Summary

Foster Dade is a highly praised Hulu pilot that plunges headfirst into the intricate universe of a New Jersey boarding school in 2008. In the era of the emergence of social media and millennial neuroses, transfer student Foster Dade struggles to cope with his parents’ salacious divorce and Kennedy Academy’s brutal hierarchies.

As Foster navigates tumultuous friendships and perilous secrets, a devastating scandal breaks out, altering the community for eternity. Developed by Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran, this intense Warner Bros. TV pilot delves into privilege, identity, and the stories we tell to define ourselves.

If you’re an up-and-coming actor with dramatic range and emotional nuance, this may be your opportunity to join one of Hulu’s most ambitious coming-of-age dramas to date.

About Foster Dade

Foster Dade takes place at Kennedy, an elite New Jersey boarding school in 2008, as early social networking sites such as BlackBerry Messenger and iChat start transforming the way teens communicate. Foster, who transferred to school, is trying to deal with his parents’ acrimonious divorce and navigate the school’s strict social stratification characterized by privilege and concealment.

Over the course of eighteen months, Foster becomes embroiled in a scandal that ultimately results in his expulsion. A contemporary narrator tracks down the truth through Foster’s blog entries, playlists, and classmates’ descriptions, examining the ways personal narratives are constructed and manipulated.

Cast

While the full cast list has yet to be announced, casting is now open for key roles most notably the lead role of Foster Dade, a complex teenager navigating identity, isolation, and belonging.

Casting Directors: Rapaport/Baldasare Casting

• Age Range: 18+ (to play 16–18)
  
• Ethnicity: Open
  
• Accent: American
  

Creative Team

• Greg Berlanti (You, Riverdale) – Co-Writer / Executive Producer
  
• Bash Doran (Beef, Life After Life) – Co-Writer / Executive Producer
  
• Nash Jenkins – Author of the Original Novel / Executive Producer
  
• Sarah Schechter – Executive Producer
  
• Leigh London Redman – Executive Producer
  
• Donald De Line (De Line Pictures) – Executive Producer
  
• Robbie Rogers – Executive Producer
  

Fans eagerly await casting updates for supporting roles that will bring Kennedy Academy’s fractured world to life.

Production

• Project Title: Foster Dade
• Project Type: TV Pilot (Young Adult Mystery Drama)
• Project Description: A haunting, character-driven story set across 2008 and the present day. The series examines privilege, scandal, sexuality, masculinity, and the digital awakening of a generation through the eyes of a student caught in a life-altering scandal.
• Production Company: Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and De Line Pictures
• Key Personnel: Greg Berlanti, Bash Doran, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Nash Jenkins, Robbie Rogers, Donald De Line
• Filming Location: Burbank, California, USA

Outside Information about Foster Dade

Foster Dade is based on Nash Jenkins’ 2023 debut novel Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos. Hulu’s pilot order marks a significant step for Berlanti and Doran, who adapted this intricate boarding school mystery. The story probes into 2008-era teenage life, digital transformation, and millennial anxiety, set against privilege, scandal, and masculinity themes. 

Notably, Hulu’s commitment reflects its renewed pilot-focused development strategy, signaling strong confidence in Foster Dade as a nuanced, timely drama for young adults.

How to Get Cast in Foster Dade

• Apply for Principal Speaking Roles
  Casting is officially open for Foster Dade, and producers are searching for teen and young adult actors who can deliver genuine, emotionally layered performances. Head to Project Casting’s job board to submit your application and stay updated on new role postings.
  
• Capture the Spirit of the 2000s
  The series unfolds in 2008 an era defined by iChat, early social media, and the birth of digital adolescence. Show casting directors that you understand this pre-Instagram world and can embody that nostalgic teenage authenticity.
  
• Deliver Emotion with Subtlety
  Foster Dade is a grounded, character-driven drama. The creative team values restraint over exaggeration. Focus on honest reactions, internal conflict, and small emotional shifts rather than overt dramatics during auditions.
  
• Build a Compelling Dramatic Reel
  A strong reel showcasing vulnerability, transformation, and complexity will help you stand out. Include clips that highlight introspective moments or emotional storytelling key traits for a series like this.
  
• Connect with Local Casting Networks
  Filming will take place in Burbank, California. Strengthen your chances by reaching out to Los Angeles area casting agencies and talent managers. Local representation often has early access to pilot auditions.
  

Why This Matters

Securing a spot on Foster Dade is a chance to be part of Hulu’s expanding roster of prestige dramas and collaborate with some of television’s most respected teams. Berlanti Productions is known for discovering new stars, and this pilot may be the launch pad for emerging actors willing to take their careers to the next level.

With its topical subject matter and emotionally engaging narrative, Foster Dade presents a challenge to develop as an artist, coupled with a great opportunity to gain exposure in the entertainment business.

Step Into the Spotlight with Project Casting

Ready to take the leap? Project Casting is your trusted destination for casting calls, audition tips, and entertainment news. Visit the official Foster Dade casting page to apply today for Hulu TV pilot open casting call and explore new opportunities as production begins in California.

Have questions about casting, submissions, or upcoming projects? Connect with us here, our team is ready to help you take the next step in your acting career.

Every great story starts with one audition, make Foster Dade yours.