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.
“Miasmacat”
Join the cast of “Miasmacat,” a short indie romance-drama film about a couple who, after moving into a new house and hearing that their friends are having a baby, have their life gently upended by the unexpected responsibility of a stray cat. California-based actors, aged 20–35, are sought for lead and supporting roles. The lead roles must be comfortable working with cats. Filming is scheduled for Sept. 18–27 in Orange and Anaheim. Pay is $200 per day for up to five days of work, with transportation and gas and/or shuttle covered.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“Together Tomorrow”
Casting is underway for “Together Tomorrow,” an original musical short film. Female and nonbinary actor-singers, aged 18–45, are sought for lead and supporting roles in the project. Vocals will be recorded in late August in Hillsborough, North Carolina, followed by principal photography in Spring 2027 in Wilmington. Pay is $300 per day with travel provided.
Want this gig? Apply here.
“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.
“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.
