If you ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight on a hit television drama, the Empire casting call was once one of the most sought-after auditions in the United States. From 2015 to 2020, Empire dominated primetime television on Fox, blending music, drama, family power struggles, and cultural influence into one unforgettable series.
Empire Casting Call: Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, the show followed the Lyon family and their powerful music label, Empire Entertainment. With breakout performances, original soundtracks, and record-breaking viewership—especially during Season 1, which averaged 17 million viewers—the show became a launchpad for new talent.
Although Empire concluded in 2020, interest in how casting worked remains high in 2026. This guide explores:
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How the Empire casting process worked in the US
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Types of auditions held
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Eligibility and submission procedures
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Salary expectations
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Risks and scam warnings
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How actors today can apply similar strategies for musical drama roles
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Was the Empire Casting Call? Overview & Background
The Empire casting call referred to auditions and submission opportunities for roles on the Fox musical drama series filmed primarily in Chicago, Illinois.
Casting was led by prominent industry professionals including:
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Leah Daniels-Butler (Casting Director)
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Claire Simon (Casting Director)
Because Empire centered around the music industry, casting focused heavily on performers who could:
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Act convincingly
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Sing professionally
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Rap authentically
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Perform live musical numbers
This unique requirement made Empire auditions different from traditional TV dramas.
Filming Location: Chicago as the Primary Hub
Most filming took place at:
Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
Chicago became a key production center, meaning:
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Local actors had increased access to background roles
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Extras casting often prioritized Illinois residents
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Principal roles sometimes required relocation
Pre-reads and self-tape auditions were accepted nationwide, especially from Los Angeles and New York talent pools.
Why Empire Casting Was So Competitive
Empire wasn’t just another show—it was a cultural phenomenon.
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Strong representation of Black excellence
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Major guest stars (Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys)
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Music featured on streaming platforms
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Career launches for actors like:
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Jussie Smollett
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Bryshere Y. Gray
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Serayah
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For aspiring performers, landing an Empire role meant national exposure and potential music industry crossover.
Types of Empire Casting Calls in the United States
Empire casting calls varied depending on production needs.
1. Principal & Recurring Roles
These were major speaking parts such as:
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Family members of the Lyon dynasty
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Rival music executives
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Emerging artists within Empire Entertainment
These roles were typically cast through:
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Talent agents
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Manager submissions
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SAG-AFTRA channels
Actors submitted:
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Headshots
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Acting resumes
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Demo reels
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Vocal or rap recordings
Principal actors reportedly earned between:
$20,000–$100,000 per episode, depending on role size and negotiation.
2. Guest Stars & Celebrity Appearances
Empire regularly featured:
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Established musicians
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Celebrity cameos
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Influential hip-hop figures
These were typically invitation-based or negotiated through representation.
3. Background Extras & Stand-Ins
Extras were frequently cast for:
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Music video shoots
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Nightclub scenes
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Boardroom meetings
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Concert audiences
Pay ranged from:
$100–$200 per day (SAG-AFTRA rates approx. $170/day)
These roles were often handled by:
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Central Casting
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Simon Casting (Chicago-based agency)
Extras casting was often announced through local casting platforms.
4. Specialty Casting Calls
Empire occasionally held specialty calls for:
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Teenage actors for flashbacks
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Child actors (including twins)
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Professional rappers
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Dancers
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Musicians with original tracks
For example, Season 4 sought a 12–13-year-old actor to portray a young Jamal Lyon.
Eligibility Requirements & Industry Standards
Empire casting calls followed professional television casting norms in the US.
Age Requirements
Roles ranged from:
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Child actors (4 years old for flashbacks)
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Teen performers
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Adult principal characters
Minors required:
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Parental consent
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Work permits
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Limited filming hours
Skills Required
Because Empire was music-driven, many roles required:
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Strong acting skills
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Professional-level singing
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Authentic rap performance
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Stage presence
Experience in:
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Theater
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Music production
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Live performance
was highly beneficial.
Union Status
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SAG-AFTRA membership preferred for principal roles
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Non-union actors could book certain background roles
Empire complied with SAG-AFTRA regulations to ensure fair compensation and work conditions.
How the Empire Audition Process Worked
Although Empire has ended, the casting procedure mirrors modern US television casting.
Step 1: Monitoring Casting Listings
Actors checked platforms like:
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Backstage
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Actors Access
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Project Casting
Open calls were rare but occasionally announced publicly.
Step 2: Submission Materials
Actors typically submitted:
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Professional headshot
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Resume
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Acting reel
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Vocal or rap demo
Submissions were reviewed by casting directors.
Step 3: Pre-Read Audition
Selected actors attended:
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One-on-one sessions with casting directors
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Script readings (called “sides”)
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Musical performance auditions
Step 4: Callback
Actors invited back:
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Read with producers
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Performed chemistry tests with main cast
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Completed additional vocal evaluations
Step 5: Booking & Contract
Once cast:
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Contracts were signed
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Filming schedules confirmed
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Travel arrangements organized (if non-local)
Guest roles often filmed within 1–2 weeks.
Benefits of Landing an Empire Role
Being cast on Empire provided significant career advantages.
National Exposure
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Broadcast on Fox
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Massive Season 1 ratings
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Global streaming reach
Music Industry Crossover
Because Empire produced original songs:
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Actors appeared on soundtracks
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Some secured record deals
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Live performances expanded brand presence
Networking Opportunities
Working alongside:
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Terrence Howard
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Taraji P. Henson
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Major music artists
helped actors build industry credibility.
Long-Term Career Growth
Many alumni moved on to:
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Broadway productions
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Feature films
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Streaming series
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Spin-off projects
Risks, Scams & Industry Warnings
With popularity came imitation scams.
Warning Signs of Casting Scams
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Auditions requiring payment
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“Guaranteed roles” for a fee
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Unverified social media casting accounts
Legitimate casting calls are always free.
Actors should verify through:
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Official casting websites
Competition & Rejection
Empire received thousands of submissions per season.
Rejection is common in professional casting. Actors must:
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Maintain resilience
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Continue training
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Build strong reels
Empire Casting in 2026: Is It Still Active?
As of 2026:
There are no active Empire casting calls.
The series concluded after six seasons in 2020.
However, the casting model remains relevant for:
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Musical dramas
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Hip-hop-centered shows
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Streaming series
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Broadway productions
Actors interested in similar roles should monitor projects like:
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Music-driven streaming dramas
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Broadway casting notices
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Fox or Starz musical productions
Conclusion
The Empire casting call remains one of the most talked-about audition processes in modern US television history. Combining acting with authentic musical performance, it created unique opportunities for diverse talent and launched multiple careers.
While the show ended in 2020, its casting structure provides valuable insight for performers in 2026 seeking roles in music-driven television.
Understanding how Empire selected talent—from agent submissions to callbacks—can help aspiring actors navigate today’s competitive entertainment industry.
If you’re pursuing similar opportunities, stay informed, protect yourself from scams, and continue building both your acting and musical skillset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Empire currently casting in 2026?
No. The series ended in 2020 and has no active casting calls.
2. Where was Empire filmed?
Primarily in Chicago, Illinois, at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
3. Did Empire require singing or rapping skills?
Yes. Many roles required strong musical performance abilities.
4. How much did extras get paid?
Typically $100–$200 per day, depending on union status.
5. How can I avoid casting scams?
Never pay for auditions. Verify listings through reputable platforms like Backstage or SAG-AFTRA.