Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Feature Film Role – Layan

Job Description
A feature film is casting for the role of Layan, a beautiful and upbeat young woman who brings charm and energy to the story. Layan is lighthearted, confident, and has a genuine connection with Qasim, though she remains unaware of Nora’s presence or feelings. This is a speaking role filmed in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Layan with authenticity, warmth, and charm

• Deliver dialogue naturally across 4 lines in a single scene

• Embody a youthful, upbeat character with a genuine connection to another role

• Contribute to a pivotal moment in the story’s relationships

Requirements

• Female, MENASA background

• Age: 18–20s (to play 17)

• Must be a Chicago local hire

• Comfortable with light, natural dialogue delivery

• Strong on-screen presence and ability to capture youthful energy

Compensation

• Paid speaking role

Feature Film Role – Imam

Job Description
A feature film is casting for the role of an Imam, a respected community leader who delivers sermons at the local mosque. The character appears briefly but plays an important role in shaping the protagonist’s perspective. Filming will take place in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the Imam with sincerity, wisdom, and authority

• Deliver khutbas (sermons) with earnestness and authenticity

• Capture the tension created when Nora reacts dismissively to his words

• Perform 3 lines within 1 pivotal scene

Requirements

• Male, MENASA background

• Age: 50s

• Must be a Chicago local hire

• Ability to project authority, warmth, and cultural authenticity

• Comfortable delivering dialogue in a religious setting

Compensation

• Paid speaking role

Feature Film Role – Sheikh Ismail Brown

Job Description
A feature film is seeking a powerful performer to play Sheikh Ismail Brown, a spiritual leader at the university. This character is a commanding presence—an electric, captivating speaker who embodies kindness, wisdom, and inspiration. Filming will take place in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a spiritual leader with authenticity, warmth, and authority

• Deliver dialogue with energy, presence, and compassion that inspires others

• Bring depth and credibility to a respected university figure

• Embody a character who balances strength with kindness

Requirements

• Male, MENASA background

• Age: 40s–60s

• Must be a Chicago local hire

• Strong speaking ability and screen presence

• Experience in dramatic roles is a plus

Compensation

• Paid speaking role

Feature Film Role – Yusuf

Job Description
A feature film is seeking talent for the role of Yusuf, a thoughtful and intellectual young man whose worldview is shaped by math and physics. As Meral’s partner, Yusuf brings depth to the narrative through his logical approach to life and his struggles with balancing love, religion, and future ambitions. Filming will take place in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Yusuf with authenticity, intellect, and emotional nuance

• Deliver dialogue that reflects his logical and deductive mindset

• Capture the complexity of a relationship in conflict over post-graduation plans

• Collaborate with the cast to create believable chemistry with Meral’s character

Requirements

• Male, MENASA background

• Age: 22

• Must be a Chicago local hire

• Ability to embody both logical thinking and emotional vulnerability on screen

• Previous acting experience preferred but not required

Compensation

• Paid supporting role

Feature Film Role – Salma Aunty

Job Description
A feature film is casting for the role of Salma Aunty, a warm and welcoming maternal figure who adds depth and authenticity to the family dynamic. As Meral’s mother, Salma Aunty embodies hospitality and cultural tradition, bringing charm to her scenes. Filming will take place in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Salma Aunty with warmth, humor, and presence

• Perform in family gathering scenes with natural interaction and dialogue delivery

• Contribute to cultural authenticity and atmosphere in the story

• Bring a nurturing and approachable energy to the role

Requirements

• Female, South Asian

• Age range: 40s–50s

• Must be a Chicago local hire

• Ability to perform with sincerity and ease in 4 lines across 2 scenes

• Prior acting experience helpful but not required

Compensation

• Paid supporting role

Feature Film Role – Naseem

Job Description
An upcoming feature film is casting a key supporting role for a young male character. This project is looking for authentic voices from underrepresented communities, with no acting experience required. Filming will take place in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Naseem, a sweet and nerdy college freshman

• Perform in three scripted scenes with approximately 20 lines

• Bring depth and vulnerability to a budding intellectual character

• Collaborate with the cast and crew to capture authentic storytelling

Requirements

• Male, 19 years old

• MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian) or Black ethnicity

• Local to Chicago (must be able to work as a local hire)

• Open to first-time actors as well as those with prior experience

• Must bring warmth, curiosity, and intellectual energy to the role

Compensation

• Paid role in a professionally produced feature film

Feature Film Role – Meral

Job Description
An upcoming feature film is casting for the role of Meral, a key supporting lead. This character plays an important part in guiding the protagonist, Nora, into a new intellectual and social world. Filming will take place in Chicago, and talent must be a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Meral, a confident and caring university student who mentors Nora

• Deliver nuanced emotional performance exploring friendship, guidance, and personal struggles

• Participate in dialogue-heavy scenes central to the film’s story arc

• Collaborate with the cast and director to create an authentic and powerful performance

Requirements

• Female, ages 21–22

• MENASA ethnicity

• Must wear hijab for the role

• Confident, natural on camera, and able to balance warmth with depth

• Must be a Chicago local hire

Compensation

• Paid supporting lead role

Featured Extras with Cars and Pedestrians for Television Production

Job Description
A television production is seeking male and female extras ages 20s–40s with cars to appear in an outdoor scene filled with vehicles. Extras without cars are also needed to portray pedestrians. This is a non-speaking role that brings energy and realism to a large-scale shoot.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear as background extras in an exterior scene with cars and pedestrians

• Drive or park your vehicle on set as directed by production staff (if booked with a car)

• Portray pedestrians naturally in the background for added realism

• Follow directions from the crew while maintaining professionalism

Requirements

• Male and female talent, ages 20s–40s, all ethnicities

• Extras with cars must provide the color, make, and year of their vehicle (no excessive bumper stickers or big dents)

• Submit a recent color photo of yourself and your car (no headshots, comp cards, sunglasses, or hats)

• Include details: height, weight, age, clothing sizes, city, state, phone number, and name

• Men: provide suit jacket, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, T-shirt, and shoe size

• Women: provide dress, pants, T-shirt, and shoe size

Compensation

• $132.80 for 8 hours, with time and a half after 8 hours

• $55 car bump if booked with a vehicle

Stand-In Role for Television Production

Job Description
A television production is seeking an African American male to serve as a stand-in for upcoming filming. This is a non-speaking role requiring similar height, weight, and complexion to the lead actor in order to assist with lighting and camera blocking.

Job Responsibilities

• Work as a stand-in for the lead actor during setup

• Assist with lighting and camera tests to ensure proper scene preparation

• Follow directions from the crew and maintain professionalism on set

• Be available for one or both scheduled filming days

Requirements

• African American male, ages 18–40s

• Height: 5’6” to 5’10”

• Slim to medium build with short hair

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

• Previous extra or stand-in experience is a plus but not required

Compensation

• $186 for 8 hours with time and a half after 8 hours

Featured Extras as College Students for Saturn Return Production

Job Description
The feature film Saturn Return is now casting extras to portray college students. Filming will take place in Chicago, with several days requiring extras to repeat as students throughout the shoot. Availability across multiple dates increases the chance of being booked.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray college students in background scenes

• Follow directions from the casting and production team

• Participate in possible overnight filming during the schedule

• Attend a wardrobe fitting prior to filming, if selected

Requirements

• Male and female talent, ages 22–30

• Open to all ethnicities and genders

• Must be local to Chicago or able to work in the area

• Must have open availability between October 6 and October 20, 2025

• Ability to repeat as a background college student throughout the shoot is preferred

Compensation

• $132.80 for 8 hours with overtime after 8 hours