Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions
Find the latest Chicago Casting Calls on Project Casting.
Production Types
Job Types
Skills
- Illinois
Stand-Ins for Television Production
Job Description
A television production is casting stand-ins to assist with lighting and camera setup during filming in the Chicago area. Stand-ins will work closely with the production team to help block scenes and maintain continuity while actors prepare for filming. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who match specific physical descriptions and are interested in gaining on-set experience in a professional television environment.
Job Responsibilities
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Serve as a stand-in for actors during lighting and camera blocking
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Work closely with the cinematography and production team
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Maintain positioning and continuity during scene setup
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Follow direction from assistant directors and crew members
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Remain available for multiple filming dates as scheduled
Requirements
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African American male with a slim build, approximately 5’10” tall and 165–190 lbs with dark hair, ages 20s–50s
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African American male who is bald, approximately 5’11” tall and 155–200 lbs, ages 20s–60s
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Must be comfortable working as a stand-in during production setup
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Available to work in the Chicago area
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Reliable and able to follow production direction on set
Compensation
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Paid stand-in opportunity
Real Medics and EMTs for TV Background Roles
Job Description
A television production is casting real medics and EMTs to appear as background performers in upcoming scenes. The production is seeking trained medical professionals who can authentically portray emergency responders on camera. These roles will involve non-speaking appearances that highlight realistic emergency service presence in a professional television environment.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray real EMTs or medics in background scenes
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Follow direction from the assistant directors and production team
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Maintain authentic emergency responder presence during filming
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Participate in on-set scenes that require medical personnel visuals
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Help create realistic emergency service environments on camera
Requirements
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Real medics or EMTs
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Male and female talent of all ethnicities
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Comfortable appearing on camera in background roles
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Able to provide a current photo and professional details for submission
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Available to work in the Chicago area
Compensation
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$200 for 8 hours
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Time and a half after 8 hours
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$25 special ability bump
Background Actors to Portray Unhoused Characters
Job Description
A television production is casting male and female background actors to portray unhoused or squatter characters for upcoming scenes filming in the Chicago area. The production is seeking individuals with authentic, natural looks who can help create realistic street and urban environments for the project. Selected performers will participate in wardrobe fittings and filming as part of a professionally produced television series.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray unhoused or squatter characters in background scenes
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Follow direction from the assistant directors and production team
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Maintain character appearance and continuity during filming
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Attend a scheduled wardrobe fitting prior to filming
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Help create a realistic urban environment on set
Requirements
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Male and female actors ages 20–40s
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All ethnicities encouraged to apply
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Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or nearby Illinois areas
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Available for both filming dates and wardrobe fitting
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Comfortable portraying gritty or downscale character roles
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Must provide a current photo showing present hair style and facial hair (if applicable)
Compensation
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Paid background acting opportunity
Actors to Portray College Students
Job Description
A production is casting young adults to portray college students in an upcoming project. The team is seeking energetic and authentic individuals who can naturally represent campus life and student culture on camera. This opportunity is open to a diverse group of performers who are comfortable appearing on camera and bringing genuine personality to the role.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray college students in scenes for a film or media production
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Follow direction from the director and production team
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Participate in on-camera scenes representing campus life
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Maintain a natural and engaging presence on camera
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Work collaboratively with cast and crew during filming
Requirements
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Ages 18–24
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All genders and abilities encouraged to apply
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Comfortable appearing on camera for a student-themed role
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Able to deliver natural expressions and authentic performances
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Available to participate in the scheduled production
Compensation
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$850 flat rate
Talent for Internal Promotional Video
Job Description
A production team is casting a small group of individuals to appear in an internal promotional video filming in Hanover Park, Illinois. The project is seeking a diverse range of talent between the ages of 25 and 70 who can deliver natural, expression-driven performances on camera. Selected participants will appear in a montage-style video featuring authentic moments such as smiling, interacting with props, and performing simple tasks that reflect everyday professional environments.
Job Responsibilities
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Appear in an internal promotional video production
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Deliver natural, authentic facial expressions on camera
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Participate in simple interactive moments using props or tasks
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Follow direction from the creative and production team
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Maintain a professional and positive presence during filming
Requirements
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Individuals ages 25–70
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Diverse backgrounds and looks encouraged to apply
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Comfortable performing simple, non-speaking on-camera actions
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Ability to display natural expressions such as smiling and confidence on camera
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Available to film in Hanover Park, Illinois
Compensation
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$175 for the day
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Lunch provided
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Up to 6 hours of filming
Firefighter Role – Non-Speaking Background Actor
Job Description
A television production filming in Chicago is casting clean-shaven male background actors to portray firefighters in a non-speaking role. Producers are seeking men in their 20s to 40s with short hair and a professional appearance to work on set for an upcoming shoot date. This is a paid background acting opportunity for local talent ready to step into a realistic first responder role.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a firefighter in a scripted television scene
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Follow on-set direction from the assistant director
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Maintain a professional and alert on-screen presence
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Be prepared for a full production day
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Arrive camera-ready and comply with grooming standards
Requirements
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Male, ages 20s–40s
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Clean-shaven with short hair
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All ethnicities encouraged to apply
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Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding Illinois border states
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Must not have worked on this production within the last two weeks
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Provide accurate clothing sizes and measurements
Compensation
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Paid non-speaking background role
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Professional television set experience
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Opportunity to portray a firefighter on a major production
Stand-Ins for TV Production
Job Description
A television production is now casting stand-ins to work in Chicago and surrounding Illinois areas. Casting directors are seeking experienced stand-ins who closely match the height, weight, and complexion of principal actors to assist with lighting and camera blocking. This is a great opportunity for background actors looking to gain more on-set responsibility and hands-on production experience.
