6 Casting Websites Every Actor Should Know

In today's world, it's every actor's responsibility to take control of their career.  Definitely find yourself a quality talent agent, but don't just sit back and hope work finds you!  There are several resources including websites and social media that can kick start or continue building your career.  I've mentioned a few acting websites in the past here and here.

Checking the websites daily is a great start, but you should also consider following the casting websites through social media as well.  I'm sort of on a social media kick this week and want to make sure actors are not missing any opportunities!

Here are the 6 Casting Websites every actor should know (and follow through social networks)!!

1. Actors Access - Follow on Facebook and Twitter
2. Backstage - Follow on Facebook and Twitter 
3. Now Casting - Follow on Facebook and Twitter
4. 800 Casting - Follow on Facebook
5. Reality Wanted - Follow on Facebook and Twitter
6. Mandy - Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Let me know if I am missing any LEGIT casting websites, but this will give actors a great start!

***Follow Random Day Job on Facebook and Twitter***

2 More Casting Websites

Looking for auditions?  Try these two:

Backstage - Search by category (union, non-union, etc.) and east coast, west coast or by state.  Inside Tip - The website gives you basic info, but charges a monthly fee to see the entire breakdown.  I've been able to google almost every audition I was interested in and figure out where to email/submit my information.

Reality Wanted - Ever wanted to appear on Reality TV?  Reality Wanted is the place for you!  It's actually hilarious to browse through the postings.  There are some crazy shows out there!  You will need to set up a profile, but it's free.  Have fun :)

***For more casting websites, click here and here***

Casting Websites

Many of my Random Day Jobs have involved on-camera work.  If you are looking to get involved with commercials, corporate videos, films, television or acting in general; here are a few legit websites that are worth checking out:

1.       Actors Access – On this website, you can create a profile that includes a resume and headshot for free.  Demo reels can also be downloaded for a fee.  Depending on where you live, you can check out breakdowns in your area.  The regions of interest include: Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, Texas, Southeast, Florida, Hawaii, Mountain Region (Mainly CO, UT), Northwest and Mid-Atlantic. 

You can submit for free, but if a follow-up video audition is needed, it will cost a few bucks (tip - save your receipt and use the fee as a tax write off!)

2.       800 Casting – This website is really only good if you have an agent.  They will give you an agent code to sign up.  Most casting directors are taking mainly electronic submissions these days and 800 casting is very popular.  BTW…if your agency doesn’t have a website or use a program like this, you might want to look for new representation!

The site does have a yearly fee of $29.95 (which you can also use as a tax write off), but allows you to post a resume, photos and reels to the site.  Even living out of town, I have booked jobs through my agency from this site.  I didn’t even need to audition and the rate was high enough that it was worth flying home!

3.       Now Casting – This website is free to download a headshot and resume.   The database and electronic submission service is FREE.  There is no fee, ever.  You can search the database for upcoming jobs in your area and submit yourself for the job.

Obviously, big city people will benefit more from these websites more than small town folks, but that’s just the TV Biz!  Since my current location is Tucson, I’m pretty limited with the sites, but still check them out on a regular basis!

And one more thing…if you have any special skills, make sure to list them on your resume!  This will dramatically increase your ability to book certain roles.  If you play the guitar and the casting director must have someone who plays the guitar, they will pass you up unless guitar is clearly listed as one of your skills!

Do you have a casting website you really like?  If so, share the love!  If it’s legit, I will happily add it to my list.

***Want a talent agent, but not sure how to find one?  Click here***
***Want more acting websites?  Click here***