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how to get work
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you need to help you get background acting jobs.



Jobs page
Check our Jobs page for all the latest roles we are casting. You may also receive a text message* from Casting Directors checking your availability.
*For more information read our SMS messaging FAQs

If you fit the description
Call the number given or send an email to the address provided on the job posting.



If you get the job
When you’re booked, the Casting Director will tell you how to get your details and your call time changes. This will likely be in the form a Details Blog and a Call Time Change Box phone number. Be sure to write this information down for reference.
Notices
Claim your online profile
- You can now claim, view, and edit your Central Casting profile online through the log in button in our website menu. If you are already registered with Central Casting, you must claim your profile before you can access it. Please update and fill out your profile completely so Casting Directors can consider you for the right roles.
State of New York quarantine requirements
- As we move into the holiday season and people travel to visit family and friends, the State of New York has issued quarantine requirements that apply to travelers upon returning to New York after traveling outside of the State. The State’s quarantine requirements may impact workers’ ability to work after traveling outside of the State. If you are interested, New York State’s quarantine requirements relating to such travel are viewable here. Please to not submit for a job if you are unable to satisfy these requirements.
We are currently hiring staff
- Central Casting New York is currently hiring staff positions. Please see our careers page for more information.
Paycheck and payroll information
- Have questions about payroll? For more information on your paycheck and signing up for myEP, read our latest payroll article.
Sick and Safe Time Act
- We are making available to you the Notice of Employee Rights – New York City Earned Sick and Safe Time Act. Available here.
All offices closed to talent and visitors
- We are closed for New Registration, Re-Registration & Updates, Minors Registration, and all other Central Casting events due to COVID-19. If you are ill, experiencing any symptoms, or feel you have been exposed to COVID-19 do not accept a booking or go to set. All Central Casting offices are closed to talent and visitors at this time.
Educational Resources for COVID-19 Testing
- If you are interested in learning about COVID-19 testing, here are some optional resources to review if you wish: Coronavirus COVID-19 Testing.
Below the Line podcast featuring Central Casting
- Check out the newest Below the Line podcast featuring Jennifer Bender and Claire Benjamin from Central Casting. This episode discusses how background casting worked before COVID-19 and how the process is changing in response to the pandemic. Click to listen.
Help stop the spread of COVID-19!
- COVID-19 educational resources are available at www.centralcasting.com/covid19. These are optional resources for you to review if you wish.
Jennifer Bender featured on podcast: There to Here
- Central Casting’s EVP Jennifer Bender was recently interviewed on the CoLab INC Podcast: There to Here. This is an educational podcast where pros talk nuts and bolts, how they define success in the entertainment industry and how they got from there to here. Jennifer gives her perspective on the current climate of the industry relating to Background Actors. Watch or listen to the podcast.

Central Casting and Entertainment Partners’ global company shut down operations from 9-11am PT on June 9 as a time of reflection for our employees. This was a first step. Over the coming months, our company will create opportunities for meaningful dialogue with our employees and within our industry about social injustice and discuss what we can do as an organization to create change.
Introducing myEP
- Access your pay history, tax information and more info for all projects paid by Entertainment Partners at my.EP.com. Click here for more details.

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. It’s been about 9 weeks since our industry went down due to COVID-19 and I, as well as all of you, am sure ready to get back to work! But of course, we can’t do that until it is safe to do so. Having all of our financial and creative resources end so quickly has been hard on all of us. I wanted to share with you that over these weeks we have been actively involved with meeting with our clients, studios and union to partner in what will be the best path to move us forward and get back to work safely. As more information evolves, we will be sure to communicate it out to you as best we can. In the meantime, stay safe, take good care of yourself, catch up on movies and shows and spend time with your loved ones. We are thinking about all of you and hoping we all can get back to making movies and television again soon!
