39 minute read
THE LADIES WHO LEAD
For your SAG Awards consideration: the 2021 female contenders
By Backstage Staff
Kaley Cuoco on “The Flight Attendant”
WITH VOTING UNDERWAY FOR THE 2021 SCREEN ACTORS GUILD
Awards leading up to the 27th annual ceremony on April 4, the time has come for SAG-AFTRA members in good standing to cast their votes for the season’s best performances! Read on for Backstage’s official breakdown of the female SAG Award nominees in individual television and film categories.
Christina Applegate,
“Dead to Me”
We don’t want to live in a world where Applegate isn’t on the small screen. Luckily, Liz Feldman’s “Dead to Me” is both infinitely watchable and rewatchable, thanks in large part to Applegate’s glorious turn as the widowed, wine-swilling Jen Harding. She’s as good at digging deep for emotional breakdowns as she is at muttering scathing insults under her breath.
Linda Cardellini,
“Dead to Me”
Cardellini has her work cut out for her on Netflix’s “Dead to Me” as a character who is both sweetly naive and a walking cyclone; Judy Hale leaves chaos in her wake while smiling the most earnest smile. But in Cardellini’s hands, material that shouldn’t feel cohesive combines to form a portrait of a woman soldiering through her pain and seeking to better herself.
Annie Murphy,
“Schitt’s Creek”
“Ew, David!” For lessons on how to use line delivery to produce instantly memorable quips, look no further than Murphy’s ditzy Alexis Rose. Her distinct combination of bubbly, bratty, and sweet reached its peak on the last season of “Schitt’s Creek,” which featured the Emmy-winning Murphy warming our hearts as much as she cracked us up.
Catherine O’Hara,
“Schitt’s Creek”
Much has been said about O’Hara’s
Kaley Cuoco,
“The Flight Attendant”
Cuoco’s wildly funny yet emotionally shrewd performance as an alcoholic flight attendant entangled in a gruesome murder is what grounds even the most absurd twists on this HBO Max comedy-thriller–character study. Just when you think the series is too silly to feel substantial, the producer-star unveils another authentic, poignant layer to her Cassie, raising the emotional stakes amid all the mayhem. Plus, she’s clearly having so much fun.
Olivia Colman on “The Crown”
iconic performance as Moira Rose—but we guarantee she’d have the oddest, most delightful way of saying it herself. She dominated the spotlight every time she was in frame with her line readings as the wacky, wig-wearing, pasther-prime actor and one percenter. Having rounded out her Emmy- and Golden Globe–winning final season as the lovable narcissist, O’Hara left us wanting more.
Gillian Anderson, “The Crown”
Anderson is virtually unrecognizable in her turn as Margaret Thatcher, which isn’t just remarkable for its contrast to any of her prior performances (including a steely sex therapist on “Sex Education”). As England’s first female prime minister and this season’s foil to Olivia Colman’s Queen Elizabeth II, she introduces the most captivating politician-sovereign dynamic on “The Crown” to date. In all its restrained fury, their face-off over the Commonwealth is a master class in quiet intensity.
Olivia Colman, “The Crown”
Colman excels at capturing Queen Elizabeth II’s stillness and composure down to the smallest gesture on Season 4 of Peter Morgan’s royal drama, set in the Buckingham Palace of the 1980s. Case in point: her vividly rendered conversation with Tom Brooke’s Michael Fagan, the man who broke into the queen’s bedroom to list his grievances. Colman’s silences express as much as a monologue.
Linda Cardellini on “Dead to Me”
Jason Sudeikis on “Ted Lasso” Kerry Washington on “Little Fires Everywhere”
Emma Corrin, “The Crown”
Stepping into an onscreen character who received almost as much scrutiny as her reallife counterpart, Golden Globe winner Corrin successfully captures something essential about Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales: her ability to draw you in and demand you watch her. Between the spot-on makeup, hair, and wardrobe work, and those eyes that convey sorrow and shyness, Corrin pulls off the difficult task of stealing this show.
Julia Garner, “Ozark”
Season 3 of Netflix’s “Ozark” finds ample opportunity to explore its morally bankrupt core cast of characters, giving an actor of Garner’s wondrous skill level the juicy material she deserves. Her twice Emmy-winning Ruth Langmore is a survivor who is prone to making dangerously criminal decisions, but there are always rational reasons behind them—even if Garner makes us guess what they are.
Laura Linney, “Ozark”
Linney’s Wendy Byrde has gone from dissatisfied suburban housewife to money-laundering
Michaela Coel on “I May Destroy You”
mastermind, and that sinister smile of hers proves she’s in her element at last. On Season 3 of this increasingly dark Netflix drama, the Emmy- and SAG Award–winning Linney excels at guiding us through everything on Wendy’s map: messiness, vulnerability, shrewdness, and, ultimately, devastating guilt.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Cate Blanchett,
“Mrs. America”
One of this TV season’s greatest treats was watching Blanchett scheme. Actors should study her take on Phyllis Schlafly. Her multilayered work as the conservative queen of the 1970s, a woman seeking power and finding her voice as she advocates for policies that would prevent her fellow American housewives from doing the same, is elevated by her restraint.
Michaela Coel,
“I May Destroy You”
The range that Coel taps into to deliver a story inspired by her own sexual assault on this follow-up to her series “Chewing Gum” is nothing short of heroic. Her Arabella is equal parts frightened and frightening in the complex aftermath of her assault. Watching Coel detangle her character’s pain from the power it has unearthed within her makes for some of the year’s best TV.
