Casting Call for Actors for Independent Dramatic Comedy Short Film in Calgary

Volunteer Cast for Historical Indie Short Film

Job Description

A non-union independent short film is casting lead, supporting, and child roles for a historical drama filming in Vancouver, British Columbia. Set in 1892 Nova Scotia, the story follows an isolated young woman whose friendship uncovers a dark family secret. Casting directors are seeking passionate performers for this volunteer production, which offers on-set experience, meals, and screen credits.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray historically inspired characters in a dramatic short film.
• Perform scripted scenes under the director’s guidance.
• Collaborate professionally with the cast and crew throughout production.
• Help bring an emotional period story to life.

Requirements

• Seeking the following roles:
  • Blythe (Lead): Female, ages 18–25, European or African/Black ethnicity. A compassionate and creative young woman with dreams beyond her isolated life.
  • Agatha (Lead): Female, ages 18–25, European ethnicity. Curious, devoted, and charismatic with a mysterious family background.
  • Mary (Supporting): Female, ages 35–55, European or African/Black ethnicity. Strong-willed, caring, and hardworking with six lines of dialogue.
  • Henry: Male, ages 8–12, European or African/Black ethnicity. Quiet, responsible, and respectful. No dialogue.
• Must be able to work in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Comfortable performing in a period drama set in the late 1800s.

Compensation

• Volunteer opportunity.
• Meals provided during production.
• Screen credit.
• Gain experience working on an independent short film.

Job Description

An independent dramatic comedy short film is casting three actors for a non-union, unpaid production in Calgary, Alberta. The film explores themes of personal growth, family relationships, and mental health through an emotional yet humorous story. Virtual auditions are being accepted, making this a great opportunity for actors interested in independent filmmaking.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the featured characters in a short film.
• Participate in virtual auditions if selected.
• Collaborate with the director and production team during filming.
• Deliver authentic, emotionally driven performances.

Requirements

• Non-union actors.
• Casting the following roles:
  • Pete: Male, mid to late 30s.
  • Lena: Female, late 20s to early 30s.
  • Pete’s Mother: Female, mid to late 60s.
• Comfortable performing material that includes themes of mental health and substance abuse.
• Available for filming in Calgary, Alberta.

Compensation

• Unpaid acting opportunity.
• Non-union production.
• Opportunity to build your acting portfolio and gain independent film experience.

Open Casting Call for Dance Short Film

Job Description

A finalist project for the Innovate Dance Film Showcase is casting union and non-union performers for the upcoming short film Along the Road. Filming will take place in Metro Vancouver, with rehearsals scheduled in mid-July and production at the end of the month. This magical realism dance film explores themes of friendship, heritage, and cultural connection across generations.

Casting directors are seeking performers with movement experience for multiple roles. Lion dance experience is a strong asset for one featured child role, while movement or dance experience is preferred for most adult characters. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the film’s featured or supporting characters.
• Participate in scheduled movement rehearsals before filming.
• Perform choreographed movement and dramatic scenes on camera.
• Collaborate with the director and creative team throughout production.

Requirements

• Open to both union and non-union performers.
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Available for rehearsals on July 16–22.
• Available for filming on July 30–31 in Metro Vancouver.
• Submit a headshot, demo reel, and CV.

Roles Available

• Rian – Chinese child, open gender (approximately age 9), curious and energetic with movement or dance experience. Lion dance experience is a strong asset.
• Indian Person at Silk Road – Open gender, approximately age 30. Movement experience preferred.
• Chinese Person at Silk Road – Open gender, approximately age 30. Movement experience preferred.
• Punjabi Man on Railroad – Ages 20–30. Movement experience preferred.
• Chinese Man on Railroad – Ages 20–30. Movement experience preferred.
• Punjabi Grandpa – Ages 60–80. Good comedic timing is a plus.
• Chinese Grandpa – Ages 60–80. Comfortable portraying a gentle daily park stroll.

Compensation

• Paid opportunity for selected performers.
• Work on an Innovate Dance Film Showcase finalist project.
• Gain professional film and dance performance experience.

Job Description

A compelling opportunity is available for a talented lead female actress to star in an independent drama short film inspired by the groundbreaking performance art of Marina Abramović. This expressive, non-speaking role is ideal for performers who can convey powerful emotion through movement, facial expressions, and physical presence.

Filming will take place in Montreal over a two-day production schedule. Meals will be provided, and performers will receive a copy of the completed film. This project is also open to ACTRA members.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the lead female character in a dramatic, non-speaking role.
• Express emotion through body language and facial expressions.
• Collaborate closely with the director throughout filming.
• Participate in a two-day shoot in Montreal.
• Help bring an artistic and emotionally driven story to life.

Requirements

• Female actor for the lead role.
• Comfortable with performance art and expressive storytelling.
• Strong non-verbal acting skills.
• Able to attend the full filming schedule in Montreal.
• Previous acting experience is beneficial but not required.

