Empire Casting Calls & Auditions
What fuels the insatiable appetite of a hit television series? Casting calls, the lifeblood of any production, infuse fresh talent, captivating storylines, and ultimately, the enduring appeal that keeps audiences hooked. The phenomenon surrounding Fox's Empire exemplifies this dynamic, with its intricate casting process proving crucial to its success.
From its inception, Empire's casting directors embarked on an ambitious quest. Fox and 20th Century Television launched an international search to fill the four pivotal roles for the pilot, setting the stage for a diverse and dynamic cast. This commitment to finding the perfect actors, regardless of their origin, speaks volumes about the production's dedication to quality. Even as the show progressed, the search for talent continued, showcasing the constant evolution of the Empire universe.
| Name | Terrence Howard |
| Birth Date | March 11, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, singer-songwriter, record producer |
| Known for | Role as Lucious Lyon in Empire, films such as Hustle & Flow and Iron Man |
| Reference | IMDb |
Season 2 saw a casting call specifically for real cops and prisoners in Chicago, adding a layer of authenticity to the show's gritty portrayal of the music industry's underbelly. While the season experienced a 30% ratings dip, the casting choices remained a point of interest, with the discovery of a rapper while giving haircuts in Atlanta adding a touch of real-life intrigue to the shows narrative. The constant influx of new faces, whether in prominent roles or as extras, injected a vibrant energy that resonated with viewers.
Empire's return to Fox each spring was a highly anticipated event. The constant churn of casting calls, seeking everything from seasoned actors to twin baby girls in the Chicagoland area, highlighted the shows ongoing commitment to evolving its storyline and introducing fresh perspectives. The need for a baby in Season 3, along with recurring calls for background actors to portray family members, case workers, and security guards, underscored the show's dedication to creating a realistic and ever-expanding world within its narrative.
Filming primarily took place in Chicago, Illinois. Locations like the Rialto Square Theatre became hubs of activity, hosting open casting calls and providing opportunities for aspiring actors to become part of the Empire experience. The announcement of filming dates, such as October 12th, 13th, and 14th, generated palpable excitement, drawing crowds hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars and potentially land a small, paying role. Scenes involving large-scale events, like carnivals and outdoor concerts featuring the main cast, provided further opportunities for extras to participate and contribute to the show's vibrant tapestry.
Casting calls werent limited to on-screen talent. The search for voice actors, with deadlines sometimes extending weeks into the future (like the one posted on February 21, 2015, with an April 1st deadline), demonstrated the extensive behind-the-scenes work required to bring the Empire world to life. Even independent content creators found themselves intertwined with the Empire phenomenon, with casting calls for short animatics appearing on platforms like Instagram, further extending the show's reach and influence.
The casting of Empire, starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, was a testament to the meticulous process that goes into crafting a successful television series. From the leads to the background actors, each individual contributed to the unique family drama set against the backdrop of a hip-hop empire. The continuous casting calls, the open auditions, the search for specific talents, and the inclusion of everyday individuals all played a vital role in shaping Empire into the cultural phenomenon it became.
| Casting Call Type | Examples from Empire |
| Lead Roles | Initial international search for four main characters |
| Recurring Roles | Teenage African American boys for speaking roles in Season 3 |
| Background Extras | Real cops, prisoners, hospital patients, prison visitors, case workers, family members, security guards |
| Specific Needs | Twin baby girls in the Chicagoland area |
| Voice Actors | Various roles throughout the series run |
The constant search for talent, even as the show progressed through multiple seasons, served as a constant reminder of the dynamism inherent in television production. Empire's casting process was not merely a logistical necessity but a crucial ingredient in its recipe for success.
