How to Read a Central Casting Job Post
When booking their shows, Casting Directors use the information in your online profile and may send you an availability inquiry via our casting platform if you fit the requirements for the role. You can also proactively look for work on our Jobs page.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or have just signed up, knowing how to read a Central Casting job post, understanding common background casting terms, and learning how to submit will help you get booked and on set.
Background casting terms
There are a lot of industry terms and shorthand used during the casting process; once you know these terms, you’ll be submitting like a pro.
Union and non-union
In each job post, the Casting Director will specify if they are looking for SAG-AFTRA or non-union Background Actors. If you are not a member of SAG-AFTRA, please do not submit for union roles.
Look
Your look is your appearance and ability to portray a role. If Central Casting needs a specific look, we will include that information in the job post.
18tly
Eighteen to look younger. This means the Casting Director is looking for someone who is at least 18 years old, but can portray an age younger than 18. Background Actors who are 18tly are often cast to portray high school students.
Subject/Sub line
This refers to the subject line of an email. If asking for email submissions, Casting Directors will give a specific subject line for you to use. They may also ask for your phone number in a certain format or for additional information. It’s important to follow all instructions to ensure your submission is received as expected.
What to look for in a job post
In job posts, Casting Directors will often include precise details for what they’re looking for, including union status, portrayable age, portrayable ethnicity, sizes, and any other specific information they have. It’s important to read through the post carefully to make sure you fit all the requirements before submitting. For example, if you mostly fit the description, but are taller than the height indicated, you would not submit since you do not fit the requested look. Remember, submitting for roles you don’t fit doesn’t help you or the Casting Director.
How to submit
Another key detail Casting Directors include in their job posts is how they would like you to submit. If asked to send an email, include all the information requested, like your phone number or additional photos. This information is used to look up your profile in our casting platform and to make sure you’re right for the role.
If asked to send an email, include all the information requested, like your phone number or additional photos. They use this information to look you up in our casting platform and to make sure you’re right for the role. Never send any part of your Social Security number in an email.
If the Casting Director is interested in booking you, they will likely send an availability inquiry with further information. If you don’t hear back, keep checking the Jobs page as new roles are added often.
You can learn more about being booked by Central Casting in our articles Avail Messages: What You Need to Know and Do’s and Don’ts for Submitting Photos to Casting Directors.
