Finding a reliable Manhattan Casting Agencies takes more than a quick search. The NewYorkLists Editorial Team has vetted each business on this list — verifying active operation, checking credentials, and assessing local reputation — so you can compare real options with confidence. Each listing includes customer reviews to help you make the right call.
Last Updated on 2026-04-15 by
Scott Carlson, Business Listing Analyst
Background, Inc. has been a steady presence in the casting world since opening in 2000, growing into one of the busiest commercial extras casting companies on the East Coast. Now working in both New York and Los Angeles, the firm handles union and non-union projects of every scale. While best known for commercial casting, Background, Inc. also works on music videos, industrials, print campaigns, and promos. The team is recognized for its speed, organization, and attention to detail—whether coordinating hundreds of extras at dawn on the Brooklyn Bridge or securing specialty talent for a single-day shoot. As a certified Woman Owned Business, the company maintains round-the-clock availability to meet production demands.
http://bgroundinc.com/
- House Casting has spent more than two decades shaping commercial, voiceover, film, and television projects in New York City. Known for its thoughtful, hands-on process, the team studies scripts, treatments, and creative boards carefully to understand each client’s vision before presenting talent. From union and non-union performers to “real people,” kids, voice actors, and celebrity talent, House Casting handles projects of all sizes—including large-scale street casting and out-of-town searches. The agency also provides videoconferencing, digital submissions, and full production support for casting sessions. Respected for professionalism and client care, the firm balances efficiency with a welcoming atmosphere—helped, in part, by their office dog, Buddy.
http://housecasting.com/
- Cast Partner has built a strong reputation in the casting industry since its founding in 2005. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Mexico City, the company maintains an international reach that extends across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Working across a wide range of industries, Cast Partner is known for its creative eye, structured methodology, and careful execution. Despite its global footprint, the agency operates with a boutique sensibility—offering hands-on attention and detailed production support for projects of all sizes. Its blend of artistic judgment and operational precision has positioned the firm as a trusted collaborator for brands and production teams worldwide.
https://www.castpartner.com/
- Backstage has been a central resource for actors and performers since its founding in New York City in 1960. Originally launched as a performing arts publication, it has evolved into a leading online casting platform connecting talent with opportunities across film, television, theater, and digital media. With a large volume of roles available and a comprehensive suite of casting tools, Backstage serves both performers and industry professionals. Actors gain access to diverse auditions and unlimited submissions, while casting directors and producers benefit from streamlined search and management features. Decades after its launch, Backstage remains a well-known bridge between creative projects and emerging talent.
https://www.backstage.com/
- Beth Melsky Casting has been active in the New York casting community for more than two decades, working across commercials, feature films, and short projects. The company handles both union and non-union casting, sourcing a wide range of talent including real people, comedians, improv performers, Spanish-language talent, dancers, models, and voice actors. Supported by a seasoned team of casting directors, the firm maintains a consistent standard across projects of varying scope and budget. Beth Melsky Casting’s work has also received industry recognition, including a Cannes Gold Lion in Production Craft for casting, reflecting its established presence in the field.
https://www.bethmelskycasting.com/
- Donna Grossman Casting is a boutique casting company based in the heart of Manhattan, serving clients across commercials, television, film, theater, print, and live events. Known for its attentive, hands-on style, the firm approaches each project with careful consideration to ensure the right talent fit. With more than two decades of cultivated relationships with leading agencies, the company combines industry connections with a strong grasp of modern “real people” casting shaped by social media outreach. Donna Grossman herself is widely regarded within the casting community, and her reputation reflects the firm’s consistent, detail-oriented work for clients both locally and internationally.
http://www.donnagrossmancasting.com/
- Ken Lazer Casting Company brings more than 27 years of experience to the casting industry, with a track record spanning thousands of projects. The company has built a reputation for delivering talent that is not only skilled and camera-ready but also professional and easy to collaborate with on set. Founder Ken Lazer, a longtime member of the Casting Society of America, has worked across commercials, voice-overs, industrials, feature films, television, reality programming, print campaigns, and infomercials. Over nearly three decades, his steady presence and industry relationships have made the firm a trusted partner for advertising agencies and production companies seeking dependable, high-quality casting support.
https://kenlazercasting.com/
- NYCastings has been a fixture in the New York production community for over two decades, connecting casting directors, producers, and content creators with a broad range of talent. The platform supports casting for SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity, and non-union performers, including actors, models, dancers, singers, voice-over artists, and live acts. Used for film, television, theater, commercial, and print projects, NYCastings extends its reach beyond New York to major markets such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, and more. In addition to casting breakdown services, it also offers acting classes and showcases for performers seeking representation, reinforcing its role as both a hiring resource and industry hub.
https://www.nycastings.com/
- Grant Wilfley Casting has been serving the New York film, television, and commercial industry since 1992, earning a reputation for reliability and creative talent sourcing. The company provides comprehensive casting support, handling principal roles, day players, and background performers with equal attention. Over the years, its team has contributed to major productions directed by filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Darren Aronofsky, and Steven Spielberg. Known for both discovering new faces and delivering dependable casting for established projects, Grant Wilfley Casting remains a respected presence within the industry’s production community.
https://www.gwcnyc.com/
- Central Casting has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry since its founding in 1925. With more than 90 years of experience, the company is widely regarded as the leading background actors casting service in the United States. Operating offices in New York, Los Angeles, Georgia, and Louisiana, Central Casting supports film, television, and commercial productions of every scale. Now a division of Entertainment Partners, the firm offers both background casting and payroll services under one roof, streamlining production logistics. For producers and performers alike, Central Casting remains a longstanding, reliable presence in the background casting landscape.
https://www.centralcasting.com/
How NewYorkLists Selects the Best Manhattan Casting Agencies in
Every Manhattan Casting Agencies on this list has been vetted by the NewYorkLists Editorial Team before being published. We combine independent research, public business data, and direct company submissions into a consistent review process so you can trust what you are looking at.
- Active business verification — confirmed currently operating and serving
- Google and Yelp reputation check reviewed for volume recency and overall rating
- License and credential verification where required by regulations
- Years in operation and documented service area coverage
- Overall market standing including any known complaints or credibility concerns
Each individual listing includes customer reviews so you can dig deeper before making a decision. Our role is to ensure every business shown here meets a baseline of credibility — the reviews help you take it from there.
Businesses may submit their information for consideration. Every submission goes through the same vetting process above to ensure accuracy and quality within the area.
Top Manhattan Casting Agencies in : Quick Comparison
| Rank | Company | NewYorkLists Rating | Area of Service | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Background, Inc | 4.8 ⭐ | View Profile | |
| #2 | House Casting | 4.6 ⭐ | View Profile | |
| #3 | Cast Partner | 4.5 ⭐ | View Profile | |
| #4 | Backstage Casting | 4.4 ⭐ | View Profile | |
| #5 | Beth Melsky Casting | 4.3 ⭐ | View Profile |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How were these Manhattan Casting Agencies selected?
These Manhattan Casting Agencies were evaluated based on service quality, customer reviews, local reputation, industry experience, and overall value. We also consider consistency, responsiveness, and the accuracy of publicly available business information to highlight reliable and trusted Manhattan Casting Agencies.
Latest Customer Reviews
Ken is an amazing casting director. He has over 30 years experience and used that experience to cast a major commercial campaign for Nike for me.