Illinois Casting Calls & Background Acting Opportunities
Find current film & TV casting calls in Illinois — background actors, extras, stand-ins, photo doubles, and featured roles. GigDock 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.
Open casting calls in Illinois
Real Photographer for Chicago Fire - FBI Tech
Chicago Fire Extras
Latina Photo Double, Ages 9-10
Chicago Fire Extras
Real Police & Firefighter Extras – Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire Extras
Stand In #2 – YA Romantic Comedy Feature Film
4 Star Casting
TEENS - YA Romantic Comedy Feature Film
4 Star Casting
1980s & 1990s Convertibles for Prom
4 Star Casting
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Illinois casting market — last 30 days
Where Illinois gigs are filming
Based on casting calls GigDock tracked in Illinois over the last 30 days. Updated August 29, 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 GigDock, 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?
Constantly — productions cast on short notice, often days before a shoot. GigDock 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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