Nicole Kidman, “The Undoing”
Kidman deserves every acting award on record for her newest collaboration with “Big Little Lies” creator David E. Kelley, including (if there were such a thing) best performance by an eyeball in a leading role. The heavy lifting her pupils alone do in this story of paranoia and perception speaks to the laserlike focus this star has on her characters’ reactions.
Anya Taylor-Joy,
“The Queen’s Gambit”
As much a character study in addiction as a chess prodigy’s coming-of-age tale (and a gorgeously wrought period drama to boot), this Netflix hit owes a heaping sum of its success to Golden Globe winner and rising star Taylor-Joy. Her skill at rendering Beth Harmon’s growth shows physicalized acting at its finest. Every moment she levels those enormous eyes at her chess adversaries or up at the ceiling becomes iconic.
Kerry Washington,
“Little Fires Everywhere”
What a spectacular return to TV drama this is for Washington, one of those Hollywood stars who can straddle the line between juicy melodrama and multilayered subtlety. Her work as Mia Warren, a newcomer to the story’s pictureperfect suburban neighborhood, makes Liz Tigelaar’s smallscreen adaptation of the bestselling Celeste Ng novel all pleasure, no guilt.
Viola Davis in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Amy Adams, “Hillbilly Elegy”
Playing heroin addict Bev, Adams swivels from raw vulnerability to shaking ferocity on a dime in this Netflix original film from director Ron Howard. She brings her character’s narcissism and keen desperation to the screen as only she can. It’s like the actor is digging into every nook and cranny of her own soul to produce this aching portrait of someone who has been robbed by circumstance.
Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
What’s the best part of Davis’ performance as the titular crooner in her latest August Wilson adaptation? Is it her gruff, smoky voice, her swiveling hips, or the fire in her eyes? The fivetime SAG Award winner uses her bone-deep physical performance to convey the rich interiority of the real-life Ma Rainey, Mother of the Blues and sufferer of no fools.
Vanessa Kirby,
“Pieces of a Woman”
If you didn’t know Kirby’s name before, you will after this awards season thanks to her stunning, wrenching, beautiful work in Netflix’s “Pieces of a Woman,” which sees the “Crown” Emmy nominee working through the aftermath of losing a baby in agonizing emotional detail. It’s the kind of role that requires so much of an actor that it boggles the mind.
Frances McDormand,
“Nomadland” Calling McDormand’s “Nomadland” performance her most understated one yet feels redundant, given the documentary-like quality of Chloé Zhao’s study of vandwelling nomads. It’s as if the actor lived for months as the determinedly grieving Fern, and Zhao’s camera simply captured her everyday movements. But make no mistake: The four-time SAG Award–winning McDormand is at the height of her powers, finessing every moment.
Carey Mulligan,
“Promising Young Woman”
Mulligan’s turn as Cassandra Thomas in “Promising Young Woman” is like the film itself: Don’t let her character’s sunny styling and California surroundings fool you. Her measured portrayal of a woman on a mission—gradually revealed by writer-director Emerald Fennell—surprises until the very last moment. If the sinister way Cassandra toys with handsy men weren’t so delightfully thrilling, it would be downright terrifying.
Helena Zengel in “News of the World”
Maria Bakalova, “Borat
Subsequent Moviefilm”
A welcome addition to the bizarro world of “Borat,” Bakalova shines as Tutar, the Kazakh journalist’s teenage daughter and willing accomplice in his latest plot: to win over “McDonald” Trump. For every clandestine farce the mockumentary concocts, Bakalova is right in step with Sacha Baron Cohen, delivering side-splitting improvised dialogue with unwavering commitment.
Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”
This season, we can confidently crown Close as the queen of one-liners. Her larger-than-life Vance matriarch represents the hard-knock starting point of this story’s multigenerational narrative. While her grandson fights to overcome the povertystricken hand he’s been dealt in the Appalachian backwoods, Close’s Mamaw unapologetically steeps herself in all things “hill people.” She demands, and earns, our attention.
Olivia Colman, “The Father”
We’ve seen a nonstop succession of superb screen work from Colman ever since her Oscar win for “The Favourite.” Now, playing the daughter to an ailing Anthony Hopkins, she seems to remove even more barriers between herself and the camera lens. What is it about magnetic performers like Colman, who can turn crying into high art? Her tears are stars in their own right.
Youn Yuh-jung, “Minari”
Irreverent, foulmouthed, and, at least in little David’s (Alan S. Kim) eyes, as un-grandmotherly as can be, Soonja complicates the central Korean American family’s fragile dynamics in “Minari” from the moment she arrives. Youn’s delightful comedic timing gives way to poignancy as David and his grandmother evolve from cheekily adversarial to genuinely friendly. It’s a great example of a performance that gives a film its heart.
Helena Zengel,
“News of the World”
It takes a lot to pull focus from Tom Hanks; to do it as a young actor with few lines (mostly in the language of the Kiowa people) is even more extraordinary. Zengel matches Hanks on every step of this perilous journey across America’s antebellum South. Her Johanna Leonberger is lost in more ways than one, as evidenced by the actor’s every profound gesture and facial expression.
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New York Tristate
Plays
• Seeking video submissions from
Equity actors for “Everything is Super Great.”
• Company: Dreamcatcher Repertory
Theatre. Staff: Laura Ekstrand, artistic dir.; Betsy True, dir.
• Rehearsals begin Apr. 12; runs Apr.
29-May 9 remotely.
