In this article
Quick answer: An open casting call is a casting call posted publicly, on casting websites or social media, so any actor who fits the role can submit their materials. A closed audition is private: only the actors the casting director invites can try out, usually through talent agents, managers or personal contacts. Getting into closed auditions takes representation and industry relationships.
When a production company or a director needs actors for a project, there are two ways to go: open the search to the public or privately invite a select group. Those are open and closed casting, and knowing the difference tells you where to look for opportunities and how to reach each one.
What is an open casting call?
It’s a public call: any actor can submit, whatever their experience or connections. If you’re interested, you send your materials (headshot, resume, reel) to the casting director, who reviews them and invites some actors to audition. That’s why it’s the most accessible way in, especially when you’re starting out.
You’ll also hear them called open calls. The big in-person ones, where long lines of actors show up to audition for the same roles, are known as cattle calls.
Open casting calls are usually posted on:
- Casting websites: platforms where productions post roles and actors sign up with a profile, such as Backstage, Actors Access and Casting Networks. Our guide to casting websites for actors explains which ones are worth it and how to use them.
- Social media: the Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts of production companies, agencies and casting directors.
- Actor groups: Facebook groups, forums and group chats where the acting community shares casting calls.
- Production company and agency websites: many post their searches directly on their own sites.
- Open calls for reality and talent shows: calls with a date, time and place where anyone interested can show up in person.
On Casting and Acting we also publish open casting calls from several countries. Before you send your information to any casting call, make sure it’s legitimate: these signs help you spot a fake casting call.
What is a closed audition?
It’s a private search. Only the actors the casting director invites can audition, either through personal contacts or through talent agents and managers who submit the actors they represent. Because it’s never posted publicly, you have to be connected to the industry to hear about it.
In the US, much of professional film and TV casting works this way: the casting director sends the role descriptions, known as breakdowns, to agents and managers, who submit their clients. Mid-size and big-budget productions also tend to bring in actors they already know, actors recommended by trusted colleagues or actors on the rosters of established agencies.
These are the main routes into closed auditions:
- Industry contacts: directors, producers and other actors who know your work and can recommend you or bring you in.
- A talent agent or manager: if an agency represents you, it opens up its network and submits you for the closed auditions it receives.
- Casting agency files: some casting agencies keep files of actors they turn to when a production hires them for a search. To understand how they work, see what a casting agency is.
How to get into closed auditions
It takes time, but there are concrete steps:
- Get representation: a talent agent or manager gives you direct access to auditions that are never posted publicly.
- Register with casting agencies: many keep their own files of actors for future searches. If you’d also like to work in Latin America, our Latin America casting directory lists agencies, Instagram accounts and websites by country.
- Network: join projects, even small ones, go to industry events and build genuine relationships with professionals.
- Keep your materials current: when a director remembers you or someone recommends you, your materials need to be ready to send right away. This guide helps you prepare your audition materials.
Tip: Avoid relying on open casting calls alone. Sign up for casting platforms, build relationships in the industry and work toward getting representation. Closed auditions are where the biggest opportunities are, and access to them is built with time, consistency and professionalism.
Frequently asked questions
What is an open casting call?
It’s a public call where any actor can submit by sending their materials (headshot, resume, reel). Open calls are posted on casting websites, social media and actor communities. It’s the most accessible format, especially for actors who are just starting out.
What is a closed audition?
It’s a private search: only the actors the casting director invites can audition, through personal contacts or through talent agents and managers. Because it isn’t posted publicly, you need industry connections or representation to hear about it.
How can I get into closed auditions?
Get a talent agent or manager, register with casting agencies, build a network through projects and industry events, and keep your materials ready to send. Representation and networking are the main routes, and both take time and consistency.
Are open casting calls less important than closed auditions?
Far from it: they offer real opportunities at every level and they’re the most accessible way in. Bigger-budget productions tend to use closed auditions, so the smart move is to work both fronts: make the most of open calls while you build the contacts and representation that get you into closed ones.
Where can I find open casting calls?
On casting websites, on social media such as Instagram and Facebook, in actor groups and forums, and on the websites of production companies and agencies. Following casting directors, production companies and agencies helps you hear about each casting call in time.
Comments
Join the conversation
Create a free account or log in to comment and earn +15 XP for every approved comment.
✓ Free · ✓ No spam · ✓ Earn XP and rank up