Chicago Acting Auditions and Casting Calls

Dressed Firefighter Extras (Clean-Shaven Males)

Job Description
A production filming in the Chicago area is seeking clean-shaven male extras to portray dressed firefighters. This background role is ideal for talent with a polished, uniform-ready look and the ability to take direction on a busy set. Casting is focused on short hair, clean-shaven men across all ethnicities, ages 20s–40s. Location: Chicago, surrounding suburbs, and nearby border states (to IL only).

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a uniformed firefighter in background scenes.

• Follow on-set direction, hit marks, and maintain continuity between takes.

• Remain camera-ready with a neat, clean-shaven appearance and short hair.

• Be prepared for a full filming day and work efficiently in a team setting.

Requirements

• Male, clean-shaven, short hair.

• All ethnicities, ages 20s–40s.

• Must be local to Chicago/suburbs or able to work in Illinois from surrounding border states.

• Must be available for the scheduled shoot day provided by production.

• If previously booked in the last two weeks, be ready to share that information.

Compensation

• Pay rate not listed.

Featured Barfly Role for TV Series (Chicago Area)

Job Description
A TV series is casting featured, non-speaking background talent to portray a barfly in a bar scene filming in the Chicago area. This is a featured extra opportunity for males who can deliver a natural, believable bar atmosphere look on camera. Talent must be local to Chicago, the suburbs, or surrounding border states to Illinois, and should be ready to submit a clear recent color photo and full sizing details for quick director review.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a featured barfly in a bar scene with natural, realistic behavior

• Follow on-set direction for blocking, timing, and continuity

• Maintain a professional, camera-ready presence throughout the shoot

Requirements

• Male, ages 30s–40s

• All ethnicities encouraged

• Must be local to Chicago/suburbs or surrounding border states to IL

• Must be available for the filming day

• Do not submit if you have worked in the past two weeks

• Must provide full measurements/sizes: height, weight, suit jacket, T-shirt, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam (plus age, phone, and state)

Compensation

• Featured pay: $165 for 8 hours

• Time-and-a-half after 8 hours

• Payment by check approximately two weeks after filming (if cast)

Featured Firefighter Extras (Non-Speaking, Chicago Area)

Job Description
A featured background casting is seeking good-looking, fit men in their 20s to early 30s to portray dressed firefighters (no real firefighter experience required). This is a Chicago-area local hire opportunity for talent who can present a clean, professional firefighter look on camera. The role is featured and non-speaking, ideal for performers looking for Chicago extras work and featured background roles.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a dressed firefighter in featured, non-speaking scenes

• Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity

• Maintain a clean, camera-ready appearance throughout filming

• Arrive prepared with correct wardrobe sizing details for costuming

Requirements

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

• Men, 20s to early 30s, fit/athletic build

• Clean-shaven with short hair

• All ethnicities welcome

• Reliable transportation and full availability for the shoot day

• Must be able to provide clothing sizes (height, weight, T-shirt, neck, sleeve, waist, inseam, shoe)

Compensation

• $165 for 8 hours

Stand-In (Caucasian Female, Red/Reddish Hair)

Job Description
A television production is casting a Caucasian female stand-in to work on set in the Chicago area. This paid stand-in role is for someone with red or reddish hair and a slim to medium build who can match an actor’s general look. As a stand-in, you’ll be used for lighting, camera blocking, and setup before the principal actor steps in—so being patient, professional, and comfortable taking technical direction is key.

Job Responsibilities

• Stand in for an actor during lighting setups and camera blocking

• Follow direction from the crew for marks, timing, and positioning

• Maintain continuity in posture and movement while scenes are prepped

• Remain focused and available on set for repeated technical adjustments

Requirements

• Caucasian female, ages 20s–40s

• Red or reddish hair

• Slim to medium build

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

• Comfortable working closely with the crew in a technical stand-in role

• Must provide a current color photo showing your current look (no headshots, no sunglasses, no hats, no cropped head/hair)

• Prior stand-in or extra experience helpful but not required

Compensation

• Paid stand-in role (rate provided if selected)

Firefighter (Male Background Extra)

Job Description
A television production is casting male background actors to portray firefighters in an upcoming scene. This paid background extra role is seeking talent with a clean, uniform-ready look who can follow direction and appear authentic on camera in a professional firehouse environment. Production is only considering local hires in the Chicago area and nearby border states that touch Illinois, and they are prioritizing new faces who have not worked on the show recently.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a firefighter in a TV scene as background talent

• Follow direction for blocking, placement, and continuity

• Maintain a professional, camera-ready appearance on set

• Be comfortable wearing firefighter-related wardrobe as assigned by production

Requirements

• Male, ages 30s–50s

• African American, Asian, Indian, or Latino

• Clean-shaven with short hair

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

• Must provide a current color photo that accurately shows your current facial hair/hair

• Photo rules: no headshots, no comp cards, no sunglasses, no hats, no cropped heads/hair

