Chicago Extras Auditions

Background Actor Roles for Film Production

Job Description
A film production is seeking background actors to portray realistic family and student types in upcoming scenes. This opportunity is ideal for performers who can bring natural, everyday energy to set and work comfortably in a professional filming environment. Roles are available for adult parent types and young adult student types.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as background talent in scripted scenes

• Portray realistic family or student roles naturally

• Follow on-set direction from the production team

• Remain professional and camera-ready throughout filming

Requirements

• Must be comfortable working on set as background talent

• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow direction

• Must fit one of the role categories below

Available Roles

• Parent Types: Adults in their late 30s to 50s, natural and relatable appearance

• Male Student Type: Ages 18–20, able to portray a student on camera

Compensation

• Paid background acting roles

• Rate provided upon booking

Local Talent for Tourism Commercial

Job Description
A tourism commercial is seeking real local residents to appear in an upcoming Lake Tahoe promotional shoot. This project highlights the natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and authentic community of the Lake Tahoe area. Ideal for real locals who enjoy outdoor activities and feel comfortable appearing on camera in a lifestyle-focused commercial.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as a real Lake Tahoe local

• Participate in outdoor lifestyle scenes

• Follow direction from the production team during filming

• Represent the Lake Tahoe community authentically

Requirements

• Ages 18–80

• Open to all genders and ethnicities

• Must be a real Lake Tahoe resident

• Outdoor-oriented and comfortable on camera

• Must live in or near the surrounding Lake Tahoe area

Compensation

• $750 per day

• Paid commercial role

Extras for Trainer Brand Commercial

Job Description
An online commercial is seeking real people to appear as background extras for a trainer brand campaign. This project is looking for everyday individuals who feel natural on camera and can bring an authentic, lifestyle-driven energy to the shoot. Ideal for first-time performers and experienced extras alike.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as background talent in commercial scenes

• React naturally and authentically during filming

• Follow direction from the production team

• Participate in filming as scheduled, with possible multiple shoot days

Requirements

• Ages 18 and older

• Open to all genders and backgrounds

• Comfortable being filmed for an online commercial

• Reliable, professional, and able to take direction

• Available for full-day filming if selected

Compensation

• $400 per filming day

• Paid extra role for an online commercial

Upscale Background Performers for TV Series

Job Description
A television production is seeking upscale background performers to portray New York City business types in an exterior scene. This opportunity is ideal for polished, professional-looking talent who can naturally fit into corporate, media, and city-life environments. New faces or performers not frequently seen on camera are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as NYC business and media professionals

• Portray realistic city-life activity in exterior scenes

• Follow on-set direction from production staff

• Remain professional and camera-ready throughout filming

Requirements

• Adults in their late 20s to early 50s

• Professional, upscale appearance

• New or rarely used background performers preferred

• Some roles require access to a set-friendly vehicle (no red or white cars)

• Open to union and non-union talent

• Full-day availability required

Available Roles

• Onlookers / Passersby

• News Camera Operator

• News Reporter

• Other upscale city background roles

Compensation

• Union: ACTRA Full / Apprentice rates per IPA

• Non-Union: $17.60 per hour with an 8-hour minimum

NBA Trivia Show Contestants

Job Description
A fun, high-energy NBA trivia show is seeking passionate NBA fans and creators to appear as on-camera contestants. This project is perfect for basketball superfans who know NBA history, stats, players, and moments inside and out. Filming will take place during All-Star Weekend and features lively competition, personality, and authentic fandom.

