📍 Montreal, QC
Near the Montreal airport!
📅 Shooting Monday, November 9
🎂 All genders, 65+
Please send to your parents, aunties / uncles, & grandparents!
💰$750 for one day of filming

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP *****

APPLY NOW

NO ON CAMERA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

PLEASE NOTE:

• Participants must NOT be a member of ACTRA

• This project is for an airline. The video will be posted organically to their social media & website.

• The shoot is with an English speaking crew, applicants ideally speak conversational English.

APPLY NOW

WHEN & WHERE

📍 Montreal, QC
Near the Montreal airport!
📅 Shooting Monday, November 9

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
Location is easy to transit to!
📅 Shooting throughout the fall / winter
Applicants will only be needed for approx 4 hours
🎂Age limit is NOT strict (18-100+) Specifically looking for Gen Zs right now (18-29)
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽 Must be comfortable being on camera while going on a first date with a potential match.
💰$500 + the chance to watch a sports game live ⚽️🏒🏀

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP *****

APPLY NOW

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED ONCE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY AGAIN! IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEND ANOTHER TAPE, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO: lindschris.casting@gmail.com

ALL LOCAL SINGLES WELCOME!

All genders, sexualities, ethnicities, body types, & personalities encouraged to APPLY!

You DO NOT need to be athletic or know anything about sports to participate, but you must be comfortable in a live-sports environment.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada

• Be comfortable going on a first-date while on camera

• Be comfortable going on a blind date, assigned by production

• Be comfortable participating in physical, mental, or food related activities as part of the date (if you have specific needs or accommodations, please list them on your application!)

APPLY NOW

WHEN & WHERE

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
Location is easy to transit to!
📅 Shooting throughout the fall / winter
Applicants will only be needed for approx 4 hours

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📍 Downtown Toronto
📅 November 10, 11, or 12
Each person only needed for one day!
🎂 Ages 18-100, All genders
We are specifically excited to connect with people who immigrated from the CONTINENT OF ASIA! But we are open to hearing stories from all Canadian immigrants!
💰 Receive UP TO $1,400/person* for your participation! 💰
*$650 for one day of filming with us.
*$750 additional if your footage makes the final cut.

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! *****

APPLY NOW!

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We all know “you're not supposed to talk about money.” This campaign flips that on its head — real people, real portfolios, no filter and “a great investor” can look different, depending on your personal goals.

You don't need to be a financial expert. We want to hear how real people invest and we're defining 'portfolio' broadly. Stocks, crypto, RRSPs, sure! But also anything else you've put your money into and care about. If you have a genuine relationship with money and a story worth telling, we want to hear from you.

Bonus points if you’re a little unexpected! We’re drawn to people with unusual hobbies, surprising backstories, or a take on investing that nobody else would think to have. We’re actively looking for people whose day job, hobby, or life philosophy makes them the last person you’d expect to have opinions about money — and yet here you are.

All ethnicities, body types, and personalities are encouraged to apply!

APPLY NOW!

You must:

• Be comfortable on camera

• Be legally allowed to work in Canada

• Have some sort of investment portfolio and be comfortable talking about your personal philosophy with investing

• Be able to give natural reactions and tell your story in an interesting way

• Not be a member of ACTRA, UBCP, or SAG-AFTRA

WHAT TO EXPECT:

An interview-style shoot capturing your honest thoughts on investing your goals, your history, your philosophy. No script, no expertise required. Just your real story.

Usage: 1 year. Content will remain on the brand’s social media pages indefinitely with organic reach.

WHEN & WHERE

When: November 10, 11, or 12, 2026.
Each person needed for 1-2 hours, exact date and time TBC.
Where: Downtown Toronto.

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📅 Date: January 19th, 2027
⏰ Performer Call Time: 7pm
🔁 Show Run: 8pm-10pm
📍 Location: The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen St W)

👑🐝 GRAND PRIZE — Head of the Hive will receive $1,000! 💰💰

APPLY NOW!

***** Applications close November 11 @ 11:59 PM *****

Before you apply, READ BELOW! This is not your average pageant.

Run of Show:

The night will begin with a runway portion - each drag artist will be asked to strut the stage in the hopes of impressing Canadian Casting Director, Lindsay Christopher.

