You too can be a star!

Backstage is one of the best-known casting call magazines in the United States. Since 1960, the company has helped aspiring performers find work. The printed version of Backstage is full of resources to get you started. The magazine and the website both list open calls and audition times for films, television, commercial, and modeling gigs. Both newcomers and seasoned pros use Backstage to find open roles large and small. Whether you’re looking to become an extra for a day or land the part that will make you famous, Backstage is your resource. Members and talent scouts alike love the site. It is easy to use and offers real job opportunities for various entertainers. Writers, directors, filmmakers, and producers can also find work. With a long history and a good reputation, maybe dreams of stardom aren’t really so farfetched.

Backstage company information

Official Website:https://www.backstage.com/
Headquarters Location:PO Box 1407 White Plains, NY 10602 United States
Founded:1960
Industry:Casting, Entertainment
Contact:1-917-725-6367 or Backstage Contact
Trust Score:High
Social Media:Facebook, Instagram

What is Backstage?

Backstage is a casting agency, talent agent, entertainment magazine, and job search website in one. The website offers a simple and convenient way to recruit fresh talent or find and audition for open roles. The company caters to models and actors. However, jobs are also available for musicians, dancers, and influences. Media production specialists, writers, and content creators can also break into the business with Backstage. Both amateur and professional roles are available. Amateur actors may find jobs as walk-ons and extras, but more substantial opportunities are also posted regularly. The company also operates a magazine and trains, young entertainers. Their forums and magazine teach newcomers about unions, performance etiquette, succeeding in interviews, and much more. Backstage also helps both small businesses and large enterprises find suitable employees for short-term work. Casting for commercials, a spokesperson, or a brand representative is easy with Backstage.

  • Is the site generally legal? In all countries? Backstage is a legal website based in the United States. It is accessible from most countries. Jobs are frequently listed as taking place in North America and Western Europe, but there are many positions in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. Using Backstage should be legal in nearly all countries. However, check with your local government if you think international job searches are not permitted under your laws.
  • How high is the chance of being scammed? Backstage itself has a good reputation. It has worked with many well-known companies such as Disney, HBO, and Netflix. However, not all clients are reputable. Users should be wary about offers that seem unrealistic or too good to be true. Backstage provides information to help hopefuls avoid being tricked. They will list whether a posting has been verified or not, so users can opt to reply only to verified listings. Backstage also advises members to remove their names, emails, and addresses from their resumes before uploading them. This prevents scammers from locating personal information. That along with common sense should keep you from running into scams on Backpage.
  • Does the site contain viruses or malware? No, the site is clean of malware and viruses. Of course, always use your antivirus or other protective software when going online.
  • Does the site steal sensitive data? There are no complaints about Backstage stealing or selling data. The company does require aspiring models, actors, and other users to provide documents to verify their identity. This means a driver’s license, passport, national ID, or birth certificate. However, these are not sold or distributed.

Are there similar fake sites to be aware of? Unfortunately, there are many fake modeling and casting sites. Some scammers will call, email, or reach out on social media. Abusers may also hunt for victims on modeling and casting sites. Never answer an unsolicited request for an audition or personal information. Only accept valid listings reported through the site, and if you’re concerned, contact a lawyer for help evaluating contracts. Some other sites known to be fraudulent are: http://www.CentralTalent.com, http://www.modelsearchfl.com, http://www.modeldiscoveries.com/, http://www.dwightagnor.com/

Is Backstage reliable and trustworthy?

  • How good are the company’s overall web ratings? Backstage has a satisfactory rating history. The average rating on sitejabber.com is 3.6/5 stars. They have 3.5/5 on Yelp and 3.6/5 on trustpilot.com. Many users say they felt treated well and enjoyed working with Backstage. The site has free and paid versions
  • Does the site have a refund policy? Yes, Backstage will refund magazine subscriptions as long as you cancel within two weeks. However, some people have complained because the magazine subscription automatically renews each year. The company does not contact members to inform them of price increases or verify they want to keep getting the magazine. If the subscription auto-renews, refunds can be very difficult to obtain.
  • How many scam reports are there compared to positive reports? About 10% of reviews claim the company is a scam. Most of these cases involve the company continuing to charge monthly fees after members had canceled their contract. The BBB lists Backstage as having a B rating, but there are also several formal complaints on the site.
  • How reliable is customer support? Most reviewers have not needed to access customer support. Users typically list or browse listings independently and connect with others through private messaging. The few reviews available said customer service was positive.