Job Responsibilities

• Compete as a contestant in an NBA trivia show

• Answer basketball-related questions on camera

• Engage with hosts and fellow contestants

• Bring enthusiasm, confidence, and personality to the show

Requirements

• Must be a knowledgeable NBA fan or NBA-focused content creator

• Comfortable speaking and performing on camera

• Energetic, outgoing, and competitive personality

• Available to film during All-Star Weekend

• Open to fans and creators of all backgrounds

Compensation

• Paid on-camera appearance

• Compensation details provided upon selection

• Opportunity for exposure on a popular basketball-focused platform

Grandmother Commercial Role

Job Description
A SAG-scale commercial is seeking a senior female actor to portray a loving grandmother with a confident, lived-in presence in the kitchen. This role highlights tradition, comfort, and emotional depth through expressive hands and gentle storytelling.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as a warm, expressive grandmother

• Perform kitchen-based actions naturally and confidently

• Convey emotion through subtle performance and movement

• Participate in fittings and a one-day shoot

Requirements

• Women ages 55 and older

• Ethnically ambiguous

• Expressive hands and natural warmth on camera

• Must be able to consume dairy products

• SAG talent only and local or able to self-report

Compensation

• SAG scale

• One-day shoot

• Additional pay for multiple spots

Mother Commercial Role

Job Description
A SAG-scale commercial is casting a female actor to portray a grounded, intuitive mother who feels at home in the kitchen. This role centers on generational memory, love, and passing down family traditions through food and care.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform on camera as a warm, nurturing mother

• Deliver natural, emotionally resonant performances

• Work closely with child and elder cast members

• Participate in fittings and a one-day shoot

Requirements

• Women ages 38–45

• Ethnically ambiguous

• Comfortable on camera in a family-driven scene

• Must be able to consume dairy products

• SAG talent only and local or able to self-report

Compensation

• SAG scale

• One-day shoot

• Additional compensation for multiple spots

Teen Son Commercial Role

Job Description
A SAG-scale commercial is seeking a young male actor to portray a thoughtful, curious son in a heartfelt family kitchen story. This role focuses on warmth, nostalgia, and connection across generations, ideal for young performers comfortable with subtle, natural acting in a commercial setting.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera in a family-centered commercial scene

• Portray curiosity, warmth, and emotional connection

• Follow direction during filming and fittings

• Participate in a one-day shoot

Requirements

• Boys ages 12–14 (open to 16 if able to play younger)

• Ethnically ambiguous

• Comfortable performing on camera

• Must be able to consume dairy products

• SAG talent only and local or able to self-report

Compensation

• SAG scale

• One-day shoot

• Additional pay if booked for multiple spots

High School Student Background Actor Roles

Job Description
Television productions filming in the Los Angeles area are seeking adult actors who can convincingly portray high school students. This is a paid background acting opportunity open to performers of all ethnicities who look 18 or younger on camera. Ideal for talent looking to gain consistent on-set experience working on major TV shows.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as a high school student in scripted scenes

• Follow direction from assistant directors and production staff

• Maintain continuity and professionalism during filming

• Participate in background scenes such as classrooms, hallways, and campus settings

Requirements

• Ages 18 and older (must be 18+ legally, but able to look 18 or younger)

• Open to all genders and ethnicities

• Comfortable working as background talent on television sets

• Reliable, punctual, and professional

Compensation

• Paid background acting roles

• Rates vary by production

• Opportunity for recurring background work

Submission Code
Use submission code 18TLY when applying.

FBI & Detective Background Roles

Job Description
A television production is seeking polished background actors to portray FBI agents and detectives in an interior scene. This opportunity is for experienced background performers who can deliver a professional, upscale look suited for law enforcement and investigative roles. Talent should be comfortable working in a structured, fast-paced production environment and blending seamlessly into scripted scenes.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear on camera as FBI or detective-type personnel

• Wear upscale, professional suits appropriate for law enforcement roles

• Follow detailed on-set direction from production staff

• Maintain continuity and professionalism throughout filming

Requirements

• Adults with prior background acting experience

• Must not have appeared previously in sheriff office scenes

• Must not have been picture-cast in prior roles

• Clean-shaven men (no facial hair)

• Professional appearance with well-fitted suits

• Comfortable portraying law enforcement or investigative characters

Compensation

• Paid background acting role

• Professional television credit