• Do not apply if you worked on this production within the last week

Compensation

• Paid background role (rate provided if selected)

Chicago-Area Extras (Cars, Pedestrians, Medics, Looky-Loos)

Job Description
A television production is casting local Chicago-area background talent for multiple extra roles, including people with cars, pedestrians, clean-shaven men with short hair to portray medics, and general “looky-loos” who can react naturally on camera. This paid background acting opportunity is open to all ethnicities and a wide age range. If you have a vehicle that fits the guidelines, you may be featured driving or parked on camera, but you can also be considered without a car.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a background extra in street and public scene setups

• For drivers: bring your vehicle and follow direction for staging and movement

• For pedestrians/looky-loos: provide natural reactions and realistic background action

• For medic roles: appear professional and uniform-ready as directed

• Follow direction for blocking, timing, and continuity throughout filming

Requirements

• Male and female, all ethnicities, ages 20s–70s

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding border states to Illinois

• Do not apply if you worked on this production within the last week

• If submitting with a car: vehicle must be any color except red, black, or white

• Must provide a current color photo showing your current look (no headshots, no sunglasses, no hats, no cropped head/hair)

• Must provide full clothing sizes (production requires accurate sizing)

• For medics: clean-shaven men with short hair

Compensation

• Paid background roles (rate provided if selected)

Bar Patron (Male Background Extra)

Job Description
A television production is casting male background actors to portray bar patrons hanging out at a bar scene. This paid background extra opportunity is seeking talent with a natural, everyday look who can bring relaxed “barfly” energy on camera. Production is only considering local hires in the Chicago area and nearby border states that touch Illinois, and they are prioritizing new faces who haven’t worked recently on this show.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a bar patron in a casual bar hangout scene

• Follow direction for background action, placement, and continuity

• Maintain a natural, camera-ready appearance throughout filming

• Remain professional on set and available for the full workday

Requirements

• Male, ages 30s–40s

• All ethnicities welcome

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

• Must provide a current color photo showing your current facial hair (if any)

• Photo rules: no headshots, no old pics, no sunglasses, no hats, no cropped heads/hair

• Do not apply if you worked on this production within the last week

Compensation

• Paid background role (rate provided if selected)

This is a per diem position

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

CBS News Chicago is in search of its next innovative visual storyteller.  Ideal candidate will have an expert understanding of NPPA & cinematic style principles, a keen eye and ear for detail, with a demonstrated body of work experience.  To cover news events and stories as a per diem Photographer Technician for CBS Chicago newscasts CBS News Streaming, and local programming.  Will support multi-platform social media strategies and cbschicago.com.  Field duties include but not limited to professional operation of broadcast cameras, drones, digital microwave and satellite ENG vehicles, non-linear editing systems, and IP based broadcast applications.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience with all aspects of ENG news coverage, including Sony HD cameras, Edius non-linear editing, ENG lighting, microwave and satellite transmissions, drones & GoPro style cameras.
• Edit news stories under urgent deadline, while maintaining editorial integrity.
• Safely operating company vehicles, including microwave equipped vans and trucks, on potentially long drives in all weather conditions.
• Bring creativity and imagination to the job of broadcast storytelling.
• Ensure that all daily show production deadlines are met.
• Take extreme care to ensure that news equipment is protected from theft and damage.
• Consistently contribute to editorial process in team environment with story ideas and attention to production strategy.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The unpredictable nature of news assignments often requires extending scheduled shifts on short notice.
• Physical ability to carry and manipulate at least 75lbs of gear, set up and breakdown broadcast production equipment, usually alone, and on tight deadlines.
• Capable of safely driving company vehicles in all conditions and on potentially hours-long drives to and from assignments.
• Flexibility regarding assigned work schedule, including the potential of regular shifts that involve weekends and/or late nights and/or overnights.
• Reliably communicate details associated with editorial content of stories and logistical information associated with production deadlines.  The ability to gather important information at various news locations.
• Must join the IBEW 1220 union if not a current member.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Five years’ experience as a photographer and editor, preferably in a top 25 market.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a similar field preferred or related experience.
• Familiarity with the Chicago area, desirable.
• Strong non-linear editing background, including Edius.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Jib & Technical Operations Center experience is a plus.
• Drone ENG experience with FAA Part 107 certification is a plus.
• Strong computer and troubleshooting skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Hourly Pay Range: $64.77 – $68.47 per hour

The hiring range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington State, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

CBS News and Stations, brings together the power of CBS News, 28 owned television stations in 17 major U.S. markets, the CBS News Streaming Network, CBS News Streaming local platforms, local websites and cbsnews.com, under one umbrella. CBS News and Stations is home to the nation’s #1 news program 60 MINUTES, the CBS News Streaming Network, the first 24/7 digital streaming news network, the award-winning broadcasts CBS MORNINGS, CBS SATURDAY MORNING, the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH NORAH O’DONNELL, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, CBS WEEKEND EVENING NEWS, 48 HOURS and FACE THE NATION WITH MARGARET BRENNAN. CBS News and Stations provides news and information for the CBS Television Network,  CBSNews.com, CBS News Radio and podcasts, Paramount +, all digital platforms, and the CBS News Streaming Network, the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service that is available free to everyone with access to the internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stations’ top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally and around the globe. CBS News’ streaming services, across national and local, amassed more than 1.01 billion streams in 2021. Launched in November 2014 as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+. The service is available live in 91 countries. CBS News and Stations is dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in today’s digital age. CBS News earns more prestigious journalism awards than any other broadcast news division.

