The glitz, the glamour, the gripping drama, and the unforgettable music—Fox’s Empire was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon. For six seasons, audiences were captivated by the Lyon family’s fight for control of Empire Entertainment, a hip-hop music empire. For aspiring actors, the show represented a golden ticket. The chance to share a scene with the likes of Taraji P. Henson or Terrence Howard was a dream opportunity. If you’ve ever wondered how to get an “empire tv show casting call” or what it takes to break into the industry, you’re in the right place.
While the original series concluded in 2020, its legacy lives on, and the lessons from its casting process are invaluable for any actor looking to make it in television. This guide will take you behind the scenes of how shows like Empire find their talent, answer your burning questions about the cast, and provide a roadmap for finding your next big audition.
The Legacy of the Lyon Family: More Than Just a Show
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of auditions, it’s important to understand the powerhouse that was Empire. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, the series premiered in 2015 and quickly became a ratings juggernaut for Fox . Set in New York but famously filmed in Chicago, the show centered on Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), a former drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul, and his ex-wife, the formidable Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) .
The show was lauded for its top-notch cast, musical entertainment, and engrossing, if melodramatic, plots . It launched the careers of several young stars, including Bryshere Y. Gray as Hakeem Lyon and Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, and featured a rotating door of incredible guest stars . From Mariah Carey to Courtney Love, and later Taye Diggs to Keesha Sharp, Empire was a place where careers were both born and celebrated . Understanding this legacy is the first step; you’re not just applying for a job, you’re hoping to contribute to a highly respected piece of television history.
Who Was Who? Meet the Stars of ‘Empire’
A common search query is, “What celebrities are in Empire?” The cast was a blend of established stars and fresh faces. For anyone looking to understand the show’s dynamic, here are the key players:
-
Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon: The patriarch and founder of Empire Entertainment. A complex and often ruthless character, Lucious was the storm around which the family revolved.
-
Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon: The breakout role of the series. Cookie is Lucious’s ex-wife, who sacrificed 17 years of her life for the business and returns to claim her share. Her one-liners, fierce fashion, and maternal heart made her an icon . She is unequivocally the female lead of the series.
-
Bryshere Y. Gray as Hakeem Lyon: The youngest son, a spoiled and talented rapper desperate for his father’s approval.
-
Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon: The middle son, a gifted singer-songwriter who struggles with his father’s initial homophobia but eventually becomes the heir to the empire .
-
Trai Byers as Andre Lyon: The eldest son, the brilliant but mentally unstable CFO of the company.
-
Grace Byers as Anika Calhoun: The ambitious head of A&R and Lucious’s initial fiancée, who becomes Cookie’s arch-nemesis .
The show also featured a deep bench of supporting talent, including Gabourey Sidibe as the loyal assistant Becky, Ta’Rhonda Jones as Cookie’s right-hand woman Porsha, and Serayah as pop star Tiana Brown .
Decoding the ‘Empire’ Casting Call: How It Worked
So, how did ordinary people land an “empire tv show casting call”? The process was a masterclass in how major network television shows staff their productions. For Empire, it was a two-pronged attack: finding principal (speaking) actors and finding background talent (extras).
The Quest for Speaking Roles
Landing a speaking role on a show like Empire was highly competitive. The principal casting duties were handled by Leah Daniels-Butler (LDB Casting) and, for a time, Simon Casting . These casting directors are the gatekeepers. Their job is to find the perfect actor for each role, whether it’s a series regular or a one-off guest star.
For speaking roles, the traditional path was through talent representation. Casting directors rarely hold open calls for principal roles on established shows. Instead, they issue “breakdowns”—detailed descriptions of the characters they need—to talent agencies. If you had an agent, they would submit your headshot and resume for consideration. If the casting team was interested, you would be invited to audition, either in person or via a self-tape .
For shows like Empire, this was the standard. However, the creators also loved discovering new talent. Leah Daniels-Butler was known for taking risks on unknown actors who were the “perfect fit” for a role, which is a hopeful sign for any aspiring performer .
The Extras Casting Machine
This is where the “empire tv show casting call” becomes more accessible for the everyday person. The show employed a specific extras casting company, Joan Philo Casting, to handle background talent . Empire filmed primarily in Chicago, Illinois, so the demand for local faces was immense .
Throughout its run, the show constantly needed people to populate concert scenes, charity galas, and street scenes. Casting calls for “maids, butlers, models, and other recurring roles” were common, specifically seeking Chicago locals . For instance, during the filming of Season 3, there was a call for “teenage rappers and beat boxers” in the Chicago area to play supporting roles in a flashback scene . These opportunities were goldmines for local talent looking to gain experience on a professional set.
