Orlando is one of the most active film and commercial markets in the Southeast. Between Disney, Universal, a growing independent film scene, and constant commercial production, there is real work here for actors at every level.
The challenge is knowing where to look and how to get in the room.
Why Orlando Is a Strong Market for Actors
Orlando consistently ranks among the top cities outside of Los Angeles and New York for film and TV production. Theme park productions, major commercial campaigns, independent films, and student films from Full Sail University and UCF all create regular casting opportunities.
If you are just getting started, read how to become an actor in Florida first to make sure the foundations are in place before you start submitting to auditions.
Where to Find Movie Auditions in Orlando
Casting Websites
The most reliable source of legitimate auditions is professional casting platforms. These are used by casting directors, production companies, and talent agencies to post roles and accept submissions.
- Actors Access: One of the most widely used platforms in Florida for film, TV, and commercial casting
- Casting Networks: Used heavily by Orlando casting offices and national productions filming in Florida
- Backstage: Covers a broad range of projects including independent films, student productions, and commercial work
- Casting Frontier: Popular for commercial and theme park work in the Orlando market
Local Talent Agencies
A reputable Orlando talent agent submits you directly to casting directors for roles that match your type. You never pay upfront fees to a legitimate agency. They earn commission only when you book work, typically 10 to 15 percent.
The Florida Film Commission
The Florida Local Film Commission tracks productions filming in the state and publishes information about incoming projects. Productions coming to Central Florida are often listed before they begin formal casting, giving you a head start on knowing what is being made locally.
Open Casting Calls
Disney, Universal, and independent productions in the film industry in Florida periodically hold open casting calls in Orlando. These are advertised through official studio social channels, local casting websites, and sometimes local news.
Only apply through official channels. Fraudulent open casting call announcements are common in this market.
Student Films at UCF and Full Sail
Full Sail University and the University of Central Florida both have active film programmes producing short films and full-length features year-round. These productions cast local actors, often for free or low-paid work, and are a legitimate way to build credits and on-set experience early in a career.
Background Work
Background work, also called extra work, is not the same as principal acting but it puts you on real sets and introduces you to the production world in Orlando.
It is a practical starting point for actors who are new to professional environments and want to understand how film sets operate.
Local Facebook Groups and Acting Communities
Orlando has active online communities where casting notices, open calls, and production updates are shared regularly.
Groups focused on Orlando actors and Florida film production are worth joining. Be selective and verify every opportunity independently before submitting personal information or attending any audition.
How to Position Yourself to Get More Auditions
Finding audition listings is only half the work. Getting called in depends on how well you present yourself to casting directors and agents.
Get Professional Headshots
A professional headshot is your calling card. Casting directors see hundreds of submissions for every role. A clear, professional headshot that accurately represents how you look today is non-negotiable for anyone submitting seriously in the Orlando market.
Build a Strong Acting Resume
Your resume tells casting directors what training you have and what you have done. Even without credits, training and special skills matter. Starting from zero is normal.
Read how to get started as an actor without experience for practical advice on building a resume from scratch.
Train Consistently
Actors who train regularly book more work. It is that simple. Casting directors notice the difference between an actor who has been in class recently and one who has not. Consistent training in on-camera technique gives you a real edge in commercial and film auditions in Orlando.
Get an Agent
Most principal roles in Orlando film and TV projects are cast through agents, not open submissions. Having a reputable Orlando talent agent puts your headshot in front of casting directors who never accept unsolicited submissions.
An agent is not a requirement to get started, but it becomes increasingly important as you pursue principal roles in larger productions.
Types of Auditions You Will Encounter in Orlando
| Audition Type | What to Expect | Common in Orlando |
| Commercial audition | Short, personality-focused, often improvised | Very common |
| Film audition (independent) | Prepared sides, character work | Common |
| Theme park audition | Performance skills, movement, character consistency | Specific to Orlando |
| Student film audition | Flexible, good for building credits | Common at UCF and Full Sail |
| Self-tape audition | Record at home and submit digitally | Increasingly standard |
| Background casting | Minimal acting required, set experience | Very common |
What to Do When You Get an Audition
Getting the audition is only the beginning. What you do before you walk in determines whether you get called back. Read how to prepare for an audition for a full breakdown of preparation, and 13 tips for nailing your audition when you are ready to focus on performance.
Prepare Thoroughly
Know your sides. Understand the character. Research the production. Actors who walk in underprepared are immediately distinguishable from those who have done the work, and casting directors remember both.
Arrive Early and Be Professional
Being late to an audition in Orlando is a career mistake. Studios and casting offices are busy, schedules are tight, and being late signals that you will be difficult to work with on set. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early, be polite to everyone you meet, and treat the audition room as a professional environment.
Conclusion
Orlando has real opportunities for actors at every level. The market rewards actors who are trained, professional, and persistent. Find the right casting platforms, build your materials, train consistently, and pursue representation when you are ready. The auditions are out there. The question is whether you are prepared when they come.
People Also Ask
Do you need an agent to audition for movies in Orlando?
Not for everything. Student films, open casting calls, and background work are accessible without an agent. However, most principal roles in professional film and TV productions in Orlando are cast through agents. Getting representation becomes increasingly important as you pursue larger roles.
Are there open casting calls in Orlando for films?
Yes, regularly. Disney, Universal, and independent productions hold open calls in Orlando throughout the year. They are advertised through official studio social media channels and casting websites. Always verify through official sources before attending, as fraudulent casting call listings are common.
How do actors get noticed by casting directors in Orlando?
Professional headshots, a strong resume, consistent training, and a presence on casting platforms like Actors Access and Casting Networks are the starting points. Casting directors notice actors who submit appropriately for roles they are right for and who show up to auditions prepared and professional.
Is Orlando a good city to start an acting career?
Yes, particularly for commercial work, theme park performance, and independent film. It is less competitive than Los Angeles or New York and offers more accessible entry points for newer actors. Many Florida actors build credits and experience in Orlando before pursuing larger markets.
What is the difference between a union and non-union audition in Orlando?
SAG-AFTRA productions follow union rules covering pay rates, working hours, and on-set conditions. Non-union productions are not bound by those rules and typically pay less. Most newer actors in Orlando start with non-union work before earning SAG-AFTRA eligibility through bookings or a Taft-Hartley waiver.