Job Responsibilities
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Stand in for principal actors during lighting and camera setup
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Match the physical profile of assigned actor
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Take direction from the camera and lighting departments
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Remain patient and focused during technical setup
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Be available for scheduled filming dates
Requirements
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Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding Illinois border states
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Prior experience as an extra or stand-in preferred
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Ability to closely match one of the following looks:
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Asian male, 20s–40s, 5’9”–5’11”, 155–175 lbs, dark hair
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Caucasian male, 40s–60s, 5’8”–5’10”, 155–175 lbs, grey hair
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Must provide accurate height, weight, and current photo
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Professional and reliable on set
Compensation
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Paid stand-in opportunity
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On-set experience with a professional TV production
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Opportunity to work closely with camera and lighting teams
Firefighter Role – TV Series Background Actor
Job Description
A popular TV series is now casting clean-shaven male background actors to portray firefighters in an upcoming episode filming in the Chicago area. This paid background acting opportunity is open to men in their 20s to 40s of all ethnicities who can realistically play a firefighter (non-real).
Producers are seeking fresh faces who have not worked on the show within the past two weeks. This is a non-speaking, paid extra role designed to bring authenticity and energy to emergency response scenes.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a firefighter in background scenes
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Follow direction from the assistant director and production team
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Maintain professional appearance and continuity throughout filming
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Be available for the scheduled filming day
Requirements
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Male, ages 20s–40s
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Clean-shaven with short hair
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All ethnicities encouraged to apply
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Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states to Illinois
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Cannot have worked on this production within the last two weeks
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Must provide full clothing sizes for wardrobe
Compensation
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$200 for 8 hours
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Time and a half after 8 hours
Real Police Officers – TV Series Background Role
Job Description
A hit TV series is now casting real police officers for a paid background acting role in Chicago. This casting call is seeking male and female law enforcement professionals of all ethnicities to appear in a non-speaking, featured background role.
Producers are looking for authentic police officers who can bring realism to the scene. This is a great opportunity for real-life officers interested in television production and paid on-set experience.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a real police officer in background scenes
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Follow on-set direction from the assistant director and production team
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Maintain professional appearance and authenticity on camera
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Be available for the scheduled filming day in the Chicago area
Requirements
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Must be a real police officer
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Male and female talent encouraged to apply
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All ethnicities welcome
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Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states to Illinois
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Cannot have worked on this production within the past two weeks
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Must provide full clothing sizes for wardrobe
Compensation
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$200 for 8 hours
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Time and a half after 8 hours
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$25 special ability bump
Job Description
You Called is a Directing II short film written and directed by Caitlin Jobin. This character-driven project explores emotional tension and interpersonal dynamics through intimate storytelling and grounded performances.
The production is seeking actors for key roles in this short film. Performers should be comfortable working in a collaborative student film environment and able to deliver nuanced, emotionally authentic performances.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a principal role in a short film
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Participate in rehearsals and filming as scheduled
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Submit a professional headshot
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Provide a reel (optional but encouraged)
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Collaborate closely with director and cast
Requirements
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Strong acting ability with natural, expressive performance style
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Availability for scheduled shoot date
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Professional headshot required
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Reel optional but preferred
Compensation Details
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Credit
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Meal provided
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Copy of completed film
Chicago Casting Call: Be Part of Hulu’s The Bear Season 4
Are you based in Chicago and ready to be part of a hit TV series? The Bear, Hulu’s critically acclaimed show set in the heart of the city, is now casting local background actors and kitchen staff for its upcoming fourth season!
Filming will take place on location in Chicago, and the production is actively seeking real locals to help bring the story to life. Whether you’re an actor, a culinary professional, or just a fan of the series looking for your shot — this is your chance to join the action.
Now Casting Locals in Chicago
Casting Directors are looking for:
- Chicago-based talent only (must be local to the area)
- Background actors and kitchen staff for various roles
Featured Roles Include:
- Kitchen Staff: Line cooks, dishwashers, sous chefs, pastry chefs, and more. Real culinary experience is a big plus!
- Theater Attendees: Extras to portray audience members for specific scenes — no acting experience required.
About the Show
Set in Chicago, The Bear follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a young chef who returns home to run his family’s sandwich shop. The show has received widespread praise for its authenticity, intensity, and raw storytelling — especially its portrayal of the high-pressure restaurant world.
Season 4 will take the story even deeper, and this is your opportunity to be part of it in your own city.
How to Apply
Step 1: Sign Up on Project Casting
Create your free profile at ProjectCasting.com and make sure to:
- Upload a professional photo or headshot
- List any acting or culinary experience
- Highlight your availability and Chicago location
Step 2: Look for The Bear Season 4 Casting Calls
Search for the latest casting notices specific to The Bear and select roles that match your experience or interest.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Follow the directions on each casting notice. Some roles may require a self-tape or in-person availability. Culinary roles may ask for experience or certifications.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with The Bear‘s tone by watching past episodes — it’ll help you understand the world you’ll be stepping into.
Filming Begins Soon — Don’t Miss Out
Casting is ongoing, and filming is expected to begin in early 2025 right here in Chicago. Keep checking Project Casting for the latest updates and open roles.
Ready to Join One of TV’s Hottest Shows?
Whether you’re a seasoned actor, a chef with on-the-line experience, or just looking to get on set — this is your chance to work on a major production filming right in your hometown.
- Apply now through Project Casting and take the first step toward being part of The Bear Season 4.


