was founded with the goal of modernizing the casting process and reducing the friction that both actors and casting directors experienced with older, less intuitive systems. Several well-known casting offices in Los Angeles and New York use Casting Frontier as their primary or secondary platform, which gives the platform credibility despite its smaller market share. Over the years, Casting Frontier has expanded its feature set to include self-tape submissions, virtual audition capabilities, and enhanced talent search tools.

Casting Frontier positions itself as a streamlined, user-friendly alternative to the larger casting platforms, and this simplicity is genuinely one of its strengths. The interface is clean and modern compared to the sometimes dated feel of Actors Access or Casting Networks, making it particularly approachable for actors who are newer to the digital casting ecosystem. The platform serves as both a submission tool for agents and a self-submission resource for actors, bridging the gap between represented and unrepresented talent. Casting Frontier has also invested in tools for casting directors that make the platform attractive from the other side of the table, which in turn benefits actors because more casting directors posting means more opportunities available. For actors already using Actors Access and Casting Networks, Casting Frontier represents an additional channel that can surface opportunities not posted on other platforms.

How It Works

Getting started on Casting Frontier involves creating a free account and building your profile with headshots, resume, demo reel clips, and physical stats. The registration process is straightforward and does not require industry credits or training to join — any actor can create a profile. Once your profile is live, your agent can submit you for roles posted on the platform, or you can browse and self-submit for available breakdowns depending on the listing. The platform supports standard submission formats including headshot and resume attachments, self-tape video uploads, and voice demos. Casting Frontier sends notifications when new breakdowns match your profile, and the submission process takes just a few clicks once your profile is complete. The platform is accessible via both desktop and mobile, though the mobile experience is more limited than some competitors.

Day-to-day use of Casting Frontier is similar to other casting platforms — you check for new breakdowns, review role descriptions, and submit when appropriate. The platform's search and filtering tools allow you to sort opportunities by location, project type, role type, and other criteria. One feature that sets Casting Frontier apart is its audition scheduling system, which some casting offices use to manage in-person and virtual audition appointments directly through the platform. Self-tape submissions can be uploaded and delivered through the built-in system, which casting directors receive in a professional format. The notification system alerts you to new opportunities that match your profile criteria, though the volume of postings is lower than what you would find on Actors Access or Backstage. The platform also maintains a talent directory that casting directors can search when looking for specific types, which provides passive exposure beyond active submissions.

Who Uses It

Casting Frontier is used primarily by actors in the Los Angeles and New York markets, with growing adoption in Atlanta, Chicago, and other production centers. The platform attracts both SAG-AFTRA and non-union actors, with a particularly strong presence in commercial casting — many commercial casting directors appreciate the platform's efficient workflow tools and clean submission format. Represented actors make up a significant portion of the user base, as agents frequently submit clients through Casting Frontier alongside submissions on Actors Access and Casting Networks. The platform also serves voice-over artists and models, though its core user base is on-camera actors. Actors at the mid-career stage tend to get the most value from Casting Frontier, as the platform's posting volume is sufficient for supplementary opportunity discovery but may not be robust enough to serve as a primary casting tool for beginners who need high-volume access.

Pricing & Plans

Casting Frontier operates on a freemium model that is among the most accessible in the industry. Creating and maintaining a basic profile is completely free, and agents can submit talent through the platform at no cost to the actor. Premium features are available for actors who want enhanced profile capabilities, increased visibility in talent searches, and additional media upload options. The premium pricing is competitive with other platforms in the space, though specific rates should be confirmed on the Casting Frontier website as they adjust periodically. Importantly, there are no per-submission fees — once your profile is set up, you can be submitted for roles without incremental costs. For represented actors whose agents already submit through Casting Frontier, the free tier may provide everything you need, making this one of the lowest-cost casting platform options available.

Pros & Cons

What's Great

Casting Frontier's interface is notably cleaner and more modern than many competing platforms, making it pleasant to use and easy to navigate without a steep learning curve. The free tier is genuinely functional for represented actors whose agents handle submissions, requiring zero financial investment. The platform's strong adoption among commercial casting directors means it can surface opportunities — particularly for commercials and print work — that may not appear on Actors Access or Backstage. Audition scheduling tools integrated directly into the platform streamline the logistics of booking and confirming auditions. The submission process is fast and efficient, with a straightforward workflow that respects actors' time. The talent search feature provides passive exposure that can generate direct outreach from casting directors, adding value beyond active submissions.

What Could Be Better

The volume of casting notices on Casting Frontier is significantly lower than Actors Access or Backstage, which means it cannot serve as a standalone casting resource for most actors. The platform's market presence outside of Los Angeles is limited compared to larger competitors, which reduces its utility for actors in regional markets. Premium features, while available, do not provide a dramatic enough upgrade over the free tier to feel essential for most users. Self-submission options are more limited than on Actors Access, with many Casting Frontier listings restricted to agent submissions only. The platform lacks the editorial content and educational resources that Backstage provides, making it purely a transactional casting tool. Name recognition among newer actors is lower, which means some beginners may not realize it exists or understand its value in the casting ecosystem.

Our Recommendation

Casting Frontier is best understood as a supplementary platform rather than a primary casting tool. If your agent submits through it, you should absolutely have a profile — it costs nothing and gives you access to another channel of opportunities. Actors focused heavily on commercial work in Los Angeles should consider it a worthwhile addition to their platform portfolio. However, if you are choosing between your first casting platform subscriptions, prioritize Actors Access and Backstage before investing time in Casting Frontier. Unrepresented actors in smaller markets may find limited value here due to the lower volume of self-submission opportunities. If you already use Actors Access and Casting Networks, adding a free Casting Frontier profile is a no-risk way to expand your visibility with casting directors who prefer this platform.

Pro Tips

Ask your agent if they submit through Casting Frontier — many actors do not realize their representation uses this platform, and confirming it ensures your profile is optimized for the submissions being sent on your behalf. Keep your Casting Frontier profile headshots and resume synchronized with your other platforms so casting directors see consistent materials regardless of where they encounter your submission. Check the platform's casting notices at least a few times per week, even if it is not your primary tool, because commercial opportunities in particular can appear here first. If you attend a general meeting or audition where the casting director mentions they use Casting Frontier, note that and ensure you follow up through the platform. Take advantage of the talent search feature by filling out every field in your profile including special skills, languages, and accents — this increases your chances of appearing in casting director searches.

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Quick Facts

PricingFree basic; premium upgrades available
Best ForActors with commercial representation looking for an additional submission platform