Rising Stars: Meet Joel Onesto of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Onesto.

Hi Joel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I became an elementary school teacher in 1996. I taught on and off for over 18 years. During my teaching years I started working as a background actor on film and TV sets in 2008. After over a year I became a SAG Union member. I continued doing this during my vacation breaks from teaching. In 2017, I stopped teaching due to lack of support from my school district. I then started to work as an Extra (background actor) full time. At around 2022, I decided to pursue acting jobs. Later that year, I started to become more involved as a Casting Director. I really enjoy working on different projects and providing that opportunity to my actors that I cast. I’ve been casting full time for the past 2 years, but I still continue doing my acting and background projects.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve really enjoyed the ups and downs of my road. No matter how easy or hard things get I lean on my faith to overcome all obstacles and challenges.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned before I find myself taking on the casting Director position full time. I really take pride in my work. Currently I’m specializing in casting for projects called Verticals. What sets me apart from other casting directors is my professionalism and business relationships I have with my actors. I make it point to know my actors.

Any big plans?
My plans for the future is take my casting to the next level in terms of tv and film projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7628528/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_in_0_q_joel%2520onesto