Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Casting Stand-In for Television Production

Job Description
A television series is seeking a stand-in to match the height, build, and general appearance of a principal actor. This position involves assisting the production team by standing in for lighting, camera blocking, and technical setup. This is a non-speaking role but requires reliability, professionalism, and comfort working closely with the crew.

Job Responsibilities

• Stand in for a principal actor during lighting and camera setup

• Follow instructions from the camera, lighting, and directing teams

• Maintain consistency in position and movement for technical accuracy

• Work efficiently on set and remain attentive throughout the shoot

Requirements

• Caucasian male

• Balding or bald

• Height: 6’0” to 6’2”

• Weight: 215 to 245 lbs

• Ages 40s to 60s

• Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states in IL

• Previous stand-in or on-set experience is a plus

Compensation

• $186 for 8 hours

• Time-and-a-half after 8 hours

Pizza Tossers for Commercial Project

Job Description
A commercial shoot is seeking experienced pizza tossers who can confidently handle and toss dough on camera. This project is perfect for individuals with real-world pizza shop or dough-tossing experience who can bring skill, authenticity, and energy to a fast-paced filming environment. Additional background customers will also be part of the shoot, but this listing focuses solely on pizza tossers.

Job Responsibilities

• Actively toss and handle pizza dough in various on-camera scenes

• Maintain consistency and safe handling of dough during multiple takes

• Follow direction from the production crew

• Be prepared with a short video or examples of your dough-tossing ability

Requirements

• Adults, experienced pizza dough tossers

• Ability to work locally with reliable transportation

• Comfortable demonstrating real skill on camera

• Available for all required shoot dates

Compensation

• $300 for up to 10 hours

Santa Claus Performer

Job Description
A social media campaign is seeking a seasoned Santa Claus performer to bring warmth, charm, and authenticity to a festive promotional shoot. This role is ideal for experienced Santas who embody the classic holiday spirit and can deliver a joyful, family-friendly presence on camera.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Santa Claus with energy, personality, and authenticity

• Participate in on-camera scenes for a branded social media campaign

• Follow direction from the creative and production teams

• Maintain a friendly, festive demeanor throughout filming

Requirements

• Male performer

• Ages 50–70

• Caucasian

• Real beard strongly preferred

• Experience playing Santa is ideal

• Comfortable with perpetual usage of the footage

• Must be able to work locally and travel as needed

Compensation

• $750 plus mileage reimbursement

Latina Stand-Ins – TV Series

Job Description
A television production is seeking two Latina stand-ins for an upcoming shoot. Stand-ins will work closely with the camera and lighting departments to match the physical profile of the principal actors and ensure accurate scene setup. These roles are non-speaking and require strong reliability and professionalism on set.

Job Responsibilities

• Stand in for lighting, camera blocking, and technical setups

• Match the actor’s height, build, and general appearance

• Maintain continuity and precise positioning across takes

• Follow direction from the production and cinematography teams

• Arrive prepared and ready for a full workday

Requirements

• Latina, ages 20s–40s

• Role 1: Height 5’2”–5’4”, 115–135 lbs, dark hair (curly or straight)

• Role 2: Height 5’6”–5’8”, slim to medium build, dark hair

• Must work as a local hire in the Chicago, IL area

• Previous stand-in or on-set experience preferred but not required

Compensation

• $186 for 8 hours

Background Bar Patrons & Pedestrians – TV Series

Job Description
A television series is seeking background actors to appear as bar patrons and pedestrians for an upcoming episode filming in Chicago. Talent may also be selected for outdoor scenes requiring jogging, biking, or general pedestrian movement. These are non-speaking roles ideal for reliable performers who can bring natural, everyday energy to the screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray bar patrons in interior scenes

• Participate in outdoor scenes as joggers, cyclists, or pedestrians if selected

• Follow direction from the production team and maintain continuity across takes

• Arrive prepared with appropriate wardrobe options based on instructions

Requirements

• Male and female talent

• Ages 20–70

• All ethnicities

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or bordering states

• Must not be booked for a future date on the same series

Compensation

• Paid background roles

Minor Background Actors – Indie Feature Film

Job Description
An indie feature film is seeking a small number of minors for an upcoming school scene. This project will be filming in River Forest, Illinois, and is ideal for young performers who enjoy being on set and can follow direction well. Selected talent will take part in a classroom-style scene alongside a professional cast and crew.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in a school scene as background students

• Follow direction from the production team

• Maintain professionalism and remain focused on set

• Arrive prepared with appropriate wardrobe as instructed

Requirements

• Boys and girls, ages 7–10

• All ethnicities

• Must already have a valid work permit

• Must be able to work locally in River Forest, IL

• No older or younger ages accepted for this scene

Compensation

• $170 for the day

Prison Extras – Indie Feature Film

Job Description
An indie feature film is seeking adult background actors to portray inmates, a correctional officer, and a guard for upcoming scenes filmed at a historic prison location. This project offers a unique opportunity to be part of an atmospheric and gritty film environment alongside an experienced cast and crew. Scenes will be filmed at Joliet Prison, known for its iconic on-screen history.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray inmates or correctional staff in various prison scenes

• Follow direction from the production team and maintain continuity

• Bring authenticity and professionalism to all background work

• Arrive prepared with any requested wardrobe or appearance guidelines

Requirements

• Adults, all ethnicities

• Must be able to work locally in Joliet, Illinois

• Reliable, punctual, and able to take direction well

• Comfortable working in a prison environment

Compensation

• $132.80 for up to 8 hours

Party Goers – Music Video

Job Description
A music video shoot is casting extras to portray party guests for an exciting penthouse scene featuring the band Brigitte Calls Me Baby. This production aims to capture a modern, rock-inspired party vibe with a stylish and energetic atmosphere.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray natural, lively partygoers in a music video setting

• Follow direction from the production team to ensure seamless background performance

• Maintain energy and professionalism throughout filming

• Contribute to creating a fun and visually dynamic on-set environment

Requirements

• Men and women, ages 19–31

• All ethnicities welcome

• Must have a hip, fashionable look inspired by rock or alternative styles

• Comfortable filming in a party atmosphere

• Local to Chicago, IL

Compensation

• $135 for 8 hours

Bar Extras – Television Series

Job Description
A popular television series is seeking male extras to appear in an upcoming bar scene. This is a great opportunity to gain on-set experience and be part of a professional production with a well-known cast and crew.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray bar patrons naturally and interact convincingly in social background scenes

• Follow direction from the assistant directors and maintain continuity during takes

• Work professionally and collaboratively with other extras and crew members

Requirements

• Males, ages 20s to 60s

• Open to Asian, Middle Eastern, African American, and Latino talent

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or nearby border states

• Must not have worked on the show in the past week or be scheduled for a future date

• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable filming in a busy environment

Compensation

• Paid background role

Stand-In – Television Series

Job Description
A television production is seeking an African American female to work as a stand-in for an upcoming shoot. The role requires someone who closely matches the lead actor’s height, build, and complexion to assist with camera blocking and lighting setups. This is an excellent opportunity for those with on-set experience looking to gain valuable behind-the-scenes exposure.

Job Responsibilities

• Stand in for the lead actor during lighting and camera setup

• Maintain consistency in positioning, height, and posture during technical adjustments

• Work closely with the camera and lighting departments to ensure accurate scene preparation

• Remain professional, focused, and punctual throughout filming

Requirements

• African American female, ages 20s–40s

• Medium to light complexion with dark hair

• Height: 5’2” to 5’4” | Weight: 115–140 lbs

• Prior experience as a stand-in or extra preferred

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or nearby border states

Compensation

• Paid stand-in role