Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

SFX Makeup Test Actress

Job Description
A feature film is conducting an SFX makeup test and is seeking a female actress with facial features similar to a reference image (to be provided upon application). The selected actress will sit for a professional SFX makeup session, during which various effects will be tested for the upcoming production. This is a short, paid session ideal for talent looking to work behind the scenes in the pre-production process of a major film.

Job Responsibilities
• Sit for approximately 4 hours as special effects makeup looks are applied and tested
• Collaborate with SFX artists and production team to evaluate makeup application results
• Maintain patience and stillness throughout the makeup process

Requirements
• Must closely resemble a specific reference look (details provided upon submission)
• Must be comfortable with extended makeup sessions
• Clear, recent photos showing facial structure must be submitted for consideration
• Prior SFX or makeup modeling experience is a plus but not required

Compensation
• $175 for a 4-hour session
• Opportunity to be part of pre-production work for a feature film

Stand-In for Television Drama – Latino Male Talent

Job Description
A Chicago-based television production is casting a Latino male stand-in for an upcoming shoot. This position requires a performer with specific physical characteristics to match the lead actor, assisting with lighting and camera blocking on set. This is a great behind-the-scenes opportunity for performers local to Illinois or nearby border states.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a stand-in for lead talent during lighting and technical setups

• Match the actor’s height, weight, hair, and complexion for camera reference

• Be present throughout setup and rehearsal processes

• Maintain focus and consistency in positioning as directed

Requirements

• Latino male, ages 20s to 40s

• Height: 5’9″ to 5’11”; Weight: 165 to 190 lbs

• Dark hair and complexion similar to lead actor

• Must be a local hire from Chicago, suburbs, or bordering states

• Previous stand-in or extra experience preferred but not required

Compensation

• Paid stand-in role (rate discussed upon selection)

• Work directly with professional cast and crew

Animal Casting – Therapy Cat for Feature Film

Job Description
A feature film production is casting a calm, well-socialized cat for a brief scene in a scripted movie. The selected feline will portray a therapy cat and should be comfortable being picked up, handled on set, and spending time in a baby stroller during filming. This role is ideal for cats with laid-back temperaments, particularly those similar to the Ragdoll breed.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear as a therapy cat in a controlled film set environment

• Remain calm while being held or placed in a stroller during the scene

• Follow handler cues while on set with the production crew

• Participate in a brief on-camera appearance with minimal stress

Requirements

• Cat must be friendly, sociable, and tolerant of physical handling

• Ideal candidates should resemble or behave like a Ragdoll cat

• Must be able to hang out calmly in a baby stroller

• Owners must submit two recent photos and be available for a virtual audition

Compensation

• $350 for up to 4 hours of work

• Paid project with potential future opportunities for animal talent

Job Description

A paid casting opportunity is now open for two unique groups in Chicago! Producers are seeking female and non-binary friend groups and older Asian women with a bold Iris Apfel vibe for an upcoming project. This is a paid shoot and is only open to individuals currently based in the Chicago area.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in an on-camera shoot, potentially including interviews, lifestyle footage, or portraits

• Showcase authentic chemistry and natural energy (for friend groups)

• Demonstrate a strong personal style and vibrant personality (for older Asian women)

• Be available for pre-selected shoot dates as required by production

Requirements

Group 1: Female & Non-Binary Friend Groups

• Genders: Female, Non-Binary

• Ages: 20–25

• Must be based in Chicago

• Must apply as an existing group of friends

Group 2: Older Asian Women with an Iris Apfel Vibe

• Gender: Female

• Ethnicity: Asian

• Ages: 60–70

• Must have a distinctive, expressive style and personality

• Must be based in Chicago

Compensation

• Paid opportunity (exact rate to be shared upon selection)

Job Description

Casting male and female background extras to appear in a hospital scene filming on Thursday, July 31st. The production seeks local talent, ages 18 to 70, to work in interior and exterior shots throughout the day. This is a paid, non-speaking opportunity on a long-running network drama.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear as background hospital visitors, patients, or staff in various scenes

• Follow direction from the assistant directors and crew on set

• Be available for a full shoot day, approximately 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Remain professional, quiet, and focused while on set

Requirements

• Males and females, all ethnicities, ages 18–70

• Must be local to IL or surrounding border states

• Must not have worked on the same episode already

• Submit full wardrobe sizes:

  • Men: height, weight, jacket, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, T-shirt, and shoe

  • Women: height, weight, T-shirt, dress, pants, and shoe

• Must send a clear, recent color photo (no headshots, hats, sunglasses, or filters; no cropped photos or group shots)

Compensation

• $132.80 for up to 8 hours

• Time and a half for any hours worked beyond 8

• Payments issued by check approximately two weeks after filming

Job Description

Casting an African American male stand-in for a hospital scene. The selected individual should closely match the specified physical profile and be available for a full-day shoot. This stand-in will help with lighting and camera blocking prior to principal photography.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a stand-in for a principal actor

