General
Creating Topsheet Account
How to create a Topsheet account for film, commercial, and Television Payroll. Cast & Crews, Production, and background.
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Who this is for: People searching for Casting Calls, Background Actors work, and Background Casting opportunities across all 50 states in the U.S., including LA, NYC, and Texas. If you want a clear path into background acting that’s free, fast, and trustworthy—start here. (Profile setup takes about 10 minutes.)
Sign up For Background Acting Jobs Here
Create your free profile and start seeing background casting calls in your area: Sign up on Topsheet →
Topsheet is free for background actors because we’re the payroll company. We’ve served productions for 7+ years, operate in all 50 states, and do not sell your information.
This is the high‑level flow—from first login to payday. A separate step‑by‑step “How‑To” article will walk you through screenshots and taps.
Create Your Free Account – Complete your Background Actor profile once (photos, sizes, skills, locations). Takes ~10 minutes.
Discover Casting Calls – Use filters such as location, union/non‑union, look categories, and skills to find background casting that fits you.
Apply & Confirm – Tap to apply or confirm interest. You’ll get messages with details when a casting coordinator shortlists or books you.
Get Booked – Receive your call time, location, wardrobe notes, and any forms to finish.
Check In, Work, Submit Time – Use the app for on‑set check‑in and smart timecards. Topsheet applies the correct payroll rules for SAG-AFTRA background or Non-union based on tier and state.
Get Paid – Track your payroll status and receive direct deposit (if set up). Because Topsheet is the Employer of Record, the path from booking to payment stays in one secure system straight to your bank fast.
Need more specifics? We’ll link the full 10‑minute profile walkthrough in the companion how‑to article.
Built for casting and payroll, not ads.
Free for Background Actors – No subscription, no hidden fees, no selling your information.
Nationwide – Casting calls across all 50 states.
Easy to use – Create an account, set your availability, and get notifications when you're booked.
Privacy – We do not sell your information; your profile exists to match you to paid work and run payroll correctly. We make our money through casting and processing your payroll for the productions; we do not make money off of actors or their information.
7+ Years of Trust – Producers, line producers, and payroll teams already work in Topsheet; you plug directly into their workflow.
One Profile, Many Productions – Your accurate sizes, skills, and look categories help coordinators find and book you faster.
Topsheet supports union ( SAG-AFTRA for background) and non‑union background casting and payroll. Roles in the app clearly indicate what they are.
For most new background actors who are building experience and making money.
Simple onboarding; rates and conditions vary by production and state.
Productions must follow union rates, conditions, and priority for union background.
How people become SAG‑AFTRA eligible as background:
Voucher Path (most common): On a SAG‑AFTRA production, if the union background roster is short, productions can hire non‑union background and issue union vouchers (meaning just a Union status time card). Accumulating the required number of qualifying vouchers can make you eligible to join SAG‑AFTRA. Keep copies of your vouchers and confirmations.
Principal/Taft‑Hartley Path: Being hired in a qualifying principal role (not typical for a standard background) can trigger a Taft‑Hartley, making you eligible.
Existing Membership from Another Category: Some performers join through other covered work.
How Topsheet helps:
Roles are filtered Union or Non‑Union, so we can hire you on the right projects, but we will also notify you if you are being promoted to a Union position.
When productions hire additional background due to union cast availabilty, the set may issue union vouchers according to their rules; your timecard and payroll flow through Topsheet for proper processing and documentation.
You should retain any voucher copies for your SAG‑AFTRA eligibility records.
Eligibility specifics (e.g., how many vouchers, qualifying details) are governed by SAG‑AFTRA and can change. Always confirm current requirements with SAG‑AFTRA.
There are multiple legitimate ways to find casting calls. Many actors use several in parallel. Here’s a high‑level, neutral view to help you choose.
Feature | Topsheet | Casting Networks | Central Casting |
|---|---|---|---|
Actor cost | Free for background actors | Varies by services/plan | Typically free to register; market‑specific processes |
Primary role | Payroll + Background Casting | Casting marketplace | Casting services; in‑person registration in some markets |
Coverage | All 50 states | Broad U.S. coverage (varies by city/market) | Major markets; office‑based coverage varies |
Profile use | Booking & Payroll in one app | Casting profile | Casting profile |
Data & privacy | We do not sell your info | See provider privacy policy | See provider privacy policy |
Getting paid | Directly via Topsheet payroll | Paid via production’s payroll provider | Paid via production’s payroll provider |
If you already use Casting Networks or register with Central Casting, or any other casting network, then great—keep doing what works. Topsheet is an additional free avenue that integrates booking and payroll for a smoother experience.
Is Topsheet really free for background actors?
Yes, with Topsheet it is free. Background actors do not pay Topsheet. We make money for casting you, and production pays us to process payroll.
How do I find background work?
Topsheet finds the work for you, all you need to do is follow the instructions and fill out your background actor profile, set your availability in the app, and our casting directors will notify you with work.
What kinds of casting calls are on Topsheet?
Background casting for film, TV, commercials, and more—union and non‑union—in all 50 states.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Clear, current photos, ability to work in the United States, and accurate sizes/skills are the most important basics.
How do payments work?
Time cards are processed via Topsheet’s smart timecards with production; payroll runs through Topsheet as Employer of Record. Set up direct deposit for speed.
Can Topsheet help me become SAG‑AFTRA?
We don’t grant eligibility, but when productions need more union background than are available, they may hire qualified non‑union and issue union vouchers per their rules. Topsheet processes the payroll and you should keep voucher records toward eligibility.
Will Topsheet sell my data or market to me?
NO. Topsheet does not sell your information.
Can I work outside my home city?
Yes. Set multiple work zones and your travel radius to appear in more casting calls.
Create your free profile (10 minutes): Sign up on Topsheet →
Turn on notifications and browse background casting near you.
Apply fast, show up prepared, and submit your time—we’ll handle the payroll.
How to create a Topsheet account for film, commercial, and Television Payroll. Cast & Crews, Production, and background.