Updated: March 10, 2025
If you’re an actor, online casting platforms are your gateway to casting opportunities. Whether you are in LA, NY, or another city, if you are wondering how to get more auditions, these sites are your key!
These casting websites for actors, like Actors Access for TV roles or Backstage for theater auditions, let you upload your headshots, resumes, and demo reels. They connect you directly with casting directors, agents, and producers casting talent for a wide range of projects. Whether you’re pursuing film, TV, commercials, or theater, these platforms provide access to casting calls tailored to your skills and career goals. What platform do you use when casting talent?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best online casting platforms for getting cast, and how to use them effectively to boost your career. Here’s what they offer:
Search and apply directly to roles that fit your profile.
Keep your materials accessible to casting professionals at all times.
Showcase your range by organizing your portfolio for different types of roles.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, actively casting talent and and using online platforms make it easier to take charge of your career.
Instead of waiting for your agent to call or hoping the perfect opportunity lands in your lap, you can actively search for roles and submit yourself. These tools put the power in your hands and connect you with industry professionals casting talent for various projects.
A strong online presence is crucial for every actor. Your profiles on actor self-submission platforms act as your digital calling cards, so it’s essential to update your headshots, resumes, and demo reels regularly. Even small updates, like tweaking your bio or adding a new credit, show casting directors that you’re active and available. To stand out, make sure your content is high-quality and showcases your range and type—key factors when decision-makers are casting talent for their next production.
All casting websites share similar features that make it easier for actors to connect with casting professionals. Here’s what they all have in common:
These features form the foundation of what makes these platforms invaluable. But each one also has unique strengths, which we’ll explore next.
Actors Access is one of the most trusted platforms for actors looking to find auditions for film, TV, and streaming projects. Operated by Breakdown Services, it’s used by virtually every casting director, and directly connected to the system agents and managers use to submit their clients.
What Makes Actors Access Stand Out:
When to Use It:
Actors Access simplifies how actors find casting calls for union and non-union film and TV projects, from indie films to major network shows. If you are represented, your agent or manager will most likely require you to be on the platform.
If you’re focused on film and TV, this is where you’ll find the majority of online self-submission opportunities, and is an absolute must for non-union actors looking for on-screen roles.
Looking to create a standout demo reel for Actors Access? Check out our demo reel editing services!
Backstage is a trusted name in the acting world, especially for theater and indie projects. It’s a fantastic tool for actors of all levels, offering creative opportunities and valuable resources.
What Makes Backstage Stand Out:
When to Use It:
Use Backstage to explore theater roles or creative on-screen projects like indie films and student work.
Casting Networks is the best online casting platform for actors wondering how to find auditions for national ad campaigns, regional commercials, and industrials. They also offer a range of other opportunities including modeling, voiceover, and indie films.
What Makes Casting Networks Stand Out:
When to Use It:
This platform is essential for actors pursuing commercial work, and can be very helpful in finding a wide range of opportunities.
Mandy is perfect for actors and creatives wondering how to find auditions or collaborate with indie films, student projects, theater, and voiceover work.
For actors seeking international casting calls, Mandy features opportunities in the UK, U.S., and beyond.
What Makes Mandy Stand Out:
When to Use It:
Mandy is a supplemental platform for creative projects, offering unique opportunities to build experience and network in the indie scene.
NY Castings is a local online casting platform for actors in New York City, offering casting calls for theater, commercials, and indie films.
What Makes NY Castings Stand Out:
NY Castings lists auditions for non-union theater and indie projects, making it ideal for beginner actors based in NYC.
Casting Frontier is a cost-effective and easy-to-use platform best known for its commercial casting, especially in cities like Los Angeles where ad campaigns and industrial projects are abundant. It’s user-friendly and budget-friendly, making it a favorite for actors breaking into commercials.
What Makes Casting Frontier Stand Out:
Commercial Casting Focus: Casting Frontier is known for listing local and regional commercials, as well as digital content, films, print and TV shows.
Easy Setup: The platform is simple to navigate, allowing actors to create profiles and start submitting quickly.
When to Use It:
Casting Frontier works best as a complementary platform for actors focused on commercials. While it’s smaller in scale compared to Casting Networks, it’s a practical resource for finding local projects and gaining experience in the commercial space.
Are you ready to boost your career and find casting calls for film, TV, or commercials? By keeping your profiles updated, investing in polished content, and using these platforms strategically, you can stand out and open doors to exciting opportunities. When industry professionals are casting talent, they look for actors who present themselves professionally and stay active in the industry.
What self-submission platforms for actors do you use when casting talent, and how has it helped your career?
Check out our demo reel editing services and elevate your career today!
The best platform depends on your goals and the type of work you’re pursuing.
Absolutely! Each platform focuses on different types of roles, so using multiple platforms ensures you don’t miss opportunities. For example:
Yes, some platforms are especially great for beginners:
Update your profiles regularly—at least every 3-6 months or whenever you have:
Keeping your profile fresh shows casting directors that you’re active and serious about your career.
While both are powerful platforms, they cater to different markets:
Mandy is best for actors interested in indie films, student projects, or collaborating with filmmakers. While it’s not focused on union or high-budget productions, it’s an excellent platform for networking and building experience.
Consider your goals and location: