Movies and TV shows casting in Illinois

Written by:
Backstage
March 18, 2026
Grusho Anna // Shutterstock
This story was produced by Backstage and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.

Movies and TV shows casting in Illinois

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 Illinois and nationwide, and which roles they're looking to fill.

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'Whispers'

- Project type: student film
- Roles:
--- Jamie Sheppard (lead, male, 20-25)
--- Erick (supporting, male, 20-25)
--- Amber (supporting, female, 20-25)
- Casting locations: Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the student film here

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Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'Deteriorate'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Aaron (lead, male, 21-35)
--- Delilah (lead, female, 21-35)
--- Shadow Man (supporting, male, 21-35)
- Casting locations: Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the short film here

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'Schiller Park'

- Project type: feature film
- Roles:
--- Yuri (day player, male, 45-70)
- Roles pay up to: $1,000
- Casting locations: Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the feature film here

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'Oddly Swiped,' Actor and Crew

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Mom (supporting, female, 55-75)
--- Rave Kids (background / extra, all genders, 20-40)
- Casting locations: Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the short film here

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'Trophies'

- Project type: student film
- Roles:
--- The Stranger (lead, male, 18+)
- Roles pay up to: $80
- Casting locations: Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the student film here

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WINGDAD: AN RTVF SITCOM PRODUCTION GRANT PILOT

- Project type: scripted show
- Roles:
--- Keith (lead, male, 40-60)
- Roles pay up to: $400
- Casting locations: Evanston, IL; Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the scripted show here

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'Forlorn'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Mari (lead, female, 25-35)
--- David (lead, male, 25-35)
- Casting locations: Auditions: Apr 15, 2026 in Oak Lawn, IL
- Learn more about the short film here

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Short Film Project

- Project type: student film
- Roles:
--- Imani (lead, female, 18-37)
--- Tamika (supporting, female, 18-37)
--- Fatima (supporting, female, 18-37)
- Roles pay up to: $100
- Casting locations: Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the student film here

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Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'In Lieu'

- Project type: short film
- Roles:
--- Mike (lead, male, 20-35)
--- Victor (The Homeless Man) (supporting, male, non-binary, 40-60)
--- Daniel (supporting, male, 23-35)
- Roles pay up to: $800
- Casting locations: Boston, MA; Chicago, IL
- Learn more about the short film here

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'72 Whaler'

- Project type: feature film
- Roles:
--- Hayes (lead, male, 20-28)
--- Quinn (supporting, female, 19-28)
--- Jim (supporting, male, 60-75)
- Roles pay up to: $6,600
- Casting locations: nationwide
- Learn more about the feature film here

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'Taco Man'

- Project type: vertical series
- Roles:
--- Tony (lead, male, 35-45)
--- Aurora ("Rori") (lead, female, 18-22)
- Roles pay up to: $1,000
- Casting locations: nationwide
- Learn more about the vertical series here

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Reality, Couples Who Are Dating or Engaged

- Project type: reality TV
- Roles:
--- Couples Who Are Dating or Engaged (lead, 25-35)
- Roles pay up to: $16,000
- Casting locations: nationwide
- Learn more about the reality TV show here

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Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

'72 Whaler'

- Project type: feature film
- Roles:
--- Hayes (lead, male, 20-28)
--- Quinn (supporting, female, 19-28)
--- Jim (supporting, male, 60-75)
- Roles pay up to: $6,600
- Casting locations: nationwide
- Learn more about the feature film here

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Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

'Second Serve'

- Project type: vertical series
- Roles:
--- Kevin White (lead, male, 18-24)
- Roles pay up to: $2,800
- Casting locations: nationwide
- Learn more about the vertical series here

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