Adult Talent Onboarding/Registration
Becoming a Background Actor with Central Casting is free and easy! Complete the Talent Onboarding steps so you can get booked on movies and TV shows.
Complete all steps to onboard with Central Casting
Make a reservation for Talent Onboarding
Fill out online application
Accurate measurements must be added
Upload photos
Application cannot be submitted without uploading photos
Complete forms
Must be e-signed before coming to Talent Onboarding
Ensure all steps are complete
We cannot onboard you until your application is successfully submitted
Attend Talent Onboarding
You will complete additional forms and take an official headshot
(This is in addition to the photos you upload)
Make a reservation
Gather your required documentation , then make a reservation for a Talent Onboarding session.
Complete online application, upload photos, and e-sign forms
After making a reservation, click the link in your confirmation email to complete your online application. While we will be taking photos during Talent Onboarding, you must upload photos as part of the application to onboard.
Your application, photos, and forms must be completed and submitted before attending your Talent Onboarding session.
All mandatory fields within the application are denoted with a red asterisk; these fields must be filled out. Anyone arriving without their measurements populated into their application will be turned away and unable to onboard.
Visit our office
Bring your required documentation to your reserved Talent Onboarding session at our New York office. We cannot onboard you without these documents and you will be turned away if you do not bring them to your reserved session.
At Talent Onboarding, you will complete paperwork and take an additional photo for our casting platform.
5 Penn Plaza (10th Floor)
New York, NY 10001
By reservation only
(see step 1)
| April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| May | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
Daily Schedule
Talent Onboarding FAQs
What is a Background Actor?
A Background Actor is someone who performs in a show in a nonspeaking role, usually in the background. Are you interested in background acting in New York? Central Casting onboards Background Actors to appear in movies, TV shows, and other productions.
Do I need to complete my online application before attending Talent Onboarding?
Yes, your online application must be completed before coming to your reserved Talent Onboarding session, including uploading a photo, e-signing forms, and successfully submitting the application. A link to your online application will be included in your confirmation email after making a reservation.
All mandatory fields within the application are denoted with a red asterisk; these fields must be filled out. Anyone arriving without their measurements populated into their application will be turned away and unable to onboard.
What if I don’t know my measurements?
Your measurements are a key part of your casting profile and are used by Casting Directors to determine the types of roles you can portray. This information must be populated in your online profile before attending your reserved Talent Onboarding session. Visit our Measurements page for easy-to-follow tutorial videos on taking accurate measurements.
Do I need to upload photos even though I’m taking photos at Talent Onboarding?
Yes, you must upload photos as part of your online application before attending Talent Onboarding. You cannot submit the application without uploading a headshot and full body shot.
Why do I need to attend Talent Onboarding in person?
We need you to come in person to fill out employee onboarding paperwork and to take your Central Casting profile photo.
To make a reservation, you must bring to your onboarding session the necessary identification to complete a form I-9. We cannot onboard you without these documents and you will be turned away if you do not bring them to your reserved session.
Can I register for someone else?
No, you can only register yourself and must have a reservation to attend Talent Onboarding.
I’m not a resident of the United States. Can I still sign up with Central Casting?
In accordance with federal law, Central Casting is only able to hire those who are authorized to work in the United States.
Can I register my pets or vehicles to be in movies?
We register you, the individual. After you complete Talent Onboarding, you may add vehicles, pets, and other props you have to your online profile.
Once I’m registered, how do I get work?
Please visit our Talent page to learn more about responding to availability inquiries, submitting for work, and everything you need to know about working with Central Casting.
When do reservations become available?
New sessions open up in New York exactly 3 days in advance. If all dates show “unavailable,” then sessions are either currently filled or not yet open. Check back often, as spots can open up any time due to cancellations.
I need to cancel or change my reservation. How do I do that?
Please review the email that was sent you from notifications@calendly.com to cancel or change your reservation.
I did not receive a confirmation email for my reservation. What happened?
If you successfully made a reservation, but did not receive a confirmation email, please check your junk and other non-inbox folders. You can also search your email for notifications@calendly.com to locate your reservation confirmation.
Please note: Reservations often fill quickly. In order to successfully make a reservation, you must enter your full name, click the schedule event button, and receive a confirmation email.
What should I wear when I come into the office?
No specific look is required. Please come to our office dressed in the attire that you think best represents you, ready to take your profile photos.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Central Casting and Entertainment Partners, care very much about the security of your data. Please learn more by visiting EP’s website.
What happens if I don’t have proper documentation?
Those without required documentation (unexpired originals only, no photocopies) to accompany the I-9 form will be turned away.
You must also bring identification showing date of birth for the Age Verification form.
What if I’m a member of SAG-AFTRA?
Please bring your current SAG-AFTRA card/receipt issued by SAG-AFTRA with you to Talent Onboarding.
Can I bring my child?
Guests, minors and pets cannot be accommodated. Visit our Kids Sign Up page for more information on Minors Talent Onboarding.
How long is Talent Onboarding?
Talent Onboarding is approximately 20-30 minutes.
Do I need to live in the New York area to sign up?
No, but you need to be able to work in the New York area.
Registering with Central Casting is a privilege, not a right. We respectfully reserve the right to refuse registration to anyone.
Central Casting is a participant in the E-Verify program. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 form to confirm employment authorization. Note: If the government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, we are required to provide you with written instructions and an opportunity to contact the SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment.
Forms and Policies
Forms and policies are for informational purposes only.
DO NOT print to bring to Talent Onboarding.
