Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Job Description

A special episode is seeking paid, non-speaking background actors (extras) from the Western Suburbs of Chicago. Casting is open to males and females, all ethnicities, ages 18–70. Talent must be local to the Chicago area and able to work a multi-day shoot. Submissions will be reviewed based on photo, availability, and provided sizing details.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray background roles as directed in a non-speaking capacity.

• Follow on-set instructions from the director and production team.

• Arrive camera-ready and maintain a professional attitude throughout filming.

• Wear appropriate wardrobe based on your provided sizes (production may assign wardrobe needs).

• Remain available for all required workdays for continuity.

Requirements

• Male or female, ages 18–70.

• All ethnicities welcome.

• Must be local to the Western Suburbs of Chicago / surrounding Illinois area.

• Must be available for all required shoot days (multi-day commitment required).

• Must submit a recent color photo that reflects your current look (including current hair length and facial hair, if applicable).

• Male sizing details: suit jacket, T-shirt, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, shoe size

• Female sizing details: T-shirt, dress, pants, shoe size

Compensation Details
This is a paid background acting opportunity. Specific rate details were not provided in the casting notice.

Job Description

A production in the Chicago area is seeking African American men in their 70s for a featured, non-speaking extra role portraying a dying patient in a hospital scene. Talent must be local to the Chicago area (including suburbs and surrounding border states to Illinois) and able to provide requested photos and details for director review.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a non-speaking featured background role as a hospital patient.

• Follow on-set direction from the director and crew.

• Maintain a professional, camera-ready presence during filming.

• Provide accurate wardrobe sizing and appearance details as requested.

Requirements

• African American men, age range: 70s.

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding border states to Illinois (Illinois-area locals only).

• Must be comfortable performing a non-speaking featured background role.

• Must submit a recent color photo showing current hair length and facial hair (photos will be shown to the director).

Compensation Details
Compensation was not provided in the casting notice.

Job Description
A Chicago-based production is casting couples for a short, paid shoot. Real couples or actors applying as a couple are welcome. Casting is seeking authentic chemistry and natural performances for on-camera scenes.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a couple on camera in a short scene (2–3 hours).

• Follow simple on-set direction and maintain continuity during filming.

• Arrive camera-ready and prepared to work within the scheduled time window.

Requirements

• Women to portray a lesbian couple (real couple or actors applying together).

• Men to portray a gay couple (real couple or actors applying together).

• Older couple (real couple or actors applying together), ages 55–90.

• Must be able to work as a couple pair (apply together).

• Submission must include: 3 photos, height, sizes, phone number, and Instagram.

• Email your submission to: [email protected]

Compensation Details

• $200 each person

• Estimated time: 2–3 hours

Job Description

Looking for a short actor demo scene for an actor reel project and is seeking a scene partner. This is a paid, non-union opportunity featuring a “frat brother” type scene. Talent should be comfortable performing in a short scripted scene designed specifically for an acting reel.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform as a scene partner in a short scripted demo scene.

• Take direction from the production team to achieve the intended tone and pacing.

• Arrive prepared, professional, and ready to film.

• Provide required submission materials (reel, headshot, and resume).

Requirements

• Male actor, ages 19–25.

• Non-union.

• Must fit a “frat brother” scene type.

• Must have a headshot to be considered.

• Must have a reel (preferred) and resume.

• Must be able to work locally with reliable transportation.

Compensation Details

• $100 (paid role)

Job Description

A short film titled “Twyla” is casting for upcoming roles in a coming-of-age horror drama. The story follows a young woman struggling to enter adulthood who takes a job on an isolated farm—where a caged dog and a neighbor’s strange, obsessive behavior push her to confront a painful wound from her childhood.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes for a narrative short film.

• Collaborate with the director and production team to develop character and tone.

• Take direction well and maintain professionalism on set.

• Attend scheduled rehearsals and filming as required by production.

• Provide requested audition materials (headshot, reel/demo, resume, and the role you’re interested in).

Requirements

Twyla (19)

• Sensitive, intuitive, and curious, but troubled by a difficult past.

• A college dropout who appears to have derailed her life.

Tyler (16) — Actor must be 18+

• Stunted and socially inept; antisocial in behavior.

• Unkempt with poor emotional regulation.

• Character commits a serious crime in response to romantic rejection (actors must be comfortable portraying dark subject matter).

Mrs. Dweyer (60s)

• No-nonsense, hardworking woman who owns a farm.

• Strong and reserved; emotionally distant with a slightly masculine edge.

• Deeply sensitive and empathetic underneath.

Compensation Details

• $100/day rate

• On-screen credit

• Meals provided

Job Description

A queer dark comedy short film titled “Kissing With Tongue” is accepting video submissions for a featured role. Production is seeking a strong performer who can bring a punk edge and emotional nuance to a character-driven story.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes as the character Trip in a narrative film project.

