Speakers of World Languages: Casting Call for Video Project
– Teens and Young Adults
Click here to view and download this notice in another language.
This is a great opportunity for highly fluent young speakers of a world languages to share their skills!
We’re seeking students ages 12-22 who are highly fluent speakers and readers in these languages: Arabic, German, Portuguese, and Spanish
PROJECT: We are casting actors for on-camera roles to perform in a series of world language assessment videos for middle school and high school learners. Videos are being produced for ACTFL and will be made in each of these languages: Arabic, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
ROLES: Multiple roles are available in each language.
- The performers will read a script that simulates a video chat between themselves and a student who is learning the language.
- See demo here.
To be considered for one of these roles, the performers must:
- Be authorized to work in the United States.
- Be a highly fluent speaker and reader of one of the specified languages above (including clear pronunciation and able to be readily understood by speakers and learners of the language).
- Be able to read aloud lengthy and complex passages written in the specified language. No memorization is required. Language scripts will be displayed on a teleprompter.
- Have a youthful appearance consistent with middle school or high school students, as the intended audience for these videos.
- Be comfortable in front of a camera and be able to take direction from a language expert.
- Be friendly, approachable, and engaging on camera. (Theatrical or acting background is not necessary, but helpful.)
ACTFL welcomes and strongly encourages applications from individuals of any gender, ethnicity, and background, including underrepresented groups, to reflect the diversity of language learners.
DATES & LOCATION:
- Filming dates: one 3-hour block in late April or beginning of May 2026 (exact scheduling to be determined closer to the filming dates).
- Filming will be in person in Alexandria, VA, so local applicants are preferred (D.C./Baltimore/Richmond areas). Actors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses.
- Health and safety protocols may be implemented as needed in order to comply with guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
COMPENSATION:
- $300 for up to three hours of in-person filming and a one-hour rehearsal via Zoom. Actors are required to practice the script on their own prior to the scheduled filming date.
- Theatrical permits are required for actors under the age of 16. Parents must fill out and mail the appropriate forms. Instructions on the process will be provided. Actors will be compensated $40 to cover the cost of expedited mailing of the Theatrical Permit application.
- For actors under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign a permission form in advance, be present during a one-hour rehearsal via Zoom, and be present during the in-person filming.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please do not send photos at this time. Any photos or videos submitted before we request them will not be considered. If a role is still available, we will reply with audition materials.
If interested in auditioning for a role, send an email to casting@saplingpictures.com with the following information:
- Your name
- Your current age
- The town/city you live in
- The language you speak fluently
- If under 18, please cc/copy your parent/guardian on the email
If a role is still available, we will reply with additional information. For questions, please email casting@saplingpictures.com
Casting Notices