Showcase a look inspired by your favourite Canadian reality television show! Sponsored by The Casting Master! Examples include: MuchMusic VJ Search, MasterChef Canada, Bachelor in Paradise Canada, Project Runway Canada, Property Virgins, Love is Blind Canada, Canada’s Worst Driver, Amazing Race Canada, Cash Cab, and more!
PLEASE NOTE: This event is NOT a real audition for any particular show.

Winner of the runway portion will gain an advantage in the rest of the competition.

🐝 Spelling Bee:

Performers will be put to the test as they are asked to spell LIVE! These will be a mix of funny, easy to spell words, and real competitive spelling. Drag artists will be eliminated one by one.

⬇️ Bottoms Battle Back:

When half the queens have been eliminated, the bottoms will have a chance to lip sync for their LIVES - the audience will vote in a “bring back my bee,” where one competitor will return to the competition.

🎤 Finale Lip Sync for the Crown:

The final 2 spellers will then lip sync for the crown (and $1,000 CAD!)

💰Prizes:

Head of the hive gets $1,000 👑🐝
2nd place: $500
3rd place: $250
PLUS smaller, sponsored words by local businesses

INTERESTED IN COMPETING?

APPLY NOW!

***** Applications close November 11 @ 11:59 PM *****

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📍 Downtown Toronto
📅 Early November (TBC)
💰 Receive UP TO $1,400/person* for your participation! 💰
*$650 for one day of filming + additional $750 if your footage makes the final cut.

APPLY NOW

VIEW FULL PROJECT DETAILS

CASTING SINGLE MEN

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
📅 TBD dates throughout the fall
💰$250 + the chance to watch a sports game live ⚽️🏒🏀

APPLY NOW

VIEW FULL PROJECT DETAILS

The things I own now have a much better back story than whatever I was fishing out of my toy box in the second grade!

Let’s face it: auditions are uncomfortable! No matter how fun and charming your casting director is! You’re on this (sometimes hour-long) video call with a stranger who is asking you personal questions and you’re trying to show your best self while we test your wits and quick-thinking skills, purposefully throwing you off your game. All the while, the underlying question persists of “is this good enough to get cast?”

AND YET SOMEHOW, you’re supposed to put all that aside and show up as your biggest, most authentic & energetic self.

One of my favourite things to encourage while I’m in the casting chair is for people to bring their belongings to the Zoom call audition — Have a favourite pair of shoes? Show me. Just started a new art project? Show me while you tell me about it. Have medals on your wall from marathons or karate tournaments or gymnastics competitions? Work these achievements into the picture you paint for me!

People often rehearse the fun facts they THINK we want to hear — the biggest accomplishments they have, things that may appear to give them a level of prestige. But what we are really looking for is the ability to listen to our questions, connect with your truth and pull from your experience (no matter how “small” the accomplishment) to tell a good story.

So today, if you’d like, I encourage you to have a practice!

1. Pick an item, any item, and hold it in your hand.

2. Think back to how you got it, what it means to you, and why it came to mind while reading this.

3. Put your thoughts together into a few sentences and send them to your friends as practice — see what kind of follow up questions they have!

4. To take it a step further, try telling the story aloud … to one friend, then another, then another, and so on.

5. Repeat.

As you continue to tell your story, you may feel yourself getting naturally excited about certain parts — maybe there is unnecessary information that you start to filter out, or important tidbits to add. This is the kind of thoughtful, passionate storytelling we look for!

Not someone who is trying to memorize a script about themself, but someone who knows themself, is open, and feels comfortable sharing their truth with the world.

Join my database now to tell me more about your hobbies & collections!

I’ll start!

I just thought everyone loved mugs … so at first, I didn’t know I had a collection. It wasn’t until I heard clanging every time I closed the cabinets that I realized I had a problem.

Soon, my colleagues noticed — asking to see my mug-of-the-day during meetings became a regular occurrence — some even ranked their favourites! Then, the gifts started … but I had to put a *stop to them.

*I say that with one very obvious exception: unless the mug is iconic.

One of my favourite mugs did come as a gift - but luckily, the “Survey Says: Coffee,” mug, from the Family Feud Canada team is the definition of ICONIQUE.