• Seeking—Tommy (Cast): male, 18+, 19
years old; Anne’s son. Lost and melancholy, but with a spark. Anne (Cast): female, 40-49, Tommy’s mother; sweet; spacey. A little immature. Caring. Dave: male, 30-39, all ethnicities, a doormat. Spineless. A little broey. Hopeful. Alice (Cast): 18+, 21 years old. Dead-pan. The most exhausted and overworked person. Ever.
• Seeking submissions from NJ. • For consideration, videotape yourself
performing a one-minute, comedic contemporary monologue. Slate your name and title of the piece before beginning your monologue. Attach your headshot and resume to your audition email and send to info@ dreamcatcherrep.org. Submissions deadline is Mar. 15. Callbacks will be held Mar. 31 via Zoom.
• Pays $271/wk. Equity SPT Contract.
Short Films
Greenwood Exhibit Space
• Casting a short film that will be pro-
jected on glass at an exhibition space that will tell the remarkable and resilient story of Greenwood and it’s community before and after the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. In this film, we meet a barbershop owner, his head barber, and their apprentice barber, as they discuss what brought them to Greenwood, and what life is like. This scene takes place prior to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Note that these roles are composite characters, not based on specific real people.
• Company: Liz Lewis Casting Partners.
Staff: Angela Mickey, managing dir. of casting; Ashley-Lauren Elrod, coord.
• Fitting Mar. 12 or 15; shoots one day
Mar. 16-18 in NYC.
• Seeking—TC Morris: male, 50-60,
Black / African Descent, all body types; height, 5’10-6’2” tall; a barbershop owner; he is tall, clean-shaven, big friendly smile, very charismatic and welcoming but all business - he keeps a tight ship, and doesn’t allow too much horsing around; he has side wave hair, manicured hands; his business was on of the first storefronts in the neighborhood; TC is proud to be one of the first black-owned barbershops for black men in the South; he is politically active, and loves getting into talks about politics with his customers; TC believes in what they are doing in Greenwood; he was one who turned inward to consider black communities’ organization while also engaging in the self-reflective work that produced black cultural movements; he knew that the needs of a private business are balanced with the needs of collective dialogue, so he promotes a positive outlook whenever he can; would love someone who is able to do an Oklahoma or Southwestern accent, if possible. Jerome Clark: male, 35-45, Black / African Descent, open to men of all body types; height should be 5’116’2” tall; TC’s Head Barber; he has a high-tight haircut, and is quiet and more introspective, with a manicured mustache (we are open to actors with and without a mustache); Jerome was TC’s first employee and learned everything he knows from TC; Jerome is quiet, and more introspective and measured in his delivery; a perfect balance to TC’s bigger than life personality; Jerome is genuinely interested in his clients and anyone visiting from out of town; he is empathetic and will often know intuitively what you’re about to ask before you ask it; Jerome has his finger on the pulse of local living; anything you want to know about day to day living in Tulsa, he’ll know about it would love someone who is able to do an Oklahoma or Southwestern accent, if possible. George Satterwhite: male, 18-25, Black / African Descent, height should be 5’11-6’2” tall; an apprentice barber at the shop; he is extremely confident, with a kind smile, and boyish good looks, clean shaven, hair short on the sides and pushed back; he came in to get a haircut for prom and said he wanted a summer job and earned a position on the spot; George is eager to please and works hard; he watches Jerome carefully to make sure he can learn as much as he can; he is proud of his apprenticeship, and can sometimes walk around with swagger and confidence like he owns the place, earning a quick reprimanding look from TC; George knows what makes the city run from a manual labor perspective - he is part of a network of maids, shoeshiners, gardeners, delivery, cooks, and cleaners who keep Greenwood running; George bucks authority a bit, thinking he knows better than anyone else what is needed; if he is reprimanded, he may sulk a bit, but it never
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Casting picks of the week
BY LISA HAMIL
stage
‘Everything Is Super Great’
Celebrate reality in this Equity production in NJ
tv
‘Godfather Of Harlem’
Run NYC in this Epix series in NY
student film
‘Before Night Shift’
Stay up late in Los Angeles, CA
stage
’Slow Food’
Savor your meal in tis CA virtual Equity production
theme parks
Six Flags
Discover your inner stunt performers in Upper Marlboro, MD
lasts long; he has a tendency to be brash and speak without thinking through the consequences, which has gotten him in trouble in the past; would love someone who is able to do an Oklahoma or Southwestern accent, if possible.
• Seeking submissions from NY. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Auditions Mar. 2-3, Callbacks Mar. 4-5.
Links regarding project: www.tulsa2021. org/rising, https://localprojects. com/ work/museums- attractions/ greenwood- rising/.
• Pays $25 for fitting, $50 table read,
$500/8 hr. shoot day.
Scripted TV & Video
Epix, ‘Godfather of Harlem’ Season 2
• Casting background for season 2 of the
Epix series “Godfather of Harlem.”
• Company: Roman Candle Casting.
Staff: Todd Feldman, casting dir.
