{{Short description|Entertainment industry publication}} {{Distinguish|Backstage (theatre)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox magazine | title = Backstage | image_file = File:Backstage_Cover_June_9,_2025.jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = <em>Backstage</em> cover from June 2025 | previous_editor = | staff_writer = | frequency = Six times a year | circulation = | category = | company = Cast & Crew | publisher = | founded = {{Start date|1960}} | firstdate = | country = United States | based = Los Angeles | language = English | website = {{Official URL}} | issn = 0005-3635 }} '''''Backstage''''', also previously written as '''''Back Stage''''', is a global casting platform and entertainment industry publication that connects performers, content creators, and behind-the-scenes professionals with casting directors and production teams across film, television, theater, commercials, and digital media.
Founded in New York City as an industry trade magazine by Allen Zwerdling and Ira Eaker in 1960, the brand now encompasses ''Backstage.com—''which features editorial content and a vetted job listings platform, ''Backstage'' magazine'', and Call Sheet'' (formerly ''Ross Reports'')—a directory of talent agents, casting directors, and casting calls.
In the 1990s, ''Back Stage'' established the Los Angeles–based ''Back Stage West'', which competed primarily with the longer-established ''Drama-Logue''; in 1998, ''Drama-Logue'' was acquired by ''Back Stage'' and merged into ''Back Stage West''. In 2008, both versions were merged into a single national edition.
From the 1990s through the early 2010s, ''Backstage'' was a sister to fellow entertainment publications ''Billboard'' and ''The Hollywood Reporter'', and later ''Adweek'', via Billboard Publications and its corporate successors, such as Nielsen Business Media and Prometheus Global Media. In 2011, ''Back Stage'' was divested by Prometheus to a group led by John Amato, who relaunched the print and digital publications. After being briefly being re-acquired by Prometheus, it was sold to RZ Capital in 2013, and in turn sold to payroll company Cast & Crew in 2022.
Backstage continues to publish original digital content on career development, casting trends, and advice for performers and other talent types.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:7-2 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
Backstage is owned by Cast & Crew, a provider of production payroll and software solutions for the entertainment industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-Crew-3 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
== History ==
Backstage (the company) was founded by Allen Zwerdling and Ira Eaker in New York City in December 1960 as a weekly tabloid-sized newspaper called ''Back Stage''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.backstage.com/news/dec-2-1960-the-curtain-rises-on-a-brand-new-publication/|title=Dec. 2, 1960: The Curtain Rises on a Brand New Publication|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> Zwerdling and Eaker had worked together for years as editor and advertising director, respectively, of the ''Show Business'' casting newspaper, which was founded by Leo Shull as ''Actor's Cues'' in 1941. After Zwerdling and Eaker left ''Show Business'' they looked into creating a casting section within ''The Village Voice'' newspaper; but, having been turned down, they decided to launch ''Backstage'' on their own.<ref name=NYTObit>{{cite news |first=Steven|last= McElroy|title=Allen Zwerdling, Theater Journalist, Dies at 86|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/theater/27zwerdling.html|work=The New York Times|date=26 January 2009|access-date=27 January 2009}}</ref>
At the time of its founding, ''Backstage'' (the newsmagazine) was primarily a casting paper for New York actors intended to compete with ''Show Business Weekly''. It gradually broadened its scope to include coverage of New York's television commercial production industry and a variety of performing arts, the former of which proved to be so lucrative advertising-wise that the commercial-production beat came to dominate the publication. Additionally, ''Backstage's ''reach began to slowly spread across the U.S., although the largest portion of its readership remained on the East Coast.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2011-10-12 |title=The Actor's Bible Celebrates a Half-Century of Service |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/actors-bible-celebrates-half-century-service-54709/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Backstage.com |language=en}}</ref>
