Casting, Job, Competition, and Festival CATEGORIES

Back Stage organizes casting/job notices based on geographic region and project category. The Back Stage Casting Department places every notice into the category that we feel it best belongs, so that our readers can quickly find what they’re looking for, in print and online. Some notices can run in multiple categories online. Below are the definitions of our various categories.

Note: Any category not specifically designated as Union, Nonunion, or Union/Nonunion may call for both union and nonunion performers; however, if ANY notice specifically calls for union performers, the exact union, union contract, and contract status ( “applying for,” “pending approval,” etc.) must be stated in the notice. Also, the pay scale ( “pay,” “no pay, “deferred pay,” etc.) should be noted in every notice. And if the project requires any participation fees, purchases, nudity, or other obligations, then the details should be clearly noted as well.

 

Film & Video

Union Film

Film projects primarily seeking union performers, including extras and leads. Typically, these notices are for SAG-only productions operating under a paid union contract. These notices may include calls for both shorts and features shooting on any format (16mm, 35mm, DV, HD, etc.).

Union TV/Video

Television and video projects primarily seeking union performers, including extras and leads. Typically, these notices are for SAG and AFTRA productions operating under a paid union contract. TV/Video notices may include calls for narrative projects, sitcoms, dramas, direct-to-video projects, and jobs for hosts/presenters, etc.

Union/Nonunion Film

Film projects seeking both union and nonunion performers, including extras and leads. Typically, these notices are for SAG productions operating under a union agreement. These notices may include calls for both shorts and features shooting on any format (16mm, 35mm, DV, HD, etc.).

Union/Nonunion TV/Video

Television and video projects seeking both union and nonunion performers, including extras and leads. Typically, these notices are for SAG and AFTRA productions operating under a union agreement. TV/Video notices may include calls for narrative projects, sitcoms, dramas, direct-to-video projects, and jobs for hosts/presenters, etc.

Nonunion Film

Film projects primarily seeking nonunion performers, including extras and leads. Typically, these notices are for productions not operating under a union contract. These notices may include calls for both shorts and features shooting on any format (16mm, 35mm, DV, HD, etc.).

Nonunion TV/Video

Television and video projects primarily seeking nonunion performers, including extras and leads. Typically, these notices are for productions not operating under a union contract. TV/Video notices may include calls for narrative projects, sitcoms, dramas, direct-to-video projects, and jobs for hosts/presenters, etc.

Commercials & Industrials

Commercials, spec commercials, infomercials, corporate industrials, and training videos, etc., calling for union and/or nonunion performers.

Multimedia & Online

Website, videogame, CD-ROM, multimedia, interactive, and art-installation projects calling for union and/or nonunion performers. These notices can include calls for performers to act in online films and host Internet shows, as well as calls for online video-content submissions (online showcases, video-blogs, etc.).

Music Video

Music videos and experimental films seeking actors, dancers, musicians, models, or other performers, including calls for extras and leads.

Student Film

Film and video projects that are made by students and/or are affiliated with a particular film school or university. These notices may include calls for union and/or nonunion actors and performers for shorts, features, camera tests, experimental films, and in-class workshops. If union actors are allowed to participate, then the casting call will typically specify “SAG Student Film Agreement” at the end of the notice.

Reality TV & Documentary

Film and video projects that do not require acting and/or require the on-screen talent to be themselves. These notices may include calls for reality TV shows, game shows, and documentaries. Both union and nonunion performers may be considered unless otherwise specified within the notice, but union performers should check with their union before accepting any gigs. Note: If a reality show is seeking a host or a documentary is seeking performers for a re-enactment (e.g., the talent will be playing a part and/or are learning lines), then the notice may run as a regular Film or TV/Video notice in addition to or instead of running in the Reality TV category, depending on the situation.

Voiceovers & Radio

Calls for voiceover talent to work on film, television, video, stage, commercial, music video, website, or videogame projects, etc. This category includes all radio work. Both union and nonunion performers may be considered for these roles, unless otherwise specified within the notice.

Theatre / Stage

The following categories are the default for all theatrical work, dramatic and comedic. The “Stage” categories are primarily intended for casting non-musical roles, although notices casting for both musicals and “straight” plays (simultaneously, in a single notice) may also run in these categories. On the other hand, notices that are primarily casting for musical productions usually only appear in the “Musical” or “Chorus” categories, or, in some cases, the “Singer” and “Dancer” categories (see below).

Union Stage

Theatre projects primarily seeking union performers. Typically, these notices are for projects operating under a paid Equity contract.

Union Musicals

Musical theatre projects primarily seeking union performers. Typically, these notices are for projects operating under a paid Equity, AGVA, or AGMA contract.

Union Chorus Calls

Musical theatre projects primarily seeking union singers and/or dancers for ensemble/supporting roles, chorus lines, etc. Typically, these notices are for projects operating under a paid Equity, AGVA, or AGMA contract.