• Shoots in Brooklyn and Harlem, NYC. • Seeking—BG With Martial Arts
Experience: all genders, 14+, Black / African Descent, must have flexible schedule and be available for testing and filming in Brooklyn. Casting calls may be last-minute requests. Pay provided for testing, fitting, and work days. Ladies in Lingerie for Club Scene: female, 21-35, all ethnicities, no visible tattoos. Coverable tattoos (the size of a quarter or smaller) are acceptable. Must be comfortable in lingerie on set. Interior club scene. Italian Mob Types: male, 18+, White / European Descent. Harlem Mob Types: male, 18+, Black / African Descent. Italian Mob Wife Types: female, 18+. Harlem Mob Wife Types: female, 18+, Black / African Descent. Italian Mob Kid Types (Minors Ages 6-15): all genders, 15, White / European Descent, child performer work permits required. Parent required on set with child. Harlem Family Kids Types (Minors Age 6-15): all genders, 15, Black / African Descent, child performer work permits required. Parent required on set with child.
• Seeking submissions from NY. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Submit recent photos, height, and
sizes.
• SAG-AFTRA rates apply for union mem-
bers. Nonunion rate: $165/10 hrs.
General Voiceover
NY Post, ‘Surviving NYC’
• Casting voice actors for “Surviving
NYC,” a voiceover-driven explainer video on how to survive in New York City.
• Company: NY Post. • Records remotely on dates(s) TBD. • Seeking—Main Voiceover: male, 27-61,
funny, snarky, and acerbic. Looking for a New York accent.
• Seeking submissions from NJ and NY. • Send submissions to amamlet@nypost.
com.
• Pay provided.
Southern California
Plays
Santa Cruz Shakespeare
• Casting Equity actors of all ages, gen-
der identities, and ethnicities, as well as those with disablitiies, for roles in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2021 season. Season includes “The Agitators” (Paul Mullins, dir.; Mat Smart, writer) and “RII” (Jessica Kubzansky, writer; Melissa Rain Anderson, dir.). No roles will be understudied.
• Company: Shakespeare Play On DBA
Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Staff: Mike Ryan, artistic dir.
• Rehearsals begin June 28, 2021; tech
begins July 15, 2021; previews July 20, 202; opens July 25 (“Agitators”) and July 26 (“RII”) runs through Aug. 29 with a possible one week extension to Sept. 5.
• Seeking—Equity Actors: 18+, all
ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions from CA. • Send submissions to auditions@santa-
cruzshakespeare.org.
• For consideration, prepare one con-
temporary and one Shakespeare monologue totaling less than three minutes and email video or a link to video along with headshot and resume to auditions@santacruzshakespeare.org. Submissions deadline is Mar. 12.
• Pays $728/wk. Equity LOA ref. LORT
Contract.
• Seeking video submissions from Equity
actors for roles in “Slow Food.” Note: This is a virtual production, requiring multiple props, which will be duplicated for all 3 actors and then delivered to the actors’ homes. Because the theatre is based in the Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA area, local actors particularly encouraged to submit. Synopsis: Irene and Peter just want to have a nice meal out on their big anniversary in Palm Springs. But their highly neurotic waiter, Stephen, will not bring them their food, and everything goes horribly, ridiculously wrong. This absurd server will have them examining everything from their menu choices to their very future together. Will their shared desperation get them their spanakopita—or end their marriage?
• Company: International City Theatre.
Staff: Marya Mazor, dir.; caryn desai, prod.-artistic dir.; Michael Donovan, CSA, and Richie Ferris, CSA, casting dirs.; Wendy MacLeod, playwright.
• Rehearsals begin Mar. 30; performance
will be recorded (probably during the second week of rehearsals). Play will stream for 12 performances, Thursday through Sunday, from Apr. 29-May 16.
• Seeking—Waiter (Stephen): 40+, all
ethnicities, gay. A long-time Palm Springs waiter. Lies about his age. Has seen his share of parties. High strung, needy. Great comedic timing. Man (Peter): male, 40-59, all ethnicities, husband of Irene. Businessman, empty nester, confident, charming when he wants to be. Father of a recent college graduate. On vacation but finds it a challenge to relax; hungry for dinner and a little something else. Note: Actors who are couples in real life particularly encouraged to submit for Irene and Peter. Note on submissions. Woman (Irene): 40-59, all ethnicities, wife of Peter. Therapist, empty nester. Mother of a recent college graduate. Quick-witted; attractive. Hungry. Wants to be and have fun! Note: Actors who are couples in real life particularly encouraged to submit for Irene and Peter. Note on submissions.
• Seeking submissions from CA. • For consideration, submit an appropri-
ate self-taped short monologue of your choice with a YouTube link to md@ michaeldonovancasting.com. Taped submissions must be received by Mar. 15. Actors who are couples in real life particularly encouraged to submit for Irene and Peter. Note this on your submission. Callbacks are TBD (and will be on Zoom).
• Pays $318/wk. Equity SPT 2 Contract.
Non-Equity pays $175/wk. (plus EMC points).
Student Films
• Casting for “Before Night Shift”, a LMU
MFA thesis film. Synopsis: After a postwork conversation over a late-night snack, a man realizes he must come to a critical decision about his relationship with his boyfriend.
• Company: Loyola Marymount
University. Staff: Po Wei Su, dir.-prod.
• Rehearsal a week before shoot; shoots
between Mar. 26-29 (not needed for all days) in L.A.
