NYCastings

NYCastings is a casting platform that was founded with a specific focus on the New York City entertainment market, filling a niche for actors, models, and performers seeking opportunities in one of the world's most competitive performance markets. The platform launched in the early 2000s as the digital casting landscape was taking shape, and it quickly became a go-to resource for New York-based actors who wanted an alternative or supplement to Backstage and Actors Access. Over the past two decades, NYCastings has expanded to include listings from markets beyond New York, though its core identity and strongest coverage remain rooted in the tri-state area. The platform covers a broad range of performance categories including film, television, theatre, voice-over, modeling, and commercial work. While it does not have the market dominance of the major platforms, NYCastings has maintained a loyal user base among New York performers who value its local focus and consistent stream of indie and theatre opportunities.

What distinguishes NYCastings from larger national platforms is its deep connection to the New York indie film, theatre, and commercial scene. The platform has always had a particularly strong selection of Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway audition notices, independent film casting calls, and commercial opportunities originating from New York-based production companies. For actors who are specifically focused on building a career in the New York market rather than pursuing Hollywood-centric opportunities, NYCastings provides a curated selection of locally relevant listings that can be harder to find on larger, more nationally focused platforms. The platform also serves as a resource for voice-over artists and models, making it a multi-discipline tool for performers who work across categories. NYCastings has adapted to industry changes by adding support for self-tape submissions and virtual auditions, keeping the platform relevant in the modern casting landscape.

Getting started on NYCastings involves creating an account and building a profile with your headshot, resume, demo reel, and performance stats. The registration process is straightforward and does not require union membership or professional credits to join. Free accounts can browse some casting listings, but submitting for roles requires a paid subscription. Once subscribed, you can search the full database of casting calls using filters for category, location, project type, and compensation. Submissions are made directly through the platform — you select a casting call, review the requirements, attach your materials, and submit electronically. The platform sends email notifications for new castings matching your profile criteria, though setting up specific filters is recommended to avoid notification overload. NYCastings is accessible via web browser, and the submission process is designed to be quick and efficient.

The day-to-day experience of using NYCastings centers on checking new casting notices, submitting for relevant roles, and managing your profile. New listings are posted throughout the week, with the highest volume typically appearing early in the week as productions plan their upcoming audition schedules. The platform's search interface allows you to sort by date posted, project type, and location, making it relatively easy to identify fresh opportunities. Voice-over opportunities on NYCastings are a notable strength, as the platform has built a solid reputation in the New York voice-over community. The platform also occasionally features industry articles and resources, though its editorial content is less extensive than Backstage's. Response times from casting directors vary as with any platform, but NYCastings listings tend to have somewhat lower submission volumes than the major platforms, which can mean better visibility for your submission.

NYCastings is used primarily by actors, voice-over artists, and models based in or near New York City, though performers in other markets do use the platform as well. The user base tends toward early-career and mid-career performers who are building credits in the indie film, theatre, and commercial spaces. Both union and non-union actors use the platform, with a mix of SAG-AFTRA and non-union listings available. The platform is particularly popular among actors who specialize in theatre and are looking for Off-Broadway, showcase, and regional theatre opportunities alongside their film and television submissions. Independent filmmakers and small production companies in the New York area frequently post on NYCastings, creating a stream of opportunities that may not appear on larger national platforms. The voice-over community on NYCastings is notably active, making it a useful resource for performers who work in that discipline.

NYCastings requires a paid subscription to submit for casting calls. The monthly subscription costs approximately $12.95 per month, with quarterly and annual plan options available at reduced per-month rates. Contact NYCastings directly at 212-812-1441 or Subscriptions@NYCastings.com for current pricing on longer-term plans, as rates may adjust periodically. Free accounts can browse some listings but cannot submit for roles or access the full database. The subscription includes unlimited submissions, full profile features, and access to all casting categories. Compared to major platforms like Backstage ($25/month) and Casting Networks ($29.99/month), NYCastings is more affordable, though the volume and breadth of listings is correspondingly smaller. There are no additional per-submission fees once subscribed.

NYCastings is best suited as a supplementary casting platform for actors based in or near New York City who are actively working in indie film, theatre, voice-over, or commercials. It should not replace your primary platforms — Actors Access and Backstage should be your first investments — but at $12.95 per month, NYCastings is an affordable way to expand your opportunity pipeline with New York-specific listings. Voice-over artists in the New York market will find particular value here compared to other platforms. Actors outside the tri-state area will find limited utility unless they are specifically targeting New York-based productions that accept remote self-tape submissions. If you are on a very tight budget and can only afford one platform, choose Actors Access or Backstage first; add NYCastings once those are covered. Theatre actors focused on Off-Broadway and showcase productions should consider NYCastings a worthwhile supplement to Backstage and Playbill.

Check NYCastings at the beginning of each week when the highest volume of new listings tends to appear, and set up email alerts for your specific categories to catch opportunities promptly. Use the platform strategically for its New York niche strength — do not try to use it for LA or national searches where Actors Access will serve you better. If you are a voice-over artist, prioritize filling out every VO-related field in your profile and uploading voice demos, as this is one of the platform's stronger categories. Cross-reference NYCastings postings with your other platforms to avoid duplicate submissions for the same projects. When responding to indie and low-budget listings, evaluate each opportunity based on the creative team, production value, and potential for meaningful credits rather than compensation alone. Consider the quarterly or annual subscription if you plan to use the platform consistently, as the per-month savings add up over time.