Empire TV Show Casting Call

The Empire TV show casting call has been one of the most searched topics among aspiring actors, musicians, and background performers since the show's explosive debut on FOX in 2015. Empire the groundbreaking hip-hop drama created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong revolutionized television with its bold storytelling, powerhouse performances, and chart-topping original music.

Whether you're dreaming of landing a speaking role, a recurring character, or even an extra spot in a crowd scene, understanding how the Empire casting call process works is your essential first step. This guide breaks down everything from how the show has historically recruited talent to practical audition advice you can use right now.

Table of Contents

1. About Empire: The TV Show
2. Why Empire Casting Calls Are So Competitive
3. Types of Roles in Empire
4. How Empire Casting Calls Work
5. Where to Find Official Empire Casting Calls
6. How to Submit a Successful Audition
7. What Casting Directors Look For
8. Audition Tips from Industry Professionals
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. Life on Set: What to Expect
11. FAQs
12. Conclusion

About Empire: The TV Show

Empire is an American musical drama series that aired on FOX from January 7, 2015, to April 21, 2020, spanning six seasons. The show follows the Lyon family and their control of Empire Entertainment, a hip-hop music empire.

Key Facts

• Creator: Lee Daniels & Danny Strong
• Network: FOX
• Seasons: 6
• Episodes: 103
• Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Jussie Smollett, Gabourey Sidibe
• Filming Location: Chicago, Illinois (primarily)

What Made Empire Unique?

Empire broke boundaries in several ways:

• Original music: Every season featured original songs, often charting on Billboard
• LGBTQ+ representation: Groundbreaking portrayal of gay characters in hip-hop culture
• Star power: The show attracted major guest stars including Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Timbaland, and Chris Rock
• Ratings juggernaut: Season 2 premiere drew 16.7 million viewers a record for FOX

This cultural impact is precisely why Empire casting calls attracted hundreds of thousands of hopefuls from across the country.

Why Empire Casting Calls Are So Competitive

The show's cultural resonance made its casting calls extraordinarily competitive. Here's why:

1. Music + Acting = Double Threat Required

Empire wasn't just a drama it was a musical. Many roles required performers who could both act convincingly and perform musical numbers credibly. This dual requirement instantly narrowed the field.

2. Cultural Authenticity

The show's producers consistently sought performers who understood and could authentically represent hip-hop culture. Generic actors without cultural fluency rarely made the cut.

3. High Visibility

Landing even a small role on Empire provided enormous exposure. Guest spots often went viral, and background performers were frequently spotted by talent agents.

4. Star-Studded Competition

Major celebrities actively sought Empire guest roles. This meant unknown performers were often competing against established names for the same spots.

Types of Roles in Empire

The Empire TV show casting covered a wide range of role types. Understanding these categories helps you target your submission appropriately.

Principal Roles

These are recurring or significant speaking characters. Principals receive featured billing and substantial screen time. These roles typically require:

• Professional acting experience
• Agent representation in most cases
• Multiple audition rounds and callbacks

Guest Star Roles

Guest stars appear in one or more episodes with notable storylines. Many of Empire's guest stars were established musicians or actors:

• Alicia Keys as Skye Summers
• Mariah Carey as Kitty
• Chris Rock as Frank Gather
• Lenny Kravitz as Angelo Dubois

Co-Star / Day Player Roles

Smaller speaking roles that appear in single episodes. These are often filled through:

• Open casting calls
• Agent submissions
• Self-taped auditions

Background / Extra Roles

Non-speaking roles that populate scenes. Empire regularly recruited hundreds of background performers for:

• Concert and club scenes
• Street scenes in Chicago
• Corporate and industry event scenes

Stand-In Roles

Stand-ins work closely with the lighting and camera crew, matching the physical appearance of principal actors. These roles require specific height, weight, and coloring matches.

How Empire Casting Calls Work

The casting process for a major network drama like Empire is multi-layered.

Step 1: Breakdown Release

The casting director releases a "breakdown" a detailed description of characters needed. These are distributed via professional casting services like Breakdown Services or Actors Access.

Step 2: Agent Submissions

For principal roles, agents submit their clients' headshots and résumés directly to casting directors. Unrepresented actors can sometimes submit directly for open calls.

Step 3: Initial Auditions

Selected performers are invited to audition, either:

• In-person at the production office (Chicago or Los Angeles)
• Self-tape auditions submitted digitally

Step 4: Callbacks

Promising performers are called back for additional auditions, often with different sides (script excerpts) and sometimes with producers or directors present.

Step 5: Screen Test

For major recurring roles, finalists may perform a screen test an on-camera audition on an actual set.

Step 6: Offer and Negotiation

Once a performer is selected, their agent negotiates contract terms with the production.

Where to Find Official Empire Casting Calls

For future Empire-related projects, revivals, or similar productions from Lee Daniels Entertainment, here are the authoritative sources:

Official Casting Platforms

1. Actors Access (actorsaccess.com): The primary professional casting platform where Empire posted auditions
2. Backstage (backstage.com): Lists both professional and background casting calls
3. Casting Networks (castingnetworks.com): Widely used for background and co-star roles
4. Now Casting (nowcasting.com): Frequently used for Empire background extras

Production Company Channels

• Lee Daniels Entertainment: Follow official social media for announcements
• Imagine Entertainment: Co-production partner
• FOX official website: Posted some open calls directly

Chicago-Specific Resources

Since Empire filmed primarily in Chicago:

• Chicago Casting (chicagocasting.com)
• Central Casting Chicago: Background roles
• Local talent agencies with FOX production relationships

⚠️ Warning: Beware of scam casting calls. Legitimate Empire casting calls NEVER require upfront payment. Always verify through official channels.

