https://www.backstage.com/news/News articles for the following category: NewsenMon, 12 Nov 2018 12:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/new-amazon-series-bojack-horseman-producer-seeking-male-talent/ A new TV pilot for a mockumentary-style series on Amazon is casting supporting and background actors. The still-untitled show is written and co-executive produced by Mehar Sethi (“BoJack Horseman”). The show is set in a town called North Las Vegas and it’s full of huge parking lots that surround mini-malls. The mockumentary follows a group of working-class DJs and their milieu as they strive for success and fame, symbolized by the wash of light coming from the nearby strip. The show is casting the supporting role of Nathan, for a male actor, aged 18, who is either of Asian or Pacific Islander descent. Nathan, who serves as a series co-star, is overweight and either Filipino, Korean, or Chinese. Actors must live in New Mexico, Colorado, or Arizona. Additionally, the show is casting background roles. The production is casting the role of a heavily pierced man, open to an actor of any ethnicity, aged 18–30. The show is also casting “androgynous looking” men and women of any ethnicity, aged 18–28, to play party-goers. Shooting takes place from Dec. 3–11 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Actors will be compensated professionally, following SAG-AFTRA rates and terms. To seeMon, 12 Nov 2018 12:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/new-amazon-series-bojack-horseman-producer-seeking-male-talent/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-perform-on-the-historic-cutty-sark-ship/ Hello and welcome to one of our shoutouts for projects casting around the UK. As always, there’s a mix of opportunities for all ages, abilities, and locations, but do remember to check if you fit the bill before applying. Although we make every attempt to verify castings before we hit publish, please ensure that you do your own research before firing off those headshots and Backstage links. Cutty SarkRenowned Live Interpretation performer Andrew Ashmore is casting for the character of a Lascar Dock Worker for a site-specific performance at the Cutty Sark. The tourist attraction in Greenwich is to host a team of characters working at the ship for around three days each month, making this the perfect top-up role of an actor looking for regular work. Here’s a breakdown of the role: The 1890s Lascar Dock Worker is for a male actor aged 24–44 of South Asian ethnicity. The team will be researching and writing a script for daily 20-minute performances, but the rest of the role requires in-character interactions with visitors. Research and development starts in December with rehearsals in January 2019 and performances to begin in February 2019. The role will be paid a flat fee of £400 forMon, 12 Nov 2018 11:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-perform-on-the-historic-cutty-sark-ship/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-greenlit-tv-adaptation-of-four-weddings-and-a-funeral-more-pr/ Greenlit means a project is officially a go, so all you have to do is follow these leads to stay up to date. You never know where you’ll find an opportunity to land an audition! Four Weddings and a FuneralThe TV adaptation of the Richard Curtis film Four Weddings and a Funeral starts filming later this month. Starring Jessica Williams, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Nikesh Patel and John Paul Reynolds, it updates the story of a group of friends whose lives intersect over the course of the title events. Created by Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project), with the blessing of Curtis who also executive-produces, filming is due to start on 26 November in London. Casting director Rachel Freck is confirmed as attached, as is veteran British comedy director Tristram Shapeero. EmmaThe feature film adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma is gearing up to film next year and casting now. Rising star Anya Taylor-Joy leads as Emma Woodhouse in the period drama of match-making and meddling in the Regency countryside. Directed by fashion photographer Autumn de Wilde and adapted by author Eleanor Catton, this Emma looks to depart from previous screen versions and is sure to have a different tone to ITV’s Sanditon, alsoMon, 12 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-greenlit-tv-adaptation-of-four-weddings-and-a-funeral-more-pr/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/male-talent-wanted-to-play-a-cabbie-in-a-video-shoot/ An industrial video, “Redken Cabbie,” is casting a male actor to take part in an upcoming shoot for a video that will be played at an internal event for a corporate client. The shoot will simulate a nighttime ride through NYC from the point of view of a passenger in the back of a cab. The effect will be achieved in a studio using rear projection. The production is casting the role of the cab driver. The character will deliver seven monologues, each about 30–45 seconds long, that are stories for the passenger to hear. The video is casting a Caucasian male actor, aged 40–59, to play the role of the cabbie. Actors should have scruffy hair, some stubble (preferably grey), and a defined