Are you ready to land your first role? Entry-level acting jobs, such as student films, shorts, and background gigs, are a great place to start. No matter what has stopped you from taking that first step toward your acting career, there’s no time like the present to make your goals (or dreams!) come true. Break into the acting world by checking out this roundup of entry-level jobs perfect for beginning actors.
“Moonballer”
Join the cast of “Moonballer,” a student thesis film following a world-class tennis champion who receives a bone fragment from a cadaver to address career-threatening arthritis in her knee, returning a year later to mount her comeback tour on a court her billionaire fiancé has built from lunar soil, where she discovers a horrendous secret. Chicago-based talent, aged 18–48, are sought for several roles, including the lead roles of Helen and Mathias. Athletic experience (especially tennis) will be a major plus for the starring role. Talent will work on Aug. 25–31 in Chicago. Pay is $150–$210 per day for up to eight days of work.
Want this gig? Apply here.
Netflix Series “The Roman” Starring Oscar Isaac
Roman Candle Casting is seeking talent for Netflix’s “The Roman,” an upcoming eight-episode drama series starring Oscar Isaac and produced by Martin Scorsese that explores the high-stakes, ruthless present-day Las Vegas casino business. NYC-based talent, aged 21–75, is sought to portray high-end casino gamblers in background roles. Talent will work on multiple dates between July and December. Pay is $187–$231 per day.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Consumption”
Casting is underway for “Consumption,” a short film following a recent high school graduate who invites her older ex-boyfriend over for dinner to gain closure, with her only solution to cope being to consume. Two Los Angeles-based actors, aged 18–25, are sought for the lead roles. There will be non-sexual full-frontal nudity required for the male role. Production will begin in 2027 in L.A., dates TBD. Pay is $200 per day for three days of work with meals provided.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Six Avenue Saints”
25 Casting is now seeking New York City-based talent, aged 35–79, for background roles in “Six Avenue Saints,” a 1990s-set feature film written and directed by Julia Fox. Work dates are TBD. Pay is $20 per hour for a guaranteed minimum of $100.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Her Tiny Hands”
“Her Tiny Hands,” a student film following a six-year-old girl who cherishes a rare day with her busy Indian immigrant father, only to uncover a secret that makes her question whether she still has a place in his life, is now seeking three L.A.-based South Indian actors, aged 5–70, for lead and supporting roles. Malayali heritage is preferred. Rehearsals are scheduled for the last week of September, followed by filming on Oct. 16–18. Pay is $200 for the supporting role and $800–$1,000 for the lead role with transportation, meals, and a copy provided.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“The Summers”
Grant Wilfley Casting is seeking background talent for the upcoming series “The Summers.” NYC and New Jersey-based talent, aged 21 and older, is wanted to portray line dancers and country dive and biker bar patrons (including those with motorcycles or souped-up cars/pickup trucks) and more. Production is also still seeking female talent, aged 21–40, to portray exotic/pole dancers in background roles. Talent must be comfortable appearing topless and in a thong. Background talent will work on select dates between Aug. 25 and 27, and the pay is $187–$241, plus a bump for relevant vehicles. Dancers will work in the New Jersey area on Aug. 21, and the pay is $1,000.
Want this gig? Apply here for bar patrons and line dancers, and apply here for exotic/pole dancers.
“Space Cadets: The Next Generation”
Casting is underway for the pilot of “Space Cadets: The Next Generation,” a heartfelt series that celebrates the imagination, resilience, and wonder of neurodivergent children and the parents who will do anything to help them thrive. A young male actor, age 2–5, is sought to play the lead role of Emerson, a three-year-old nonverbal boy who communicates in powerful and meaningful ways. Filming will take place in Southern California in late August. Pay is $249 per day for six days of work, with on-set meals and mileage reimbursement provided.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Parachute”
Casting is underway for “Parachute,” a BFA thesis film following a 12-year-old international student quietly spiraling into shame and homesickness. Production is seeking two young East Coast-based East Asian male actors, aged 10–19, for the lead roles of Lin and Josh. Both actors must be fluent in Mandarin, preferably in the Taiwanese dialect. Production is also casting a male actor, age 45–65, for a supporting role. Rehearsals will take place this fall, followed by filming this winter in the Greater Philadelphia area. Pay is 700–$1,050 for one week of work for the lead roles, and the supporting role is unpaid. All talent will receive credit, copy, meals, travel, and lodging.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“The Woods” TV Show
Roman Candle Casting is now casting talent for “The Woods,” a major upcoming TV series. Talent in the Beacon, New York, area, aged 6 and older, is wanted to portray 1970s summer camp kids, town pedestrians, and more. Filming is scheduled through September in and around Newburgh and Harriman. Pay is $187–$224 per day.
Want this gig? Apply here.