All my best,
Jennifer
All Background Actors registered with Central Casting
- Out of an abundance of caution and because your health and safety is very important to us, do not accept a booking, or go to set If you:
- Are currently feeling unwell or have any flu like symptoms such as fever, a temperature of 100 or greater, a cough or breathing difficulties
- Have been in close proximity with a person(s) known or suspected to have the Coronavirus (COVID-19) or under quarantine/isolation
- Have traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, including New York (unless you are a NY Background Actor already residing or working in NY), Northern California, Washington State, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Iran, and South Korea
Central Casting Policies and Arbitration Agreement
- All registered talent with Central Casting are required to comply with Central Casting’s policies which includes a mandatory arbitration agreement. If you choose to continue your employment/casting relationship with Central Casting, your consent to the arbitration agreement is deemed automatic and no action is needed from you, and you may continue to submit for work like you normally do. You are not required to review the arbitration agreement, but if you choose to read it, it is available in our Forms and Policies section. Refusal to comply with Central Casting’s arbitration agreement and policies will mean you are ineligible to work on Central Casting jobs.
Check out our Articles section
- Brand new articles are available now. Each article has a quick poll. Be sure to cast your votes. Keep checking back as we continue to post regular new content.
We are closed for Re-Registration and Updates and all other events due to COVID-19.
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Daily Schedule
Profile Management
When you register with Central Casting, you create an online profile where you can manage your availability, update your photos and contact information, and respond to job inquiries in our online self-service system. Our Casting Directors use your online profile to consider you for background acting, stand-in, double, and other types of roles.
If you previously registered with Central Casting before the launch of our online self-service system, a profile has already been created for you. To access your information, please claim your profile using the email address you have on file with Central Casting.
Required Training
All those registered with Central Casting New York must take required anti-harassment training annually in order to remain active and eligible to be booked.


Profile Management FAQs
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How do I access my online profile?
If you have previously registered with Central Casting, you must first claim your online profile. Once you have claimed your profile you can access it by selecting the log in button in our website menu.
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Why do I need to claim my online profile?
If you registered with Central Casting before the launch of our online self-service system, you had a profile in our casting system, but did not have access to view or edit it. A profile has been created for you in our new system, which you must claim before you can view, make changes, and be booked through our online self-service system.
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Can I claim my profile and submit for work if I have not completed my registration in person at Central Casting?
If you completed the online portion of our previous registration process, you can claim your profile and log in to make changes, but you will not be eligible to submit for work or be booked by Central Casting until you complete the in-office portion of Registration to fill out paperwork and take your profile photo. New Registration Onboarding is currently suspended due to COVID-19. Please check our notices and calendar for updates.
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I already have a myEP username and password. Can I use that to claim and log in to my profile?
Yes, if you already have myEP login credentials, please use that information to claim and log in to your Central Casting online profile. If you created a myEP account with an email address that is not connected to your Central Casting file, you will instead need to claim your profile using the email you have on file with Central Casting. If you are unable to claim your profile, please contact our customer support team at 855.500.2055.
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What internet browsers are supported?
Please note that the online self-service system is not compatible with the Microsoft Edge browser. Chrome and Safari are recommended browsers.
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My information matched with a talent profile that isn’t mine. What do I do?
First, confirm that you entered the correct information. If you entered the correct information, but the matched profile is not yours, please call 855.500.2055 or email helpme@centralcasting.com. Our technical support line is available Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm Pacific Time.
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What if I forgot my password?
To reset your password, first enter your email address on the log in screen. When prompted to enter your password, select the “forgot password” option. We will send reset instructions to the email address you have on file.
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I’m sharing an email with another family member who has already claimed their profile, what do I do?
If you are a minor, have your parent or legal guardian call our technical support team to update the email address on file* at 855.500.2055.
If you are an adult, call our technical support team to update the email address on file* at 855.500.2055.
* If you call, you will be asked for verification information such as, the legal name, date of birth and last 4 of the SSN on file. Our technical support line is available Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm Pacific Time.
