AuguryDecember Casting Calls in New York: A Fresh Batch of Commercials, TV Spots and Background Work
This article was written by the Augury Times
A quick look at this week’s New York casting notices and why they matter
Casting Networks posted a fresh batch of December casting calls for New York City this week, and for performers who live here or travel for work it represents a compact but meaningful burst of auditions and on-camera jobs. The list covers national and local commercials, parts for streaming and network series, an independent feature, some theatre workshops and a steady set of background calls. Some roles are for paid principal actors with speaking parts; many are for background players and featured extras who fill scenes. The timing matters: December casting often feeds holiday advertising and year-end shoots, which can mean short-turnaround gigs and multiple filming days. For local performers this slate offers a mix of quick, one-off background days and longer booking possibilities if a featured role is won. Casting notices flag whether union status is required, and several items on this roundup show a clear split between union principals and non-union background. Below I break down who should pay attention, the kinds of parts casting is seeking, how to submit, and what this batch says about the state of work in New York’s acting market heading into the holidays.
Who should pay attention: union status and special eligibility notes
Most of the notices call out whether a role is open to SAG-AFTRA members or to non‑union performers. Principal and speaking roles, especially on commercials and TV series, typically require proof of SAG-AFTRA membership or a listed union clearance. Background casting often includes both union and non-union calls; when a job is union-only the posting will list the necessary paperwork and clearance. If minors are part of the search, the casting notes usually specify exact age ranges and note any required work permits or parent presence. Some listings flag mobility or wardrobe limits, such as the need to travel outside the city for filming or to provide specific clothing or looks. Read each posting’s eligibility line closely: casting teams enforce those rules at submission and again at booking. This week’s slate includes a mix of clear union calls and broader submissions, so it is relevant to both established union members and non-union actors building credits.
Notable gigs: who casting is looking for this round
Among the postings are a handful of national commercial shoots seeking adults to play families, professionals and friends in everyday settings; these roles favor naturalism and camera-ready delivery. A streaming-series search wants several guest actors for short arcs — characters who can play neighbors, co-workers and authority figures. An independent feature is casting supporting character parts, and a few theatre listings seek workshop performers with movement or singing ability. Background calls cover restaurant, office and street scenes, plus a holiday-themed crowd for seasonal shoots. Several roles explicitly ask for diverse casts across age and ethnic lines. There are also featured extra spots that require small actions or on-camera reactions — these can be useful for visibility and future credit. Overall the slate leans toward realism and everyday types rather than highly stylized or stunt-heavy casting.
How to submit: materials, deadlines and where to look
The PR notice directs applicants to submit via Casting Networks and indicates that each posting contains its own deadline and contact details. Typical requirements are a recent headshot, a one-page resume, an online reel or clips for speaking roles, and union paperwork when needed. Many calls also ask applicants to state availability windows and relevant measurements. December shoots often move quickly, with some deadlines set a few days to a week after posting, so check timestamps on individual notices. If a role requires representation, the posting will state that. Look for the submission instructions line in each Casting Networks listing for the exact steps and any requested file formats or labeling conventions.
What this slate says about the New York acting market right now
Taken together, these calls point to steady, if not booming, demand for on-camera and background work in New York as the year closes. Commercials and seasonal shoots make up a significant slice of the list, which is typical for December when brands push holiday campaigns. The mix of union principal parts and non-union background jobs suggests casting teams are balancing budgets while still aiming for professional crews. For local performers, that generally means predictable short-term bookings for extras and some opportunities for higher-profile spots. The slate doesn’t show a flood of large-scale film production hires, but it does indicate reliable day-rate work and a handful of multi-day opportunities. In short: practical gigs to keep people working through the holidays, without signaling a major hiring surge.
Where to go next: resources and gentle reminders
Performers may monitor Casting Networks postings for the full details and exact deadlines. Other useful sources to watch include Backstage, Actors Access and local SAG-AFTRA NYC notices. It can help to keep an up-to-date headshot and profile, short labeled reels available, and casting-platform alerts set to catch last-minute calls. Check each listing’s eligibility and submission lines closely before applying so you meet the stated requirements.
Photo: Markus Winkler / Pexels
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