Then, in 1975, ''Backstage'' opened a Los Angeles bureau and began to more actively extend its casting and editorial coverage across the U.S., with correspondents added in Chicago, Florida, and New England.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-01-26 |title=Allen Zwerdling, Back Stage Co-Founder and Co-Publisher, Dies |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/allen-zwerdling-back-stage-co-founder-co-publisher-dies-24179/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.backstage.com |language=en}}</ref> Around 1977, co-founder Ira Eaker's daughter Sherry joined ''Backstage'' as an editor, focusing primarily on expanding its coverage of the theater industry; in 1984, the theater section of ''Backstage'' became a separate insert.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ira Eaker, Co-Publisher of Back Stage, Dead at 80 {{!}} Playbill |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/ira-eaker-co-publisher-of-back-stage-dead-at-80-com-106843 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207005805/https://www.playbill.com/article/ira-eaker-co-publisher-of-back-stage-dead-at-80-com-106843 |archive-date=2021-12-07 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
In 1986, ''Backstage'' was bought by Billboard Publications Inc. (BPI), owner of such publications as ''Billboard''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/21/business/billboard-publications-is-purchased.html|title=Billboard Publications Is Purchased by Affiliated Publications After Acquiring Backstage|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|date=1987-03-21|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> In 1988, BPI bought ''The Hollywood Reporter''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/07/business/hollywood-s-version-of-trade-wars.html|title=Hollywood's Version of Trade Wars|last=Angeles|first=A. Donald Anderson; A. Donald Anderson Is A. Writer Based In Los|date=1988-08-07|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> Backstage and ''The Hollywood Reporter'' along with a few other related brands, were grouped together within BPI, becoming its film and performing arts division, a group designed to compete with ''Variety'' and other entertainment-industry trade publications. Backstage would become involved in a number of other acquisitions, mergers, spin-offs, and sales over the next few decades.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-01-15-fi-12141-story.html|title=Dutch Giant Buys Parent Firm of 'The Reporter' : Media: BPI, which puts out Hollywood paper as well as Billboard and Adweek, sells for $220 million.|last=BATES|first=JAMES|date=1994-01-15|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref>
On July 6, 1990, ''Backstage''<nowiki/>'s advertising industry content was spun off as a standalone trade publication known as ''Backstage/Shoot'', leaving ''Backstage'' itself to focus on the creative arts.<ref name=":1" /> Around the same time, it also acquired the New York-based talent casting directory ''Ross Reports''.<ref name=":1" /> In early 1994, Netherlands-based company VNU bought ''Backstage'' owner BPI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/vnu-picks-up-us-publishing-firm-for-dollars-220m-bpi-purchase-fulfils-american-dream-1400124.html|title=VNU picks up US publishing firm for dollars 220m: BPI purchase fulfils|website=Independent.co.uk |date=1994-01-15|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> VNU eventually came to own a variety of trade publications—including all of the BPI magazines as well as ''Mediaweek,'' ''Adweek, Film Journal International'', ''The Hollywood Creative Directory'', and many others—along with measurement company Nielsen Media Research, and events such as ShoWest and the Clio Awards.