• Seeking—Shaun: male, 28-55, all eth-
nicities, Shaun moved to the States a long time ago. His parents used to own a small aquarium back home before they passed away, so when he
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for full character breakdowns, script sides, and more casting notices settled down here, he found a job working at an aquarium as well. His dream is to open his own aquarium. Shaun was a heavy smoker before he got together with Ed. American Spirit, especially the yellow one is the only brand he smoked. He always says he’s gonna quit because his boyfriend doesn’t like it, so he always secretly smokes while working at the aquarium. He likes to listen to music during night shift. No kissing or hugging will be involved in the shoot. Ed: male, 18-35, all ethnicities, a moviegoer. Loves vintage and weird stuff. His favorite movies are the “Three Colours” trilogy, and he has these posters in the house. He’s currently a third-year grad film school student. Although he loves Shaun very much, he’s still too young to figure out the perfect balance between working on film sets and his relationship with his boyfriend. His dream is to direct a feature as soon as possible. No kissing or hugging will be involved in the shoot. Michael: male, 35-64, all ethnicities, the fish shop owner where the main actor Shaun works. He always looks mean but he actually takes good care of Shaun and other people working there. He likes to put his hands in his working apron when he’s walking. There’s always a blue and a red pen hanging off his pocket.
• Seeking submissions from CA. • Send submissions to pwsbvision@
gmail.com.
• Meals and credit provided. Gas reim-
bursement provided if needed.
Online Commercials & Promos
Electronics Product B-Roll Shoot
• Casting a male actor between ages
25-35 for B-roll shots using electronics products.
• Company: Simplimotion Inc. Staff: Pat
Rapeepat, CFO.
• Shoots in L.A./Orange County, CA. • Seeking—Lead: male, 25-35. • Seeking submissions from CA. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Pays $150/day, plus lunch, snacks, and
drinks provided.
Stage Staff & Tech
Santa Cruz Shakespeare
• Seeking Equity stage managers for
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2021 season: “The Agitators” (Paul Mullins, dir.; Mat Smart, writer) and “RII” (Jessica Kubzansky, writer; Melissa Rain Anderson, dir.).
• Company: Shakespeare Play On DBA
Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Staff: Mike Ryan, artistic dir.
• Rehearsals begin June 28, 2021; tech
begins July 15, 2021; previews July 20, 202; opens July 25 (“Agitators”) and July 26 (“RII”) runs through Aug. 29 with a possible one week extension to Sept. 5.
• Seeking—Stage Manager: 18+. • Seeking submissions from CA. • For consideration, submit resume to
auditions@santacruzshakespeare.org or mail to Santa Cruz Shakespeare, 500 Chestnut St. Ste. #250, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Submissions deadline is Mar. 12.
• Pays $728/wk. Equity LOA ref. LORT
Contract.
Northern California
Short Films
• Casting “Lemonade,” a 15-minute short
film about letting go of the past and, in doing so, finding the parts of ourselves lost along the way.
• Company: In the Sun Pictures. Staff:
Michael Lena, dir.-prod.; Jeremey Bandt, prod.; DeVron Randle, DP.
• Shoot dates TBD in Berkeley, Oakland,
and Mono Lake, CA.
• Seeking—Louis Melvin: 55+, Black /
African Descent, an older man in the November of his life, trying to come to terms with the loss of his wife Abbey, and, in doing so, pressing forward with a will to continue an existence without his soulmate. Louis Melvin (child): male, 7-13, Black / African Descent, the protagonist, Louis Melvin at 10-years old; a small but a vital component to the story and the reveal of Louis’ fears of swimming. Louis Melvin (young man): male, 18-36, Black / African Descent, Louis Melvin at age 27 on a particular day at a lake in which his wife tried to teach him to swim (life-long fear of his). This is a fear that Louis finally decides to confront in his old age in order to cherish his wife’s memory. Abbey Melvin: 18+, the wife of protagonist Louis Melvin. We find her within Louis’ memories on a particular day at a lake in which she attempts to encourage him to face one of his greatest fears: swimming. This distant memory of her is the crux of Louis’ return to the lake and his final attempt of facing his fears. Mila: female, 7-15, all ethnicities, a young girl who inadvertently encourages her neighbor-curmudgeon, Louis Melvin, to find a sense of purpose and hope in a solitary life he leads after the passing of his wife and soul-mate. Mrs. Crawford: female, 40-89, White / European Descent, a gentle woman who stops by a yard sale of our stories protagonist, Louis Melvin, to inspect some items of interest. She is promptly chased away when Louis realizes he is not ready to part with some of his belongings as they hold sentimental value to him.
• Seeking submissions from CA. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Pays $100/day.
National/ Regional
Plays
Children’s Theatre Company
• Seeking video submissions from Equity
actors for the Children’s Theatre Company’s 2021-2022 season. Local actors particularly encouraged to submit. Seeking flexible, creative actors as well as strong singers and movers. All roles are understudied. Season includes “Annie” (had been cast and planned for 2020; retaining same cast); a new play by Lloyd Suh; a new play by Cheryl West, and a TBD Spring Musical.
• Company: Children’s Theatre Company.
Staff: Peter C. Brosius, artistic dir.; Miriam Weisfeld, dir. of artistic development.
• Season runs October 2021 through June
2022.
• Seeking—Equity Actors: 18+, all
ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions from MN. • For consideration, prepare two contrast-
ing monologues at one minute each and two contrasting songs, 16 bars each. Choose challenging, well-written material. No need to pick something from traditional children’s literature or children’s theatre genre. Submit your video at https://airtable.com/shrD15rUItmIa1spd. You will be asked to fill out a short form & submit your video & headshot/resume. Submit video audition and introduce yourself with your name and what you are going to perform at the start of your video. Submissions deadline is Mar. 28.
• Pays $856 for 2020-2021 season (con-
tract renews July 2021) Equity Special Agreement Contract.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2021 Season
• Seeking video submissions from per-
formers for the 2021 ISF Season. Season includes “The Winter’s Tale” (Rebekah Scallet, dir.) and “Measure for Measure” (Jenny McKnight, dir.). Casting all roles for a 9-person rotating repertory of “The Winter’s Tale” and “Measure for Measure.” All actors will play multiple roles.
