Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Casting Call for “BIG STEPS” – A SAG Ultra Low Budget Indie Film

Job Description: We are casting for BIG STEPS, an independent film directed by LaTaryion, under SAG’s Ultra Low Budget agreement. This project offers a great opportunity for actors to gain speaking roles and build credits. The film explores complex emotions and dynamics among the lead character, Henry, his family, and his colleagues. We are seeking talented individuals to fill a variety of speaking and extra roles. All roles are paid.

Speaking Roles:

1. Henry (Lead Role)
   • Character: A 26-29-year-old Asian male. Disillusioned and disengaged office worker struggling with his mundane life.
   • Rate: $200 for the day.
   • Responsibilities: Deliver a strong lead performance, capturing the character’s emotional struggles.
2. Young Henry (Day Player)
   • Character: A 6-10-year-old Asian male. A naturally happy child, but is forced to shift moods due to parental arguments.
   • Rate: $130 for up to 5 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Play the younger version of Henry, expressing a range of emotions.
   • Note: We can guide parents through the work permit process if necessary.
3. Henrietta (Day Player)
   • Character: A 40+ Asian female. Caring and supportive, trying to shield her son from her husband’s harshness.
   • Rate: $129.60 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Deliver emotional scenes as a protective and caring mother.
4. Albert (Day Player)
   • Character: A 40+ Asian male. A strict and pragmatic father focused on preparing his son for life’s hardships.
   • Rate: $129.60 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Play a stern, disciplined father, emphasizing emotional and pragmatic coaching.
5. Showman (Day Player)
   • Character: A Caucasian male in his 30s-40s. Colorful, vibrant character who introduces surreal elements into Henry’s life.
   • Rate: $129.60 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Play a lively, surreal character who challenges Henry’s perceptions.
6. Manager (Supporting Lead)
   • Character: A 40+ Caucasian male. Traditional office manager who is detached from his employees’ emotional struggles.
   • Rate: $130 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Portray a detached, emotionally unaware office manager.
7. Balding Man (Day Player)
   • Character: A 30s+ male of any ethnicity. A quirky character, balding or bald, who is either weird and corny or has a straight-out-of-jail vibe.
   • Rate: $130 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Portray a quirky, bald character in a humorous or dramatic light.
8. Cheeto Stain Man (Featured Role)
   • Character: A Caucasian male, 25 or older, with a long face. Has a Cheeto stain on his shirt that he tries to clean but spreads it.
   • Rate: $130 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Featured in a comedic moment, highlighting the character’s odd behavior.

Extra Roles:

1. Office Employees:
   • Description: 21+ Any ethnicity/gender. Business types, working in an office setting.
   • Rate: $129.60 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Portray office employees in various background scenes.
2. Pedestrians:
   • Description: 18+ Any ethnicity/gender. Walking in a business or casual setting.
   • Rate: $129.60 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Act as pedestrians in various street scenes.
3. Market Shoppers:
   • Description: 25+ Any ethnicity/gender. Shopping at a local market.
   • Rate: $129.60 for up to 8 hours.
   • Responsibilities: Portray shoppers in a casual, local market environment.

Compensation:

• Day Players: $129.60 to $200 depending on the role and hours.
• Extras: $129.60 for up to 8 hours of work.
• Lead: $200 for the day.

Casting Call for “The Chi” Season 7 – Young Block Party Attendees

Job Description: We are seeking young African American boys and girls, ages 6-15, to appear as block party attendees in the upcoming season of “The Chi.” This is an exciting opportunity for young actors to be part of a popular TV series. Filming will take place in Chicago, IL.

Job Responsibilities:

• Portray young attendees at a block party in scenes for “The Chi.”
• Follow directions from the production team and ensure proper on-set behavior.
• Maintain focus and energy throughout the shoot to contribute to an authentic portrayal of the block party scene.
• Bring required schoolwork for downtime on set (as mandated for child actors).

Requirements:

• Must be African American, male or female, aged 6-15.
• A valid work permit is required for all minors.
• Participants must bring schoolwork with them to set in accordance with child actor regulations.
• Enthusiastic and cooperative demeanor, with the ability to take direction.
• Must be able to work in Chicago, IL.

Compensation:

• Rate: $175 for 8 hours of work.
• Compensation is in line with industry standards for minors working as extras in television productions.

Casting Call: Mascot and Handler for Dunkin’ Event at Lurie Children’s Hospital

Job Description:

We are seeking a dependable, outgoing, and professional mascot performer and handler to represent Dunkin’ for the Chicago Bear Hugs event at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The mascot will bring joy to children, families, and staff by performing as part of the event. The handler will assist the mascot in managing the costume, guiding the mascot during the appearance, and ensuring a smooth performance. This is a great opportunity to be part of a fun and rewarding event, bringing smiles and positivity to young patients.

Job Responsibilities:

• Mascot Performer:
  • Wear and perform in the Dunkin’ mascot costume, engaging with children and families at the hospital.
  • Stay animated, friendly, and approachable throughout the performance.
  • Interact with attendees by waving, high-fiving, and posing for photos.
  • Follow guidelines for mascot behavior, ensuring a safe and fun experience for everyone.
• Handler:
  • Assist the mascot by guiding them throughout the hospital during the event.
  • Ensure the mascot is safe and comfortable during the performance.
  • Help with costume adjustments and manage any needs during the appearance.
  • Assist with costume pick-up and drop-off at specified locations.