Organizations that wish to receive job vacancy notices from this posting’s television station should contact [email protected].

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.paramount.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.

This is a per diem position

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

CBS News Chicago is in search of its next innovative visual storyteller.  Ideal candidate will have an expert understanding of NPPA & cinematic style principles, a keen eye and ear for detail, with a demonstrated body of work experience.  To cover news events and stories as a per diem Photographer Technician for CBS Chicago newscasts CBS News Streaming, and local programming.  Will support multi-platform social media strategies and cbschicago.com.  Field duties include but not limited to professional operation of broadcast cameras, drones, digital microwave and satellite ENG vehicles, non-linear editing systems, and IP based broadcast applications.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience with all aspects of ENG news coverage, including Sony HD cameras, Edius non-linear editing, ENG lighting, microwave and satellite transmissions, drones & GoPro style cameras.
• Edit news stories under urgent deadline, while maintaining editorial integrity.
• Safely operating company vehicles, including microwave equipped vans and trucks, on potentially long drives in all weather conditions.
• Bring creativity and imagination to the job of broadcast storytelling.
• Ensure that all daily show production deadlines are met.
• Take extreme care to ensure that news equipment is protected from theft and damage.
• Consistently contribute to editorial process in team environment with story ideas and attention to production strategy.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The unpredictable nature of news assignments often requires extending scheduled shifts on short notice.
• Physical ability to carry and manipulate at least 75lbs of gear, set up and breakdown broadcast production equipment, usually alone, and on tight deadlines.
• Capable of safely driving company vehicles in all conditions and on potentially hours-long drives to and from assignments.
• Flexibility regarding assigned work schedule, including the potential of regular shifts that involve weekends and/or late nights and/or overnights.
• Reliably communicate details associated with editorial content of stories and logistical information associated with production deadlines.  The ability to gather important information at various news locations.
• Must join the IBEW 1220 union if not a current member.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Five years’ experience as a photographer and editor, preferably in a top 25 market.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a similar field preferred or related experience.
• Familiarity with the Chicago area, desirable.
• Strong non-linear editing background, including Edius.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Jib & Technical Operations Center experience is a plus.
• Drone ENG experience with FAA Part 107 certification is a plus.
• Strong computer and troubleshooting skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Hourly Pay Range: $64.77 – $68.47 per hour

The hiring range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington State, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

CBS News and Stations, brings together the power of CBS News, 28 owned television stations in 17 major U.S. markets, the CBS News Streaming Network, CBS News Streaming local platforms, local websites and cbsnews.com, under one umbrella. CBS News and Stations is home to the nation’s #1 news program 60 MINUTES, the CBS News Streaming Network, the first 24/7 digital streaming news network, the award-winning broadcasts CBS MORNINGS, CBS SATURDAY MORNING, the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH NORAH O’DONNELL, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, CBS WEEKEND EVENING NEWS, 48 HOURS and FACE THE NATION WITH MARGARET BRENNAN. CBS News and Stations provides news and information for the CBS Television Network,  CBSNews.com, CBS News Radio and podcasts, Paramount +, all digital platforms, and the CBS News Streaming Network, the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service that is available free to everyone with access to the internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stations’ top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally and around the globe. CBS News’ streaming services, across national and local, amassed more than 1.01 billion streams in 2021. Launched in November 2014 as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+. The service is available live in 91 countries. CBS News and Stations is dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in today’s digital age. CBS News earns more prestigious journalism awards than any other broadcast news division.

Organizations that wish to receive job vacancy notices from this posting’s television station should contact [email protected].

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.paramount.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.

Holiday Film Extras – Adults & Children

Job Description
A heartwarming holiday production is seeking reliable and enthusiastic extras to bring festive scenes to life. This project is perfect for talent who enjoy working in family-friendly environments and want to be part of a fun seasonal shoot. The film features lively holiday activities and requires both adults and children to help create authentic, joyful moments on screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in background scenes set in a holiday-themed environment

• Follow on-set directions from production staff

• Maintain professionalism during long shoot hours

• Work collaboratively with other background actors to create natural crowd interactions

Requirements

• Adults and children welcome; all minors must be at least 7 years old

• Any ethnicity; girls and boys

• Minors must have a valid work permit

• Adults must be 18+

• Ability to work late-evening or nighttime hours

• Parents/guardians must accompany minors if booked

Compensation

• Paid background roles

• Hours vary depending on scene

• Additional compensation details provided upon booking