If you have ever dreamed of seeing your face on one of television’s biggest stages, the Empire TV show casting call might be exactly what you have been waiting for. Since its debut on Fox, Empire became a cultural phenomenon that turned unknowns into household names and gave aspiring performers a real shot at stardom. Whether you are a seasoned actor, a background extra hopeful, or a first-timer trying to break into entertainment, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the Empire TV Show?
Empire is a drama series created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong that aired on Fox from 2015 to 2020. The show follows the Lyon family and their fierce battle for control of Empire Entertainment, a hip-hop music empire built from the ground up. Starring Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon and Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, the series blended music, family drama, betrayal, and raw ambition into one addictive package.
The show ran for six seasons and attracted millions of viewers worldwide, earning multiple award nominations and spawning guest appearances from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Its legacy continues to draw aspiring actors who want to be part of a project with that level of cultural impact.
Who Handles Empire Casting?
Understanding who controls casting is one of the most important steps in landing a role.
The primary casting director for Empire is Leah Daniels-Butler, sister of creator Lee Daniels. She oversees both celebrity guest spots and the search for emerging talent. Her process focuses on finding performers who are not only technically skilled but genuinely compelling as people.
For Chicago-based productions, where much of the show was filmed, Simon Casting (run by Claire Simon) handled local talent. Their team regularly posted notices through professional platforms like Backstage, covering everything from recurring characters to one-day extras.
Knowing these names matters because casting directors remember faces. Even if you do not land the specific role you auditioned for, leaving a strong impression can lead to future opportunities.
Types of Roles Available in Empire Casting Calls
One reason Empire casting calls attracted such a wide range of applicants is that opportunities existed at every experience level. Here is a breakdown of what has historically been available:
Background extras filled scenes set in music studios, clubs, courtrooms, and corporate offices. No lines, but significant screen time and the chance to get comfortable on a major set.
Featured extras had more visibility than standard background performers, often appearing in multiple shots or in close proximity to lead actors.
Speaking roles required proper union eligibility in most cases, along with strong audition preparation. These roles ranged from one-scene appearances to multi-episode arcs.
Recurring characters were the most competitive positions, requiring multiple rounds of auditions and the approval of producers and directors, not just the casting team.
Over the seasons, Empire also put out calls for specific types of talent including R&B singers, tap dancers, bikers, and celebrity look-alikes. This shows that casting was never limited to traditional acting experience alone.
How the Empire TV Show Casting Process Works
The casting process follows a structured path that most major television productions use. Here is what to expect at each stage:
Step 1 — Submission. It begins with an application through official channels, either directly by email to the casting team or through a platform like Backstage. Your submission package typically includes a professional headshot, an acting resume, and sometimes a short self-tape video.
Step 2 — Pre-reads. If your submission stands out, you will be invited to a pre-read. This is a one-on-one session with the casting director where they assess both your acting ability and your personal presence. For musical roles, this is also where vocal talent gets evaluated.
Step 3 — Callbacks. Shortlisted candidates come back to meet producers and sometimes episode directors. At this stage, it is less about raw talent and more about strong character choices, adaptability in the room, and the chemistry you bring to the material.
Step 4 — Offer or Release. You will either receive an offer or be thanked for your time. Not getting cast does not mean failure. The impression you leave on a casting director can open doors to other productions they work on.
How to Apply for an Empire Casting Call
Finding and applying for legitimate Empire casting calls requires knowing where to look and how to move quickly when opportunities appear.
Backstage.com is the most reliable platform for Empire-related casting notices. Create a complete profile with updated headshots and a current resume before a notice even drops, so you are ready to submit immediately.
Official social media channels from the show’s production company are another source. Follow relevant production accounts and turn on post notifications so you are among the first to know when a call goes live.
Local casting agencies in the Chicago area, where much of the production took place, are worth registering with if you are in that region. Companies like 4 Star Casting and Simon Casting have historically handled Empire’s local talent needs.
When submitting, keep it professional. A clean headshot, a formatted resume listing any relevant experience, and a brief cover note that shows you understand the show are all that is needed. Do not overexplain or over-sell yourself in writing. Let the audition do the talking.
Tips to Stand Out in Your Audition
Getting the call is only half the battle. Here is how to make the most of your time in the room:
Know the show deeply. Watch multiple seasons before you audition. Understand the tone, the pacing, the way characters speak to each other. Empire has a specific rhythm and energy, and casting directors can immediately tell if someone is unfamiliar with it.
Prepare your sides thoroughly. “Sides” are the script pages you are given to perform. Do not just memorise the lines — make clear choices about who your character is, what they want, and what they are willing to do to get it. Bold, specific choices are remembered. Safe, neutral performances are forgotten.
Work on your musical skills if relevant. Empire is rooted in music. If you are auditioning for any role with a musical component, your vocal ability matters as much as your acting.
Network intentionally. Connect with actors who have worked on Empire or similar productions. Their insights about what casting directors respond to are worth more than generic advice. Attend industry events and workshops where these connections are made.
Be easy to work with. Talent gets you in the room. Professionalism and a positive attitude are what bring you back.
How to Avoid Empire Casting Scams
Wherever a popular show is named, scammers follow. Protect yourself by remembering these rules:
Legitimate casting calls for Empire will never ask you to pay a fee to audition. Any notice demanding payment upfront is a scam without exception.
Real casting directors do not reach out through personal Instagram or Facebook messages offering you a role out of nowhere. Official communication comes through established platforms or industry emails.
If a “casting call” promises guaranteed work without an audition, it is not real. Every legitimate opportunity requires you to prove yourself through the proper process.
Always verify notices by cross-referencing them with Backstage, the production company’s official website, or known casting agencies.
Can Beginners Audition for Empire?
Yes. Empire casting calls have historically included opportunities for people with no previous professional acting experience, particularly in background and featured extra roles. These positions are a legitimate way to get on set, understand how television production works, and get a professional credit on your resume.
If you are brand new to acting, the best approach is to start by building your fundamentals. Take classes, build your headshot portfolio, and create a Backstage profile. By the time a relevant casting call is posted, you will be in a much stronger position to stand out.
Final Thoughts
The Empire TV show casting call process is competitive but not impossible to navigate. What separates successful applicants from the rest is not just talent. It is preparation, professionalism, and the willingness to treat every audition as a learning experience rather than a make-or-break moment. Whether you land a background role or a speaking part, every step forward in this industry is worth taking.