• Company: Illinois Shakespeare Festival.
Staff: John C. Stark, artistic dir.; Robert Quinlan, assoc. artistic dir.
• Rehearsals begin June 1, 2021; season
runs July 2-Aug. 7.
• Seeking—Equity Actors: 18+, all
ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions from IL. • For consideration, submit a video of two
Shakespeare monologues, not to exceed three minutes total. Send a link to a private YouTube video to ISFauditions@ gmail.com. Submissions deadline is Mar. 15.
• Pays $688/wk. Equity URTA Tier 2
Contract.
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• Casting Equity actors for the Nashville
Shakespeare Festival 2021 Season. Season includes “August Wilson’s Jitney” (Kenneth Dozier, dir. Rehearsals begin July 13; runs Aug. 12-22) and “Twelfth Night” (Jim Warren, dir. Rehearsals begin July 27, 2021; runs Aug. 26-Sept. 19.)
• Company: Nashville Shakespeare
Festival. Staff: Denice Hicks, NSF artistic dir.
• Season runs in Nashville, TN. • Seeking—Equity Actors: all genders,
18+.
• Seeking submissions from TN. • For consideration, upload your video to
a sharing platform such as YouTube, and send a link to videosubmission@ nashvilleshakes.org with your headshot and resume. For additional info, visit nashvilleshakes.org/audition. Submissions deadline is Mar. 15, 2021. For Twelfth Night: Slate your audition either at the beginning or end. Perform 90 seconds of Shakespeare (two short contrasting pieces that showcase versatility), at least one verse piece preferred. Optional: 16 bars of a song (one minute or less) acapella, self accompanied, or with prerecorded accompaniment. For Jitney: Slate your audition either at the beginning or end. Perform two minute Monologue of your choice (choose pieces that showcase versatility). State if you are interested in being in Twelfth Night too (not a requirement).
• Pays $526.50/wk. Equity LOA
Agreement. Note: One Equity Contract planned. Local Nashville TN actors are strongly encouraged to submit.
Musicals
Clinton Area Showboat Theatre 2021 Season
• Seeking video submissions from Equity
actors for roles in the upcoming 2021 Clinton Area Showboat Theatre season. Season includes “Always, Patsy Cline” (Rehearses May 24-June 3; runs June 3-13), “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” (Rehearses June 4-17; runs June 17-27), “All Shook Up” (Rehearses June 18-July 1; runs July 1-18), “Church Basement Ladies” (Rehearses July 9-22; runs July 22-Aug. 1), and “Constellations (Nick Payne, writer. Rehearses July 23-Aug. 5; runs Aug. 5-15).
• Company: Clinton Area Showboat.
Staff: James Beaudry, artistic dir.
• Performances are typically Wednesday
through Sunday at 8 p.m. All shows planned to be live and in-person, pending Equity approval.
• Seeking—Equity Actors: all genders,
18+, all ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions from IA. • For consideration, prepare 32 bars of a
traditional musical theatre song of your choice or you can sing along to the tracks provided at https://drive.google. com/drive/folders/12Af2S0 myTSMX7wxxNXaFHhnJPuADUm3_? usp=sharing and submit audition videos to jamespbeaudry@gmail.com. Submissions deadline is Mar. 23.
• Pays $318/wk. Equity SPT 2 Contract. ‘4EVER’
• Casting “4EVER,” a horror short film.
Logline: After the sudden death of his lifelong wife, a disgruntled businessman receives a night visit from his younger lover. They will soon learn that unfaithfulness does have a much darker side.
• Company: Bluemoon Filmworks. Staff:
Cesar Perez-Beato, dir.-prod.
• Shoots in May in Miami, FL. • Seeking—Brenda: female, 30-40,
Asian, Black / African Descent, Latino / Hispanic, White / European Descent.
• Seeking submissions from FL. • For consideration, submit a link to a
self-recorded audition to bluemoonfilmworks@gmail.com. Must submit a demo reel and self-recorded audition to be considered.
• Pays $400/day.
Reality TV & Documentary
Dance Pop Casting
• Casting the next big phenom for a major
network series. Seeking triple threats, ages 7-13. Production states: “The most prominent momager and dance teacher in the nation is casting triple threats to create the world’s next big phenomenon. This momager is rebooting her dance competition team which will serve as the training ground to create the world’s next big girl group that will rival the success of the spice girls. She is seeking dancers ages 7 to 13 with major star potential! But you can’t just be a competitive dancer for the universe to take notice, true artists are triple threats. Extra points for sass and personality! Is your daughter a fierce dancer in the world of competitive dance? Does she have the potential to be a triple threat? Team management are seeking parents (or legal guardians) and their kids who are willing to give up everything and relocate to LA for a once in a lifetime opportunity in hopes of dominating on the world stage. Parents (or legal guardians) must have the drive, competitive edge, determination and skills to help navigate their daughters to be the next generation of stars! If you and your daughter fit the description above apply today.”
• Company: Evolution Media. Staff: Dan
Matthias, casting dir.
• Shoots in Los Angeles. • Seeking—Triple Threat Kids: female,
7-13, all ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Send submissions to danmatthiascast-
ing@gmail.com.
• Talents kids will need at least two dance
videos and two singing videos for the application. An in-person call back will take place in March in Los Angeles after nationwide casting.