It tagged along to many auditions, started countless conversations, and although it experienced a career-ending fracture on the handle, it’s still holding it down as a pencil cup and a permanent part of my office aesthetic.

Transitioning my “Survey Says: Coffee” cup out of my most-used-mug role left a hole a hole in my heart approximately the size of a pink cowboy boot … but that’s a story for a different day!

Practice auditioning!
Join my database now to tell me more about YOUR hobbies & collections!

📍 Downtown Toronto
📅 Early November (TBC)
🎂 All races, all genders, 18-100
We are now specifically looking for more people age 50-75+ for this project, though anyone can apply still!
💰 Receive UP TO $1,400/person* for your participation! 💰
*$650 for one day of filming with us.
*$750 additional if your footage makes the final cut.

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! *****

APPLY NOW!

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We all know “you're not supposed to talk about money.” This campaign flips that on its head — real people, real portfolios, no filter and “a great investor” can look different, depending on your personal goals.

You don't need to be a financial expert. We want to hear how real people invest and we're defining 'portfolio' broadly. Stocks, crypto, RRSPs, sure! But also anything else you've put your money into and care about. If you have a genuine relationship with money and a story worth telling, we want to hear from you.

Bonus points if you’re a little unexpected! We’re drawn to people with unusual hobbies, surprising backstories, or a take on investing that nobody else would think to have. We’re actively looking for people whose day job, hobby, or life philosophy makes them the last person you’d expect to have opinions about money — and yet here you are.

All ethnicities, body types, and personalities are encouraged to apply!

APPLY NOW!

You must:

• Be comfortable on camera

• Have some sort of investment portfolio and be comfortable talking about your personal philosophy with investing

• Be able to give natural reactions and tell your story in an interesting way

• Not be a member of ACTRA, UBCP, or SAG-AFTRA

WHAT TO EXPECT:

An interview-style shoot capturing your honest thoughts on investing your goals, your history, your philosophy. No script, no expertise required. Just your real story.

Usage: 1 year. Content will remain on the brand’s social media pages indefinitely with organic reach.

WHEN & WHERE

When: One day in Early November. Each person needed for 1-2 hours, exact date and time TBC.
Where: Downtown Toronto.

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
📅 Shooting October 13, with additional dates throughout the fall
Applicants will only be needed for approx 4 hours
🎂 All races, all genders, all sexualities, 18-100+
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽 Must be comfortable being on camera while going on a first date with a potential match
💰$250 + the chance to watch a sports game live ⚽️🏒🏀

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP *****

APPLY NOW

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED ONCE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY AGAIN! IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEND ANOTHER TAPE, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO: lindschris.casting@gmail.com

ALL LOCAL SINGLES WELCOME!

All genders, sexualities, ethnicities, body types, & personalities encouraged to APPLY!

You DO NOT need to be athletic or know anything about a specific sport to participate, but you must be comfortable in a live-sports environment.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada

• Be comfortable going on a first-date while on camera

• Be comfortable going on a blind date, assigned by production

• Be comfortable participating in physical, mental, or food related activities as part of the date (if you have specific needs or accommodations, please list them on your application!)

APPLY NOW

SOME TYPES OF PEOPLE WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

LIFE LONG SPORTS FANS

APPLY NOW

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ATHLETES

APPLY NOW

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FANS OF SPORTS FASHION

APPLY NOW

Share

DIE-HARD SPORTS FANS

APPLY NOW

Share

SPORTS EXPERTS

APPLY NOW

Share

PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO TALK ABOUT SPORTS

& MORE!

APPLY NOW

WHEN & WHERE

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
📅 Shooting October 13, with additional dates throughout the fall
Applicants will only be needed for approx 4 hours

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
📅 October 13, with additional dates throughout the fall
💰$250 + the chance to watch a sports game live ⚽️🏒🏀

APPLY NOW

VIEW FULL PROJECT DETAILS

CASTING FINANCIALLY LITERATE MEN

📍 Downtown Toronto
📅 Early November (TBC)
💰 Receive UP TO $1,400/person* for your participation! 💰
*$650 for one day of filming + additional $750 if your footage makes the final cut.

