Backstage Reviews

I've been on Backstage for close to three years now.
It has really helped me get my foot in the door on a lot of gigs.
My review will be as direct and honest as possible.
Pros:
BACKSTAGE is reputable and DOES have alot of legitimate acting gigs.
Great for Non Union actors.
I personally have not had any issues as far as customer support nor renewal issues.
Very wide data base for any one in the industry.
SAG approved films and shorts that can get you the accredited status to into the Union.

CONS:
ALOT. And I do mean. ALOT of unpaid/ school film type of jobs.
No real A list or major motion picture opportunities.
( I've only seen 1 out of my three years)
They say for example you have an opportunity to apply for let's say The Walking Dead or Fast and Furious. But the truth is A listed gigs will NOT appear here.
In addition those gigs require agents and SAG union. This is this sights biggest downfall.
To be a SAG member you have to have SAG approved film experience. Which BACKSTAGE does offer. BUT. As far as my experience SAG films require agents. Agents won't touch you unless you have SAG experience. So, in essence your like a Dog chasing your own tail. How does one get in the door? As it said in Hollywood. You know someone who knows someone.
Alot of infomercial type. "Teach you to act"
Without accredited teachers courses. ( a high majority of production companies and directors won't take you seriously without ACTUAL acting classes from an accredited institution)

If your an up and coming actor and need IMdB credits or a simple beginner at acting Backstage is your perfect place to learn the craft.
Backstage has given me the tools and gigs to perfect my acting, find my comfort zones and find my limits.
I can actually say I AM a professional Actor.

But if your thinking your going to land that huge gig with a major Hollywood Studio... Get ready to work your butt off and have a microscopic chance.( like a germ using a microscope to find a chance... chance)
Because without SAG union, a reputable agent/ company, and a actual film short/ audition tape done professionally.
You will be chasing extra gigs on major sets ( no SAG APPROVAL as an extra BTW) and doing Film festival shorts.

Backstage is good for unrepresented actors. It's mostly student films and microbudget indie stuff. You won't get a life changing gig, but it is useful for building your resume. I had used them for just over 2 years, and was satisfied, until the pandemic hit. I explained to them that I could not afford the service, to which Ben replied, "How about if we give you 2 months for free and move your billing date?" To me, this sounded like "We'll let you keep the service and postpone billing for 2 months." What they should have said is "We're still going to charge you now, but next year, we'll charge 2 months later than the date we are currently charging you on." They didn't say that because that is obviously of no help. I disputed the charge, and the bank reversed it. I cancelled that card, and offered to pay Backstage directly via debit. Richard informed me that I would not be given access to my account unless I dropped the dispute. It was a moot point given that the card was cancelled. I tried contacting Richard several times offering to pay my bill, but never heard back. The big takeaway is this: If you have to use Backstage, keep a close eye on your bank account. They'll charge you without letting you know, and will use a multitude of strategies to make that transaction indisputable. They will also talk a good game, and though they don't outright lie, they definitely obfuscate the truth. Watch your cash because they like to stick their hands in the cookie jar.