Illinois Casting Calls & Background Acting Opportunities
Find current film & TV casting calls in Illinois — background actors, extras, stand-ins, photo doubles, and featured roles. ExtraJobs gathers Illinois opportunities from casting companies and sources into one searchable feed, updated throughout the day.
New to background work? Read how background actors get paid — rates, bumps, and when the check actually comes.
Popular Illinois markets
Open casting calls in Illinois
See which Illinois calls fit you
GigFit compares casting requirements with your profile so you can spot the ones worth your time.
Illinois casting market — last 30 days
Most active Illinois casting companies this month
- 1.Chicago Fire Extras13 calls
- 2.4 Star Casting12 calls
- 3.ExtraOrdinary Casting4 calls
- 4.Chicago PD Extras Casting3 calls
- 5.Chicago Med Extras Casting2 calls
Where Illinois gigs are filming
Based on casting calls ExtraJobs tracked in Illinois over the last 30 days. Updated October 27, 2026.
Types of casting calls in Illinois
Background actors & extras
Non-speaking roles that fill out scenes — the bread and butter of film & TV work, and the easiest way to start with no experience.
Featured background
Background roles the camera lingers on — a specific look or action that stands out without lines.
Stand-ins
Match a principal actor's height and coloring to hold their place while crew sets lights and camera. Steady, longer bookings.
Photo doubles
Fill in for a principal in specific shots (hands, over-the-shoulder, distance) where the face isn't clearly seen.
Featured & principal
Speaking and named roles, usually cast through agents and auditions.
How much do background actors get paid in Illinois?
Illinois background and extras work is typically quoted as a set rate for a guaranteed number of hours (often $100–$150 for non-union work). Non-union work is widely available to newcomers; union (SAG-AFTRA) productions pay more, and many calls add "bumps" for wardrobe, a personal vehicle, or special skills. Each listing above shows the stated rate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a background actor in Illinois?
You don't need experience, training, or an agent to start as a background actor in Illinois. Most casting directors accept direct submissions — usually a recent photo, your sizes, and contact info by email or a submission link. Browse current calls on ExtraJobs, submit to the ones that fit, and you can be booked within days.
What do background actors and extras get paid in Illinois?
Pay is typically quoted as a flat rate for a guaranteed number of hours — in Illinois, commonly a set rate for a guaranteed number of hours (often $100–$150 for non-union work). Non-union background work is widely available; union (SAG-AFTRA) rates are higher, and productions may pay "bumps" for wardrobe, a personal vehicle, or special skills. Overtime usually kicks in after the guaranteed hours.
Do I need an agent to do background or extra work in Illinois?
No. Background, extras, stand-in, and photo-double work is almost always cast by submitting directly to the casting company — no agent required. Agents matter more for featured and principal (speaking) roles.
How often are new casting calls posted in Illinois?
Often — productions cast on short notice, often days before a shoot. ExtraJobs pulls new Illinois casting calls from many casting companies and sources into one feed and updates throughout the day, so you don't have to monitor each one yourself.
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