English
A new app designed to give actors direct feedback from professional casting directors has officially launched after years of development. Castability, founded by Jay Boyer and led by casting director Amanda Lenker Doyle, CSA, allows performers to film original scenes on their phones and receive structured evaluations from industry professionals.
Years in Development Before Public Launch
Boyer first began developing the concept a decade ago. Early access opened in November 2020, with paid subscriptions following the next year. However, the app remained in beta for several years while Boyer and Lenker Doyle continued expanding its features and services. The platform officially launched earlier this month.
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The development team includes Boyer, Lenker Doyle, Cronin Cullen, Jackie Rhoads and Taylor Shurte. Design and engineering came from Goji Labs. After a two-week free trial, users pay $35 per month to access the platform.
How the App Works
Castability is available on both iPhone and Android. Each week, the app provides users with new scenes to perform and submit. Professional casting directors then review every submission against three key metrics: technique, believability and creativity.
Actors receive scores along with specific notes on what worked and what needs improvement. The platform is also considering adding rankings and highlights for top-performing users.
Lenker Doyle’s recent casting credits include Scooby-Doo: Origins, Chad Powers, Cape Fear and Murdaugh: Death in the Family.
Addressing a Gap in the Industry
Boyer said the app addresses a long-standing problem for working actors. “Actors are constantly being evaluated, but they’re rarely given the information they need to grow,” he said. “We built Castability to give actors something tangible: honest feedback from people who understand the craft, greater visibility into their performances and the ability to see their progress.”
Lenker Doyle echoed that sentiment. “One of the hardest parts of navigating this industry is the uncertainty,” she said. “So much of the casting and filmmaking process happens behind closed doors, and actors are left guessing. Castability pulls back the curtain, showing actors how the casting process really works.”
The founders also point to broader industry shifts that made the app more relevant over time. The pandemic significantly reduced in-person casting sessions, and self-tape auditions became the standard for many film and television projects. Meanwhile, runaway production has pushed more work outside of traditional hubs like Los Angeles.
As a result, the app aims to level the playing field for performers regardless of location. “An actor in Tulsa can now get the same professional eyes on their work as an actor in Los Angeles or New York,” the founders noted.
For Lenker Doyle, the launch marks the end of a long road. “After six years of building it, I’m thrilled to finally share it,” she said. “It’s education I wish every actor had access to.”