jawline and cheekbones. The desired look is a full and recognizable appearance from behind or over the shoulder, as the video from the point of view of someone sitting in the back seat. Also, actors must be able to do a slight Brooklyn accent without falling into parody. Shooting takes place in New York City at Be Electric Studios on Nov. 26. Actors will be paid a $750 flat rate. To see the original casting notice and to apply, visit Backstage.com here. Check out Backstage’sFri, 09 Nov 2018 15:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/male-talent-wanted-to-play-a-cabbie-in-a-video-shoot/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/now-casting-netflix-feature-joseph-gordon-levitt-jamie-foxx/ Wrap up your week with one of the great gigs in today’s roundup! An upcoming Netflix sci-fi thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jamie Foxx is casting a male actor for a minor role. Plus, Fox’s “Gotham” and NBC’s “Manifest” are casting background roles, or model in a Shibari editorial shoot.  UNTITLED NETFLIX SCI-FI/THRILLERAn upcoming Netflix sci-fi thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jamie Foxx is casting a minor role. A male actor, aged 18–24, is wanted to portray a teenager riding a bike. The actor must be able to pass as a teen and must own a bike. Filming will take place on Nov. 12 in Jefferson, Louisiana. Some pay will be provided. Apply here! “GOTHAM” SEASON 5Fox’s hit series “Gotham” continues background casting for its fifth season. Attractive male talent, aged 18–35, is currently wanted to play waitstaff. Height must be 5’11”–6’2”. The gig will work on Nov. 19 in New York City. Pay is $104 for eight hours of work. Apply here! NBC’S “MANIFEST” (WORKS NOV. 12)NBC’s new series “Manifest” is casting a young femaleFri, 09 Nov 2018 14:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/now-casting-netflix-feature-joseph-gordon-levitt-jamie-foxx/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/rumorville-magic-mike-musical-tests-broadways-stars/ Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room. “Magic Mike” MusicalIt looks like Broadway is ready to rain men! Creators of “Magic Mike” have been pushing for a musical version of the film, leading to “Magic Mike Live” in Las Vegas and London and now, seemingly soon, a musical adaptation. A recent Instagram post from Broadway actor Matt Doyle showed him, Derek Klena, Cheyenne Jackson, John Behlmann, Dyllón Burnside, Heath Calvert, Nick Rashad, and Ana Villafañe together at what seems to be a rehearsal for a reading of the musical, which is currently in its development stages. The post was, then, shared by writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who wrote, “Thanks, Gang, for a great week of work on Magic! Mike! The Musical!” Just like the film, the musical would follow the experiences of a male stripper in Florida, loosely based on the real-life stories of film star Channing Tatum. The show has already received a few workshops and will have a few more to go, surely, butFri, 09 Nov 2018 11:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/rumorville-magic-mike-musical-tests-broadways-stars/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/uk-now-filming-young-outgoing-food-lover-wanted-to-star-in-digit/ Young foodies, you can become the next Nigella Lawson with some help from today’s roundup! The new digital series Kid Critic is seeking a charismatic young foodie to lead the show. Plus, a print campaign is casting diverse models, a musical needs a young woman who can play bass for its lead role, and Marella Cruise Ships needs male singers and dancers. KID CRITICTurn your love for food into a job as the lead on Kid Critic, a new digital series. A real, outgoing, opinionated kid, ages 8–13, is currently wanted for the series, where they will be speaking on camera, will engage with adult chefs in a professional environment, and will give their honest opinions about food. London locals are preferred. The gig will shoot 5–7 days in late December in London. Pay is £300 per day. Apply here! DISCOVERJoin Discover, a photo shoot for a print campaign that shows customers using payment terminals at various locations. Four models, aged 28–68, are wanted to portray customers in the campaign, which will shoot Nov. 14 in East London. Pay will be provided. Apply here! THE HALF MOON SHANIABurnt Lemon Theatre is currently casting a female actor, age 16–24, who can sing and play theFri, 09 Nov 2018 10:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/uk-now-filming-young-outgoing-food-lover-wanted-to-star-in-digit/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/why-changes-in-tv-dont-mean-changes-for-the-casting-process/ With experience across film and television, Howard Meltzer is a casting vet who’s worked his way up to becoming a governor of the Television Academy’s casting peer group. With the rise of digital and streaming media, it’s certainly an interesting time to work as a casting representative in television—but to him, that doesn’t mean his process has to change. Stepping into the audition room is always going to be the same. As he works to increase the awareness and appreciation for what casting directors contribute to each individual project and the industry as