• Collaborate with the director and production team to develop character tone and comedic timing.

• Attend scheduled rehearsals and filming as required by production.

• Provide requested self-tape/video submission materials (headshot + demo/self-tape).

Requirements

• Trip (18, he/him): Tall, scrawny punk teenage boy.

• Comfortable performing in a queer dark comedy film environment.

• Must be able to submit headshots and demos (or equivalent acting footage).

Compensation Details

• Compensation details were not specified in the casting materials.

Job Description

An upcoming indie narrative project is casting two lead roles for “I Don’t Smoke,” a story about an unlikely connection that grows as two people bond over vulnerability, intimacy, and a shared moment of learning something new together. This project explores emotional openness, identity, and young love through grounded, character-driven scenes.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes as a principal cast member (lead role).

• Collaborate closely with the director and production team to bring the character to life.

• Attend scheduled rehearsals and filming as required by production.

• Portray emotionally intimate moments with authenticity and professionalism.

• If applicable, participate in scenes involving simulated smoking (preferred, not required).

Requirements

Zack (20s)

• Male-presenting actor in their 20s.

• A sweet but closed-off “geek” type who has experienced a recent personal loss and avoids discussing it.

• Must be comfortable portraying emotional growth, tenderness, and falling in love.

Josh (20s)

• Transmasc actor in their 20s.

• A punk character who is anxious but deeply caring—guarded, yet emotionally open.

• Must be comfortable portraying intimacy, connection, and vulnerability.

Additional Notes

• Actors comfortable with smoking are preferred, but it is not required.

Compensation Details

• Food provided

• Copy provided

• On-screen credit

Teen Extras for Paid Student Scene

Job Description
A production is casting male and female teens ages 16–19 for a paid extra opportunity in a non-speaking student scene. This role will film outdoors and is open to all ethnicities. Casting is looking for teens who can bring natural, everyday energy on camera and follow simple on-set direction. This is a local hire opportunity for talent in Chicago and surrounding suburbs/border states (to IL only).

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a student in an outdoor background scene

• Follow direction for movement, timing, and continuity

• Maintain a consistent look and performance across multiple takes

• Work professionally on set during an extended filming day if needed

Requirements

• Ages 16–19

• Open to all ethnicities

• Must be able to work as a local hire to Illinois (Chicago and surrounding areas)

• Must be comfortable filming outdoors

• Submit a current color photo showing your current hairstyle/color

• No beards, no mustaches

• No headshots, no comp cards, no sunglasses, no hats, and no photos cropped with your head/hair cut off

Compensation

• $132.80 / 8 hours

• Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours

Teen Background Actors Needed for Outdoor Student Scene (Ages 16–19)

Job Description
A production is seeking male and female teen background actors (all ethnicities, ages 16–19) for an outdoor paid student scene. This teen extras casting opportunity is ideal for performers who can look like real students on camera and follow direction on a fast-paced set. Local talent in Chicago and surrounding areas is needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a student in an outdoor scene with natural, believable behavior

• Follow on-set direction and maintain continuity across multiple takes

• Arrive on time, camera-ready, and prepared to work outdoors

• Work professionally with the background team throughout the shoot day

Requirements

• Ages 16–19, male and female, all ethnicities encouraged

• Must be able to work as a local hire in Chicago and surrounding areas (IL only)

• Must provide recent color photos showing current hairstyle and overall look

• Grooming guidelines (as required for this scene):

  • Current hairstyle/color/cut must match photos

  • No beards, no mustaches

  • No headshots only (must include clear current photos)

  • No sunglasses photos, no hats

  • Photos must not crop off hair/head at the edge of the image

• On-set experience is welcome but not required

Compensation

• $132.80 for 8 hours

• Time-and-a-half after 8 hours

• Lunch provided if working the full day

Background Actors Needed for “Chicago Fire” (All Ethnicities, 20s–60s)

Job Description
A production is seeking male and female background actors (all ethnicities, ages 20s–60s) for a TV extras casting opportunity on Chicago Fire. Filming will take place in Chicago on the North Side, outdoors. This is a great fit for local talent looking for background acting jobs and on-set experience on a major TV series.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a neighbor/background character in outdoor TV scenes

• Follow direction from the background team and maintain continuity

• Arrive on time, camera-ready, and ready to work outdoors

• Provide a natural, believable on-camera presence

Requirements

• Male and female talent, all ethnicities, ages 20s–60s

• Must be able to work as a local in Chicago and surrounding areas (IL only)

• Must be comfortable filming outdoors on the North Side of Chicago

• If you have not worked in the past two weeks and are not currently scheduled, you may be prioritized

• Must be able to provide recent photos and basic stats if selected

Compensation

• Pay rate will be provided to selected talent