Best Online Casting Platforms for Beginners
Starting out as an actor? These casting platforms are beginner-friendly, budget-smart, and actually worth your time. Some gigs will build your resume. Others will just build your patience. Either way, they’re the best places to dive in and start booking real work.
Central Casting
Old-school, but still running the show for background work. Central Casting is the gateway for getting on major TV and movie sets — especially if you live near LA, NYC, Atlanta, or New Orleans. Registration can be a little clunky (in-person or virtual appointments), but once you’re in, you’re golden. Warning: Be ready for long days, early mornings, and the occasional sighting of a very bored celebrity.
Project Casting
Think of Project Casting as a giant, searchable bulletin board of gigs. It’s free to browse and sign up, and they post everything from Marvel background calls to low-budget indie films. Be prepared to sift a little — some listings are gold, some are glitter. Still, it’s a great spot to practice your submission skills and maybe land a few solid credits.
Actor’s Access
If you’re serious about acting (even if you’re just getting started), this is the mothership. Actor’s Access posts real film, TV, and theater auditions — the kind casting directors actually use. It’s free to create a basic profile, but you’ll want to budget for uploading headshots and reels. Pro tip: always read the submission notes — “quirky neighbor” means quirky, not “I’ll just wing it.”
Backstage
Beginner-friendly and proud of it. Backstage is packed with indie films, student projects, commercials, and VO gigs — perfect for building your resume without needing an agent. There’s a paid membership, but if you’re serious about getting auditions without living in LA or New York, it’s worth it. Just remember: “Unpaid passion project” often translates to bring your own snacks.
Casting Networks
If commercials are calling your name (and your rent demands you answer), Casting Networks is where you need to be. It’s especially strong for commercial auditions, background work, and print modeling. Uploading a good slate video here can really boost your odds. Pro tip: They love actors who look like real people. Which — congratulations — is you.
Disclaimer: Always vet each project and follow common-sense safety practices when applying or submitting. A good gig is out there — but so are weirdos. Stay sharp, stay safe, and happy booking!