a whole, he still looks for the same qualities in his talent: He wants the best actor for the role and wants each person who auditions to get the part. How has casting’s place in the industry changed since you started working as a CD? When I started in the industry, I would be sitting in the movies watching credits and seeing someone’s name and then the letters CSA. People in the industry didn’t know what CSA meant. I definitely think there’s more awareness and an understanding of what casting directors actually do [among] my peers. Has the changing media landscape changed your job as a CD? The way we get ourFri, 09 Nov 2018 09:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/why-changes-in-tv-dont-mean-changes-for-the-casting-process/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/how-to-avoid-being-generic-when-applying-for-gigs/ Backstage helped actor Ana Capella book a lead role in the feature film “Menagerie,” in which she plays a character who inspired her from the very first read. She’s driven by the challenge. “I was very drawn to the opportunity to play a character like Maria, someone so far from the types I usually get cast as. I was lured into the project by the challenge of understanding someone like her.” The more specific, the better. “[For every application,] I sit down and try to put into words my excitement about working on their project. I make it a point that the cover letters are all individual to the project I am applying to and that [they] speak of the person that I am. It’s like acting itself—you don’t want to fall into being generic.” Backstage gives you control. “On Backstage, you can manage all your info and updates [on your own]. It’s a flat rate, too. And I love flicking through the paper magazine, fishing for all sorts of tips.” Backstage can lead to more than jobs.“I have taken part in several industry-based events advertised through Backstage; one got me an audition for a play, and through the other, I got myself signed up withFri, 09 Nov 2018 08:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/how-to-avoid-being-generic-when-applying-for-gigs/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-feature-in-a-princes-trust-mentored-trafficking-short/ Hello and welcome to one of our shoutouts for projects casting around the UK. As always, there’s a mix of opportunities for all ages, abilities, and locations, but do remember to check if you fit the bill before applying. Although we make every attempt to verify castings before we hit publish, please ensure that you do your own research before firing off those headshots and Backstage links. SempreShort film Sempre follows Haven, a young American girl who has become the victim of human trafficking. Haven is taken to a “human auction” where events reveal that escape is impossible. Actor and filmmaker Aletha Shepherd has partnered with the Prince’s Trust for this short film, providing at-risk young Londoners with experience on film sets and a start in the industry. The team are casting a range of supporting and day-player roles for the drama. Both male and female actors are needed, with playing ages from 16 to 55. Here are the breakdowns: Supporting RolesCarlos is for a white or mixed-race actor male actor aged 40–55. A senior mafioso, he’s covered in scars, revealing decades of fighting to stay on top. Thirty Three is for a white female actor aged 16–25. At just 18,Fri, 09 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-feature-in-a-princes-trust-mentored-trafficking-short/https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/now-casting-disney-film-stargirl-new-mexico-actors-background/ Climb to superstardom with a little help from today’s casting roundup! “Stargirl,” a Disney feature film for its upcoming streaming service, is casting actors to play students in background roles. Plus, trans actors are needed for a Netflix series starring Laura Linney, play a couple in a subscription box ad campaign, or dance in a music video. “STARGIRL”“Stargirl,” a feature film starring Grace VanderWaal and produced by Walt Disney Pictures for its upcoming streaming service, continues background casting. Talent, aged 18–25, is wanted to portray students attending Winterball. The scenes will shoot on Nov. 13–15 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pay is $88 for eight hours of work. Apply here! “TALES OF THE CITY,” TRANS ACTORS“Tale of the City,” a Netflix series starring Laura Linney and based on the books by Armistead Maupin, is casting trans actors for background roles. Talent, aged 18–40, is wanted to join the 1960s-set series. Filming will take place from Nov. 11–30 in the New York City area. Transportation will be provided if there is any filming outside of the boroughs. SAG-AFTRA rates will be paid to unionThu, 08 Nov 2018 14:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/dancers/now-casting-disney-film-stargirl-new-mexico-actors-background/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/texas-casting-party-guest-tv-pilot-austin-nights-background/ The night skies of Austin are bright and so is this role for a pair of actors in the city. Barracuda Smile Productions is currently casting “Austin Nights,” a pilot episode for a new television show about two deadbeats and the adventures they get into. Two female actors, aged 18–25, are wanted to play girls at a party who will be hit on by the lead actors. There will be a table read and cast and crew meet-up held prior to the shoot, which will take place the weekend of Dec. 7 in Austin, Texas. Supporting actors will be paid $100 per day, with one day of filming anticipated. Apply directly at Backstage here! Check out Backstage’s Texas audition listings! Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/texas-casting-party-guest-tv-pilot-austin-nights-background/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/casting-kids-parents-grandparents-feature-film-summer-gold/ Enjoy one last warm weather hurrah with a role in the feature film “Summer Gold.” “Summer Gold” will follow four best friends on a heartfelt and comedic adventure as they’re sent to an off-the-grid summer camp, where they encounter four suspicious camp counselors and uncover the truth about Civil War gold that’s been missing for nearly 200 years. Talent, aged 9–80, is currently wanted to play kids, parents, and grandparents in background roles in the feature. “Summer Gold” will film during mid-November in Savannah, Georgia. Background talent will be paid $64 for eight hours of work.  Fit the bill? Apply directly at Backstage here! Check out Backstage’s kids auditions! Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/casting-kids-parents-grandparents-feature-film-summer-gold/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-dancer-needed-for-film-shoot-and-interview-66085/ Hello and welcome to one of our shoutouts for projects casting around the UK. As always, there’s a mix of opportunities for all ages, abilities, and locations, but do remember to check if you fit the bill before applying. Although we make every attempt to verify castings before we hit publish, please ensure that you do your own research before firing off those headshots and Backstage links. A study of movementA student director-producer is casting a dancer for footage of movement plus a short interview on film. The film will be informal and light-hearted, exploring the training, effort and hard work that goes into becoming a dancer. The director is looking for a male or female dancer of any ethnicity with a playing age of 18–25. The project is unpaid but local travel can be covered. Shooting soon in Coventry, the professionally-filmed footage will be available for the dancer after the project has been submitted. Think this one’s for you? Head over to casting notice for more information and to apply now. Check out Backstage’s UK audition listings! Thu, 08 Nov 2018 08:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-dancer-needed-for-film-shoot-and-interview-66085/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/perform-in-the-pacific-theatre-conservatorys-summer-season/ The Pacific Theatre Conservatory (PCPA) in Santa Maria, California is hiring actors and singers for its upcoming 2019 summer season. Featured shows include popular Broadway fare as well as theatrical classics. Single show contracts are also available. The PCPA is holding an audition for the season. Roles are available for male and female talent, aged 18 and older. Performers should have acting or singing skills and reside in Los Angeles. Roles are available for two hit Broadway shows: the jukebox musical “Million Dollar Quartet” and the musical reimagining of the popular franchise “The Addams Family.” “Million Dollar Quartet” begins rehearsals on May 28 and the show runs from June 22–July 28. Rehearsals for “The Addams Family” start on June 18 and the show runs from July 20–Aug, 25. Additionally, the season will feature the Oscar Wilde classic “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which will rehearse beginning July 23 and run from Aug. 17–Sept. 8. The PCPA is holding an Equity Principal Audition in Los Angeles on Nov. 14. Actors cast in roles will be signed to an Equity URTA Agreement and paid $778 per week. To see the originalWed, 07 Nov 2018 16:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/perform-in-the-pacific-theatre-conservatorys-summer-season/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/nyccasting-smack-comedy-central-parody-video-/ Get some frustrations about your coworkers out with a major gig from Comedy Central, now casting actors for a parody on the app Slack! Plus, make $1,000 for an app commercial, and a short film shooting upstate is casting major roles.  “SMACK” PARODY FOR COMEDY CENTRALJoin the cast of the Comedy Central parody “Smack,” a commercial-based sketch for an app that is inspired by the workplace messaging system Slack but is solely for talking smack about other people in your start-up company. Three actors, aged 18–40, are wanted to play key roles in the commercial, including the CEO lead who hosts the commercial and introduces the app and its functions. The video will shoot on Nov. 9 in New York City. Pay is $150 or more, depending on the role. Apply here! FINTECH APPA female actor, aged 28–38, who “can take the audience through a journey” is currently wanted for an explainer video for Fintech. The video will shoot in November in NYC. Pay is $1,000. Apply here! “THE BLACK SKY UNDER HARPER’S ROCK”“The Black Sky Under Harper’s Rock,” a