Backstage (publication)

Backstage, also previously written as Back Stage, is a global casting platform and entertainment industry publication that connects performers, content creators, and behind-the-scenes professionals with casting directors and production teams across film, television, theater, commercials, and digital media.

Founded in New York City as an industry trade magazine by Allen Zwerdling and Ira Eaker in 1960, the brand now encompasses Backstage.com—which features editorial content and a vetted job listings platform, Backstage magazine, and Call Sheet (formerly Ross Reports)—a directory of talent agents, casting directors, and casting calls.

In the 1990s, Back Stage established the Los Angeles–based Back Stage West, which competed primarily with the longer-established Drama-Logue; in 1998, Drama-Logue was acquired by Back Stage and merged into Back Stage West. In 2008, both versions were merged into a single national edition.

From the 1990s through the early 2010s, Backstage was a sister to fellow entertainment publications Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter, and later Adweek, via Billboard Publications and its corporate successors, such as Nielsen Business Media and Prometheus Global Media. In 2011, Back Stage was divested by Prometheus to a group led by John Amato, who relaunched the print and digital publications. After being briefly being re-acquired by Prometheus, it was sold to RZ Capital in 2013, and in turn sold to payroll company Cast & Crew in 2022.

Backstage continues to publish original digital content on career development, casting trends, and advice for performers and other talent types.

Backstage is owned by Cast & Crew, a provider of production payroll and software solutions for the entertainment industry.