Backstage and Actors Access

I was coaching a brand new actor this week, and we had to get down to basics!
When you're starting out, and you want to audition - all you need is a headshot/resume and copy of Backstage. Actors Access is pretty amazing too.

BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE is the go-to guide for actors in New York. The articles are surprisingly useful, and the reviews are generally right-on. But, the main attraction is the casting notices.
The magazine in print, comes out weekly on Thursdays. (Yearly subscriptions cost $79/year. $149 for online access.)

-If you want to attend open calls, you can find them.
-If you want to submit yourself for theatre and film, you can do that.
-If you're looking for classes, coaches, books, and schools - you'll find them there.
A great magazine!

(Note that the print version is much cheaper. And, [you didn't hear it here], but if you have an online subscription, several people can split it under the same username; no one will find out.)

ACTORS ACCESS is amazing too. AA is the part of Breakdown Services that anyone can access. Breakdowns is THE submission system for the industry. If you've got an agent, your agent uses Breakdown Services to submit you for projects. Sometimes the casting director wants to cast a wide net, so they open it up to AA. That means you can submit yourself directly - WITHOUT AN AGENT. (You can pay $2-$5 for each submission, or pay $68 for unlimited access for a year.)

-You can manage your own profile, and make it look like you want it.
-There are a ton of castings, some with pay: Student Films, Commercials, Plays... everything.
-Once you get an agent, they will use the profile you created on AA - You're in control of that.
-You can upload multiple pictures, video, audio - tons of stuff.
-It's a succinct, clean way to do submissions.


FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT IN NYC: Both resources are national. If you are in Montana, you still will find things for you on Actors Access. And now that digital auditions are more prominent - you can submit from anywhere. Just take a look! It's a great way to take control of your career!!