Also in early 1994, ''Back Stage'' publisher Steve Elish hired a West Coast editor-in-chief, Rob Kendt, to help create a new publication, ''Back Stage West'', a weekly trade paper with a focus on the West Coast acting community and casting opportunities based in California.<ref name=":1" /> In May 1998, ''Back Stage'' acquired its main local competitor, ''Drama-Logue'';<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=15 May 1998 |title=L.A.'s Back Stage West Buys Drama-Logue Magazine |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/las-back-stage-west-buys-drama-logue-magazine-com-75414 |access-date=2016-07-11 |website=Playbill}}</ref> The Drama-Logue company was founded by Bill Bordy in 1969 as a casting hotline, and in 1972 it became a weekly trade publication entitled ''The Hollywood Drama-Logue Casting Sheet'', commonly known simply as ''Drama-Logue''. Before the end of 1998, Drama-Logue's holdings were fully integrated into Backstage.com and ''Back Stage West,<ref>{{Cite web |last=West/Drama-Logue |first=Back Stage |title=Profile of an Acquisition: Back Stage West-Drama-Logue Actor's Trade Weekly Circulates New Spin on Advertising Direction |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/profile-of-an-acquisition-back-stage-west-drama-logue-actors-trade-weekly-circulates-new-spin-on-advertising-direction-78058262.html |access-date=2016-07-11 |website=www.prnewswire.com}}</ref>'' which for a time was co-branded as ''Back Stage West/Drama-Logue.<ref name=":0" />''
===Relaunches and acquisitions=== Former publishers include Steve Elish, Jeff Black, and Charlie Weiss. Former lead editors include Sherry Eaker, Rob Kendt, Jamie Painter Young, Daniel Holloway, Dany Margolies, Tom Penketh, Erik Haagensen, Roger Armbrust, Leonard Jacobs, David Fairhurst, Andrew Salomon, Dan Lehman, dance editor Jennie Schulman (who wrote for Backstage for over 40 continuous years, starting with its first issue on Dec. 2, 1960<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.backstage.com/news/centerstage-a-true-dance-devotee/|title = A True Dance Devotee: Jennie Schulman|website = Backstage|date = 21 February 2001|last = Eaker|first = Sherry}}</ref>), film and television editor Jenelle Riley, contributing editor Jackie Apodaca, and actor-columnist Michael Kostroff (known for his work in ''The Wire''), among others.
In October 2008, ''Backstage East'' and ''Backstage West'' were permanently combined into a single weekly publication with an expanded national focus. This new "national edition" was given the same name as the original 1960 edition: ''Back Stage''.<ref name="NationalEdition">{{cite news |last=Crowe |first=Luke |date=24 October 2008 |title=The New Backstage National Edition: More Casting — From Across the U.S. |url=http://backstage.blogs.com/blogstage/2008/10/the-new-back-stage-national-edition-more-castingfrom-across-the-us.html |access-date=24 October 2008 |work=Blog Stage}}</ref>
''Backstage'' also launched a number of blogs around this time, including Blog Stage, Espresso, Backstage Unscripted, and The Backstage 411 Casting FAQ, all of which were discontinued in early 2012.
In early 2009, ''Ross Reports'' was renamed ''Call Sheet by Backstage'', working with ''The Hollywood Creative Directory'' to expand its listings to include a wider variety of entertainment-industry contacts.
The ''Backstage'' brand remained closely tied to its primary sister publications, ''The Hollywood Reporter'' and ''Billboard'', as well as the other e5 Global Media publications, such as ''Adweek'', ''Film Journal International'', and ''The Hollywood Creative Directory''. However, ''Backstage'' also carved out its own industry niche by focusing on the needs of actors, models, performers, and casting directors; publishing directories (such as ''Call Sheet'', a bimonthly listing of talent agents, casting directors, and film productions), books (actor handbooks and biographies published under the Watson-Guptill imprint Backstage Books),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Back Stage Books Is Back |url=http://www.backstage.com/news/back-stage-books-is-back/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814083529/http://www.backstage.com/news/back-stage-books-is-back/ |archive-date=2016-08-14 |access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> casting-director mailing labels,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Entertainment-Industry Mailing Labels and the Call Sheet Digital Edition |url=http://www.backstage.com/mailing-labels/ |access-date=2016-07-11 |website=www.backstage.com}}</ref> and special "insert" magazines (such as award-season nomination guides, theatre-school guides, and the ''ACTION'' magazine for actors interested in making their own movies); producing live events; and continuing the development of Internet casting technology.
