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.
“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.
“Rukia”
Join the cast of “Rukia,” an MFA thesis film following the titular young Haitian mother as she meticulously plans the last day with her son before a separation. Production is seeking a pair of New York City-based Haitian actors, one age 9–15 and one age 23–30, for the starring roles. The role of Rukia requires the ability to speak Haitian Creole. Production is also hiring a cinematographer. Rehearsals will take place in November, followed by blocking and rehearsals on Dec. 21 and 23 and principal photography on Dec. 24–Dec. 31 (with Jan. 2 reserved for pickups). Pay is $500–$800 for actors and $1,500 for the cinematographer.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Out The Kitchen”
Grant Wilfley Casting is continuing its search for background talent in the second season of a major returning streaming series. Production is now seeking NYC-based Latinx talent, aged 18 and older, to portray teens, grandparents, pedestrians, and more in background roles. Production is also seeking a white male photo double, age 30–45, with dark hair and a fit build. Talent will work on July 14 (double) and 15 (background) in the NYC area. Pay is $187–$231 for background talent and $270 for the photo double.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Sruz Dream”
Join the cast of “Sruz Dream,” a cinematic comedy-doc series centered on starting a life and career as a social media influencer. Production is now seeking talent, aged 18–70, for a pair of supporting roles. No previous acting experience is required. Rehearsals are scheduled for July, followed by filming in late July/early August in Los Angeles. Pay is $200–$500.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Peanut Butter”
Join the cast of “Peanut Butter,” a coming-of-age feature film following 14-year-old Jamie as he spends a summer in New Orleans exploring the tender, confusing stirrings of first love and identity with his neighborhood friends. Young actors, aged 13–18, are wanted for lead roles, including the protagonist, Jamie. No prior acting experience is required. Filming will take place in New Orleans and its surrounding areas on Sept. 2–30. Pay is $3,028 for two weeks of work.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Autogynephobia”
Sweet Void Cinema is now seeking nationwide talent for “Autogynephobia,” a dark dramedy from a trans filmmaker about the friendship between a 20-something trans man and a 50-something crossdresser who meet online and spend one strange night together in seedy motels and dive bars. Actors of any gender, aged 18–69, are sought for the lead role of Juliette and two additional supporting roles. No acting experience is necessary for the lead role; improv experience is preferred for the supporting roles. Filming will take place in Chicago in October and November. Pay is $250 per day for up to 10 days of work, with travel and accommodations provided.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Rare Birds”
Casting is underway for “Rare Birds,” a short dramedy film about a little girl and an old man who bond over their shared love of birdwatching. Two female actors, one aged 9–12 and one aged 30–45, are sought for the co-lead role of Paloma and the supporting role of her mother, Lindsay. Filming is scheduled for Oct. 23–25 in New York City. Pay is $250 per day for up to three days of work.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Concrete Kingdom”
Paper Town Studios is now casting “Concrete Kingdom,” a Safdie-esque coming-of-age drama about a 16-year-old pinballing through NYC. Actors, aged 11–55, are sought for several lead and supporting roles. Production is also hiring a director of photography, a sound mixer, and other crew roles. Filming is scheduled for August and/or September in NYC. Pay is $200–$300 for lead roles for up to five days of work. Supporting roles are unpaid, and crew rates are currently TBD, though some will be unpaid or receive a profit share.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“The Getaway”
Join the cast of “The Getaway,” a short film following a group of young robbers who lose their getaway driver and improvise with the first idle car they see, adding a hostage driver to their whirlwind escape from a bank heist gone awry. A Los Angeles-based female actor, age 18–21, is sought for the lead role of Dylan, a team player (and usually a bit of a slacker). Talent will work on July 18–19 and/or 25–26 in Orange County. Pay is $300 per day.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Holy Palmer’s Kiss”
Kendall Cooper Casting is now seeking talent for “Holy Palmer’s Kiss,” a proof-of-concept short film for a coming-of-age drama following two 14-year-old boys navigating identity, friendship, and first love in Maine. Young male talent, aged 12–16, is sought for the two lead roles and a supporting role. Rehearsals are scheduled for Aug. 14, followed by filming on Aug. 15–16 in Lewiston, Maine. Pay is $249 per day for two or three days of work, with travel and mileage reimbursement and/or flights and hotel provided.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Paradise”
Join the proof-of-concept cast of “Paradise,” an adventure-drama film following a pair of young friends who impulsively run away in search of a dreamland they call Paradise, only to meet the cruelty of the world through a young girl being trafficked. Talent, aged 10–15, is sought for a trio of lead roles, and a male actor, age 40–70, is wanted for a supporting role. Filming is scheduled for Aug. 26–Sept. 2 in Woodlawn, Virginia. Pay is $250 per day for up to eight days of work with all travel and accommodations provided.
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.