The Empire casting call refers to the talent selection process for the hit FOX television drama Empire, a groundbreaking musical series that aired from January 2015 to April 2020. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, the show followed the powerful Lyon family as they built and fought over a global hip-hop music empire.
Known for its mix of soap-opera drama, music industry intrigue, and original hip-hop performances, the series required actors who could deliver more than traditional acting skills. Many roles demanded singing, rapping, stage presence, and live performance abilities, making the casting process especially competitive.
Although Empire concluded after six seasons, its casting process remains a valuable case study for aspiring actors interested in musical dramas, television casting, and entertainment careers in the United States. Thousands of performers auditioned each season, hoping to land roles alongside stars like Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.
This guide explains how Empire casting calls worked, what casting directors looked for, where auditions took place, and how actors can pursue similar opportunities today.
Overview of the Empire TV Series
Before understanding the casting process, it’s important to know what made Empire one of the most influential TV shows of the 2010s.
Storyline and Concept
The series centered on Lucious Lyon, a powerful music mogul who built a massive hip-hop label called Empire Entertainment. After being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Lucious must choose which of his sons will inherit the company.
At the same time, his ex-wife Cookie Lyon, played by Taraji P. Henson, returns from prison and demands her share of the empire she helped create.
The show combined several genres:
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Family drama
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Music industry storytelling
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Hip-hop culture
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Musical performances
Cultural Impact
Empire quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the United States.
Key achievements included:
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Millions of weekly viewers during its peak seasons
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Golden Globe awards
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Hit soundtrack albums
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Appearances by major celebrity guest stars
The show also helped showcase Chicago as a major television production hub.
History of the Empire Casting Process
Casting for Empire began in 2014, months before the show premiered.
Casting Directors
Two major casting professionals led the process:
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Leah Daniels-Butler
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Claire Simon
Leah Daniels-Butler, the sister of creator Lee Daniels, was responsible for selecting principal actors and major recurring roles. Claire Simon, based in Chicago, handled local casting and many background roles.
Focus on Musical Talent
Unlike typical dramas, Empire required performers who could deliver authentic music performances.
Casting teams prioritized actors who could:
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Act convincingly in dramatic scenes
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Sing or rap professionally
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Perform on stage during musical sequences
Because of this, many actors auditioning for the show had backgrounds in:
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Theater
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Music performance
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Dance
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Hip-hop or R&B recording
High Competition
Each season of Empire attracted thousands of submissions from actors across the United States.
Most auditions were not open public calls. Instead, they came through:
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Talent agencies
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Online casting platforms
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Direct industry referrals
How the Empire Casting Call Process Worked
The audition process for Empire followed several professional industry steps.
1. Initial Submissions
Actors typically began by submitting materials such as:
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Headshots
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Acting resumes
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Demo reels
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Singing or rap recordings
Submissions often came through platforms like:
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Backstage
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Actors Access
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Talent agencies
2. Pre-Read Auditions
Selected actors were invited to perform pre-read auditions with casting directors.
During this stage, actors performed:
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Dialogue scenes from the script
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Vocal performances
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Character improvisations
Casting teams evaluated both acting ability and musical authenticity.
3. Callbacks and Chemistry Tests
Actors who passed the first round attended callbacks.
Callbacks often included:
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Scene readings with other actors
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Chemistry tests with main cast members
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Live singing or rap performances
This stage helped producers determine whether performers fit the dynamic of the Lyon family and music industry storyline.
4. Final Selection and Contracts
Actors chosen for roles received contracts depending on the type of part:
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Principal roles
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Recurring characters
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Guest appearances
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Background extras
Principal actors sometimes earned $20,000 to $100,000 per episode, depending on their experience and contract terms.
Types of Roles Cast for Empire
Empire featured several categories of performers.
Principal Characters
The core cast included the Lyon family and key industry figures.
Examples include:
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Lucious Lyon
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Cookie Lyon
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Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem Lyon
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Empire executives and producers
Actors in these roles needed strong acting and musical talent.
Guest Stars
The show frequently featured guest appearances from:
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Musicians
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Rappers
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Celebrities
Many famous artists appeared on the show to perform original songs.
Background Extras
Large concert scenes required hundreds of extras.
These roles included:
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Concert audience members
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Studio staff
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Party guests
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Club patrons
Extras typically earned around $100–$200 per day.
Specialty Performers
Some roles required specific talents, such as:
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Dancers
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Teenage performers
These performers helped create the show’s authentic music industry atmosphere.
Filming Locations and Chicago’s Role
Empire was primarily filmed in Chicago, Illinois.
Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
Most interior scenes were shot at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, one of the largest production facilities in the United States.
The studio has hosted many major productions, including:
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Chicago Fire
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Chicago P.D.
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Chicago Med
Local Casting Opportunities
Because filming took place in Chicago, local actors had opportunities to appear as:
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Extras
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Background performers
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Minor speaking roles
Casting agencies such as Simon Casting often handled these roles.
Chicago’s Growing Film Industry
Empire played a major role in boosting Chicago’s reputation as a television production center, thanks in part to state tax incentives and a growing talent pool.
Are There Empire Casting Calls in 2026?
As of 2026, there are no active casting calls for Empire, because the show ended in 2020 after six seasons.
Why the Series Ended
The final season was affected by several factors:
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Production delays
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Industry controversies
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The COVID-19 pandemic
Because of these issues, the show ended without its originally planned finale concert episode.
Similar Casting Opportunities Today
Actors interested in similar roles can pursue auditions for other music-focused or urban drama series, such as:
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Power Book series
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The Chi
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Music-themed streaming productions
Casting announcements are commonly posted on:
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Backstage
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Actors Access
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Casting Networks
Conclusion
The Empire casting call process was one of the most unique audition systems in modern television. By combining dramatic acting with musical performance, the show created opportunities for a new generation of multi-talented performers.
Although the series ended in 2020, its legacy continues through:
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Its impact on hip-hop culture in television
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Increased opportunities for diverse actors
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Chicago’s growing role in film and TV production
For aspiring actors in the United States, the Empire casting process remains a powerful example of how talent, persistence, and versatility can open doors in the entertainment industry.
FAQs About Empire Casting Calls
Is there an Empire casting call in 2026?
No. The show ended in 2020, so there are no current casting calls for Empire.
Where was Empire filmed?
Most scenes were filmed in Chicago, Illinois, primarily at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
Who were the main casting directors for Empire?
The show was cast primarily by Leah Daniels-Butler and Claire Simon.
Did actors need musical talent to audition?
Yes. Many roles required singing, rapping, or stage performance abilities.
How much were Empire actors paid?
Principal actors could earn $20,000 to $100,000 per episode, while extras typically earned $100–$200 per day.