• Participate in lighting and blocking setups on set

• Remain on location from approximately 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Follow technical direction and maintain continuity throughout takes

Requirements

• African American male, ages 20s to 40s

• Height: 5’8″ to 5’10”

• Weight: 150–175 lbs

• Dark hair required

• Must reside in or near Illinois or surrounding border states

• Previous stand-in or set experience preferred (not required)

• Submit the following wardrobe details: height, weight, jacket, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, T-shirt, and shoe size

• Provide a recent, clear color photo — no headshots, comp cards, hats, sunglasses, filters, cropped heads/hair, or group photos

Compensation

$186 for up to 8 hours. Time and a half applies after 8 hours. Payment is issued via check approximately two weeks after filming.

Job Description:

Casting directors are seeking males and females, all ethnicities, ages 18–60 for non-speaking extra roles in a scene filming in Chicago, IL. Extras will portray pedestrians either with a bike, with a car, or on foot in both interior and exterior scenes. This is a full-day shoot with paid opportunities, including additional stipends for those cast with their vehicles or bikes.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform as a background pedestrian (with bike, with car, or on foot).

• Be available for filming on Tuesday, July 29th, from approximately 11 AM to 11 PM.

• Follow on-set directions and wardrobe requirements.

• Submit accurate wardrobe sizing and contact details for casting purposes.

• Provide clear photographs as part of the application process.

Requirements:

• Gender: Male or Female

• Age: 18 to 60

• Ethnicity: Any

• Must be a local hire from Chicago, IL, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Must not bring or wear red, white, or black clothing or vehicles

• Car submissions must include color, year, and make (no red, white, or black cars)

• Must provide full wardrobe measurements:

  Men: height, weight, jacket, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, T-shirt, shoe
  Women: height, weight, T-shirt, dress, pants, shoe

Compensation:

• Base rate: $132.80 for 8 hours

• Overtime: Time and a half after 8 hours

• Car bump: $55 if cast with your car

• Bike bump: $25 if cast with your bike

• Payment by check within approximately two weeks post-filming

Job Description:

A national television commercial set to air on a major streaming platform in early 2026 is now casting fresh talent. Producers are seeking confident, dynamic models for a high-profile project that will feature runway walking. Selected talent will have prominent on-screen presence in the final advertisement.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in a live runway walk during the audition

• Exhibit poise, charisma, and strong presence on camera

• Follow direction from the casting and production teams

• Represent the brand and its vision with confidence

Requirements:

• Ages 14 to 40

• All genders, skin tones, heights, and body types welcome

• No prior agency representation required

• Must be available for in-person audition in either New York, NY or Chicago, IL

Compensation:

• $800 per model (buyout rate)

Background Extras – Real Nurses for Medical Drama

Job Description
A popular medical drama is casting real nurses to appear in a non-speaking background role for an upcoming hospital scene. This opportunity is open to male and female licensed nurses of all ethnicities who are local to the Chicago area or nearby border states. Realism is key, and casting is looking for professionals who can bring authenticity and confidence to the screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray medical staff during interior/exterior hospital scenes

• Appear in uniform and follow specific background direction

• Help create a believable and immersive hospital environment

• Attend a mandatory wardrobe fitting prior to filming

Requirements

• Must be a real nurse (licensed)

• Open to all genders and ethnicities

• Must be local to Chicago, IL, or surrounding border states

• Must be available for a wardrobe fitting and shoot day

Compensation

• $200 for 8 hours, with overtime after 8 hours

• Additional $25 specialty pay bump

• Check sent approximately two weeks after filming

Extras for Gas Station Scene – TV Drama

Job Description:
A popular TV drama is casting background extras for upcoming scenes set at a gas station. Filming will take place in the Chicago area and is open to local talent from Illinois and surrounding border states only. This is a non-speaking, paid opportunity for individuals interested in portraying everyday customers in a realistic setting. A one-day shoot and multi-day roles are available.

Job Responsibilities:

• Appear as a gas station customer or bystander in interior and exterior scenes

• Take direction from the assistant director and maintain continuity on camera

• Be fully prepared with approved wardrobe as needed

• Maintain professionalism and focus throughout the shoot day

Requirements:

• Males and females, all ethnicities, ages 18–70

• Must be a local hire from Chicago or nearby states

• Available for either August 3rd (one-day shoot as Looky Loo) or August 3rd–4th (gas station scenes)

• Must provide complete wardrobe sizes with submission:

  • Men: height, weight, jacket, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, T-shirt, shoe

  • Women: height, weight, T-shirt, dress, pants, shoe

• Submit one recent, clear color photo (no hats, sunglasses, filters, or other people in the frame)

Compensation:

• Paid background role (rate provided upon selection)