What Website Do Actors Use for Auditions?

What Website Do Actors Use for Auditions?

A Comprehensive Guide to Online Casting Platforms Every Aspiring Actor Should Know

(By Steven Abbott)

(Photo: Jopwell | Pexels)

Backstage is perhaps the most recognized and reputable casting website in the entertainment industry. It has been around since 1960 as a trade publication and now functions as a digital hub for actors to find auditions and casting calls for film, TV, theater, commercials, voiceover work, and more.

Why it’s popular:

User-Friendly Interface: Simple filtering options allow actors to narrow down searches by location, production type, union status, and more.

Verified Listings: Projects on Backstage are usually vetted, providing a layer of protection against scams.

Talent Profiles: Actors can create multimedia profiles showcasing headshots, reels, résumés, and voice clips.

Example Listing:
A 2025 casting call for a Netflix original teen drama series requested submissions from actors aged 13-19 via Backstage, with virtual auditions accepted.

Subscription Cost: Around $150/year (plans vary).

Who should use it?
Both beginners and seasoned professionals looking for legitimate work in film and theater should make Backstage their first stop.

Actors Access, powered by Breakdown Services, is the go-to for industry professionals, particularly in North America. It’s often used by casting directors to release “Breakdowns,” which are exclusive casting notices.

Key Features:

Eco-Cast: Submit your auditions digitally using Eco-Cast, a system for self-tapes and callbacks.

Breakdown Alerts: Get instant alerts for roles that match your profile.

Professional Integration: Many talent agents use this platform to submit their clients directly.

Example Listing:
A recent call for a Marvel Studios project required union and non-union submissions for a supporting role, exclusively listed on Actors Access.

Cost: Free to create a profile. Submissions to casting calls are $2 each, or actors can opt for an annual subscription (around $68) for unlimited submissions.

Pro Tip: This platform is ideal for actors represented by agents or seeking to transition from community theater to major productions.

Casting Networks (sometimes called LA Casting or NY Casting depending on the region) is a favorite for actors pursuing commercial and television work.

Why It Stands Out:

High Volume of Opportunities: Particularly strong for commercials, industrials, and web content.

Customizable Profiles: Include a range of media including photos, video reels, and skills.

Talent Representative Features: Agents and managers can submit you directly, but self-submissions are also allowed.

Example Listing:
A national Starbucks holiday ad campaign recruited talent exclusively through Casting Networks in 2024.

Cost: Free basic account, but paid plans (~$25/month) unlock premium tools like media uploads and unlimited submissions.

Best For: Commercial actors, models, and those looking to break into union TV projects.

Casting Frontier specializes in commercial auditions and is used by many casting offices in Los Angeles and other major cities.

What Makes It Unique:

Live Auditions and Check-Ins: Integrates well with in-person and virtual casting offices.

Voice and Commercial Reels: Strong tools for uploading commercial demos and character voices.

Digital Audition Queue: Helps casting directors manage high-volume commercial casting efficiently.

Example Listing:
A toy company seeking bilingual voiceover talent for an animated series found its entire cast through Casting Frontier.

Pricing: Starts at $99/year for premium features.

Ideal Users: Actors looking to gain experience quickly through commercials and voiceover gigs.

Mandy.com is an international casting platform that offers everything from student films to feature-length productions. It’s especially popular in the UK and Canada.

Main Highlights:

International Reach: Listings across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Wide Job Range: Includes crew, post-production, and even theater tech roles.

Free & Paid Options: Access limited listings with a free account; unlock full access with a subscription.

Example Listing:
An indie horror feature film shooting in Toronto listed all major roles on Mandy, seeking submissions globally with virtual auditions.

Subscription Fee: ~$14/month or ~$120/year.

Who Benefits Most: Actors interested in international projects or experimental indie films.

Project Casting shares casting calls for major productions and smaller gigs, often aggregating casting notices from production companies.

Perks:

Frequent Updates: New listings posted daily.

Big Brand Access: Regular postings from Disney, Warner Bros, HBO, and Netflix.

Helpful Blog: Educational content on auditioning, agents, and headshots.

Example Listing:
A Project Casting listing featured background roles in a major Warner Bros period drama, shot in Atlanta.

Cost: Free account with some premium options for exclusive roles.

Audience: Newcomers looking for opportunities on well-known sets, especially in major U.S. cities.

For actors in voice acting, video games, or content creation, Casting Call Club is a popular, community-focused platform.

What to Know:

User-Created Projects: Many projects are fan-made, indie, or student-driven.

Voice Acting Focus: Great for anime, video games, audiobooks, and YouTube series.

Free with Optional Upgrades: A supportive community for beginners.

Example Listing:
A fan-dub of a popular anime series cast multiple voice roles using Casting Call Club, resulting in thousands of auditions.

Membership: Free, with Gold status ($5/month) offering better visibility.

Recommended For: Voice actors and those looking to build a digital portfolio or experiment with character work.

Not every audition comes through a formal platform. Increasingly, casting directors share open calls and breakdowns on social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore This:

Real-Time Announcements: Get breaking casting updates directly from trusted sources.

Hashtag Power: Searches like #CastingCall or #OpenCall can yield real results.

Direct Access: Some indie and low-budget directors use social media as their primary outreach tool.

Example:
Casting director Sarah Finn posted an open call for a new Marvel project on Instagram, asking for self-tapes from young actors worldwide.

Pro Tip: Always verify casting notices to avoid scams. Stick to profiles that are verified or connected to known professionals.

Finding the right platform is just the beginning. Here are some essential tips to get the most out of these websites:

Keep Your Profile Updated: Regularly update your headshots, résumé, and demo reels.

Tailor Your Submissions: Don’t mass-submit. Read each casting call carefully and customize your cover note.

Practice Self-Taping: Many auditions are virtual now. Invest in good lighting, a quiet background, and a quality camera or phone.

Track Your Auditions: Use a spreadsheet or audition tracker to keep tabs on roles, submissions, callbacks, and feedback.

Stay Professional: Respond promptly to messages, show up prepared, and respect deadlines.

The world of acting has never been more accessible thanks to online casting platforms. Whether you’re just starting or are deep into your career, there’s a site tailored to your needs.

Backstage is great for all-around access.

Actors Access is ideal for professionals with agents.

Casting Networks is the leader in commercials.

Casting Frontier thrives in voice and quick turnaround projects.

Mandy offers international reach.

Project Casting can land you on big sets.

Casting Call Club lets you explore the world of online voice work.

Social media remains a surprise resource.

The key is consistency. Check listings daily, refine your materials, and submit strategically. Success in acting is often a numbers game mixed with preparation and perseverance.

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