In October 2011, media entrepreneur John Amato led Backstage through a spin-off from Prometheus Global Media as part of a new strategic partnership, with the new company being called Backstage, LLC. Prometheus shareholder Guggenheim Partners backed the sale.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |date=2011-10-03 |title=Update: Prometheus Selling 'Back Stage'; The Hollywood Reporter's Parent Company "Dropping Assets Like Flies Now" |url=https://deadline.com/2011/10/the-hollywood-reporters-parent-company-unloading-more-assets-to-cut-costs-prometheus-selling-back-stage-178490/ |access-date=2016-07-11 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="thr-backstagesold">{{cite web |date=3 October 2011 |title=Prometheus Global Media, Investor Group Strike Alliance for Back Stage |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/prometheus-global-media-investor-group-243120 |access-date=30 May 2014 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
In August 2012, ''Back Stage'' was relaunched again, with the magazine switching from a tabloid-sized newspaper to a smaller, full-color glossy magazine (and also being slightly rebranded from ''Back Stage'' to ''Backstage''). The magazine added increased cross-promotion for the resources and utilities on the similarly-redesigned Backstage.com. Amato stated readers had requested that the print edition have a smaller form factor to make it easier to take to casting calls, while the redesigned website was meant to "[lead] the user into the products and content that we’ve seen historically be the most helpful for our audience".<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2012 |title=Backstage Ties Print and Digital Together with Redesign |url=https://archive.foliomag.com/back-stage-ties-print-and-digital-together-redesign/ |access-date=2012-08-28 |website=www.foliomag.com}}</ref>
In January 2013, Backstage LLC acquired Sonicbids, a service designed to help musicians find gigs, for $15 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Empson |first=Rip |date=31 January 2013 |title=Backstage Acquires Music Promotion Startup Sonicbids For $15M+ To Build A LinkedIn For Creatives |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/30/backstage-acquires-music-promotion-startup-sonicbids-for-15m-to-build-a-linkedin-for-creatives/ |access-date=2016-07-11 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> In April 2013, Prometheus Global Media, now fully owned by Guggenheim, bought the remainder of Backstage LLC. John Amato was made president of the Billboard Group, a new unit that would oversee ''Backstage'', ''Billboard'', and Sonicbids.<ref name="billboard-group">{{cite web |title=Guggenheim Digital Media Announces Formation of Billboard Group |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/1558441/guggenheim-digital-media-announces-formation-of-billboard-group |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426205031/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/1558441/guggenheim-digital-media-announces-formation-of-billboard-group |archive-date=26 April 2017 |access-date=29 May 2014 |work=Billboard.biz}}</ref><ref name="variety-shakeup">{{cite web |date=8 January 2014 |title=In Guggenheim Shakeup, Ross Levinsohn No Longer Overseeing THR or Billboard |url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/in-guggenheim-shakeup-ross-levinsohn-no-longer-overseeing-thr-or-billboard-1201036717/ |access-date=29 May 2014 |work=Variety}}</ref><ref name="adweek-guggenbackstage">{{cite web |date=18 April 2013 |title=Guggenheim Digital Media Buys Remaining Stake in Backstage, Sonic Bids |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/guggenheim-digital-media-buys-remaining-stake-backstage-sonic-bids-148658 |access-date=29 May 2014 |work=Adweek}}</ref> Sonicbids was sold to Advance Music Technologies in 2024.
