URGENT STUDENT SAG-AFTRA CASTING CALL: TRY LOVE
CASTING FOR TRY LOVE, AN MFA SHORT FILM FROM COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO.
SYNOPSIS
When Danielle, a bisexual former minister-in-training, introduces her girlfriend, Cici, to her family, a birthday gathering becomes a confrontation between personal truth, religious beliefs, and the enduring bonds of familial love.
PROJECT DETAILS
Format: Short Film
Genres: Drama | Family | Faith-Based | LGBTQ+
Union Status: SAG-AFTRA Student Film
Production: Columbia College Chicago
Writer, Director & Producer: Kelly Michael
Casting Director: Sharifa Hurtault
Location: Chicago, IL
Hiring: Local Chicagoland hires only
Filming: November 13-16, 2026
COMPENSATION
Meal, copy, credit and deferred payment for all roles, plus a stipend for lead roles.
ROLES
DANIELLE - LEAD
Female, Black, 27-35. A complex, funny, and flirtatious former minister-in-training navigating the intersection of her sexuality, faith, and family expectations. Danielle is Cici's girlfriend and Angela's daughter.
CICI - LEAD
Female, Black, 27-35. Danielle's girlfriend, affectionate and emotionally perceptive, who supports Danielle through a difficult family gathering while maintaining boundaries when Danielle becomes emotionally distant.
UNCLE GLENN - LEAD
Male, Black, 55-65. Danielle's uncle and the birthday boy. Warm, humorous, a little flashy and protective, with bad knees and a strong sense of family responsibility.
ANGELA - LEAD
Female, Black, 55-65. Danielle's mother, deeply religious and traditional. Emotionally guarded, Angela struggles to reconcile her beliefs with her love for her daughter.
MAKENZIE - FEATURED SUPPORTING
Female, Black, 27-35. Danielle's sister, playful and quick-witted, who brings comedic energy to the family gathering while offering her sister warmth and support.
MAYA - SUPPORTING
Female, Black, 25-45. Danielle's sister, social, outspoken, and flirtatious. She brings levity to the gathering and responds to Danielle's coming out with openness and acceptance.
CASTING STATEMENT
We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.
AUDITIONS & AVAILABILITY
Call-Backs (invite-only): Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM in person at Columbia College Chicago.
Chemistry Reads: October 17-18, 2026
Casting Decisions: By October 23, 2026
Pre-Production / Rehearsal: October 24-November 12, 2026. Specific dates TBD based on production needs.
Principal Photography: November 13-16, 2026. Selected talent must be available for these dates.
INTIMACY & SAFETY
Please review the Try Love Intimacy Disclosure for information regarding planned intimacy and physical contact.
An intimacy coordinator will be present to support performers and facilitate planned intimacy scenes.
Intimacy Disclosure: https://bit.ly/4AuI9Xm
HOW TO SUBMIT
Please submit:
- Headshot or recent photo
- Resume
- Monologue and/or demo reel
- If you do not have a monologue, submit a slate stating your name, pronouns, age, and location
- Current availability for the dates listed above
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST
EMAIL: tryloveshortfilm@gmail.com
SUBJECT LINE: TRY LOVE - [ROLE NAME] - [ACTOR NAME]
Please share with Chicago actors who may be a fit.