Atmosphere players are also cast through agencies. Theatre work is good training for the soaps and it can give a casting director or agent an opportunity to really see you work. Below you will find casting contact info. It really annoys them. This page is not updated too often.
Most casting people look for new talent by attending theatre productions.
When they see someone they like, they will contact them after the show and arrange an audition or interview. Another way to get in a soap is to be hired as an extra. Because an extra doesn't earn nearly enough to cover the cost of traveling long distances, living in a hotel, eating in restaurants, etc. And in case you are wondering, the soap producers aren't going to pay your expenses. They'll hire local actors for extras.