Compensation

• Unpaid opportunity.
• Meals provided during production.
• Copy of the completed film.
• Open to ACTRA members.

Job Description

A non-union short film is seeking actors for two lead roles in a coming-of-age drama titled Nightbreak. The story follows two young women who meet unexpectedly at a bar and spend a transformative night together, exploring themes of desire, isolation, identity, and the uncertainty of the futures they have chosen for themselves.

This character-driven drama offers performers the opportunity to portray emotionally complex characters navigating connection, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a lead character in a dramatic short film.
• Participate in rehearsals and filming as scheduled.
• Collaborate with the director and cast to develop authentic character relationships.
• Deliver emotionally nuanced performances that support the film’s themes.
• Follow creative direction while maintaining character consistency throughout production.

Requirements

Mia

• Femme-presenting.
• Ages 18–25.
• Ability to portray a reserved, introspective, and emotionally layered character.
• Strong dramatic acting skills preferred.

Juliette

• Femme-presenting.
• Ages 18–25.
• Ability to portray a charismatic, impulsive, and emotionally complex character.
• Strong dramatic acting skills preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Headshot required.
• Resume required.
• Demo reel preferred.
• Non-union performers welcome.
• Must indicate the role being auditioned for in the application subject line.

Compensation Details

• Volunteer opportunity.
• Valuable experience on an independent short film production.
• Opportunity to build credits and collaborate with emerging filmmakers.

Job Description

A student short film titled Memory Box is seeking talented actors for lead roles in a heartfelt drama centered on love, family history, and self-discovery. The story follows a young woman who, after inheriting her late grandmother’s belongings, is transported into memories of a forbidden queer love affair from the 1960s.

The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, grief, and enduring love. LGBTQIA2S+ performers are especially encouraged to apply, though casting is open to all backgrounds.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a lead character in a dramatic narrative short film.
• Participate in chemistry reads and rehearsals if selected.
• Collaborate with the director and cast to develop authentic performances.
• Attend scheduled production days and remain available throughout filming.
• Deliver emotionally nuanced performances that support the film’s themes.

Requirements

Michelle (Lead)

• Female, ages 20–26.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong dramatic range and emotional depth.
• Ability to portray vulnerability, grief, and personal growth.

Sandie (Lead)

• Female, ages 20–26.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong dramatic acting skills.
• Ability to portray warmth, inner conflict, and emotional complexity.

Sam (Lead)

• Female, ages 20–26.
• Fluent in English.
• Confident, charismatic, and compassionate presence.
• Ability to balance tenderness with conviction and emotional authenticity.

Additional Requirements:

• Professional headshot or recent clear photo.
• Acting reel or a 1–2 minute monologue self-tape.
• Contact information.
• Availability for chemistry reads and production dates.

Compensation Details

• Unpaid production.
• On-set meals provided.
• Invitation to the local screening.
• Digital copy of the completed film for demo reel use.

Job Description

The upcoming queer K-pop drama short film Pretty Boy$ is seeking actors for multiple principal and supporting roles. Set in the world of a successful boy band, the story explores fame, identity, obsession, and forbidden love. The production is looking for talented performers who can bring emotional depth and authenticity to this character-driven narrative.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a scripted character in a dramatic narrative short film.
• Participate in rehearsals, self-tape auditions, and production activities as required.
• Collaborate with the director and creative team to develop character performances.
• Perform emotionally nuanced scenes that support the film’s story.
• Maintain professionalism throughout the casting and production process.

Requirements

Open roles include:

Min Lee (Lead)

• Male, East Asian or Mixed Asian.
• Mid-20s.
• Tall and muscular appearance preferred.
• Dance experience required.
• Must be comfortable performing intimacy scenes.

River Jung (Lead)

• Male, East Asian or Mixed Asian.
• Mid-20s.
• Strong acting ability and emotional range.
• Dance experience required.
• Must be comfortable performing intimacy scenes.

Roxy (Supporting)

• Male, Open Ethnicity with preference for East Asian or Mixed Asian performers.
• Ages 40–50s.
• Strong dramatic acting skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Headshot or recent photo.
• Resume.
• Demo reel and/or dance reel preferred.
• Ability to work in Vancouver, Canada.

Compensation Details

• Paid opportunity.
• Compensation details will be provided to selected applicants.

Job Description

The Children Trap, a short film selected for Reel Asian’s Unsung Voices program, is casting actors for several principal and supporting roles. The film explores the story of two sisters who secretly plot their parents’ divorce in an attempt to save their family. Selected talent will participate in a dramatic family-centered story scheduled to premiere at the TIFF Lightbox as part of the Reel Asian Film Festival.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in a narrative short film.
• Attend in-person auditions and rehearsals as required.
• Collaborate with the director and cast to bring authentic family relationships to life.
• Perform emotionally grounded dramatic scenes.
• Be available for scheduled production dates.