APPLY NOW

VIEW FULL PROJECT DETAILS

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
📅 Shooting October 13, with additional dates throughout the fall
Applicants will only be needed for approx 4 hours
🎂 All races, all genders, all sexualities, 18-100+
👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽 Must be comfortable being on camera while going on a first date with a potential match
💰$250 + the chance to watch a sports game live ⚽️🏒🏀

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP *****

APPLY NOW

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED ONCE, YOU DO NOT NEED TO APPLY AGAIN! IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEND ANOTHER TAPE, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO: lindschris.casting@gmail.com

ALL LOCAL SINGLES WELCOME!

All genders, sexualities, ethnicities, body types, & personalities encouraged to APPLY!

You DO NOT need to be athletic or know anything about sports to participate, but you must be comfortable in a live-sports environment.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada

• Be comfortable going on a first-date while on camera

• Be comfortable going on a blind date, assigned by production

• Be comfortable participating in physical, mental, or food related activities as part of the date (if you have specific needs or accommodations, please list them on your application!)

APPLY NOW

SOME TYPES OF PEOPLE WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

ATHLETIC INDIVIDUALS

APPLY NOW

Share

SPORTS FANS

APPLY NOW

Share

QUEER & GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE

APPLY NOW

Share

FASHIONISTAS

APPLY NOW

Share

PEOPLE WITH IMPRESSIVE SKILLS

APPLY NOW

Share

SINGLE SENIORS

& MORE!

APPLY NOW

WHEN & WHERE

📍 Downtown Toronto, ON
📅 Shooting between October 24- November 5
Applicants will only be needed for approx 4 hours

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

1. Is the photo reflective of what you currently look like?

2. Does the photo reflect the tone of the project / the essence of the character?

Current is key

Let’s pretend for a second that I’m casting a new project. Your agent submits your headshot and you are offered an audition.

But UH OH, you didn’t tell your agent about your new hairdo … so instead of looking like this:

You look like this:

Chic? For sure. Stylish? Absolutely! The right choice for the character? Unfortunately not.

So now, while you’re trying to memorize your lines for the audition, the production is calculating if they can squeeze a wig into their budget.

SAME GOES FOR FACIAL HAIR - this rule includes having a headshot with a FULL BEARD but showing up having recently shaved or vice versa. If the role calls for scruffy or bushy or clean shaven, it’s important for casting to know what you can offer.

OR maybe you show up looking like this:

Gorgeous? YES. Aging gracefully? Always! The correct age for the character? NO.

Does that mean you CAN’T change your look? You CAN’T get older? You MUST stay looking EXACTLY THE SAME? OF COURSE NOT!

What it means is:

1. You need to COMMUNICATE to your agent / casting when you make large changes to your appearance (that no longer match the photo you’re submitting for the project) and do your best to provide a clear, updated photo of yourself to casting in addition to your headshot so they can confirm your current look is still a fit for the character.

2. You need to STAY CURRENT! The rule of thumb is to update your headshots at least once a year — but when you’re not booked and busy, that’s not always feasible. If you need to push beyond a year, my recommendation would be to keep an eye out for when your everyday appearance stops resembling the you in your headshot OR to do your best to change it shortly after making a major / permanent change to your appearance (EX. Piercings, tattoos, major haircuts, major changes in weight, loss of limbs / changes in ability).

The hard truth is that YOU WILL AGE and YOUR APPEARANCE WILL CHANGE; when you keep your headshots updated, casting can recommend you for roles that fit your current type, instead of finding the perfect role for a version of you that non longer exists.

First Impressions are Everything

Before you develop a professional rapport with a casting director, before they get a feel for the types of characters you can play, your headshot acts as the first (and sometimes only) impression of your fit for the role / project.

Pretend again that I’m casting a new project; “the character is mysterious, pensive, and a bit standoffish.” When choosing between these two shots, which do YOU think is a better fit?

Does that mean you need a headshot for every mood, style, and emotion? Of course not. But having a few photos that capture the range of character and emotions you are comfortable playing can really help casting and the producers imagine you in the role before you even walk in the room.

How would you portray a parent vs a forever-bachelor? How would you channel a loudmouth extrovert vs a thoughtful introvert?

