Retired? Try Background Acting

Are you retired and looking to supplement your income? Maybe you just want to find an exciting way to stay busy? If you're trying to figure out what to do in retirement, background acting may be right for you. Here's the lowdown on how to get on set as a background actor with Central Casting.

What are background actors?

Imagine a scene from your favorite TV show or movie. Maybe the main character is a surgeon at a hospital. The non-speaking actors who play nurses, patients and family members are called background actors. Background actors help make movies, TV shows and other productions look and feel more authentic.

Central Casting signs up background actors, stand-Ins, and doubles in movies, TV comedies, drama series and other productions. So if you're not sure about background acting or you want to try your hand at different roles, there are plenty of ways for you to get on set.

What are the benefits of background acting for retirees?

If flexibility is important when deciding what to do in retirement, background actors set their own schedule by determining their own availability. You can choose which jobs to submit for and relay your availability by responding to messages from casting directors and production companies. If you have vacations planned or want to work around your family's schedule, you can be as flexible as you want. Just remember, once you accept a job offer and are booked, you are expected to show up to set on time and ready to work.

Background acting is a great way to get on the sets of some of the most popular movies and TV shows. It offers you a front row seat to watch how your favorite shows get made and lets you be a part of the magic of the entertainment industry.

How do you sign up with Central Casting?

When you work as a background actor, you're cast based off your look and the information in your online profile, so you don't need previous experience to sign up with Central Casting.

Before you can work on set, you will need to complete the sign up process.

If you fit the requirements for a role, a casting director or production company may reach out with an availability inquiry. Read this message carefully before responding and be sure to answer any follow up questions or include any materials requested.

You can also proactively submit for work on our Open Roles page. In these job posts, casting directors and production companies will include details for what they're looking for, including SAG-AFTRA status, portrayable age, portrayable ethnicity, sizes, and any other specific information they have. Read these posts carefully to make sure you fit all the requirements then submit according to the instructions.

Check out our How to Get Work page to learn more about what to do after you sign up.