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I no longer have access to my email address on file with Central Casting. How do I claim my profile?
Please call our technical support team to update the email address on file* at 855.500.2055.
* If you call, you will be asked for verification information such as, the legal name, date of birth and last 4 of the SSN on file. Our technical support line is available Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm Pacific Time.
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Do I have to create a new profile if I’m already registered with Central Casting?
No, if you are already registered with Central Casting, your profile information has been transferred to the new online self-service system. To access your information, you will need to claim your profile by using the e-mail address you have on file with Central Casting.
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How do I deactivate my profile?
To deactivate your profile, log in and select the deactivate button at the bottom of the page. Once you have deactivated your profile, you will no longer be eligible to be booked by Central Casting. This action is permanent and your profile can only be reactivated by calling Central Casting.
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Did the changes I made to my profile save?
Changes you make to your profile save automatically. Once you update information, the field will highlight in blue, indicating the information has been accepted and saved. If there’s an error, the field will highlight red and give a warning message.
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How do I update my contact information?
You can update your phone number and address in the Contact Information section of your profile.
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How do I delete photos from my profile?
To delete a photo, navigate to the Photographs section of your profile. Find the photo you wish to delete and click the trash icon underneath it. Please note you cannot remove the photos that were taken by Central Casting during New Registration Onboarding.
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How many photos can I add to my profile?
You can upload a maximum of 50 photos to your profile in a variety of looks.
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How do I change the email address associated with my profile?
Currently, you cannot change the email associated with your profile through the online self-service system.
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Can I upload a Stand-In resume to my profile?
Yes, in the Casting Information section of your profile, there is an upload feature where you can add your Stand-In resume.
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Why won’t my photo upload to my profile?
Please check to make sure your photo is in .jpeg or .png format. Our system does not accept photos in other formats, like .pdf.
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My sizes have changed. How do I update them?
You can update your sizes and measurements in the Appearance section of your profile. To learn more about taking your measurements correctly, see our video guides on the Measurements page.
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Can I add vehicles to my profile?
Yes, you can add vehicles that you own and are willing to work with in the Vehicles You Own section of your profile. Please include all necessary information about your vehicle so Casting Directors can consider you for the right type of roles.
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How do I change my account settings?
When you are logged in to your profile, you will see a triangle either in the upper right desktop menu or on the bottom of the mobile menu. Clicking the triangle will give you additional options, including your Account Settings.
For technical support, please contact 855.500.2055.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being Booked
You are booked to work when you accept an offer for work and receive details.
It’s important to write down all the information given to you by the Casting Director so you’re prepared when you get to set.
Be sure to read our article 3 Things to Know About Getting Cast for everything you need to know about NY casting opportunities.
FAQs
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What do I do if I’m going to be late or need to cancel my booking?
Call 646.205.8244 ext. 4. If you cancel, we ask that you give us enough notice to replace you. Note: You cannot cancel via text message. You must call our office.
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Is there a guarantee of work?
No, there is no guarantee of work because the needs of productions change every day. Due to the nature of background work, Central Casting can never offer full-time employment to any of the talent (i.e., you) it employs.
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What does “checking your avail” and “first avail” mean?
This means our NY casting team is prepping a scene for a future date and is checking if you are available. If you do confirm your availability, please mark your calendar to limit conflicts. You become “first avail” (first available) for that show. Typically in these situations, Casting Directors will not be able to book you until the production looks at your photo and approves the look. Productions will not usually release any booking information until late afternoon the day before the shoot.
If you are offered another job on the same day, we ask for you to give us the courtesy of the “first right of refusal.” Please call the office to let us know so we can inform our show. They may option to offer to hire you first. You are still able to be hired elsewhere if we are unable to confirm a booking for you.
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How do I get my details?
The Casting Director will give you your booking information, often in the form of a Details Blog. You will use the show name and 4-digit passcode given to you to access your booking information.
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What happens if I miss a call from Central Casting?
