Do you want to become a star? Do you have a Backstage subscription? Considering the amount of successful actors who caught their big breaks thanks to Backstage, you really should. Whether you’re new to the site or wondering how to optimize your online experience to launch your artistic career, the steps below detail what working actors need to do if they’re looking to make the big time. With some patience, know-how, and hard work, you could join the ranks of famous artists who used Backstage throughout their careers.
READ: Backstage Testimonials From Famed Artists
1. Join Backstage.
If you’re serious about your acting career, a Backstage subscription is a worthy investment. Creating a profile with us allows you to browse thousands of available auditions, communicate with casting directors and other industry professionals, and gain access to all the useful information on Backstage.com. Be sure to sign up for our daily e-newsletter—and read up on the articles and opportunities it includes!
2. Assemble headshots and a reel.
This is an important step! Upload a few of your most versatile headshots, and a reel of your on-camera work. Don’t have headshots? Browse our interviews with professionals for ideas on how to proceed, or visit our yellow pages to find photographers to hire. Don’t have footage for a reel? Good thing a Backstage subscription enables you to...
3. Submit yourself for auditions.
Are you looking to get your start in open calls for theater productions? Participate in student films? Star in lucrative national commercials? Or even cruise ship gigs? Use the site’s handy filters to browse hundreds of new casting notices as often as you want. You can even save previous searches to quickly check in on which jobs could potentially give you that big break. Actors and casting directors are finding each other every day via Backstage.com. Get in on the action!
4. Optimize your Backstage profile.
Does your online presence show off your talent and personality? Ask yourself what a casting director, agent, or manager might see when they visit your Backstage profile. (Believe us: if they’re thinking about working with you, they will Google you!) Don’t forget to include a detailed résumé of your experiences and special skills!
5. Read, read, and read some more.
Major movie star and Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock once said, “I look back and I say, ‘Every single thing I have today is because I picked up Backstage every Thursday.’ ” Bullock used to read up on countless articles and industry goings-on in addition to browsing casting notices. If you’re looking to keep your finger on the pulse of the theater, film, TV, or commercial worlds, Backstage.com and its weekly print issue are one of the best resources available to you. (Click the Backstage covers tag to check out some of the stars on the magazine’s cover!)
6. Get discovered by an agent or manager.
With persistence and hard work, you could get your career to the point where agents and managers are begging to represent you. Backstage not only offers more practical advice from real-life agents than any other site, it offers opportunities to find and communicate with such industry movers and shakers. Call Sheet is one of Backstage’s best resources; browse it for local agents and managers, and get discovered!
7. Book the gig(s).
Nail the audition, please the casting director, book the job! Then, book another job. Then another. Before you know it you could be quitting your survival job and focusing full-time on your craft and passion projects. Stephen Chacon booked a background gig on Baz Luhrmann’s Netflix hit “The Get Down,” only to be bumped up to a speaking role, which led to roles on “Mr. Robot” and “Madame Secretary.” Leslie Odom Jr. and Jonathan Groff of Broadway and “Hamilton” fame both booked their first major gigs through Backstage casting notices.
All these actors followed the steps above to become the talented, successful stars they are today. If you want (and can handle) that kind of spotlight, dive into the resources at your disposal on Backstage.com. We’ll say we knew you when!
For more practical advice from entertainment industry professionals, visit our YouTube channel:
And start browsing Backstage audition listings now!