Movies and TV shows casting in Nashville

If you’ve ever watched a movie and thought, “I could do that,” this might be your sign to give it a shot.

A surprising number of movies, short films, reality shows, and scripted series are casting in Nashville right now. Some are looking for experienced actors. Others are searching for everyday people, couples, singers, dancers, or complete beginners.

And honestly? A few of these pay pretty well.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest casting calls happening now and the kinds of roles producers are trying to fill.

Feature Films Looking For Talent

Several feature films are currently casting in Nashville, and the roles cover a pretty wide range of ages and character types.

One of the biggest opportunities is for a film called The Lucky Break. The project is searching for lead and supporting actors, including a female lead named Brooke Sharpe and a male lead detective role. Pay for some roles goes as high as $3,000.

Another film, Rat, is looking for multiple male leads between the ages of 35 and 60. One of the roles pays up to $2,000.

That’s not bad for a project that could also help build experience and connections.

Then there’s Dragonflies, a feature film casting three lead roles in Nashville. The project is looking for actors between 18 and 49 years old, with rates reaching up to $747.

If you’ve been trying to break into dramatic acting, these kinds of indie projects can be a solid place to start.

Short Films Are Casting Too

Not every opportunity requires a huge Hollywood-style production.

Several short films are currently casting in Nashville, and these projects are often easier for newer actors to book.

One short film called The Infomercial is casting lead and supporting male roles ranging from ages 18 to 60. Roles pay up to $400.

Another project, Little Sunflower, is searching for a young boy between 5 and 12 years old to play the lead role of Walter. There’s also a supporting role available for a woman between 18 and 25.

Parents with kids interested in acting may want to pay attention to this one.

There’s also a short film called You When You’re Hungry casting two male roles. One is a younger lead character between 18 and 22, while the supporting role is for an older male actor.

Short films may not always come with giant paychecks, but they can lead to footage for demo reels, IMDb credits, and future auditions.

That matters more than people think.

Reality TV Opportunities Are Everywhere

Reality TV casting calls are having a moment right now.

One of the more unusual opportunities is a YouTube game show searching for “Southern Belles” between the ages of 18 and 30. The prize is advertised at $100,000, with roles paying up to $500.

You can already imagine the dramatic confessionals.

There’s also a nationwide couples competition show searching for engaged couples between 21 and 35 years old. Some participants could earn up to $1,750.

And if you’ve ever screamed answers at the TV during trivia shows, there’s also a nationwide game show casting contestants between 18 and 60 years old.

Reality TV producers often look for big personalities more than acting experience. So if you’re outgoing, funny, emotional, or just impossible to ignore, that can actually work in your favor.

Vertical Dramas Continue To Grow

One of the fastest-growing parts of entertainment right now is vertical drama content.

These are the short-form scripted series designed for phones and social media apps. And yes, they’re becoming a huge business.

A “High-Impact Vertical Drama Series” is currently casting lead male and female actors nationwide, with pay reaching up to $6,400.

That’s a number that definitely gets attention.

Another open casting call is searching for actors for ReelShort vertical productions. The project is looking for male and female lead types between 25 and 35 years old.

If you’ve spent time scrolling dramatic clips online where somebody discovers their secret billionaire husband in under 45 seconds… you already know the style.

These productions move quickly, and casting directors are constantly searching for fresh faces.

Music And Modeling Roles Are Available

Not every casting call is focused only on acting.

A reality TV series called Third Ave is looking for girl group music artists, video vixens, and models between 18 and 30 years old.

Some of the pay is lower here, topping out around $100, but projects like these can still help performers gain visibility and networking opportunities.

For singers, dancers, influencers, or aspiring models, this could be an easier way to start building credits.

Bigger Nationwide Productions Are Also Casting

Nashville-based talent can also apply for projects filming across the country.

One major example is Guarded, a scripted show casting a supporting male role named Will. The role reportedly pays up to $18,000.

That’s easily one of the highest-paying opportunities currently listed.

Another feature film called Take Me to Ithaca is casting several male supporting and lead roles, with pay reaching up to $4,200.

Even if a production isn’t filming directly in Nashville, many projects now accept self-taped auditions from anywhere.

That has changed the industry in a huge way.

Years ago, actors often had to live in Los Angeles or New York just to get noticed. Now? A decent self-tape setup and good lighting can sometimes get your foot in the door.

Community Theater Auditions Are Happening Too

It’s not just film and TV projects looking for performers.

Dare to Dream Theatre recently announced auditions for its summer production of Anastasia.

The production will include performances from July 31 through Aug. 9 and is searching for performers ages 12 and older, along with several younger roles.

Characters open for auditions include:

• Anya/Anastasia
• Dmitry
• Vlad
• Gleb
• Dowager Empress
• Countess Lily
• Featured ensemble roles
• Youth roles
• Dancers and ballet performers

For people interested in musical theater, productions like this can be a great way to build confidence and stage experience.

Plus, live theater teaches skills that film acting sometimes doesn’t. Timing, projection, movement, and quick recovery all matter when there’s no “cut” button.

What Casting Directors Usually Want

A lot of people assume casting directors only want polished professionals.

That’s not always true.

Many productions specifically search for authentic personalities, natural reactions, and people who simply fit a role visually.

Some projects ask for prior acting experience. Others don’t mention it at all.

What usually helps most is:

• Clear headshots
• A simple acting resume
• Good self-tape lighting
• Confidence on camera
• Following audition instructions carefully

That last one matters more than people realize.

If a casting call asks for a 30-second introduction and somebody sends a seven-minute monologue instead, that’s usually not going to end well.

Nashville Keeps Growing As A Production Hub

Nashville has become increasingly busy with entertainment projects over the past few years.

The city already had strong music industry connections, but more film and TV productions have started using Tennessee locations because of the scenery, production resources, and growing creative community.

That means more opportunities for actors, extras, musicians, dancers, crew members, and content creators.

And honestly, it’s fun seeing familiar streets pop up in movies.

You suddenly become the person pointing at the screen saying, “Wait… I know exactly where that is.”

For anyone curious about acting, this may be one of the better times to test the waters. There’s a surprisingly wide mix of opportunities available right now, from indie films and theater productions to reality TV and fast-growing vertical dramas.

Some roles pay a little. Some pay a lot. And some might simply give people the chance to finally say they went for it at least once.

That alone can make it worth trying.

Source: Backstage via Stacker fileciteturn0file0