How to Find Auditions Without an Agent
Yes, it’s possible—and yes, you can start right now.
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in an acting catch-22?
You need auditions to get experience.
You need experience to get an agent.
And you need an agent to get auditions . . .
Cue the spinning head and existential dread.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need an agent to start auditioning. Seriously. No matter where you live—big city or small town—there are plenty of legitimate opportunities to start building your resume and audition skills without a rep. You just need to know where to look.
In fact, starting before you have an agent is the smartest thing you can do. You’ll gain valuable experience, build confidence, and be way more “submit-ready” when it’s time to approach agencies.
Below is your five-step starter guide for finding real auditions and getting yourself out there—agent-free.
Step 1: Start with Local Casting Resources
Your local community is often the best place to begin.
Every region has independent filmmakers, theater companies, and small production houses looking for actors. Start here:
- Google “your city + casting calls” or “open auditions near me”
- Check local theater websites and community bulletin boards
- Visit nearby film schools—student directors are always casting
Not only is this a great way to gain experience, but it also builds your network in your local scene.
Step 2: Join Facebook Groups That Regularly Post Castings
Facebook can be a goldmine for auditions—if you know where to look.
We’ve curated a list of the most active and trustworthy casting groups across the U.S. and Canada. These are broken down by region and include:
- Local production castings
- Indie film call-outs
- Theatre and commercial work
- Student film and short projects
🎯 Download the Regional Casting Groups List Here →
(You’ll be added to our email list with even more tools and tips.)
Step 3: Use Trusted Online Casting Platforms
These professional casting websites let you create a profile, upload your headshot, and start submitting yourself directly for roles.
Here are the top industry-standard sites to explore:
- Backstage – Especially strong for theater, commercials, and indie film
- Actors Access – The go-to for serious film and TV work
- Casting Networks – Great for commercial work and agency representation
- Mandy – International jobs and crew gigs, too
- Casting Frontier – Known for commercial casting opportunities
Note: You don’t need all of these. Choose one or two and keep your profile updated and professional.
Step 4: Network Within the Industry
Even without a rep, your relationships can open doors. Try the following:
- Join local theater and film Facebook groups
- Attend open calls and staged readings
- Take acting classes, intensives, or workshops (especially those taught by working actors or casting directors)
- Partner up with film students who are always casting for class projects
- Volunteer to be a reader at auditions—it’s a powerful way to learn and connect
🗣 Pro tip: Check out the Need a Reader – Be a Reader Facebook Group to both offer and request reader help.
Step 5: Submit Yourself Like a Pro
When you submit, treat it like a mini audition. Make sure you’re coming across professionally. That means:
- ✅ A current, high-quality headshot
- ✅ A properly formatted resume (PDF is best)
- ✅ A link to your demo reel or clips (Vimeo or unlisted YouTube links work well)
- ✅ A brief, tailored message or cover letter
- ✅ A tracking sheet or spreadsheet to organize submissions and follow-ups
- ✅ Saying yes to appropriate background or supporting roles to gain set experience
- ✅ Practicing your self-tape setup and audition skills regularly
Final Thoughts: Auditioning Without an Agent Builds Your Edge
Think of this phase as your training ground. Every audition you do without an agent is a chance to sharpen your tools, add credits, gain confidence, and build real momentum. And when you finally do approach agents, you’ll have more than just potential—you’ll have proof.
You’ve got this. Start showing up. The work is out there.