HOT TIP — if there is a certain show that shoots near you or that you dream of auditioning for, get a headshot that reflects the tone of the show. How would you pitch yourself for a joyful comedy (Kim’s Convenience) vs a gritty drama (Law & Order Toronto)?

How does this apply to real people casting?

Applying to real people projects is a bit different because there isn’t an expectation of professional headshots. Instead, we usually opt for recent selfie photos. BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t show up and show out for said selfie.

Maybe you’re not aware — the photo you submit during casting will usually end up being seen by the story producers, the executives, the network, and more! It stays with your application through the entire process.

Do your best to channel the show you’re applying for into the photo you submit. If I’m looking for cooks, something like this is great:

If I’m casting fit, strong people, something that shows your muscles is best:

For gameshows, a candid pic of you laughing or smiling is usually your best friend!

When was the last time YOU updated your headshot?
If you can’t remember, it might be a sign for something new.

📍 Downtown Toronto
📅 Early November (TBC)
🎂 All races, all genders, 18-100
💰 Receive UP TO $1,400/person* for your participation! 💰
*$650 for one day of filming with us.
*$750 additional if your footage makes the final cut.

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! *****

APPLY NOW!

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We all know “you're not supposed to talk about money.” This campaign flips that on its head — real people, real portfolios, no filter and “a great investor” can look different, depending on your personal goals.

You don't need to be a financial expert. We want to hear how real people invest and we're defining 'portfolio' broadly. Stocks, crypto, RRSPs, sure! But also anything else you've put your money into and care about. If you have a genuine relationship with money and a story worth telling, we want to hear from you.

Bonus points if you’re a little unexpected! We’re drawn to people with unusual hobbies, surprising backstories, or a take on investing that nobody else would think to have. We’re actively looking for people whose day job, hobby, or life philosophy makes them the last person you’d expect to have opinions about money — and yet here you are.

All ethnicities, body types, and personalities are encouraged to apply!

APPLY NOW!

You must:

• Be comfortable on camera

• Have some sort of investment portfolio and be comfortable talking about your personal philosophy with investing

• Be able to give natural reactions and tell your story in an interesting way

• Not be a member of ACTRA, UBCP, or SAG-AFTRA

WHAT TO EXPECT:

An interview-style shoot capturing your honest thoughts on investing your goals, your history, your philosophy. No script, no expertise required. Just your real story.

Usage: 1 year. Content will remain on the brand’s social media pages indefinitely with organic reach.

WHEN & WHERE

When: One day in Early November. Each person needed for 1-2 hours, exact date and time TBC.
Where: Downtown Toronto.

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

📍 Downtown Toronto
📅 Early November (TBC)
🎂 All races, men, 50+
💰 Receive UP TO $1,400/person* for your participation! 💰
*$650 for one day of filming with us.
*$750 additional if your footage makes the final cut.

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! *****

APPLY NOW!

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We all know “you're not supposed to talk about money.” This campaign flips that on its head — real people, real portfolios, no filter and “a great investor” can look different, depending on your personal goals.

You don't need to be a financial expert. We want to hear how real people invest and we're defining 'portfolio' broadly. Stocks, crypto, RRSPs, sure! But also anything else you've put your money into and care about. If you have a genuine relationship with money and a story worth telling, we want to hear from you.

Bonus points if you’re a little unexpected! We’re drawn to people with unusual hobbies, surprising backstories, or a take on investing that nobody else would think to have. We’re actively looking for people whose day job, hobby, or life philosophy makes them the last person you’d expect to have opinions about money — and yet here you are.

All ethnicities, body types, and personalities are encouraged to apply!

APPLY NOW!

You must:

• Be comfortable on camera

• Have some sort of investment portfolio and be comfortable talking about your personal philosophy with investing

• Be able to give natural reactions and tell your story in an interesting way

• Not be a member of ACTRA, UBCP, or SAG-AFTRA

WE ARE ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN:

Serious Business Men

APPLY NOW!

Share

Small Business Success Stories

APPLY NOW!

Share

Men who learned their financial lessons the hard way

APPLY NOW!

Share

Men who found success in an unconventional way

Dads and Grandpas setting up their family’s future

AND MORE! TELL US YOUR STORY!