Please check your voicemail before calling Central Casting. If the Casting Director did not leave a message, wait to see if you hear back. If you do not receive a call back, assume you are no longer needed.
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What is a rush call?
Rush calls are for immediate same-day work. When you respond to a rush call, you may be required to get to set as soon as possible.
- Where can I view the New York Anti-Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Policy?
SMS Texting
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What’s Central Casting’s texting feature?
Our Casting Directors may reach out to you via SMS messaging. In addition to checking your availability, Casting Directors will send follow up messages and Details Blog information through text.
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How do I know the text message came from Central Casting?
Every message from Central Casting will be personalized with your name (as it appears in our system), reference the name of the production, and all replies will appear in the same thread.
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Why did I receive a text message from Central Casting?
Central Casting uses SMS messages to check avail, ask questions related to the job, and provide Details Blog information. The message format may look like this:
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What happens after I respond to a text message?
Our Casting Directors will review the responses and then reach out to any Background Actor selected to be booked. If you are not selected, you may not hear from anyone. As always, you know you are booked when you accept an offer for work and receive details.
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What does “without time restrictions” mean?
This means you are available to work the whole day, even if the location or time were to change. For example, if you know you are not available between 10-11am, you would answer: No.
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I didn’t see the text until later, can I still respond?
Yes, always respond as soon as you are able.
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Can I respond to multiple avail texts?
Yes, you are responsible for finding work and letting Central Casting know when you are available. Our Casting Directors work independently to meet the needs of their productions, so once you are booked, you are also responsible for not becoming double booked.
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Should I reply to multiple requests?
Yes, please respond to every text message you receive. If a Casting Director books you, it is your responsibility to decline any other offers to ensure you don’t become double booked.
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Did you get my reply?
When Central Casting receives your message, we send a confirmation text message. For example:
- “(Your Name), Your “YES” response has been received. Thank you. Remember, you are not booked unless you receive your details.”
- “(Your Name), Your “NO” response has been received. Thank you.”
- “(Your Name), Please respond only Yes or No.”
- “(Your Name), Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting submissions for this role.”
If you didn’t receive a confirmation response, please send your response again. Please note: the system is engineered to only accept a YES or NO response.
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What if I don’t hear back?
If you don’t hear back from a Casting Director with an offer for work and booking details, you are not booked. Due to the volume of roles they are casting, please be patient as it may take a while for them to respond.
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Can I change my answer?
To change your response, reply to the message with either a Yes or No response. If you receive multiple messages in the course of a conversation thread, you will only be able to change your response to the most recent message. Please note: after you have received your details and are booked, you must call the office to cancel. You cannot cancel via text message.
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What are the booking details?
Depending on the production, booking details may or may not be communicated via SMS text message. If you are booked, the Casting Director will tell you how to get your full booking details. These instructions may include a Details Blog and Call Time Change Box.
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Do I still have to call the Call Time Change Box?
Yes. You must check the Call Time Change Box for your call time changes.
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If I receive a text message from a Casting Director, does that mean I’m booked?
You are not booked unless you accept an offer for work and receive details.
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What if I respond to a text and never hear back?
Thank you for replying. Sending a “Yes” response tells the Casting Directors that you are interested and available to work, but does not guarantee that you will be booked. Depending on the casting volume, you may not hear back about that role.
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What if I don’t get a confirmation message?
Please resend your response.
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What phone number will Central Casting text me from?
We use a variety of numbers to reach you. Once you receive a message from a Casting Director about a specific role, all follow up questions and replies will appear in the same thread.
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Can I call the phone number I received a text from?
Our SMS numbers are only designed to send outbound text messages and receive Yes or No responses.
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Can I respond with something other than Yes or No?
The system is designed to only accept Yes or No responses. Your response will not go through if you send anything other than Yes or No.
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What if I am only available for a part of the day?
Casting Directors often don’t receive call times until last minute, which is one reason we ask if you are available without time restrictions. If you are only available for part of the day, please reply No.