Union/Nonunion Stage

Theatre projects seeking both union and nonunion performers. Typically, these notices are for projects operating under an Equity agreement; this category includes Equity Staged Readings, Equity 99-Seat Code productions on the West Coast, and Equity Showcases on the East Coast.

Union/Nonunion Musicals

Musical theatre projects seeking both union and nonunion performers. Typically, these notices are for projects operating under an Equity, AGVA, or AGMA agreement; this category includes Equity Staged Readings, Equity 99-Seat Code productions on the West Coast, and Equity Showcases on the East Coast.

Nonunion Stage

Theatre projects primarily seeking nonunion performers. Typically, these notices are for productions not operating under a union contract.

Nonunion Musicals

Musical theatre projects primarily seeking nonunion performers. Typically, these notices are for productions not operating under a union contract.

Other Performance Opportunities

Gigs, showcases, and other opportunities for actors, singers, dancers, models, comedians, variety performers, choreographers, musicians, composers, and various entertainment-industry professionals. The notices in these categories are applicable to both union and nonunion performers unless otherwise stated within the casting notice. However, union performers should always check with their union before accepting any work.

Comedy & Improv

Projects, groups, and venues looking for comedians and trained improvisers. Notices in this category may call for talent to perform at comedy clubs, comedy open mikes, improv competitions, and stand-up comedy showcases; as well as calls for comedians and improvisers to participate in comedy workshops, improv troupes, and improv-based video productions, etc. Note: Any fees, required drink/ticket purchases, ticket sales, or audience (“bringer”) requirements must be clearly stated in the notice.

Cabaret & Variety

Calls for cabaret performers, vaudeville performers, musical open-mike participants, club talent, small acts, and variety performers. Typically these gigs are for live performance spots at traditional cabaret venues, small dinner theatres, nightclubs, and upscale parties (bar mitzvahs, etc.). Often these notices are calls for cabaret-style singers or small-venue musical comedy acts, but this category may also contain calls for magicians, musicians, comics, DJs, go-go dancers, jugglers, ventriloquists, etc. Note: Any fees, required drink/ticket purchases, ticket sales, or audience (“bringer”) requirements must be clearly stated in the notice.

Singers

Calls for singers for gigs, groups, and performance opportunities ranging from choirs, bands, tours, and recording deals to musical theatre jobs, open mikes, and singing competitions. Pop, rock, opera, indie, singer-songwriter -- you name it. Note: In most cases, performance and recording fees should not be required for these projects; but if fees are required, they must be stated in the notice in detail. Any membership fees, required drink/ticket purchases, ticket sales, or audience (“bringer”) requirements must also be clearly stated.

Musicians & Composers

Calls for musicians and composers for a wide variety of music-related opportunities, including recording contracts, membership in bands (pop, rock, indie, etc.); gigs in musical theatre and cabaret; jobs for musical directors; performance spots at open mikes and competitions; and classical-music/orchestra careers. Note: In most cases, performance and recording fees should not be required for these projects; but if fees are required, they must be stated in the notice in detail. Any membership fees, required drink/ticket purchases, ticket sales, or audience (“bringer”) requirements must also be clearly stated.

Dancers & Choreographers

Calls for dancers and choreographers of any and all styles of dance and movement. This category includes notices for a wide variety of dance-related projects, including ballet, tap, modern, acrobatics, cheerleading, sports-team dance squads, and musical-theatre.

Theme Parks

Calls for performers (and sometimes crew) for onsite jobs at theme parks, amusement parks, funfairs, and carnivals; including musical theatre gigs, costumed-character work, and live shows/events. These notices often offer paid jobs and benefits to actors, variety performers, singers, and dancers. Some theme parks operate under an Equity contract, which will be noted in the casting notice if known.

Cruise Lines

Calls for performers (and sometimes crew) for onsite jobs on cruise ships; including musical theatre gigs and live shows/events. These notices often offer paid jobs to actors, variety performers, singers, and dancers. Some of the jobs require extended travel to foreign destinations. Note: Any cruise-ship duties (staff requirements outside of just performing) and perks (lodging, benefits, etc.) should be noted in the casting notice.

Tradeshows & Events

Calls for models, spokespeople, and performers (and sometimes staff) for onsite jobs and opportunities at tradeshows, stores, special events, and other places of business. The gigs in this category may include live industrials, promotional work, spokesmodel product demonstrations, corporate-themed musical theatre performances, holiday season costumed-character work, and modeling at live shows/events. Experience with sales and improvisation may be required for some of these jobs. Note: If the tradeshow or event is calling for entertainment-industry participants/attendees instead of hiring for a particular job, then this must be clearly described within the notice.

Modeling

A wide variety of modeling jobs and opportunities, including print and runway work, stock photography, commercial photography, catalog work, modeling competitions, videos, and calls for spokesmodels. This category may include calls for “regular looking” people and “character types” as well as calls for traditional “model types” and potential supermodels. Note: This category is intended for professional, legit modeling and commercial print work; Back Stage has a policy against running calls for pornography and fetish projects.