APPLY NOW!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

An interview-style shoot capturing your honest thoughts on investing your goals, your history, your philosophy. No script, no expertise required. Just your real story.

Usage: 1 year. Content will remain on the brand’s social media pages indefinitely with organic reach.

WHEN & WHERE

When: One day in Early November. Each person needed for 1-2 hours, exact date and time TBC.
Where: Downtown Toronto.

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

In Part 1, we went over who casts the ACTRA television shows and films across the country. Today, let’s dive into verticals & micro-dramas; an exciting and rapidly evolving side of the industry!

Vertical Casting Directors

This side of the industry is still new but there are a few emerging names as go-tos in the Vertical Casting sphere:

Monika Dalman

Monika Dalman is a great name to know in general because of how giving she is with her time and expertise. When Monika ISN’T casting or producing another micro-drama (of which she has cast over 100), she’s spilling the tea on her socials.

Whether it’s teaching actors the fundamental skills needed to transition from one medium to another …

Asking for industry input of who people LIKE working with …

Or giving a behind the scenes look at the true difficult parts of the job …

Monika is ready to answer questions, offer feedback, and she ALWAYS keeps it straight.

Veronika Homer

Veronika Homer is a casting director at Ottawood Film Group, who boasts they are Canada's first dedicated short drama studio. Her list of credits include Santa Send Me a Billionaire Husband & The CEO’s Maid Turned Out to Be the Heiress.

Jigar Shah

With over 30 credits, Jigar Shah is another name I see rising the ranks of vertical casting. He also works in the modelling world — both on & off camera — and even makes an appearance in the vertical Unexpected Love with the Hidden Billionaire.

He did an interview with Behind the Verticals where he dives further into his process and his thoughts on the industry.

You can “Claim Free Article” to read what he has to say. I have no affiliation with Behind the Verticals, but wanted to include it in case it’s helpful for you!

Behind the Verticals

Interview with a Vertical Drama Casting Director

Jigar Shah is a Toronto-based Casting Director specializing in vertical dramas and mobile-first series. Over the past two years, he’s cast 30+ productions across Canada, China, and Europe for platforms including ReelShort, ShortMax, ByteDance, and Vigloo, working alongside companies like Ottawood Film, Union Film Group, and Archipelago Productions…

Read more

5 months ago · 1 like · Behind the Verticals

Would YOU audition for a vertical? What’s stopping you?

First Lesson: WHO casts WHAT?

Canada is not short on casting directors — starting the count with 69 registered members of the Casting Directors Society of Canada, plus many individual casting directors (like me) who are not affiliated with the CDC.

It can be difficult to keep up with them all!

Scripted Casting Directors

To see who the most active scripted casting directors are, a great resource is the ACTRA local “What’s Shooting in…” page. This page usually outlines who is producing and who is casting each project that’s registered with the Canadian Actors’ union. These are good names to get acquainted with!

What’s Shooting in Newfoundland

• Quinn Squires cast A Plot in the Penthouse

• Jenny Lewis & Jamie Pitt cast Son of a Critch S5

• Anna Wheeler is doing the background casting on Saint Pierre S3

What’s Shooting in Montreal

• Lisa Parasyn cast Sequence

• Kenyon Wells Casting cast both Eternally Yours & Ghosts S6

• Lewis Kay Casting cast Meatballs S1

• Casting VTB cast Replacer

• Julie Breton, Kathleen Côté / MFK Casting, and Casting Quarters are all listed as casting background for different projects

What’s Shooting in BC

• Errin Lally & Annalese Tilling of Lally & Tilling Casting cast Allegiance S4, Christmas Through Your Eyes, Kitty Swipes Right, Letter to Santa, & Long Shot

• Corinne Clark & Jennifer Page of Clarke & Page Casting cast Anaheim Realm S1, Calm Current, FENDER, Scrubs S2, Skylight S2, & The Audacity

• Bim Narine cast Blue Skies S2

• Jackie Lind cast Brutal & Crisis at the Lucky Coin

• Maureen Webb cast Category 10 & Fire Country S5

• Megan Bayliss cast Change Of Heart S1

• Judy JK Lee cast Double Double Trouble Two: Face Off, Judas Tree, & The Skins Game