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Why was there a link in my text message?
Some Casting Directors and productions may provide additional reference materials with a wardrobe blog or similar resource. Please review all materials provided so you are ready for work.
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There’s a link in my text message that doesn’t work. What do I do?
If a URL isn’t working, write down the URL address and enter it directly into a web browser.
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Why was my text split into multiple parts?
Not all cell carriers and service providers handle SMS messages in the same way. Some carriers, like Sprint, may split long messages. We cannot guarantee the split message will arrive in a predictable order.
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Can I get text messages in a language other than English?
No, the messages are only in English.
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I’m not getting text messages. Does T-Mobile’s business message “opt-out” feature prevent me from receiving text messages from Central Casting?
Yes. T-Mobile has released a feature that allows their customers to “opt-out” of business messages. In order to receive text messages from Central Casting, T-Mobile users will need to contact T-Mobile support at 1-800-866-2453 and ask for this feature to be turned off. Once the opt-out is removed, you will be able to receive messages from Central Casting. Even if you are a T-Mobile customer who has received text messages from Central Casting in the past, please check with T-Mobile to ensure you do not have the opt-out feature enabled.
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I’m not registered with Central Casting. Why am I getting these texts?
We are sorry for the inconvenience. Most likely your mobile number was previously owned by someone registered with us, or provided to us inadvertently.
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Can I opt out of SMS messaging?
As an employee of Central Casting you provided your mobile number to us so that we can contact you about jobs for which you would be a potential match. However, if you no longer want us to reach out to you via text message, please call Central Casting and request that your number no longer be used for text messaging.
On Set
Once you’ve been booked, you are ready to get on set!
Please show up to set on time and camera ready. Check in with your contact and get your voucher when you arrive.
Your time on set will vary, but a typical day can last up to 12 hours. You are an important part of the production, please be professional and have a good attitude on set.
FAQs
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What if I forget my booking information?
It’s important that you write down your work information. If you lose your Details Blog show name or passcode or if you have any questions regarding your booking details call 646.205.8244 ext. 4.
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What if I’m going to be late or need to cancel?
Call 646.205.8244 ext. 4. If you cancel, please give us enough time to replace you. You may not cancel via text message. You must call our office.
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How do I find out if my call time changed?
The Casting Director will give you a Call Time Change Box number or instructions on how to get your call time changes. It is your responsibility to get call time changes and show up to set on time.
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Who do I report to on set?
It depends on the production, but often a Background Actor’s main contact is the 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) or Production Assistants (PAs).
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What do I do when I’m not filming?
When you are not required on set, you will be taken to Holding. You can bring items to the holding area to keep busy while you are not working.
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Can I bring a guest to set?
Do not bring guests to the set with you.
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What happens if I get hurt on set?
If you are injured during your time on set, report it to the Assistant Director and/or set medic immediately.
Payroll
When you register with Central Casting, we become your employer and, in most cases, are responsible for paying you. You’ll know you are paid by us if your voucher says Central Casting and/or Entertainment Partners. Payroll and casting are handled separately, so if you have questions about your paycheck, contact our payroll department directly.
For payroll updates, read our article Your Paycheck and Other Payroll Questions Answered.
Contact payroll
800.562.2718
(select option #3 when prompted)
To change your address, view your pay history, compare paychecks, and more, log in or sign up with myEP. When signing up for the first time, please use the same email address you have on file with Central Casting. To learn more, watch the myEP video from Entertainment Partners.
FAQs
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How soon after I work can I expect my paycheck?
Payroll is processed as vouchers come in from production, which means you may receive checks out of work date order. You can learn more about your pay history by logging in to myEP.
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Can I pick up my check?
We do not currently have the resources for checks to be picked up. Payroll is handled in a secure area with 24-hour surveillance and delivered directly to the post office by our bonded driver. Paymasters do not have access to your paychecks.
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How long does it take to receive my check after it has been mailed?
