Where To Find Auditions For Acting In Australia
Where To Find Acting Auditions In Australia
If you’re an actor seeking to find new roles to further your career, you’re in luck. Along with many advancements in film techniques and processes over the last few decades, platforms for finding acting work have also come in leaps and bounds.
However, with so many websites out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time? In this guide, we’ll look at the best options for finding your dream audition as well as some additional tips and tricks.
The Role Of A Casting Website
A casting website is essentially an online talent directory or job listing site specific to actors. Using a casting site, a casting agent can search directly for actors with specific attributes or experience and then invite them to attend auditions.
Many of these sites also list roles that you can apply for directly and then wait to hear if your request for an audition is approved. Utilising these sites can help you remain abreast of what is going on within the industry and give you a wider variety of roles to apply for.
Ultimately, they are a great, industry-specific resource that helps connect casting agents with talent and vice versa.
There are several casting websites operating in Australia including:
Casting Networks
As an established casting website in both the US and the UK, Casting Networks is rapidly becoming an Australian favourite too. Complete your profile and let casting agents find you! As a talent platform it not only showcases stage and theatre actors but voice actors, models and more.
Casting Networks is used by casting directors, directors and producers in Australia and internationally and represent a great opportunity to be discovered.
Free for actors with agents or USD25 annually for those that are unrepresented, it should be noted it is primarily for casting directors to find you, rather than a location to scour for new work.
Backstage
Originating in the US as a magazine, Backstage is well-known by just about everyone in the industry. The site has a database of well over one million members and posts thousands of new roles every week which members can apply directly for.
Backed by around 60 years of industry experience, Backstage is the first port of call for casting agents servicing big-name film, television, and theatre productions making it a valuable tool for actors seeking to find work or be discovered.
You will need to be a member to use Backstage with plans starting from around USD10 a month with discounts available for annual or bi-annual plans.
Starnow
A relative newcomer to the industry, Starnow has risen to become a trusted resource for big names such as Netflix, Disney the BBC and more. They offer regularly updated job listings for a variety of roles and a broad range of expertise including acting, voiceover work, crew, models and even influencers.
They also have a portal for casting directors to find talent suited to their needs. Diverse and fresh in their approach, Starnow originated in New Zealand before expanding to Australia, South Africa, the US and the UK. Membership is required for use and starts at AUD7.50 per month.
Worth The Price?
Keep in mind that most casting sites are only accessible via a paid subscription service. Paying for access is beneficial in some instances but really depends on the calibre of the site and how well-known it is in the industry.
In the case of those listed above, paying for membership can be very advantageous as they have a great reputation within the industry and are frequently used by casting directors.
If you are currently working with an agent, check with them regarding access to these sites as often agents are able to access their services for free or at a discounted rate.
What About Overseas Auditions?
If your goal is to grow your portfolio in Australia before extending to overseas auditions, we’d recommend additionally creating a profile on international platforms once the time is right for better exposure.
Most well-known casting websites have branches in markets outside Australia so it can simply be a matter of modifying your profile or upgrading your membership to gain access to overseas auditions.
Using A Casting Website
Once you have created a profile on your chosen casting website (paid or free) you are usually invited to upload your headshot, showreel, resume and other information that helps you stand out as an actor.
Should you be selected to attend a casting call, you’ll be alerted and able to reply directly to arrange your audition.
Other Avenues For Finding Auditions
When seeking auditions, it pays to think outside the box. In addition to online searches and casting websites, the following can be useful for staying in the loop.
- Follow casting directors via their social media pages
- Perform hashtag searches within platforms such as Instagram or LinkedIn with key terms such as #opencall, #castingcall or #auditionsopen
- Focus on networking with other actors, directors and industry experts
- Be involved in ongoing training, community theatre and other similar activities where discussions regarding auditions will be more common
- Engage the help of an agent who will actively seek out roles for you using their industry connections
Jobsearch Websites
That’s right, regular Australian jobseeker websites such as Seek will have listings for acting jobs.
These are most often for film and television extras with limited dialogue or for commercials but can be a good way to practise auditioning and build a basic portfolio for those just starting out in the industry.
Need Help Nailing Your Auditions?
If finding auditions is less of a concern for you than mastering them and getting that hoped for call back, then The Actors Pulse can help.
With decades of experience training actors in the Meisner technique, our team of experts can help you prepare for and master your audition. We understand the audition process and what casting directors are looking for and can help you hone your performance for a winning outcome.
For support with your auditions and ongoing refinement of your skills, contact The Actors Pulse today at 0414 475 515.
Billy Milionis is one of the few Australians to have ever studied under the legendary master teacher, the late Sanford Meisner. Billy has also studied story structure and scene analysis techniques with John Truby and later at UCLA. He has also spent several years doing improvisation in Hollywood with the L.A. Connection. In addition, he trained in the technique of Stella Adler, Practical Aesthetics and Lee Strasberg’s method.