Background and extras casting calls in Chicago
14 open background and extras casting calls in Chicago, 4 posted in the last 7 days, last updated Oct-15-26. From casting platforms, agency boards, Instagram and TikTok, screened for scams and scored against your profile.
14 of the 146 open castings in Chicago are background and extras work: 10%, against 12% across the whole catalog. 57% are listed as paid, against 74% of background and extras castings everywhere. None is listed as union. The most common project types: Television (6), Student film (2) and Feature film (2). 8 cities have more open background and extras castings, led by Los Angeles.
Background work is the way most people get on a set for the first time: featured and general background for series, films and commercials, with regular calls in production hubs like Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Toronto and Vancouver. Requirements are simple and the castings come in volume.
Chicago castings lean toward commercials, industrials and theatre, with television series shooting in the city adding background work in season.
Background castings often ask for the same details in the same order. HeyBooker keeps them ready and drafts the reply with everything a casting assistant needs to book you on the first message.
The numbers
| Open castings | 14 |
| Posted in the last 7 days | 4 |
| Listed as paid | 57% |
| Union or union-friendly | 0% |
| Remote | 0 |
| Television | 6 |
| Student film | 2 |
| Feature film | 2 |
| Film | 1 |
Latest background / extras castings in Chicago
- Chicago Fire Season 15 Casting Call for ServerBackground / ExtrasPaidtv · Chicago, IL
- URGENT: "In the Name of Safety" ExtrasActingBackground / ExtrasNewly postedStudent Film · Evanston, IL
- Secondary/Background Talent for a Character-Study Short FilmActingBackground / ExtrasPaidEvanston, IL
- UMPEDActingBackground / ExtrasNewly postedStudent Film · Chicago, IL
- NBC Chicago Fire Season 15 Featured Gymgoer Casting CallActingBackground / ExtrasPaidtv · Chicago, IL
- "The Walk-In" Indie Short Film Seeks Talent in ILActingBackground / ExtrasInfluencer / UGCChicago, IL
- Actors Sought for "Coarse" Feature Film in ILActingBackground / ExtrasPaidChicago, IL
- Untitled Feature FilmActingBackground / ExtrasFeature Film · Chicago, IL
Match scores, the “why it fits” breakdown and one-tap applications are inside the app — create your free profile to see yours.
FAQ
How many background / extras castings in Chicago are open right now?
14 as of Oct 17, 4 posted in the last 7 days, 57% listed as paid.
What do I need to apply?
- Recent photos that show what you look like today, including any tattoos or distinct features
- Sizes and measurements for wardrobe
- Full availability on the listed dates, often with an early call time
- Whether you have a car, a specific look or a period-appropriate haircut
Is it free?
Yes. Finding and applying is free on HeyBooker, and no legitimate casting charges to apply. Listings that ask for money are removed before they reach you.
Is HeyBooker an agency?
No. HeyBooker doesn’t represent talent and doesn’t submit anyone to casting directors on its own. It finds casting calls that fit you, scores them against your profile and helps you prepare applications you review and send yourself. If you want representation, an agency is the usual route — reputable ones never charge upfront fees.
More in Chicago
Nearby cities: Detroit 1 · Minneapolis · Nashville 15 · Los Angeles 146 · New York 114