Paychecks are sent first class mail. While you will receive most checks within 2-3 business days after they are sent out, it could take longer through the federal mail system, particularly during holiday periods.
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Why do I sometimes receive my paychecks out of work date order?
Checks are processed as they come in from production. Production companies vary on how often they process and send in background vouchers.
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What do I do if I think a check is missing?
To inquire about a missing check, please contact payroll at 800.562.2718. Be sure to have the name of the project you worked on, the date you worked, and your voucher information. You can also check your pay history on myEP.
To request a stop payment, fill out and follow the instructions on our Stop Pay/Reissue Form. A stop payment can be placed no sooner than one calendar week after the check has been mailed.
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Do I need to write my Social Security number on my voucher each time I work?
Yes. We payroll many people with the same or similar names. You will need to put your Social Security number (at least the last 4 digits) on each voucher so we can correctly identify who we should pay. Your voucher will not be processed or delayed if we are unable to identify who worked.
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How do I contact the payroll department?
For payroll questions only, please call 800.562.2718 and select option #3 when prompted. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PT.
Payroll and casting are handled separately. Our Casting Directors do not have access to your pay information. Please contact payroll for paycheck related questions and be prepared with the name of the project you worked on, the date you worked, and your voucher information.
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How do I sign up with myEP?
To create an account, please go to my.EP.com and sign up using the same email address you have on file with Central Casting.
Once you have created and logged in to your account, you will need to link myEP to your EP payroll profile. To do this, select the “update profile” option under “manage account” and click the “connect payroll profile” button. You will then be prompted to enter your Social Security number and verify your employment by providing net pay, check, or gross pay information.
Now that your payment profile is linked, you will be able to change your address, view your pay history, and compare paychecks. Be sure to review your contact information to make sure everything is current.
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How do I change my address with payroll?
To change your address with payroll, please log in or sign up with myEP. If signing up for the first time, please use the email address you have on file with Central Casting.
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How do I place a stop payment on a paycheck I never received?
Please fill out our Stop Pay/Reissue Form and submit via the instructions provided on the form.
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How long does it take to reissue a check after I request a stop payment?
Five business days for current year checks, but it may take longer for checks cut in a previous calendar year. We cannot reissue a check that has been stop paid until after we have received confirmation from the bank that the stop payment was successful.
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Can I request a work history?
You can access your pay history by signing up or logging in to your myEP account. If you need records to join SAG-AFTRA, please call 818.955.6313. SAG-AFTRA will only accept faxes sent directly from our payroll department certified by our manager.
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How do I get my W-2?
To access your W-2, visit EP’s W-2 page.
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How can I submit an inquiry or correction to my tax form?
Please fill out and sign our inquires and corrections form.
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How can I verify my employment with Central Casting?
For employment verification, call Entertainment Partners at 818.955.6313.
Re-Registration and Updates
We are closed for Re-Registration and Updates, New Registration Onboarding, and all other events due to COVID-19. Our notices have the most up-to-date information, please check them for updates.
Once registered with Central Casting, you can update your profile information and add additional photos by logging in to your online profile. By keeping your information current, our Casting Directors can consider you for a variety of roles.
Address changeTo change your address with payroll, please log in or sign up with myEP. If signing up for the first time, please use the email address you have on file with Central Casting.
To change your address with casting, please log in to your online profile.
FAQs
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What are some examples of additional photos?
- Photos of you in unique and distinct wardrobe (homeless, doctor, formal, etc.)
- Vehicles or motorcycles that you own and can work with
- Pets you are willing to work with (pet photos must be submitted; we cannot take any photos of pets at our office)
- Photos of you in costumes that you own (generic non-trademarked Halloween costumes, Santa Claus, etc.)
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How do I change my status from Non-Union to SAG-AFTRA?
You can change your status by filling out our SAG-AFTRA update form.
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How do I change my file information?
If you would like to update or change any information you can do so by logging in to your online profile.