• Candice Elzinga cast Extra Credit, Icebreaker S1, When Calls the Heart S14, & Where Angels Go For Christmas

• Renee Haynes cast Maui & Elvis

• Ciarra Cook cast New Diamond Restaurant

• Sean Cossey cast RUNAWAY & The Probability Of Miracles

• Tiffany Mak cast School Spirits S4 & The Rookie North S1

What’s Shooting in Ontario

• Stephanie Gorin cast Kill Me Now, Between the Fences S1, Kunfuland, Honcho, Memory of a Killer S2, Any Way Your Want Me, & The Echo

• Steven Mann cast Mayday 27

• Brian Levy cast Hunted

• Nancy Yeaman cast Crossroad Springs

• Sharon Forrest cast Law & Order Toronto S5

• Larissa Mair cast BET S2, Camped Out S2, The Tradwife Trap, Macy Murdoch S3, Don’t Go Gentle, & Embers

• Robin Cook cast Boston Blue S2, Motherland S2, & Telephone

• John Buchan cast Murdoch Mysteries S20

• Lewis Kay Casting cast Twisted Metal S3, I Kill the Bear, This Summer Will be Different S1, & The Service

• Lisa Parasyn cast Sheriff Country S2, & You’re Killing Me S2

• John Buchan & Jason Knight of Buchan Knight Casting cast Intel Pink, Memory Box, & My Own Don Rickles

• Jesse Griffiths cast Tennisgirl, & The Wrong Guy

• Amy Wright cast Next Step Cheer S2

• Sara Kay cast Bavarian, & Journalism 101,

• Ari Weinberg cast A Midsummer Night’s Dream

• Nicole Hilliard cast Precision S2

• Jason Knight cast You’re Safe Now, Child’s Play, When Hope Calls S4, & Barking All The Way

• Margaret Rose cast Dogmen

• Lally & Tilling Casting cast Private Eyes West Coast S2

• Colleen Rush cast Sync, Solynshko, & The Rat

• Jonathan Oliveira cast Yo, We’re Dying & Eternal

• Natalie Dale cast We Could be Heroes

• Melissa Smith cast Second Voice

• Kalene Osborne cast Summer 11

• Tony Marra cast Pslam 94

• Michael Stasko cast A Dangerous Life

• Carly Granovsky cast Kid Ignorant

• Maria Fernanda & Sierra Suarez cast Firefly

• Hannah Antaki cast The Split

• Ian Bender cast Kill or Be Killed & IRL

• Meg Morman cast Devour

• Millie Tom cast Queenpin

What’s Shooting in Alberta

• Jackie Lind cast The Magnificent Seven S1

• Rhonda Fisekci cast Heartland S20

• Missy Venaas cast Door Kicker S1

• Colleen Rush cast Man Vs Truck

• Jayson Therrien cast One Night in Purgatory, Do You See Ghosts?, Little People, Prank Night 2: Repetition, & Man Vs Truck

• Tara Bell Irving cast My Life With The Walter Boys

Are you surprised to hear any of these projects shot in Canada? Let me know in the comments!

After working on MasterChef USA: Global Gauntlet as a Casting Producer, I had the honour of stepping in as Casting Director for Season 9 of MasterChef Canada!

It’s a dream to be involved with such an iconic franchise (and one I grew up watching)!

Today … The cast was announced!

Please meet the 16 home cooks from across Canada who will be competing this season for $100,000 & the title of MasterChef Canada:

This Season …

The competition is fierce! Catch a sneak peek of the action here:

How to get your chance on TV …

You can also follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok

Know someone who needs to apply?

📍 Montreal, QC
All applicants must be able to self-drive to Montreal.
📅 Shooting between Sep 1 - 15, 2026
Applicants are not necessarily needed every day in this time frame
👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽 Must be a man who dates women, any race, 21-33 years old

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! *****

APPLY NOW

NAUGHTY OR NICE?
WE WANT BOTH!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, A SINGLE WOMAN IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL TO BRING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. IF YOU’VE GOT THE CHARM, CONFIDENCE AND CHEMISTRY SHE IS LOOKING FOR, APPLY NOW!

All ethnicities, body types, and personalities are encouraged to apply!

