# Actors Access vs Backstage

The clearest difference is rating: Backstage at 4.7 against Actors Access's 2.6. Backstage also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 6 months). Actors Access's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Actors Access sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month and Backstage sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Backstage holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backstage has 19K ratings behind it against 61, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Actors Access's written reviews are positive against 34% of Backstage's.

Actors Access ships an update every 6 months, Backstage weekly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Actors Access | Backstage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (61 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/actors-access/id1210208241/reviews) | **[4.7 (19K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backstage-casting-calls/id1215380527/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 61 | **19K** |
| Positive reviews | 21.0% of reviews | **33.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #61 | **#32** |
| Size | 39 MB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Breakdown Services, Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/371783589) | [Backstage LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/911140995) |

## What reviewers say

### Actors Access

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/actors-access/id1210208241)

**Currently charting:** #61 Top Grossing · Business (US App Store)

Easily submit yourself and audition for casting calls directly from your device. Access available roles, receive important notifications, and manage your audition materials. Requires a paid membership for full submission features.

**Highlights:** Submit for casting calls, Audition for roles, View posted roles, Receive audition notifications, Send self-tape auditions, Join live audition sessions, Download audition sides

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Actors Access Plus Monthly | $9.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good app
- 🚀 Convenient for submitting
- 💡 Helpful notifications

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy
- 🔍 Limited functionality compared to website
- 🚫 Cannot access profile or cMail
- 💤 Outdated/redundant notifications
- 📤 Issues with uploading and submitting

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Inconsistent or missing data
- Login issues
- Slow or unreliable uploads

**Requested features**

- Add cMail access
- Improve filtering and sorting options
- Allow profile editing on app
- Provide print functionality for sides
- Better integration with website features


### Backstage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backstage-casting-calls/id1215380527)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Grossing · Business (US App Store)

Discover acting jobs and auditions worldwide for TV, film, and more. Browse thousands of curated casting calls, apply to unlimited roles, and build your career in the performing arts. A free download with optional subscription for advanced features.

**Highlights:** Browse global casting calls, Apply to unlimited roles, Create saved searches, Upload media, Build talent profile, Find acting jobs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $24.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $24.99 | per month |
| 3-Month Membership | $74.99 | per 3 months |
| 3-Month Membership | $74.99 | per 3 months |
| 6-Month Membership | $99.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual Membership | $199.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great platform for finding acting jobs
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💡 Helpful for building an acting resume
- 🚀 Efficient way to search for and apply to roles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Subscription issues and billing problems
- 🔒 Lack of customer service and support
- 🐛 Buggy app with crashing and loading issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription fees

**Reported bugs**

- App repeatedly logs users out
- Inability to upload media/headshots
- Casting calls not loading properly
- Notification system not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add ability to save specific job postings
- Improve search filtering options
- Integrate calendar download for audition dates
- Provide more detailed job information in app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Actors Access free?

Actors Access is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Backstage free?

Backstage is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Actors Access or Backstage?

Backstage is rated higher. Actors Access averages 2.6 out of 5 from 61 ratings, while Backstage averages 4.7 from 19K ratings.

### Do Actors Access or Backstage have ads?

Actors Access shows ads; Backstage does not.

### Which is updated more often, Actors Access or Backstage?

Actors Access ships an update every 6 months, and Backstage weekly. Most recently, Actors Access was updated on September 24, 2026 and Backstage on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Actors Access or Backstage?

Actors Access currently peaks at #61 in the App Store charts, and Backstage at #32. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*