Movies and TV shows casting in Chicago

Written by:
September 24, 2025
Grusho Anna // Shutterstock
This story was produced by Backstage and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.

Movies and TV shows casting in Chicago

The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey.

Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a list of projects casting right now in Chicago, nearby cities, and nationwide, and which roles they're looking to fill.

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Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'Freedom of the Press'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Gunner (supporting, male, 28-50)
--- Production Assistant/Craft Services (crew)
--- Drunk Slaveholder (supporting, male, 35-65)
- Average hourly rate: $43
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

2 / 12
Dpongvit // Shutterstock

'Run For Your Life'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Mikey (lead, male, 20-30)
- Average hourly rate: $31
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

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Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

'Assassin League Episode II'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- James (lead, male, 21-31)
--- Production Assistant (crew)
--- Lead Stunt Performer (other, male, 18-30)
- Average hourly rate: $83
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

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Media_Photos // Shutterstock

'Vice'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Jennifer (lead, female, 21-35)
--- Anthony Deimos (lead, male, 21-35)
--- Charlie (lead, female, 21-35)
- Average hourly rate: $25
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

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Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'Vertical Mini-Drama Series'

- Project type: scripted show
- Roles:
--- Will (lead, male, 25-35)
--- Sasha (lead, female, 25-35)
- Average hourly rate: $106
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the scripted show here

6 / 12
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

'Friends of Dorothy'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Lively and Colorful Theater Goers (background extra, 18-100)
--- Friend of Dorothy (lead, 18-99)
- Average hourly rate: $20
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

7 / 12
Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'Counterfeit'

- Project type: feature film
- Roles:
--- Holly's Mom (day player, female, 35-45)
--- Holly's Dad (day player, male, 35-50)
--- Connor's Dad (day player, male, 60-70)
- Average hourly rate: $30
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the feature film here

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muratart // Shutterstock

'Real Estate Squatting'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Real Estate Squatter (, male, 18-100)
- Average hourly rate: $50
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

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Tikkyshop // Shutterstock

'Alexandra'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Host (supporting, 25-40)
--- Javier (lead, male, 21-30)
--- Alexandra (lead, female, 25-30)
- Average hourly rate: $15
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

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guruXOX // Shutterstock

'This Is My Body'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Documentary Subject (lead, female, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, trans female, trans male, 21-100)
--- Intimacy Coordinator (crew)
--- Second Camera Op (crew)
- Average hourly rate: $100
- Casting locations: Chicago, Illinois
- Learn more about the short film here

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Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'Lowball'

- Project type: feature film
- Roles:
--- Max (lead, 25-35)
--- Jenna (day player, 18-30)
--- Ann (supporting, female, 20-35)
- Average hourly rate: $75
- Casting locations: nationwide
- Learn more about the feature film here

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KinoMasterskaya // Shutterstock

'100 Project'

- Project type: documentary series
- Roles:
--- Character A - Teen (day player, male, 14-16)
--- Character A - Young Man (day player, male, 21-27)
--- Character B - Young Man (day player, male, 23-28)
- Average hourly rate: $87
- Casting locations: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Learn more about the documentary series here

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