New York Casting Calls & Background Acting Opportunities
Find current film & TV casting calls in New York — background actors, extras, stand-ins, photo doubles, and featured roles. GigDock gathers New York opportunities from casting companies and sources into one searchable feed, updated throughout the day.
New to background work? Read how background actors get paid — rates, bumps, and when the check actually comes.
Popular New York markets
Open casting calls in New York
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Types of casting calls in New York
Background actors & extras
Non-speaking roles that fill out scenes — the bread and butter of film & TV work, and the easiest way to start with no experience.
Featured background
Background roles the camera lingers on — a specific look or action that stands out without lines.
Stand-ins
Match a principal actor's height and coloring to hold their place while crew sets lights and camera. Steady, longer bookings.
Photo doubles
Fill in for a principal in specific shots (hands, over-the-shoulder, distance) where the face isn't clearly seen.
Featured & principal
Speaking and named roles, usually cast through agents and auditions.
How much do background actors get paid in New York?
New York background and extras work is typically quoted as a set rate for a guaranteed number of hours (often $100–$150 for non-union work). Non-union work is widely available to newcomers; union (SAG-AFTRA) productions pay more, and many calls add "bumps" for wardrobe, a personal vehicle, or special skills. Each listing above shows the stated rate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a background actor in New York?
You don't need experience, training, or an agent to start as a background actor in New York. Most casting directors accept direct submissions — usually a recent photo, your sizes, and contact info by email or a submission link. Browse current calls on GigDock, submit to the ones that fit, and you can be booked within days.
What do background actors and extras get paid in New York?
Pay is typically quoted as a flat rate for a guaranteed number of hours — in New York, commonly a set rate for a guaranteed number of hours (often $100–$150 for non-union work). Non-union background work is widely available; union (SAG-AFTRA) rates are higher, and productions may pay "bumps" for wardrobe, a personal vehicle, or special skills. Overtime usually kicks in after the guaranteed hours.
Do I need an agent to do background or extra work in New York?
No. Background, extras, stand-in, and photo-double work is almost always cast by submitting directly to the casting company — no agent required. Agents matter more for featured and principal (speaking) roles.
How often are new casting calls posted in New York?
Constantly — productions cast on short notice, often days before a shoot. GigDock pulls new New York casting calls from many casting companies and sources into one feed and updates throughout the day, so you don't have to monitor each one yourself.
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