Apparatus - Independent Dark Dramedy Short Film Casting 10 Roles

Seeking Talent From: Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago)

Union Status: Non-Union

Pay: All participants will receive meals on set, screen/production credit, and a digital copy of the completed film for their reel/portfolio.

Posted: 9/17/2026 Updated: 10/9/2026 Deadline for Submissions: 10/17/2026

APPARATUS is an independent dark dramedy short film following Pearl, a misunderstood pole dancer who is told she’s “too graceful” for the club. When she’s introduced to the world of circus and aerial arts, performance becomes a pathway toward rediscovering play, confronting her past, and reconnecting with the little girl she once was. Blending drama, humor and visually striking movement, APPARATUS explores survival, healing, family, identity and the unexpected spaces where we find ourselves again. The film is supported in part by Fulton County funding and is being produced for public screening and film festival submission.

Casting / Shoot Info

Independent micro-budget production. Cast positions are currently unpaid, with potential deferred compensation and/or a small stipend contingent upon additional production funding. All participants will receive meals on set, screen/production credit, and a digital copy of the completed film for their reel/portfolio. Travel and lodging are not currently provided.

Short film so expect a 5-7 day shoot. Most roles are expected to work approximately 1–2 shoot days. Local hires preferred. Public screening and festival run to follow completion.

NOTE: Submit your resume to casting notices within the initial 24-hour window. Promptness often translates to increase visibility.

Casting: By submission
Pre-production: Fall 2026
Rehearsal Date: Rehearsals and table reads will be scheduled with principal cast prior to filming.
Principal photography: January 2027 in Atlanta, Georgia and the Gary, Indiana/Chicago, Illinois area.
Shoot Dates: Exact shoot dates and locations TBD
Location: Atlanta, Georgia and the Gary, Indiana/Chicago, Illinois

Attached Media: Photo Reference

Click the role title to submit

Little Pearl |Female |African-American |Age: 8–12 |Role Type: Principal

Represents Pearl’s inner child. Expressive performer capable of communicating emotion with minimal dialogue. Content Note: This role will be present in scenes involving mature/adult themes. A parent/guardian must be present on set at all times; filming will be limited to short, age-appropriate hours.

Video Reel Required

Hunter |Female, Trans Female, Non-Binary |Multi-Ethnic, Caucasian |Age: 20–30 |Role Type: Principal

Former dancer turned circus/aerial instructor who introduces Pearl to a new world of performance and possibility. Warm, unconventional, confident, and grounded. Circus/aerial experience is a plus but not required. LGBTQ+ Content Note: This role involves brief roughhousing and mild simulated fighting. Actor must be comfortable with safely choreographed physical action.

Video Reel Required

Pearl's Dad |Male |African-American |Age: 50–60 |Role Type: Principal

A veteran struggling with alcoholism and his relationship with his daughter. Complex, emotionally layered dramatic role. Strong dramatic actor required.

Video Reel Required

Stripper #2 |Female |African-American, Latinx |Age: 20–30 |Role Type: Supporting

Bold personality and strong screen presence. Dance/pole experience strongly preferred. Please send dance reel, if available.

Video Reel Required

Bartender |Female |African-American |Age: 20–30 |Role Type: Supporting

Pearl’s confidante at the club. Funny, observant, warm, and real. Natural hair preferred.

Video Reel Required

Stripper #1 |Female |African-American, Latinx |Age: 20–30 |Role Type: Supporting

Bold personality and strong screen presence. Dance/pole experience strongly preferred. Please send dance reel, if available.

Video Reel Required

Vic |Male |African-American, Multi-Ethnic |Age: 30–40 |Role Type: Supporting

A confident club baller with charisma and presence. Gangsta with money. Content Note: This role involves a brief moment of simulated violence. Actor must be comfortable with safely choreographed physical action.

Video Reel Required

House Mom |Female |African-American, Latinx |Age: 40–50 |Role Type: Supporting

The club matriarch. Protective, experienced, outspoken, and knows everybody’s business.

Video Reel Required

Circus / Aerial Background Performers |Any Gender |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–99 |Role Type: Extras

Seeking circus artists, aerialists, dancers and movement performers to populate the circus gym and performance scenes. Experience with aerial silks, hammock, lyra/hoop, trapeze, flying pole, pole dance, acrobatics or other circus disciplines is strongly encouraged. Please list specialties and experience when applying.

Video Reel Required

Club Background / Extras |Any Gender |Any Ethnicity |Age: 21–99 |Role Type: Extras

Seeking energetic performers to portray club patrons, dancers, bottle-service staff and nightlife personalities. Must be comfortable working in a simulated strip-club environment with mature themes and revealing performance wardrobe where applicable. No nudity required.