• TBD with network.
HBO Max, ‘First Dates Hotel’
• Casting HBO Max’s “First Dates Hotel.” • Casting states: “Are you looking for
your perfect match? ‘First Dates Hotel’ will wisk you away to find that special someone you’ve been looking for. Looking for all ages and all daters. You can watch the UK version on YouTube.”
• Company: RRV casting. Staff: Noreen
Reilly, casting.
• Shoots late summer 2021. • Seeking—Daters: all genders, 30+, all
ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Apply online/submit yourself at www.
firstdateshotelus.com.
• Stipend provided.
Online Commercials & Promos
A Manly Soap Product, Two or Three Fun Guys Who Live Together
• Casting two or three guys who cur-
rently live together in one location for a manly soap project. Synopsis: The men will all be in the bathroom at once talking about and using this manly soap and bantering with each other. Think of a frat house, the guys from Epic Meal Time, etc. This is a family friendly ad that you won’t be afraid to show mom and your little sister. Must be comfortable without a shirt. This will be a remote project which can be shot on a smart phone.
• Company: TubeScience. Staff: Sarah
Furlong, casting.
• Shoots mid March or as soon as we find
the right cast, in Los Angeles, CA.
• Seeking—Male With At Least One Male
Friend Living in The Same House: male, 18-35, all ethnicities, looking for two or three guys who currently live together in one location for a manly soap project; the men will all be in the bathroom at once talking about and using this manly soap and bantering with each other.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Do not appy if you do not have at least
one male friend available to do this project with. I am also casting for a shave club project which will be a better fit.
• Pays $250 per person/non union/ all
media buyout.
Chesapeake Bay Tourism Commercial
• Casting a commercial spot featuring
exciting tourism activities on the Chesapeake Bay. Non-union talent of all ages and ethnicities are welcome to apply with headshots. Especially interested in friends, couples or families with children who are already in their own COVID-safe pod or living together.
• Company: Harbor Craft Films. Staff: J.
Morrison, casting. • Shoots the first week of May at various locations around Chesapeake Bay in MD. Note: Standard COVID safety protocols adhered to during the production. Shoot is entirely outside, mostly on boats, on the open waters of the
Chesapeake Bay so this is not ideal for those prone to sea sickness.
• Seeking—Adults and Children, any age
or ethnicity: 8+, all ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions from MD. • Send submissions to office@harbor-
craft.net.
• Must be able to work as local to
Maryland.
• Flat rate TBD plus federal minimum for
travel reimbursement.
Content Creations, Actors, Influencers & Models
• Seeking actors, influencers, and
models to create content for promotional videos. Company states: “If you are that good creating content...If every time you post a picture or a video you have so many likes and followers that you think you could be as good as any known influencer... We want to know you. We produce content. We ask not one but many videos each week for our top brands. We will choose our Top50 to work on many productions. We are looking for charismatic and confident talent. By the way: better gadgets produce better videos.”
• Company: Ready Set. Staff: A S, casting
dir.
• Videos will be self-taped and home
based between February and June.
• Seeking—Follow the Leader, Girl, (18-
28): female, 18-30, all ethnicities, you don’t know if you like to lead, but your words always ignite the hearts of your friends and they will follow you on any adventure. Sometimes you are the voice of reason and sometimes you seem like the best salesperson in the world. You are calm, emphatic and direct, and that is why others always listen to you. My Own Style Girl (1828): female, 18-30, all ethnicities, you go your own way and that’s why you have your own style. Your determined and different look speaks of you to everyone and your words always say what you think. You are not afraid to express yourself or to impact those around you. Energetic Girl (18-28): female, 18-30, all ethnicities, When you tell a story, it seems like sparks are flying everywhere. Everything you do you live so intensely that when you tell it you influence everyone with enthusiasm. Everything is exciting and amazing, and you want everyone to share that joy. Seduction Skin Boy (18-28): male, 18-30, all ethnicities, elegant with words and your tone of voice always seduces the listener. You do not need to use force, your words have the hypnotic and persuasive power that invites others to follow your advice. The Adventurer Boy (1828): male, 18-30, all ethnicities, don’t take anything for granted, that’s why you always go further and try everything that catches your attention. You learn from all your adventures and what is best, you share it with everyone and invite them to live these new experiences. The Boss Boy (18-28): male, 18-30, all ethnicities, very clear about what you want and you speak directly and without fear; you usually get what you want. Your friends ask you to speak for them or invite you to guide them with your determination. You are a born speaker.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Send submissions to cast.me@ready-
set.co.
• Talent will be invited to audition for a
specific role. Do not apply for more than one role. Include in your submission if you have a ring light, tripod, camera, or two cell phones (to shoot yourself with cell phone in hand), a microphone and / or a reader.
• Depending on script.
Highlights, ‘A Club for Every Kid’
• Casting a child actor for a paid social
ad to promote Highlights magazine.
• Company: Bamboo. Staff: Jake
Fordyce, content prod.
• Tentatively shoots Mar. 20-23 (subject
to change) in the Seattle, WA area.
• Seeking—Highlights Magazine Cover
Kid: all genders, 6-9, all ethnicities, child will be acting out multiple scenarios that represent clubs for Highlights magazine (adventure, mystery, science, ocean, etc.). Shoot will be take place in a green screen studio, so imagination and taking direction is crucial in capturing takes production builds out in post-production.
• Seeking submissions from WA. • Send submissions to jake@growwith-
bamboo.com.