In December 2016, Backstage expanded its online casting tools and editorial coverage to include a wider international scope, with an initial focus on casting in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite news |title=London Now Casting: Royal Caribbean's 'Cats' and More Gigs |url=https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/london-now-casting-royal-caribbeans-cats-and-more-gigs/ |access-date=2017-11-01 |work=Backstage.com}}</ref>
In October 2017, Backstage launched its first fully integrated mobile casting app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=App Features |url=https://backstage.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004346086-App-Features |access-date=2017-11-01 |website=Backstage Help Center |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2019, Ridgemont Equity Partners invested in ''Backstage''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ridgemont Equity Partners Announces New Investment in Backstage | Business Wire |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190226005151/en/Ridgemont-Equity-Partners-Announces-New-Investment-in-Backstage}}</ref> That year, Backstage revamped its online casting platform, adding profiles, new application options, new notification options, Google Maps integration, as well as new review features for employers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-25 |title=Backstage Launches New Online Casting Platform |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/backstage-launches-new-online-casting-platform-47709/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=backstage.com |language=en}}</ref>
Between 2019 and 2022, Backstage acquired several creative marketplaces:
* The Mandy Network – acquired in 2021, Mandy is a global platform for hiring film and TV crew, actors, and creative professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-13 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> Its integration broadened Backstage's access to behind-the-scenes talent across production roles like camera, sound, post-production, and more.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:2-14 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * StarNow – also acquired in 2021, StarNow is a casting platform in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with a strong user base of emerging talent and localized casting calls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:2-14 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> The acquisition expanded Backstage's international footprint. * Voice123 – one of the largest voice-over marketplaces in the world, Voice123 connects brands, producers, and creators with voice actors for commercial, animation, corporate, and gaming projects.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-15 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> The 2021 acquisition extended Backstage's voice casting capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:3-16 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * Coverfly – also in 2021, Backstage acquired Coverfly, a platform supporting emerging screenwriters through competitions, fellowships, and a discoverability database.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:3-16 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> Coverfly announced to users in 2025 it could be ceasing operations as of August 1, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-17 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * FilmFreeway – a submission platform used by thousands of film festivals worldwide, allowing filmmakers to submit their work for consideration, was acquired by Backstage in 2021, aligning with its mission of supporting independent creators.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:3-16 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * ShareGrid – a peer-to-peer marketplace for film and photography equipment rentals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-18 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> Its 2022 acquisition by Backstage marked the company's expansion into production logistics and gear rentals, offering more end-to-end solutions for content creators and production teams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-19 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
=== Acquisition by Cast & Crew === In January 2022, Backstage Holdings was acquired by Cast & Crew, a Burbank-based payroll management company operating in the entertainment industry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madler |first=Mark |date=2022-02-28 |title=Cast & Crew Buys Job Site Backstage |url=https://valley.labusinessjournal.com/news/weekly-news/cast-crew-buys-job-site-backstage/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Los Angeles Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> This transition marked the company's integration into a broader suite of end-to-end production tools for hiring creative talent and managing accounting, payroll, human resources, and data operations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-20 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
== Platform and services == Backstage's talent marketplace and casting platform, Backstage.com, is a platform for casting and hiring across the entertainment and creative industries. The platform consists of:
* Casting calls and job listings: Projects posted for acting, voiceover, production roles, and content creation, including in feature films, student projects, web series, commercials, and other branded content.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-21 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * Talent profiles: Performers can list their credits, head shots, voice demos, video reels, skills, and training on customizable profiles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-22 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * Self-tape and audition tools: Potential employers can receive and review self-tapes and schedule auditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:4-23 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * Search and invite tools: Potential employers can search the talent database using filters such as location, skills, union status, diversity tags, and other criteria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:4-23 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> * Payment options: The platform uses Stripe for built-in hiring and payout options.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-24 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
Backstage has casting calls for:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:0-1 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
* Film and TV productions * Voice-over and animation projects * Commercials and branded content * Social media and user-generated content (UGC) campaigns * Theater, live performance, and musical acts * Educational and corporate videos
== Expansion to content creators == In 2023, the Backstage talent marketplace launched dedicated profiles for content creators, enabling individuals who produce user-generated content (UGC), branded videos, and social media campaigns to set pricing and package offerings and showcase their work to casting directors, brand marketers, and production companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Purchasing UGC on Backstage {{!}} Backstage {{!}} Mandy {{!}} StarNow Help Center |url=https://help.backstage.com/en/articles/13534033-purchasing-ugc-on-backstage |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=help.backstage.com |language=en}}</ref>
These profiles allow creators to:
* Highlight video content and brand collaborations * Set pricing for content packages for direct content ordering from buyers * Link to their social profiles on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube * Tag specialties such as "beauty," "gaming," "comedy," or "lifestyle" * Receive casting calls specifically geared toward influencer and UGC campaigns
This launch marked an expansion of Backstage's platform beyond its reputation as a place to hire actors and voiceover professionals in an attempt to capitalize on the growing creator economy and give brands a way to buy UGC content directly through the platform.
