Backstage is a prominent global casting platform and entertainment industry publication that connects performers, content creators, and behind-the-scenes professionals with casting directors and production teams across film, television, theater, commercials, and digital media.
Founded in New York City in 1960 as a trade magazine for working actors, Backstage now operates one of the largest online platforms for hiring creative talent. The Backstage casting platform hosts thousands of vetted casting calls weekly and supports a talent database of more than 700,000 profiles.[1] Its talent-seeking users range from independent filmmakers to major studios, creative agencies, and global brands.[1]
Backstage continues to publish original digital content on career development, casting trends, and expert advice for performers and other talent types.[2]
Backstage is owned by Cast & Crew, a provider of production payroll and software solutions for the entertainment industry.[3]
History
Backstage was founded in December 1960 by Allen Zwerdling and Ira Eaker as a weekly tabloid-sized newspaper called Back Stage to serve the growing community of actors and theater professionals in New York City.[4] It quickly became know for its audition listings, classifieds, and editorial content supporting performers pursuing careers in stage and screen.
In 1986, Backstage was sold to Billboard Publications, Inc., and later became part of VNU Media, which rebranded as Nielsen Holdings.[5] Under Nielsen, the brand expanded its reach and audience.
In 2011, Backstage was spun off from Prometheus to form an independent company, Backstage, LLC, backed by Guggenheim Partners.[8]
In January 2013, Backstage LLC acquired Sonicbids, a platform connecting musicians with gigs, festivals, and licensing opportunities.[9] Later that year, both Backstage and Sonicbids were reabsorbed into Prometheus Global Media, which by then was fully owned by Guggenheim.[10] This marked the start of Backstage's digital transformation into a digital-first casting platform. Sonicbids was sold to Advance Music Technologies in 2024.[11]
In 2019, private equity firm, Ridgemont Equity Partners invested in Backstage, fueling continued growth and acquisitions.[12]
Acquisitions and expansion
Between 2019 and 2022, Backstage acquired several creative marketplaces:
The Mandy Network – acquired in 2021, Mandy is a global platform for hiring film and TV crew, actors, and creative professionals.[13] Its integration broadened Backstage's access to behind-the-scenes talent across production roles like camera, sound, post-production, and more.[14]
StarNow – also acquired in 2021, StarNow is a casting platform in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with a strong user base of emerging talent and localized casting calls.[14] The acquisition significantly expanded Backstage's international footprint.
Voice123 – one of the largest voice-over marketplaces in the world, Voice123 connects brands, producers, and creators with voice actors for commercial, animation, corporate, and gaming projects.[15] The 2021 acquisition extended Backstage's voice casting capabilities.[16]
Coverfly – also in 2021, Backstage acquired Coverfly, a platform supporting emerging screenwriters through competitions, fellowships, and a discoverability database.[16] Coverfly announced to users in 2025 it could be ceasing operations as of August 1, 2025.[17]
FilmFreeway – a submission platform used by thousands of film festivals worldwide, allowing filmmakers to submit their work for consideration, was acquired by Backstage in 2021, aligning with its mission of supporting independent creators.[16]
ShareGrid – a peer-to-peer marketplace for film and photography equipment rentals.[18] Its 2022 acquisition by Backstage marked the company's expansion into production logistics and gear rentals, offering more end-to-end solutions for content creators and production teams.[19]
Acquisition by Cast & Crew
In January 2022, Backstage Holdings was acquired by Cast & Crew, a provider of production software and payroll services.[3] This transition marked the company's integration into a broader suite of end-to-end production tools for hiring creative talent and managing accounting, payroll, human resources, and data operations.[20]
Platform and services
Backstage's talent marketplace and casting platform, Backstage.com, is a platform for casting and hiring across the entertainment and creative industries. The platform consists of:
Casting calls and job listings: New projects posted regularly for acting and production roles, including in student films, web series, commercials, and feature films.[21]
Talent profiles: Performers can list their credits, head shots, voice demos, video reels, skills, and training on customizable profiles.[22]
Self-tape and audition tools: Potential employers can receive and review self-tapes and schedule auditions.[23]
Search and invite tools: Casting professionals can search the talent database using filters such as location, skills, union status, diversity tags, and other criteria.[23]
Team collaboration: Employers can manage roles, share notes, and build shortlists with collaborators.[23]
Payment options: The platform has built-in hiring and payout options meant for safe and faster transactions.[24]
In 2023, the Backstage talent marketplace launched dedicated profiles for content creators, enabling individuals who produce user-generated content (UGC), branded videos, and social media campaigns to showcase their work to casting directors, brand marketers, and production companies.[25]
Tag specialties such as "beauty," "gaming," "comedy," or "lifestyle"
Receive casting calls specifically geared toward influencer and UGC campaigns
This launch marked a major expansion of Backstage's platform beyond actors and voice-over professionals, tapping into the fast-growing creator economy and giving brands a streamlined way to hire content creators directly through the talent platform.[25]
Safety and vetting
Backstage promotes implementing measures to promote safety and legitimacy in its casting calls:[26]
Verification processes: All new job posters may be required to undergo background checks and provide references, IDs, or other materials to verify their productions and qualifications.
Audition environment guidelines: Backstage advises that auditions should not involve nudity and should not take place in private residences or hotel rooms. Talent is encouraged to bring a companion to auditions for safety.
Community reporting: Users are encouraged to report any suspicious listings or behavior, allowing Backstage to take appropriate action.
These policies claim to create a safer environment for talent engaging with casting opportunities on the platform.[26]
Print magazine and online content
While Backstage has become increasingly known for its digital casting platform and tools, it continues to publish a print magazine.[27] The magazine has featured interviews with A-list entertainment professionals like Issa Rae, Angelina Jolie, Viola Davis, and Simu Liu, alongside working actors across film, television, and theater. It also includes industry insights, audition tips, and a curated selection of casting calls.[2]
Backstage also maintains a large editorial content presence on Backstage.com, regularly publishing a wide variety of original articles and videos. Content includes interviews with industry professionals, career advice for performers, how-to guides, and casting insights, making it a widely referenced resource among actors and creatives.This editorial focus sets Backstage apart from other casting platforms, blending job listings with practical, ongoing career development content.[2]
In 2017, Backstage debuted the biweekly podcast series In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast, which features in-depth conversations with actors and creators, exploring the creative process, offering industry insights and advice, and sharing personal stories of success and failure. Guests have included Jessica Lange, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, Daniel Craig, Nicolas Cage, Hugh Jackman, and Michael Keaton.[28] It is available on various popular podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple, and SoundCloud.
Legacy and influence
Backstage has played a key role in the careers of many successful actors,[29] including:
It has been widely referenced in pop culture and industry lore as a go-to resource for working actors and aspiring performers.[4] For more than six decades, it has served as both a launchpad for new talent and a trusted partner for industry professionals seeking serious, diverse, and skilled performers.[4]
The platform's commitment to inclusivity, quality control (through job vetting), and user education has contributed to its reputation as a safe, professional space for talent discovery.[4]
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