The pros and cons of Backstage

  • Pro – Models, actors, and other talented people can find work all over the globe. The site lists jobs in many different countries and regions.
  • Pro – Members of the Screen Actors Guild or other unions can access the casting calls for free.
  • Pro – Anyone can easily find the talent or employees they need from the site. It is quick and easy to list a job.
  • Pro – The company helps aspiring performers understand how to break into the business. Online articles and resources are available for free. There is also a useful forum for asking questions.
  • Pro – You will not need to have your own agent, coach, or instructor. This can save a lot of money compared to conventional methods of starting a performing career.
  • Pro – The job listings are open to you whether or not you belong to a union. Help getting started with an entertainer’s union like SAG is available.
  • Con – Listings are only available where the work is. People from sparsely populated rural areas may have to travel to work. Others may not find any listings in their area.
  • Con – Signing up for the website costs $119.88 annually. You must be a member to apply for casting calls or interviews. You will be charged even if you can’t find work or never apply.
  • Con – When searching for workers on Backstage, you may be contacted by scammers. The site doesn’t guarantee prospective talent is serious and interested in your job openings.
  • Con – Backstage doesn’t evaluate all job listings. Not all clients are trustworthy, so there is some risk of being scammed.
  • Con – Backstage doesn’t offer the personal service and individual attention agents give. The company won’t pay for or provide voice, acting, or other lessons. They also won’t work with you step-by-step to find reliable work.
  • Con – Before accepting contracts on Backstage, you will need to evaluate themselves or hire an entertainment lawyer to review them. Backstage doesn’t advocate for you.

How does Backstage make money?

Backstage earns money by selling access to their website. Actors, musicians, and dancers all pay an annual membership fee of USD 120. Talent scouts and employers can create free sites but are charged around $25 for each job they list on the website. Backstage also sells a magazine aimed at entertainers and industry enthusiasts. The magazine costs around $150/year.

Best Backstage Alternatives

Backstage is a great resource. It comes highly recommended by many agencies, talent scouts, and professional organizations. However, there are alternatives if Backstage doesn’t have what you want. Professionals with lots of experience may not find jobs that pay high enough or demand their skill set. We also suggest checking out these resources.

Backstage FAQ

Q. How much money can I earn using Backstage?

A. Backstage does not set hourly or daily wages or per-project rates. This means wages vary tremendously from casting call to casting call. Generally, larger budget projects in major cities pay significantly more than small-scale productions. Listings for amateur and novice performers offer $10-50/hour or a set rate of $100-400/project. Daily rates vary from $75 to $500. Union members and people hired for union jobs must receive at least the minimum amount set by their union. For SAG members, this means $1056/day. Professionals may receive a lot more. Some employers also offer benefits, such as free travel, accommodations, meals, or products.

Q. I’m a child actor or have a child who wants to model. Will this site work for me?

A. Yes, child actors and other young talents can sign up and use the website. Users must be 16 or older to create their own profile and account. However, parents are welcome to sign their younger children up for the service. There are many casting calls for children ranging from infants to toddlers.

Q. Do I have to do nudity or provide topless pictures?

A. No. Backstage doesn’t require any nude or topless images of talent. Some casting calls may request performers willing to do nudity or work with adult concepts. However, you can easily screen out these kinds of job offers. When you do a casting search, simply check the box to exclude any work that requires nudity.

Q. I don’t act or play music. Can I find work through Backstage?

A. Yes. Backstage posts all sorts of jobs relating to the entertainment industry. Performers like dancers, actors, models, and musicians will find many listings for their talents. However, there are many other job openings. Filmmakers, producers, set designers, makeup artists, and screenwriters use Backstage.

Q. Has anyone famous ever used Backstage?

A. Backstage has a long list of successful alumni. Sandra Bullock, Connie Britton, James Earl Jones, and Nathan Lane all got their start at Backstage. Many lesser-known people are earning their living with small roles found on Backstage.

Q. I’m an Instagram influencer with a strong following. Can I get hired Backstage?

A. Yes, many brands use influencers to market their products. Influencers can usually relate to the brand’s target audience and popularize using their products. There are many listings for influencers on Backstage. Some want to cast commercials, but others want to hire brand representatives or make you the face of their brand.

Q. What about gamers?

A. Backstage has roles for gamers, too. Professional e-gamers can apply for small roles on film and television. Others may be recruited to train professional actors to use gaming technology effectively.

Q. Can I see what’s on offer before I sign up?

A. Yes, the open calls are free to look at. However, you will have to register for the site before you can reply to any of the people hiring.