• Include an up-to-date headshot and
video sample or reel with your submission.
• Pays $500 for half-day (five hours) and
video use in perpetuity.
Home Spa Skit
• Casting three separate videos about
creating your own home spa with prizes you can win from a game.
• Staff: Katherine L., creative market-
ing coord.
• Shoots remotely. • Seeking—Actor/Actress: all genders,
26-60, all ethnicities, role requires the following props: smart mug, aroma diffuser, and a blanket that looks like a weighted blanket.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Pays $800 for all three scripts.
Social Media Ads for Lighting Products
• Casting product ads for various home
lighting products.
• Company: Max Out Media. Staff:
Dylan Hayes, DP.
• Shoots will take place throughout the
year (typically five hours per shoot) in Raleigh, NC.
• Seeking—Model: all genders, 18-25,
all ethnicities, include a video reel if available. Actor: all genders, 18-25, all ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions from NC. • Send submissions to dylanwarner-
hayes@gmail.com.
• Indicate your availability in March and
April. Include headshots and a video reel if you have one. For more info on the products, visit https://virallights. com/.
• Pays $100/day. No participation fees
required. Travel not covered.
Theme Parks & Attractions
Six Flags America
• Seeking skilled and experienced indi-
viduals to join Six Flag America’s awardwinning entertainment team.
• Company: Six Flags America. Staff:
Craig Putman, creative dir.-live show stunt coord.
• Rehearses in the Spring with a Summer
opening (there is a possibility to be hired on until January) in Upper Marlboro, MD.
• Seeking—Stunt Performer: 18+, stunt
performers engage and entertain all park guests through high intensity stunts such as stage combat, sword work, gymnastics, acrobatics and more. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Perform high intensity stage combat routines in accordance with Company and Brand guidelines.Attend weekly fight rehearsals to ensure a quality performance is delivered at all times. Engage crowd members through interactive scenes intended to “break the fourth wall”. Make appearances in character at special functions, media events, and community outreach events. Operate in a safe and efficient manner at all times while holding safety to the highest regard.Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of designated entertainment venues for all guests and team members.Assist in wardrobe maintenance and repair.Be a reliable member of the team. This includes always arriving to work on time and for your scheduled shift. Occasionally serve as an usher for other entertainment venues in the park. Maintain professional standards in accordance with all Six Flags policies. Perform other duties as assigned. Skills and Qualifications: Must be 18+. Demonstrated knowledge of specialty skills such as stage combat, gymnastics, mid-falls, acting, acrobatics, sword work, and martial arts. Ability to perform in and be exposed for long periods of time to varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.Must maintain character appearance, including hair, costume, piercings, etc. during the entire duration of contract. Must have the ability to walk, crouch, bend, stoop, kneel and lift up to forty pounds occasionally. Will be required to work various shifts as project and park needs dictate, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • For consideration, submit your applica-
tion, headshot, resume, and demo reel to Craig Putman, Cputman@sftp.com.
• Compensation based off of experience.
Audiobooks & Podcasts
• Casting “Wolfe Brothers Saga,” about a
husband and wife team, producing a romantic suspense audio drama.
• Company: Fiction for Adults. Staff: Lita
Stone, writer; Max Redford, writer.
• Recordings are made remotely. • Seeking—Maggie Stewart (recast):
female, 24-34, sassy, 20-something female, grew up on the right side of town, with money, and power (Mayor’s daughter); after being gang-raped in high school, she resorted to a life of risk and promiscuity; she is the main lead in the series; some sexually graphic scenes will be required. Here is a link to a scene recorded with the original voice actor. An example of one of our more graphic scenes. https://open.spotify. com/episode/2s7An7bNV1hcTHr8DHNa 0c?si=WXyIcny6T6ymZvn5_qYUTA This is as graphic is it gets. “Maggie” is a recast for her role later in the series. Sex scenes from this point in the story will be minimal and not as graphic. But this is ongoing story so there is always a possibility of future (more sexually graphic) scenes. If voicing sexually graphic scenes makes you squeamish, this isn’t the project for you.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Send submissions to lita@fictionfo-
radults.com.
• Pays $150 p/f/h. Discord participation
required. Record remotely. Upload to Google Drive. Post share link in respective channels on Discord server. Compensation is through Paypal.
Competitions
Ladies of Laughter Virtual National Competition
• Seeking storytellers and stand-up
comedians to join Ladies of Laughter’s 2021 virtual competition.
• Production states: “We are seeking film
shorts, storytellers and stand-up comedians to compete for cash prizes, major publicity and the coveted Ladies of Laughter titles.”
• Company: Ladies of Laughter, Inc.
Staff: Margaret Boyce, exec. prod.
• Competes May 7 (video shorts), May 14
(storytellers) and May 19 (stand-up comedians) virtually.
• Seeking—Funny Woman: female, 18+,
all ethnicities.
• Seeking submissions nationwide. • Apply on Backstage.com. • Funny women stand-ups, video content
creators and storytellers will send a link of their work. For stand-up and storytelling the link should be no more than seven minutes. For video shorts, the video should be no more than 3:30 minutes.
• No pay. Production states: “Stand-up
comedians compete for close to $10,000 in national theater bookings with the Ladies of Laughter Funny & Fabulous Tour. Storytellers and video short creators each compete for $500 and the right to have their video shown during the tour. Additionally, winners receive a major career boost that will put them on the map!”
VISIT BACKSTAGE.COM/CASTING
for full character breakdowns, script sides, and more casting notices