Competitions

Entertainment-industry competitions and talent shows, including live and web-based competitions and showcases intended for actors, singers, dancers, models, comedians, and variety performers, etc. Note: Any entry fees, required ticket purchases, ticket sales, or audience (“bringer”) requirements must be clearly stated in the notice, along with a description of the prizes involved.

Groups & Workshops

Membership companies, theatre groups, film collectives, improv troupes, community theatres, casting-director workshops, agent workshops, actor-training workshops, and other collaborative efforts and group-based opportunities. Notices in this category may call for a wide variety of talent, including actors, singers, dancers, musicians, writers, directors, filmmakers, etc., to join an ongoing organization or participate in a short-term project or workshop. Note: All workshop fees, membership dues, participation charges, and other commitments -- including any mandatory ticket sales or purchases -- must be specifically stated in each notice.

Entertainment Jobs

Performance gigs, entertainment-industry careers, and showcase opportunities that don’t quite fit into any of the other Back Stage categories and/or span multiple categories (e.g., film and theatre) or blur the line between performance-work and more traditional jobs. This category includes casting notices for ongoing work with entertainment companies and calls for actors, singers, dancers, DJs, puppeteers, clowns, jugglers, mimes, impersonators, costumed characters, ventriloquists, and other variety performers for things like parties, gigs at unusual venues, and opportunities that are out of the ordinary. In some instances, this category may also contain -- at the discretion of the Back Stage Casting Department -- calls for actor-friendly jobs that don’t entirely involve acting (e.g., party motivators, street-team marketing); performance gigs that involve non-performing responsibilities (e.g., singing waiters); very general calls for various types of performers; and calls for talent from casting directors and agents that need to generally refresh their files; etc. Note: This category is primarily intended for paying work. However, if the opportunity requires the participant to pay any fees, sell or buy tickets, or commit to any other obligations or purchases, then all of this information must be clearly stated in the notice.

Staff, Tech, Crew, Festivals, and Scripts

The following categories contain notices calling for submissions to media festivals; and calls for union and nonunion crewmembers, production assistants, and writers to work on specific productions (film, theatre, and multimedia projects); as well as calls for ongoing work at crew houses, post houses, production companies, staff & tech companies, agencies, theatres, etc.

Stage Staff & Tech

Theatre, cabaret, theme-park, and cruise-line staff and tech jobs, including opportunities for stage managers, producers, directors, production coordinators, set designers, set builders, stagehands, sound designers, art directors, costume designers, hair/makeup, wardrobe, PAs, casting directors, office coordinators, lighting/sound technicians, musical directors, artistic directors, theatre teachers, ushers, interns, etc.

Film/TV Crew

Film, television, video, and multimedia jobs for on-set, post-production, and office staff, including opportunities for producers, directors, DPs, UPMs, production coordinators, editors, animators, storyboard artists, gaffers, grips, sound recordists, sound designers, boom operators, special FX artists, programmers, web designers, art directors, costume designers, hair/makeup, wardrobe, craft services, PAs, casting directors, post-house supervisors, office coordinators, film teachers, interns, etc.

Film Festivals

Calls for submissions to film festivals, video festivals, and other media festivals, including both live and virtual (online) festivals, film showcases, and various screening opportunities. Note: If an entry fee is required, then it must be clearly stated in the notice, along with any submission deadlines and possible prizes.

Writers & Scripts

Jobs for writers and calls for scripts (plays and screenplays) for stage, film, TV/video, and multimedia projects, film festivals, writing competitions, etc. Note: Any submission fees must be clearly indicated in the notice, along with any submission deadlines and possible prizes. Also, the listing should note whether scripts will be returned if a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) is provided along with the submission.

Related Links:

For more info, visit our New Casting, Job, Festival, and Workshops post or download Back Stage's new casting, job, and festival categories PDF.

To post a notice in Back Stage’s print and/or online editions, visit http://backstage.com/findtalent.

To search through our database of current notices, visit http://backstage.com/bso/castingcall/search.

 

— Luke Crowe, National Casting Editor, Back Stage

 

Comments

[Olivai]

Hello,
My company is going into pre-production for a documentary to begin shooting in July. I would like to post a production notice in your news paper.
Would this be possible?
Thank you!
Olivia

[Luke Crowe]

If you're casting for a documentary -- whether it be actors to play people in re-creation scenes, or a voice-over narrator, or you need real people to interview -- then the best way to get the word out is to "Post a Notice" with Back Stage at http://backstage.com/FindTalent.

You can also use this Find Talent system to post notices calling for staff and crew.

Projects that post notices in Back Stage also often have their information picked up for production listings on various industry sites, including BackStage.com itself, since film/TV reporters tend to look at Back Stage's notices to see what projects are in the pipeline.

However, if you don't need to call for talent, and you just want to promote your project in general, then you can use our Message Boards at http://bbs.backstage.com to discuss and promote your film, from concept to pre-production to production, and even the previews and screenings.