The Viral Marketing Audition
Perhaps the most unique way to get an “empire tv show casting call” was through Fox’s innovative #BeOnEmpire sweepstakes. In a brilliant marketing move, Fox allowed fans to audition via social media. They would pose a question (e.g., “What is Lucious Lyon’s real name?”) on Twitter. Aspiring actors would tweet their answer using the hashtag #BeOnEmpire for a chance to win a walk-on role on the show . This was a groundbreaking way to democratize the casting process and engage the fanbase directly.
Your Roadmap: How to Find TV Serial Auditions Today
Empire may have ended, but the entertainment industry is always looking for the next big star. The methods used to cast the show are still relevant. Here is how you can apply those same principles to find TV serial auditions right now.
1. Leverage Online Casting Platforms
Websites like Backstage, Project Casting, and Actors Access are the modern equivalents of the casting breakdowns sent to agents. They list thousands of opportunities, from student films to major network television shows. You can filter by location, role type, and whether the job is union or non-union . These platforms often allow you to submit directly, bypassing the need for an agent initially.
2. Follow the Right People on Social Media
Just as Fox used Twitter to find talent, casting directors use social media to announce projects and discover actors. Follow casting directors, production companies (like Imagine Television or 20th Century Television), and networks (like Fox, Netflix, or HBO) on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
-
Search hashtags like #castingcall, #opencall, #actingaudition, or #tvcasting .
-
Look for the specific casting directors from shows you admire. For Empire, that would be following Leah Daniels-Butler or looking up the work of Jess Gisin . See what projects they are working on now.
3. Network Locally
You don’t have to live in Los Angeles or New York to start your career. Empire filmed in Chicago, and many other shows film in Atlanta, Vancouver, and various other cities .
-
Take acting classes in your area. You’ll meet other actors, directors, and maybe even a casting director.
-
Get involved in local theater. It’s the best way to build your resume and hone your craft.
-
Research local talent agencies. Many agencies outside of major hubs have open submission policies. Get yourself in their database .
4. Understand the Audition Process
So, how do TV show auditions work? It’s a multi-step process:
-
The Submission: Your agent submits you, or you apply online with your headshot, resume, and sometimes a reel.
-
The First Audition (The “Cattle Call”): If the casting director likes your look, you’ll be invited to an initial audition. This is often a “cold read,” where you perform a scene from the script without prior rehearsal. For shows like America’s Got Talent, this first step might be an open call or virtual audition with producers .
-
The Callback: If the casting director and producers like you, you’ll be asked to come back. This time, you might read with the network executives, the showrunner, or even the director.
-
The Chemistry Read: For roles in an ensemble show like Empire, you might be called in to read with the established stars. The producers want to see if you have chemistry with the lead actors.
-
The Test: For major network shows, the final step is often a “screen test” on the actual set, in costume, and in front of the network heads.
-
The Offer: If you pass all these steps, congratulations! You get the part .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to find TV serial auditions?
You can find TV serial auditions by regularly checking reputable casting websites like Backstage and Actors Access. Follow casting directors and production companies on social media and use hashtags like #castingcall. Networking with other actors and industry professionals in your local film community is also a great way to hear about opportunities .
What celebrities are in Empire?
The main cast of Empire included Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, Bryshere Y. Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, and Trai Byers as Andre Lyon. The show also featured numerous guest stars such as Mariah Carey, Demi Moore, Taye Diggs, and Courtney Love throughout its six-season run .
Who is the female lead in Empire?
Taraji P. Henson is the undisputed female lead of Empire. Her portrayal of the fierce, fashionable, and formidable Cookie Lyon earned her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award, and made her one of the most beloved characters on television .
How do TV show auditions work?
TV show auditions typically begin with a submission from a talent agent or an application via a casting website. If selected, an actor will have an initial audition (often a cold read) for the casting director. Successful actors are then called back to audition for producers, showrunners, and network executives. For major roles, this can culminate in a “screen test” on the show’s set before a final offer is made .
Conclusion: Your Encore Awaits
The world of television is vast and always searching for fresh talent. While the door has closed on the Lyon family’s saga, the legacy of Empire teaches us that with the right preparation, network, and a little bit of luck, your big break is possible. From the local extras filling the seats at a concert to the principal actors commanding the screen, every role is a stepping stone.
Are you ready to start your journey? Don’t wait for the perfect role to find you—go find it.
Call to Action:
Have you ever auditioned for a major TV show, or do you dream of being on set one day? Share your experiences and aspirations in the comments below! And for the latest casting calls and acting tips, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. Your spotlight is waiting