Acting Job in Upcoming Student Short Film
Casting actors for Student Short Film, please see the details below. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. About the project: This is a story about burnout, code-switching, race, and survival. It's loud, weird, angry, and honest. The setting is absurd, but the characters are deeply grounded. Rate: Unpaid – Copy + Credit + Meals Additional info: Filming: Late June – Early August (weekend-based, flexible) Second-round auditions may be requested for lead/supporting roles. When applying, please include Headshot + Resume (or selfie & intro) Reel (optional) Availability from late June through early August Subject: American Retail – [Your Role]
11 roles
Store manager. Exhausted. Hiding an artist's heart behind a biting tongue. He’s smart, sharp, and constantly swallowing microaggressions like vitamins. He knows how to smile through pain — and when to let it drop. Key moment: He gets called a slur with a smile and lights a cigarette like it’s a ritual. He knows the game. But he still dreams of something more.
Runs the cat sanctuary next door. Equal parts compassion and sarcasm. The only one who talks to Don like he’s a person, not a role. Feeds stray cats, hands him a dandelion like it’s a wish, and calls him a punk when he tries to emotionally check out. Key moment: She tells Don he’s full of shit. He knows she’s right.
The boss. The kind of guy who says “you’re one of the good ones” and thinks that’s a compliment. He’s manipulative, fake-friendly, and quietly terrifying. Key moment: Offers Don a “slice of the pie” if he helps sell out the strip mall, right after using a racial slur with a handshake.
New hire. Kind, quiet, eager. The only one trying to clean the cartridges while everyone else self-destructs. Key moment: Watches a CRT TV play "History Princess" while Mike drinks Cobra and chaos builds. Still believes in trying.
Local hustler. Smooth. Knows the game better than anyone. Has Sam wrapped around his finger. Key moment: Receives a sealed game box in the alley — and we’re not sure what’s inside.
Laundromat owner. Friendly and grateful. A symbol of small business survival. Key moment: Thanks Don for helping put up drywall and offers him free laundry tokens. A breath of good in a bad place.
Recently fired and completely unbothered. Aloof gamer. Detached from reality. Key moment: Still uses his employee discount after being fired. Doesn’t blink.
Nervous, quirky job applicant. Probably doesn’t know what a W2 is. Key moment: “What’s a resume?”
A wild comedic beat. Flirtatious, confident, and way too comfortable with Mike. Key moment: Found on her knees in the stockroom. Needs bold comedic timing and physical confidence.
Quick comedic roles for montage scenes. Strong character types welcome: Shakespearean gamer (resumé delivered on a sword) Overqualified MBA with no customer service skills Gatekeeping board game nerd Crying emotional wildcard who derails the whole interview
Non-speaking roles to help build the world: Retro game store customers Cat sanctuary volunteers Strip mall neighbors One unhoused character pushing a Cart
RELATED CASTING CALLS