short film about a young man coming to terms with who he is in the wake of hisWed, 07 Nov 2018 15:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/nyccasting-smack-comedy-central-parody-video-/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/now-casting-diner-patrons-teen-victims-grand-isle-feature-film/ In today’s casting roundup, the upcoming feature film “Grand Isle,” starring Nicolas Cage and Kelsey Grammer, is casting background actors to play teen victims, diner patrons, and police officers. Plus, an electric scooter commercial needs fun-loving actors, embody “Trolls” branded characters in an interactive experience, or make $500 per day on an editorial photo shoot. “GRAND ISLE”Join the cast of the upcoming feature film “Grand Isle,” starring Nicolas Cage and Kelsey Grammer in a story about a young father who is charged for murder and must prove his innocence through recalling a very twisted and dark night of events. Talent, aged 14 and older, is wanted to portray teen victims, diner patrons, and police officers in background roles. Filming will take place from Nov. 13–16 in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. All roles correspond to specific shoot dates. Some pay will be provided. Apply here! JETSON ELECTRIC SCOOTER VIDEOOne male actor and one female actor, both aged 18–25, are wanted for a promotional video for a new electric scooter. Talent must be able to demonstrate their scooter-riding abilities and “authentically portrayWed, 07 Nov 2018 14:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/now-casting-diner-patrons-teen-victims-grand-isle-feature-film/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/kids-casting-survivors-amc-the-walking-dead-background-actors/ Get ready to run for your life and for this great gig available in Atlanta, Georgia. AMC and Extras Casting Atlanta continue background casting for the current season of “The Walking Dead.” The production is seeking children, aged 9–13, to play survivors in the series. Talent will need to be available for two weeks, so children who are homeschooled would be ideal. Talent, aged 50–79, that is in good shape is also wanted to play older survivors. Filming will take place throughout November in Atlanta, Georgia, exact dates TBD. Some pay will be provided. Apply directly at Backstage here! Check out Backstage’s kids auditions! Wed, 07 Nov 2018 13:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/kids-casting-survivors-amc-the-walking-dead-background-actors/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/bringing-wu-tang-to-life-on-hulu/ Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles! “Wu-Tang: An American Saga”Hulu is taking on the world of hip-hop. Its new series, “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” will trace the origins of the highly influential Wu-Tang Clan. The true story will travel back to New York in the early ’90s at the height of the crack epidemic. Bobby Diggs (aka group member the RZA, as well as series co-creator and executive producer) sets out to change the lives of a dozen black men by replacing their penchant for crime with one for music. In the end, his efforts reward him with one of the most legendary hip-hop groups of all time. Hulu has already stacked up 10 episodes for the biographical series, which has locked in most of the group members for behind-the-scenes roles. Jessica Daniels Casting is on board to cast the project, but no actors have been announced yet. Cameras are projected to start rolling in February 2019, primarily in New York City. “The Glorias: A Life on the Road”Gloria Steinem has been a warrior for women’s rights for well over 40 years, and Hollywood is taking her story to the big screen.Wed, 07 Nov 2018 13:00:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/bringing-wu-tang-to-life-on-hulu/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-join-a-workshopping-tour-of-jekyll-hyde/ Hello and welcome to one of our shoutouts for projects casting around the UK. As always, there’s a mix of opportunities for all ages, abilities, and locations, but do remember to check if you fit the bill before applying. Although we make every attempt to verify castings before we hit publish, please ensure that you do your own research before firing off those headshots and Backstage links. Jekyll & HydeBig Brum – the Theatre in Education company with a global reputation – are casting for two male actor-teachers to take part in the upcoming tour of Jekyll & Hyde. This new adaptation of the classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson is touring schools from January 2019, with the actors performing the show for young people aged between 11 and 18. Alongside this, the performers will have a role in developing and running workshops to accompany the show. Big Brum state they are committed to developing new talent, so “although professional experience of acting, touring and working with young people is desirable, all applications will be considered.” The team are casting two male performers over 18 of any ethnicity. Please note that successful candidates will be required to pass anWed, 07 Nov 2018 08:30:00 -0500https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/uk-casting-join-a-workshopping-tour-of-jekyll-hyde/