== Safety and vetting == Backstage promotes implementing measures to promote safety and legitimacy in its casting calls:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-16 |title=12 Tips for Avoiding Casting Scams |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-avoiding-casting-scams-12381/ |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=www.backstage.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Verification processes: All new job posters may be required to undergo background checks and provide references, IDs, or other materials to verify their productions and qualifications. * Audition environment guidelines: Backstage advises that auditions should not involve nudity and should not take place in private residences or hotel rooms. Talent is encouraged to bring a companion to auditions for safety. * Community reporting: Users are encouraged to report any suspicious listings or behavior, allowing Backstage to take appropriate action.
These policies claim to create a safer environment for talent engaging with casting opportunities on the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-16 |title=12 Tips for Avoiding Casting Scams |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-avoiding-casting-scams-12381/ |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=www.backstage.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Print magazine and online content == While Backstage has become increasingly known for its digital casting platform and tools, it continues to publish a print magazine six times a year. The magazine has featured interviews with A-list entertainment professionals like Issa Rae, Angelina Jolie, Viola Davis, and Simu Liu, alongside working actors across film, television, and theater. It also includes industry insights, audition tips, and a curated selection of casting calls.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:7-2 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
Backstage also maintains a large editorial content presence on Backstage.com, regularly publishing a wide variety of original articles and videos. Content includes interviews with industry professionals, career advice for performers, how-to guides, and casting insights, making it a widely referenced resource among actors and creatives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:7-2 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
In 2017, Backstage debuted the biweekly podcast series ''In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast'', which features in-depth conversations with actors and creators, exploring the creative process, offering industry insights and advice, and sharing personal stories of success and failure. Guests have included Jessica Lange, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, Daniel Craig, Nicolas Cage, Hugh Jackman, and Michael Keaton.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-28 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
== Events ==
From 1992 to 2012, ''Backstage'' produced annual Actorfest trade shows, entertainment-industry networking events held in various cities. Past Actorfest events took place in New York City,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hollywoodmomblog.com/exclusive-actorfest-ny-2009-as-experienced-by-momager-cari-surch/|title=From the Momager Trenches: Actorfest NY 2009 - Hollywood Mom Blog|date=2009-11-23|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Detroit. Other ''Backstage'' events in the past included the annual Backstage Garland Awards (previously known as the Drama-Logue Award) honoring the California theatre scene; the annual Bistro Awards honoring the cabaret industry, especially NYC-based cabaret; and the bi-coastal ''An Evening With ...'' series that combined film screenings with Q&A sessions featuring key actors and directors from each film being shown.
Additionally, ''Backstage'' hosted classes, workshops, and networking events through its Backstage University brand,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.backstage.com/news/backstage-university-provides-essential-learning-actors/|title=Backstage University Provides Essential Learning for Actors|access-date=2016-07-11}}</ref> and sponsors numerous events and panels for talent working in the fields of film, television, commercials, radio/voice-overs, theatre, dance, modeling, and club talent (comedians, singers, etc.). Its "Successful Actor" panel series was done in partnership with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
== Legacy and influence == Backstage has played a key role in the careers of many successful actors,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-29 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref> including:
* Jonathan Groff * Kathryn Hahn * Sandra Bullock * Chris Evans * Niecy Nash * Connie Britton
It has been widely referenced in pop culture and industry lore as a go-to resource for working actors and aspiring performers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstage (publication): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Backstage_(publication)&diff=prev&oldid=1299346844#cite_note-:1-4 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=en.wikipedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.backstage.com}}
Category:1960 establishments in New York City Category:1998 mergers and acquisitions Category:2013 mergers and acquisitions Category:Magazines established in 1960 Category:Entertainment trade magazines Category:Magazines published in New York City Category:Weekly magazines published in the United States