Requirements

Grace – Lead Role

• Chinese/East Asian female
• Approximately 13–15 years old
• Mature, observant, and protective presence
• Strong dramatic acting abilities preferred

Romy – Lead/Supporting Role

• Chinese/East Asian female
• Approximately 8 years old
• Playful, imaginative, and expressive personality
• Comfortable portraying a close sibling relationship

Mom – Supporting Role

• Chinese female
• Age range: 30s–40s
• Must be fluent in Cantonese
• Comfortable performing emotionally grounded family drama

Dad – Supporting Role

• Chinese male
• Age range: 30s–50s
• Must be fluent in Cantonese
• Comfortable performing emotionally grounded family drama

Compensation Details

• Volunteer / unpaid opportunity
• Meals provided
• Screen credit provided
• Non-union production

Job Description

A non-union short film titled Dream Girl is seeking South Asian actors for lead and supporting roles. The story follows a middle-aged Indian mother who faces the decision of a lifetime when her longtime Bollywood crush unexpectedly appears at her doorstep with a marriage proposal. This heartfelt and character-driven film is scheduled to premiere at the Reel Asian Film Festival 2026.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in a narrative short film.
• Attend rehearsals and filming sessions as scheduled.
• Deliver authentic performances in both Hindi and English.
• Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members.
• Follow production schedules and creative direction throughout the project.

Available Roles

Kiran (Lead)

• Female
• South Asian
• Ages 35–45

Rajat

• Male
• South Asian
• Ages 35–45

Prem

• Male
• South Asian
• Ages 25–35

Arjun

• Male
• South Asian
• Teenager

Requirements

• South Asian performers only.
• Comfortable performing in Hindi and English.
• Previous acting experience preferred.
• Must submit a CV and showreel for consideration.
• Available for the production schedule.

Compensation Details

• Non-union production.
• Compensation details were not specified.
• Film scheduled to premiere at the Reel Asian Film Festival 2026.

Job Description

An upcoming dark comedy thriller short film is casting actors for lead and supporting roles. The production is seeking talented performers to join the cast of JORU, a character-driven short film scheduled to shoot in Vancouver. This is an excellent opportunity for actors looking to gain screen credits and collaborate on an independent film project.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in a dark comedy thriller narrative.
• Attend rehearsals and filming sessions as required.
• Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members.
• Memorize lines and deliver authentic performances.
• Follow production schedules and creative direction throughout filming.

Requirements

• Previous acting experience is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to commit to the production schedule.
• Comfortable performing in a dark comedy thriller project.
• Submit a headshot, résumé, and acting reel for consideration.

Available Roles

• Reeta – Lead Role
• Raman – Lead Role
• Maya – Supporting Role

Compensation Details

• Volunteer production.
• Craft services provided on set.
• Screen credits.
• IMDb credit.

Job Description

A picture casting production is seeking a male performer in his 40s to portray a deceased inmate in an upcoming project. Casting directors are looking for someone with a Bulgarian background and distinctive facial hair to fit the character’s appearance. Applicants must be comfortable portraying a deceased character on camera.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a deceased inmate in a picture casting production.
• Follow direction from the production and casting team.
• Maintain the required appearance for the role, including facial hair as specified.
• Remain professional and available for the scheduled filming period.

Requirements

• Male, approximately 40s.
• Bulgarian ethnicity/background preferred.
• Distinctive or interesting facial hair.
• No visible tattoos.
• Must be comfortable portraying a deceased character.
• Open to ACTRA, AABP, and non-union performers.
• Must submit:
  • Name
  • Age
  • Union status
  • Current full-length photo
  • Ethnicity information

Compensation Details

• SSE Rate: $45.00 per hour

Job Description

A student short film titled Summer is seeking actors for several supporting and featured roles. Filming will take place in the UBC and Greater Vancouver area. This non-union production explores themes of adulthood, relationships, self-discovery, and personal growth through an ensemble cast of compelling characters.

Actors of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply. The lead role has already been cast, and production is currently seeking performers for key supporting and featured characters.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in a scripted short film.
• Attend rehearsals and filming as scheduled.
• Collaborate with directors, cast members, and crew.
• Deliver authentic and emotionally engaging performances.
• Follow production direction and maintain professionalism on set.

Available Roles

Lucy (Supporting)

• Female, ages 30–50.
• Eccentric, unpredictable, and deeply genuine.
• Funny, insightful, and socially unconventional.

Olivia (Featured)

• Female, early 20s.
• Summer’s best friend.
• Warm, loyal, confident, and emotionally perceptive.

Dante (Featured)

• Male, 20s.
• Ambitious, intelligent, and charismatic.
• Confident and driven with an intense presence.

Mark (Featured)

• Male, ages 30–40s.
• Additional character details provided by production.

Requirements

• Open to actors of all backgrounds and experience levels.
• Headshot required.
• Résumé preferred but not required.
• Acting reel or additional acting materials welcome but optional.
• Must be available to work in the Greater Vancouver area.
• Comfortable working on a student film production.

Compensation Details

• Unpaid opportunity.
• Meals provided during production.
• Valuable on-set experience and networking opportunities.
• Non-union production.