Requirements:

• For the Mascot: Must be comfortable wearing a full mascot costume and interacting with large groups of people, particularly children.
• For the Handler: Must be organized and able to manage the logistics of assisting a mascot performer.
• Outgoing, friendly, and professional demeanor is a must for both roles.
• Must be available for the full duration of the event, including costume pick-up and drop-off.
• Must be local to Chicago, IL or able to work as a local hire.

Compensation:

• Mascot Performer: $120 flat rate for the event.
• Handler: $100 flat rate for the event.
• 1099 payment, paid weekly.

Casting Call for Plus Size Models – Bridal Show in Chicago

Job Description: A bridal show in Chicago is seeking plus-size female models to participate in an exciting and glamorous runway event. This is a paid opportunity for models to showcase bridal fashion in a high-profile show, bringing attention to inclusivity and body positivity in the bridal industry. Models will represent a diverse range of styles for bridal fashion, helping designers and brands display their latest collections.

Job Responsibilities:

• Model bridal fashion for a live audience at a bridal show in downtown Chicago.
• Participate in fittings and rehearsals as required to prepare for the runway show.
• Professionally represent the designers’ bridal collections during the show.
• Maintain a positive and confident attitude throughout the event.

Requirements:

• Female models, any ethnicity.
• Height: 5’7″ and above.
• Dress size: 14-18.
• Must be local to the Chicago area.
• Comfortable walking in a runway setting and modeling bridal attire.

Compensation Details:

• This is a paid modeling opportunity.
• Compensation will be provided for participation in the show and any required rehearsals or fittings.

Motorcyclist with Motorcycle – TV Series (The Chi, Season 7)

Job Description:
We are seeking male or female motorcyclists, aged 25-60, to appear in a scene for The Chi season 7, filmed in Chicago, IL. Applicants must own and be willing to use their own motorcycle during filming, with a preference for Harley Davidson or similar bikes.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in scenes as a motorcyclist.
• Provide your own motorcycle for use in filming.

Requirements:

• Must own a motorcycle.
• Available for all filming days.

Compensation:

• $175 for 8 hours, plus a bump.

Hip/Trendy Males and Females for Bar Scene – TV Series

Job Description:

We are casting trendy males and females in their 20s/30s to work on a bar scene for an upcoming TV series in Chicago. No experience with golf is required, but it’s a plus if you have played mini-golf before.

Job Responsibilities:

• Act as background in a lively bar scene.
• Follow direction on set and help create an energetic atmosphere.

Requirements:

• Males and females aged 20-30.
• Must be local to Chicago or nearby areas.

Compensation:

• Details to be provided upon selection.

Production Crew for Formalwear Show

Job Description:
We are seeking a versatile production crew for a formalwear event in Chicago, IL. Available positions include setup crew, showroom assistants, breakdown crew, hair & makeup artists, and experienced sales assistants.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist with setup and breakdown of show materials.
• Provide hair and makeup services for models.
• Support sales team with customer assistance.

Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience for specialized roles (hair, makeup, sales assistants).

Compensation:
Compensation will be discussed based on role and experience.

Dancer Needed for Documentary Series (Modern/Fluid/Ballet)

Job Description: We are casting a female dancer for a documentary series shooting in Chicago. The dancer must have experience in modern, fluid, and ballet styles. The role requires a performer with a strong, graceful, and emotive presence to participate in three days of filming. This is an opportunity to showcase your talent in a professionally produced documentary series.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform modern, fluid, and ballet dance styles in various scenes for the documentary series.
• Collaborate with the production team to capture the essence of the choreography and storytelling.
• Be available for three full days of filming and follow direction to ensure a smooth production process.

Requirements:

• Female, aged 18-35.
• Must be of Black or mixed ethnicity.
• Must be based in Chicago, IL.
• Professional experience in modern, fluid, and ballet dance styles.
• Comfortable performing in front of a camera and following choreographic direction.

Compensation:

• Rate: $400/day for 3 days of work.

Casting for Real Face Painter – “The Chi” Season 7

Job Description:

We are casting a real face painter with experience in carnival or kids’ party settings for the upcoming season of “The Chi.” This role requires authentic, hands-on experience with face painting and the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a fun and creative environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide face painting services on set, demonstrating your expertise with different face painting techniques.
• Engage in an energetic, lively set environment, interacting with cast and crew.
• Deliver professional and artistic face painting designs suitable for a carnival/kids’ party setting.
• Follow direction from the production team to ensure that your work aligns with the creative vision of the scene.

Requirements:

• Must be an experienced face painter with a proven track record of working at carnivals or kids’ parties.
• Open to male and female applicants.
• Age range: 18-60.
• African American (AA) applicants only.
• Must not be booked on another show during the same timeframe.
• A POP Profile is required to be considered (details provided for profile creation).

Compensation:

• $200 for an 8-hour workday.