How to Submit a Successful Audition

Whether applying for background work or a speaking role, your submission must stand out.

Professional Headshots

Your headshot is your first impression. For a show like Empire:

• Use a professional photographer
• Capture your authentic personality not a generic "model" look
• Include both a commercial and theatrical headshot
• Ensure the image is recent and accurately represents your current appearance

Acting Résumé

Even for smaller roles, a clean, professional résumé matters:

• List credits in reverse chronological order
• Include training, special skills, and union status
• Be honest casting directors verify credits

Self-Tape Auditions

Many Empire auditions were conducted via self-tape. Best practices:

1. Use good lighting natural light or a ring light facing you
2. Film against a neutral background avoid visual distractions
3. Use a quality microphone poor audio is an instant disqualifier
4. Slate clearly state your name, agent (if applicable), and the role
5. Know your lines cold reading off paper breaks connection
6. Follow the specific instructions in the casting notice exactly

What Casting Directors Look For

Empire's casting team, led by industry veterans, consistently emphasized several key qualities:

Authenticity

Empire's world is specific and richly textured. Performers who feel genuinely connected to that world whether through personal experience with music, urban culture, or family dynamics consistently outperformed technically proficient but emotionally disconnected actors.

Specificity

Generic performances get passed over. Casting directors want to see specific, committed choices. Who is this character specifically? What do they want in this exact moment?

Musical Credibility

Even for non-singing roles, an understanding of and connection to hip-hop and R&B music was considered an asset. Performers who seemed disconnected from the musical world of the show struggled to convince.

Physicality

Empire featured fashion-forward, visually striking performances. How you carry yourself, your presence, and your style all factor into the equation particularly for background and featured extra work.

Audition Tips from Industry Professionals

Here are time-tested insights from casting directors and acting coaches who've worked on productions similar to Empire:

1. Arrive overprepared Know the show inside out. Watch every season if you can.
2. Make strong choices A bold, specific choice that doesn't fully land is more memorable than a safe, bland performance.
3. Don't apologize in the room Never say "sorry" or explain your choices. Just perform.
4. Read the entire script, not just your scene Understanding context elevates every moment.
5. Know your type Be honest with yourself about what roles are realistic for you to target.
6. Follow all submission instructions precisely Missing a stated requirement is an automatic disqualifier.
7. Build relationships Attend industry events, workshops, and network genuinely.
8. Use rejection as data Every "no" teaches you something. Stay curious, not crushed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Playing Emotion

Empire's performances are intense, but the best actors grounded the drama in realism. Overacting reads as amateur.

Ignoring the Music

Showing up to an Empire audition with no apparent connection to music culture is a significant red flag.

Submitting Outdated Materials

Using an old headshot that no longer looks like you, or listing credits incorrectly, damages your credibility immediately.

Falling for Scams

Unscrupulous casting scams specifically target aspiring actors by using well-known show names. Never pay to audition. Never.

Being Unprepared for Last-Minute Changes

TV casting moves fast. Directors may throw unexpected adjustments or new sides at you in the room. Stay flexible and responsive.

Life on Set: What to Expect

If you're lucky enough to land a role, here's a realistic picture of what working on Empire was like:

Long Hours

TV production days typically run 12–16 hours. Patience and professionalism are essential.

Hurry Up and Wait

Set life involves a lot of waiting between shots. Bring a book, stay focused, and stay out of the way when you're not needed.

Chicago Weather

Filing took place year-round in Chicago. Come prepared for everything from summer heat to brutal winter conditions.

Stay Professional

Don't ask principal actors for photos or autographs on set. Maintain professional behavior at all times your reputation follows you.

Compensation

• Background performers: SAG-AFTRA rates (~$183/8-hour day as a minimum)
• Co-star roles: SAG-AFTRA scale (varies by contract type)
• Guest star and above: negotiated individually

FAQs

Q1: Is Empire still casting?

A: The original Empire series concluded in 2020. However, Lee Daniels has discussed potential spinoffs and revival projects. Following official channels is the best way to stay informed.

Q2: Do I need an agent to audition for Empire?

A: For principal roles, agent representation is strongly preferred. For background and some co-star roles, you can submit directly through platforms like Backstage or Casting Networks.

Q3: Do I need to be a professional singer to audition?

A: Not for all roles. However, musical credibility and authentic connection to the show's musical world are definite advantages.

Q4: Where did Empire film most of its scenes?

A: Primarily in Chicago, Illinois, with some scenes shot in Los Angeles.

Q5: Are there age restrictions for Empire casting calls?

A: Roles vary widely by age. The show featured characters from teens to seniors. All ages were considered for appropriate roles.

Q6: How do I know if a casting call is legitimate?

A: Legitimate casting calls are posted on verified platforms (Actors Access, Backstage, Casting Networks). They never require upfront payment and always include a legitimate production company name and contact.

Conclusion

The Empire TV show casting call process represents one of the most exciting opportunities in American television history a chance to be part of a culturally significant production that combined powerful drama with chart-topping music and groundbreaking representation.

While the original series has concluded, the legacy of Empire continues to influence the entertainment landscape. For aspiring actors and performers, understanding how its casting worked provides an invaluable blueprint for approaching any major television production.

Prepare your materials, know your craft, connect authentically with the material, and stay vigilant for legitimate opportunities. The next Empire-level opportunity could be announced at any moment make sure you're ready when it arrives.

Your Empire awaits.