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada

• Be able to speak English on camera

  APPLY NOW

SOME TYPES OF MEN WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

ATHLETIC MEN

APPLY NOW

Share

MEN WITH GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR

APPLY NOW

Share

MEN WITH GREAT SENSE OF STYLE

APPLY NOW

Share

MEN WITH SPECIAL TALENTS

APPLY NOW

Share

SUCCESSFUL MEN

APPLY NOW

Share

HOPELESS ROMANTICS

APPLY NOW

& MORE!

WHEN & WHERE

When: Sept 1-15, 2026. Not all participants are needed for every day of filming!
Where: Montreal. All applicants must be able to self-drive to Montreal.

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE!

📍 Montreal, QC
All applicants must be able to self-drive to Montreal.
📅 Shooting between Sep 1 - 15, 2026
Applicants are not necessarily needed every day in this time frame
👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽 Must be a man who dates women, any race, 21-33 years old

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! *****

APPLY NOW

NAUGHTY OR NICE?
WE WANT BOTH!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, A SINGLE WOMAN IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL TO BRING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. IF YOU’VE GOT THE CHARM, CONFIDENCE AND CHEMISTRY SHE IS LOOKING FOR, APPLY NOW!

All ethnicities, body types, and personalities are encouraged to apply!

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada

• Be able to speak English on camera

  APPLY NOW

SOME TYPES OF MEN WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

ATHLETIC MEN

APPLY NOW

Share

MEN WITH GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR

APPLY NOW

Share

MEN WITH GREAT SENSE OF STYLE

APPLY NOW

Share

MEN WITH SPECIAL TALENTS

APPLY NOW

Share

SUCCESSFUL MEN

APPLY NOW

Share

HOPELESS ROMANTICS

APPLY NOW

& MORE!

WHEN & WHERE

When: Sept 1-15, 2026. Not all participants are needed for every day of filming!
Where: Montreal. All applicants must be able to self-drive to Montreal.

INTERESTED?

APPLY NOW

If you have any issues with the application form or if you have questions about this casting call, you can send them to lindschris.casting@gmail.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE!

FOFS is a not-for-profit media arts organization.

The Future of Film Showcase (FOFS) is a Canadian not-for-profit media arts organization presenting works from emerging Canadian Filmmakers while at a crucial stage in their emergence as an artist and storyteller, as well as elevating work by women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other emerging creatives from traditionally marginalized communities.

FOFS fosters the future of Canadian film by providing burgeoning artists and filmmakers with professional development opportunities, as well as a national platform through an annual film festival.

Join the fun July 23-26, 2026!

GET TICKETS TO FOFS 2026 NOW!

This year's festival includes ….

Reel Concerns: Protecting Performers in the Age of AI 🎬

GET TICKETS NOW

New Terrain: Indie Financing in a Shifting Landscape 🎬

GET TICKETS NOW

SOLD OUT - In the Casting Room: BIPOC Actors Workshop 🎬

SEE BELOW FOR THE FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Lear more about FOFS here!

Keep scrolling for an ACTRA opportunity!

Unscripted:

1 . Project Survival - Prime Video - Nationwide 🇨🇦

💰Grand Prize of up to $250,000💰

***** PLEASE APPLY ASAP - LIMITED AUDITION SPOTS AVAILABLE *****

APPLY NOW

2 . Project Investment - Financial Brand - Toronto Area

💰Receive $650-$1,400 for approx 2 hours of filming💰

APPLY NOW

3. Host & Expert - Home Storage Wars - Nationwide 🇨🇦

My friend, Colleen Rush, is casting the following project.
If you apply, let her know I sent you :)

PLEASE FWD ALL QUESTIONS FOR THIS PROJECT
TO COLLEEN’S CASTING TEAM

APPLY NOW

Scripted:

My friends at Larissa Mair Casting & Associates are casting the following projects. If you apply, let them know I sent you :)

PLEASE FWD ALL QUESTIONS FOR THESE PROJECTS
TO LARISSA’S CASTING TEAM

4. The Office Movers - Crave - Toronto Area

APPLY

5. Don’t Go Gentle - ACTRA - Nationwide 🇨🇦

APPLY NOW